Lawyer seeks county register, court post
A Middlesex Township attorney is running for Butler County Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans’ Court.
Margaret “Peggy” Abersold, 56, who also is county Commissioner Jim Eckstein’s administrative assistant, is seeking the Republican nomination for the post that oversees the dual row office.
Abersold stated in a news release that her qualifications make her the best candidate.
“My 30-year legal background, which includes appellate work, and life experiences combined with motivation and a strong work ethic make me the best and most qualified candidate,” she stated.
Abersold said she would welcome all challenges the post might present.
“My ability to interpret, evaluate and apply law to facts on a daily basis in conjunction with a positive attitude, patience, diligence, compassion, confidence, objectivity and common sense are vital leadership credentials,” she said.
If elected, Abersold would look at controlling costs.
“I will focus on streamlining the dual offices as well as reducing budgetary expenditures,” she said.
Abersold stated she will not be doing any fundraising to protect the integrity of the post.
Abersold said due to her experience working as Eckstein’s assistant, she is familiar with county government, budgeting and legislative issues.
For the past 24 years, Abersold has practiced law in the county, where she also served as an arbitrator.
She is a 1982 graduate of the Temple University Law School.
While in law school, Abersold was active in the Barrister’s Society, the American Bar Association as a student member, the American Trial Lawyer’s Association and the Pennsylvania Trail Lawyer’s Association.
While taking classes at Duquesne University, she worked in the appellate division of the Allegheny County District Attorney’s office.
During her senior year at Baldwin High School, she interned at Neighborhood Legal Services. That led to a paralegal post with Legal Services while she got her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
While attending Pitt, Abersold was a recipient of the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship.
Abersold is a certified Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association official for varsity basketball and volleyball.
She lives in the township with her husband, Charles. They have a grown daughter.
Abersold is the third GOP candidate for the post. Sarah Fair Edwards and Eric Gordon also are vying for the seat. There are no Democratic candidates.
Incumbent register Judy Moser is retiring at the end of the year.
