Westmoreland County Register of Wills Sherry Hamilton’s announcement that she supposedly will not seek reelection in 2027 is just a hollow deflection (“Embattled Westmoreland Register of Wills vows to remain in office through 2027,” June 12, TribLive). It is more likely a feeble attempt to preempt her June 17 sentencing for repeated violations of court orders.
But for sure it is not in any way accountability, remorse or newfound self-awareness.
Her plan appears to be to collect more than $300,000 in salary from taxpayers over the next 31⁄2 years while someone else runs the office. And her announcement is in no way justice for the families she has harmed with her negligence.
Even the announcement itself is suspect, informing only the county Republican Party. Her duty is to county residents, not her political party.
If she had any sense of decency or any respect for taxpayers, she would resign immediately, as Commissioner Sean Kertes and I have requested.
Ted Kopas
Greensburg
The writer is a Westmoreland County commissioner.