2023 Democratic Candidates

School Board Candidates

Heath Shrum

Heath Shrum and his family have been residents in the Norwin School District for twenty two years. He and his wife have two daughters; one who graduated in 2022 and one who is a junior at Norwin High School. The value of a quality education runs throughout the Shrum family as Heath has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education, and is a teacher at Gateway School District. Heath believes strongly that learning never stops no matter your age. He prides himself as a passionate and pragmatic person, who can use common sense and compromise to arrive at decisions.

His decision making with respect to school board issues will always be based in putting the interests and needs of the students first while being respectful of the effects on taxpayers throughout Norwin. Heath wants to create positive results for the entire community and will not run to be a pawn in any political machine. He is committed to making this great district even greater. Heath is of the mindset that he can either be part of the problem or part of the solution. He has chosen to be part of the solution by maintaining respectful relationships with all stakeholders of the Norwin School Community.

Tim Kotch, Sr.

Tim is a lifelong resident of Norwin. He and his wife of forty four years raised their two adult children here, and now the their children are raising Tim’s six grandchildren here as well. This is the district and community that Tim and his family are committed to supporting and believing in. Tim has served in the United States Army, has multiple degrees in both engineering and education, has worked as math teacher, department chair, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent for secondary education at Norwin. He is also an active member of the Norwin Rotary and President of the Board of Directors of the Norwin Teachers Federal Credit Union. He and his wife are members of St. Agnes Parish and often attend mass at Immaculate Conception Parish most Sundays with their daughter’s family.

Tim believes some current school board decisions are based on the political climate rather than the true needs of the district. Decisions to remove certain aspects of the curriculum to appease a political agenda are worrisome. The current situation causes him great concern for the education of his grandchildren and all students in the school district. Tim believes the purpose of our school board is to focus on the needs of the students, teachers, parents, administration, and the Norwin community in a reasonable and respectful way.

Matt Thomas

Matt and his wife have been proud members of the North Huntingdon community since 2017. They have two sons attending Norwin High School and Norwin Middle School. An educator of 26 years, Matt has been a teacher, technology coordinator, assistant principal, high school principal, director of professional development and assessment, and curriculum specialist across three school districts and an intermediate unit. He currently serves as the Student Services Director for the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, leading programs and services that support learners aged 3 to 21 and their families. He has served as a school board president and board member in the Westmont Hilltop School District. Matt earned a Bachelor of Science from Pitt-Johnstown, a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Vincent College, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Matt believes in the Margaret Meade quote, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

The Thomas family relocated to North Huntingdon to become embedded into an incredible community supported by the Norwin School District. Due to demonstrated teaching, leadership, and student achievement excellence, Matt is proud of our school district's academics, arts, and athletic programs. He pledges to listen to our community, forging decisions based upon facts, building consensus across people and groups of differing opinions, and ensuring that the school district provides a world-class education for generations to follow.

Westmoreland County Commissioner Candidates

*Ted Kopas*

Ted Kopas served as Westmoreland County Commissioner from 2010-2020, in both political majority and minority roles. He has spent his career in both public service and the private sector serving people and our communities. He knows well, respects, and delivers the balance between fiscal responsibility and providing critical services to those in need. Ted has a proven record of establishing priorities and programs that enhance our communities, our economy, public safety, human services and our quality of life.

To learn more about Ted go to:

Website: https://tedkopas.org

Candidate For Westmoreland County Sheriff

Tommy John Hamacher

My name is Tommy John Hamacher and I am running for Westmoreland county Sheriff. I am not a politician but a concerned citizen who is stepping up to fill the role of sheriff in our county. I worked as an over the road truck driver for 18 years and also was a driver for the Westmoreland County Blind Association. I have been a Constable with Westmoreland county for 12 years, most recently with East Huntingdon Township. I am a very compassionate and caring person who is concerned about the future of Westmoreland residents. I plan to utilize the Constables of this county in a more effective role as they are the backbone of the sheriffs departments. My goal is to make our residents feel safe in their homes and in their community.