Former court clerk Amy Altman McChesney to run for Derry district judge

A Derry Township woman said her work as a clerk with the Westmoreland County Clerk of Courts and in a district judge’s office provides with the experience and knowledge to succeed retiring Mark Bilik as district judge.

Amy Altman McChesney, 42, has announced her candidacy for the seat that includes Derry Borough, the township and New Alexandria.

A registered Republican, McChesney plans to seek both the Democratic and Republican nominations in the May primary.

“I am experienced, knowledgeable and familiar with criminal and civil procedures and protocol in the magisterial court, as well as the court of common pleas,” said McChesney, a 1996 Derry Area High School graduate who studied psychology and general administration of justice at Saint Vincent College.“I intend to bring a common sense approach to the common man’s court.”

McChesney previously worked in District Judge Denise Thiel’s office in Ligonier.

She pointed to her lifelong activities throughout the the community as a benefit in knowing the people she intends to serve. She has been a board, committee member and officer of Derry Township Agricultural Fair; Boy Scout Troop 345, based in New Alexandria, as well as the New Alexandria Home Economics and Westmoreland Squares 4-H clubs.

She has held an assortment of positions with the Derry Township Fair and managed or assisted in managing the junior livestock sale for Derry Township Agricultural Fair.

McChesney is married and has five children. She and her husband, a retired state trooper, run a multi-generational farm that has been in the family since 1836.

Veteran assistant district attorney Kelly Tua Hammers, 49, also from Derry Township, previously announced her candidacy.

Bilik, 65, plans to retire in August.