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ABOUT THE CANDIDATE

I have dedicated myself, both personally and professionally, to improving our community,
making sure people feel safe and are treated fairly. The opportunity to serve as MDJ seems
like a natural next step.
I am a Republican but will be cross filing on the Democratic ticket. Judges need to be impartial, bipartisan,
level-headed and thorough. I am an advocate, fighting for what is right even if it isn’t the easiest
choice. I am accountable and hold others to the same high standards that our community needs. I pride
myself in knowing I approach difficult situations with patience, compassion and above all, integrity, qualities
that a Magisterial District Judge should possess and the voters deserve.

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EXPERIENCE

I have attended the required Certification Training for prospective Magisterial District Judges in Harrisburg. The 4-week course provided me a thorough knowledge base emphasizing standards of ethics, criminal and civil law and a comprehensive analysis of the fundamentals of judicial process.

A 2000 graduate of Clarion University, I earned my B.S in Rehabilitation Science with concentration on Developmental Disabilities. I've been employed for the past 20 years in the field of health and human services, working with juvenile offenders, families in crisis, volunteer mentors, health care patients and community development.

Since 2012, I have filled the role of Executive Director at United Way of Clarion County. My accomplishments include establishing the Community Cancer Fund, organizing the local Healthy Kids Running Series, creating and coordinating Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program for local children and launching PA 2-1-1 services across Clarion County. Through the programs I oversee and in partnership with other agencies, I am involved in community needs assessments, addressing gaps in services and have worked closely with victims of crimes and offenders. I am the driving force behind United Way's annual campaign and special event fundraisers which provide financial support for over 25 local programs.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

My husband, Ian, and I were married in the summer of 2002. We live on a farm in Ashland Township with our children, Alannah (12), Everett (10), and Lochlan (8) and Benelli, our chocolate lab.
We enjoy hunting, fishing and the outdoors. A few of my hobbies are photography and target archery. I spend much of my free time at athletic events and volunteering in the community.
I am an active parishioner at Knox United Methodist Church. I sit on the Board of Directors for United Way of Pennsylvania and am co-chair of the nomination committee. I serve on National Fuel's Neighbor For Neighbor Committee and PA 2-1-1's Regional Advisory Committee.  I am a member of the Clarion Rotary Club, Shelter Task Force, Vice President of Knox Civic Club and Vice President of The Sawmill Center for the Arts. I volunteer for Clarion County Sportsmen for Youth and am a member of the Knox Horsethief Committee.
Ian is a 4th generation lumberman and a partner of Fulton Forest Products in Shippenville.
My parents are Larry & Deb Dehner of Frills Corners. My sisters and I grew up in the family business where we learned the value of hard work.  I am a graduate of  North Clarion High School and Clarion University.

GET INVOLVED

MEET MELISSA

I would love to answer your questions about my candidacy or talk about my stance on issues important to you. Click the button below and I'll be in touch soon.

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