Two Announce Plans to Seek District Judge Seat

• Pero: ‘passionate about ensuring a safe and vibrant community for all’
• Cherepko: ‘It’s always been about serving the city of McKeesport’

By Jason Togyer
The Tube City Almanac
January 31, 2025
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News, Politics & Elections

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was retracted and rewritten after publication. We learned after posting it that Joe Pero had also announced his candidacy on Facebook. We apologize to Pero for the omission.

Those are the only two candidates for this office of which we are presently aware.

CANDIDATES: Please do not depend on Facebook messages or posts.

Please send candidate announcements to us at tubecitytiger@gmail.com, or Tube City Almanac, 409 Walnut St., Suite 200, McKeesport, PA 15132; we will publish candidate announcements as they are received at our office. —JT

McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko speaks at a Veteran’s Day ceremony. He has announced plans to run for magisterial district judge. (City of McKeesport photo by Jennifer R. Vertullo)

Retired McKeesport police Chief Joe Pero also is seeking the office. Pero is a Marine Corps veteran and graduate of the FBI Academy. (Submitted photo via Facebook)

Two candidates widely known to city residents have announced their plans to run for magisterial district judge.

Saying that he looks forward to stepping out of the limelight — but continuing community service — McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko announced his plans on Thursday.

Earlier in the week, former McKeesport police Chief Joe Pero also announced his candidacy, via Facebook. Pero retired from the police department in 2010 after a 30-year career.

Magisterial District Judge Eugene Riazzi, who has served in that role since 2007, confirmed Friday that he is not seeking re-election. Riazzi, who previously served as a McKeesport police officer, chief of detectives, and as an Allegheny County sheriff’s deputy, is eligible for retirement under state law.

A lifelong resident of McKeesport, Pero is a graduate of McKeesport Area High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps before attending the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. He joined the McKeesport police in 1986 as a patrol officer, rising to chief of police after serving as undercover narcotics officer, patrol lieutenant and assistant chief.

Cherepko is a former McKeesport Area School District teacher and city council member who was first elected mayor in 2011. He said he will continue to fill his current full-time role pending the results of the May primary and, if he receives the nomination, the November election.

“For me, being mayor of McKeesport has never been a stepping stone,” Cherepko said. “I never pursued any other opportunities in the state house or state senate. I’ve always wanted to serve the city of McKeesport.

“This job is my livelihood. But when you do that for 14 years, you’re out in front of of everything,” he said. “This position would give me the opportunity to not be involved politically but still be able to serve my community.”

In Pennsylvania, magisterial district judges hold hearings on minor civil lawsuits — sometimes called small claims court — as well as landlord-tenant disputes and minor criminal violations. They also issue criminal warrants and hold preliminary hearings to determine whether suspects arrested by police should be held for trial in a higher court.

District judges do not need to be attorneys, but do need to attend mandatory training in court procedures before taking their offices.

In announcing his candidacy this week via Facebook, Pero cited what he called extensive experience, which he said has included “positions providing a thorough understanding of community safety and the justice system.”

“This candidate is dedicated to bringing equal justice for all, ensuring that every member of the community is treated fairly and with respect,” Pero’s Facebook announcement said.

“With a deep-rooted commitment to the people of McKeesport, he is passionate about ensuring a safe and vibrant community for all,” the announcement said, noting that while serving with McKeesport police, he attended the FBI National Academy.

Judicial elections in Pennsylvania are officially non-partisan. Candidates may circulate petitions for the both the Democratic and Republican nominations.

Pero said on Facebook his decision to seek the magisterial judge position came after “much thought and consideration.”

“I have decided to step forward and serve our community in a new capacity,” Pero wrote. “I am ready to listen, learn and lead in a way that reflects the true values of the City of McKeesport. As your district judge I will do everything in my power to ensure that our district court remains a place where everyone is treated fairly, and with dignity and respect. I hope that over the next few months I will earn your trust and your vote!”

Cherepko said that serving as mayor and on city council convinced him that the magisterial judge plays an important role in community life, he said.

“As mayor, I can tell you I’ve had to deal with a lot of complaints over the years, and one of my biggest strengths has been to evaluate all sides of the situation,” Cherepko said.

“As mayor, one thing that I’ve really come to understand is how the magistrate truly affects the quality of life that residents have in our neighborhoods,” Cherepko said. “People hear ‘magistrate’ and they think ‘criminal cases,’ but magistrates also handle landlord-tenant disputes. I’ve seen people come through the courts who are living in rental properties with landlords who don’t put any money into them and it’s sad. I’ve see how a bad neighbor can really ruin the life of some people to where they want to move.”

The primary election is May 20 and municipal elections are Nov. 4.

Candidates for the May primary may begin circulating and filing nomination petitions on Feb. 18 and may file their nomination papers on March 12.

Originally published January 31, 2025.

In other news:
"Six Dems Vie for Nomi…" || "Local Candidates Invi…"