Janet Jackson and Patrick Best are leading the votes for two vacant judge positions in Monroe County.

Jackson leads with 8,609 unofficial votes and Best has 7,357 votes.

Jackson, of Stroudsburg, has been an attorney for more than 35 years. Jackson began her career as a law clerk for the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s United States Magistrate Raymond J. Durkin. She also worked as a special prosecutor for the Lackawanna County District Attorney and later was the first full-time assistant public defender in Monroe County. In 1988, she joined the law firm of Dominick A. Lockwood in Stroudsburg and continues to practice in civil litigation and criminal law. She also enjoys coaching Mock Trial competitions for high school students.

Best, of Stroud Township, worked as a law clerk for Judge Carmen D. Minora in the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas. He moved to Monroe County and worked as an attorney in family law, and now is a partner at ARM Lawyers, handling consumer protection, bankruptcy and tax law. He also serves as a special assistant district attorney for the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.

The other two judge candidates, Kelly Lombardo and Alexander Marek have 3,675 and 2,598 respectively.

Row offices

Newcomer Ira Jolley, a Democrat, is leading for the position of treasurer. Jolley has 8,852 unofficial votes and incumbent Theresa Johnson has 3,779.

Jolley has 35 years of experience in investment banking at Bear Stearns, executive sales leadership at AT&T, and a strong background in insurance and risk management.

Coroner Thomas A. Yanac Jr. is unopposed for another term. He was first elected to office in 2017.

Pleasant Valley School Board

For Pleasant Valley School Board, four positions are open.

Top vote-getters are: Melanie Zipp, 1,432 unofficial votes; Diane Serfass, 1,378; Denise Hopely, 1,252 and Norman Burger, 1,218.

Newcomer Janet Dooner has 763 votes.

Zipp, Serfass and Burger are incumbents. Denise Hopely, a retired teacher, is seeking her first term on board.