Your Common-Sense Conservative Team
We are running as your Berks County team because we believe that we do and will bring common sense conservative principles to county government in each of our roles. We believe our approach protects our taxpayers and provides county government that our residents can be proud of.
The seven of us endorse one another to create the Berks County 2023 Team. Read our joint endorsement letter.
The Slate of Candidates
What makes these candidates the best choice for Berks? Unrivaled experience, passion for their roles, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Berks County.
Meet the candidates below and use their contact information links to get in touch, ask questions, or volunteer to help with their campaigns.
Meet The Berks County 2023 Team
Commissioner Christian Y. Leinbach
Incumbent Commissioner
Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach was first elected in 2008 and has served as Board Chair since 2012. Commissioner Leinbach is a member of the Election Board and the Prison Board. In 2013, he was President of the County Commissioners Association of PA (CCAP) and continues as a member of the CCAP Board. Christian was elected to the National Association of Counties (NACo) Board in 2012 and remains a board member today. Christian and his wife Jennifer have been married for 41 years and have three children and three grandchildren. They live in Tilden Township in a log cabin built by hand, and attend SVBC where Christian is in church leadership and sings with the worship team.
Commissioner Michael S. Rivera
Incumbent Commissioner
Commissioner Michael Rivera resides in Bern Township with his wife Zylkia, and his children, Andre and Adriana. His background in banking, business, and real estate is key to his focused efforts on fiscal responsibility, economic development, and workforce development for Berks County in his role as County Commissioner, to which he was elected in 2019. Community engagement is vital for him, as he has served on, and currently serves on various boards.
Sheriff Eric J. Weaknecht
Incumbent Sheriff
Eric J. Weaknecht is a lifelong resident of Berks County who started his career in the Berks County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff in 1984. He has held the office of Sheriff of Berks County since January 7, 2008. During his tenure, Eric has brought professionalism to the office, increased apprehensions of wanted persons, opened a substation at the Reading Regional Airport, streamlined the license to carry process, established a K-9 unit to assist all Berks County law enforcement agencies, and started a youth explorer post for young adults looking for a career in law enforcement. He resides in Lower Township with wife Jessica, stepdaughter Emily, and their three dogs.
Joe Rudderow
Candidate for Controller
Joe Rudderow lives in Blandon with his wife Claudia; together they’ve raised 6 children. Joe earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from West Chester University in 1987 with honors. He has been a small business owner of Bell Ace Hardware for the past 33 years. Joe has served his community for more than two decades in various positions in local government, including 12 years as a Maidencreek Township Supervisor/Chairman. Joe also served as Township Auditor. as well as on the Planning Commission, Water Authority and Northern Berks Regional Police Commission. As a selfless public servant, Joe is uniquely qualified to serve as Berks County Controller and protect taxpayers’ money.
Beth Jones
Candidate for Clerk of Courts & Current Account Clerk
Beth Jones is a graduate of Reading Senior High School and Berks Technical Institute. Beth has been with the Clerk of Courts office for 27 years. Her unmatched expertise and experience in the office combined with her dedication to Berks County will ensure her continued success in the Clerk of Courts office. Beth's Berks County hometown is where she lives and raises her family. She is a mother of three and grandmother of two.
Suzanne Myers
Candidate & Acting Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans' Court
Suzanne M. Myers has worked in the office of Register of Wills for more than 35 years and was named Chief Deputy in January of 2000. Suzanne was sworn in as Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court on January 9, 2023, following the resignation of Larry Medaglia who accepted the position of Deputy COO for the County of Berks. Recognized for her deep knowledge of the probate and estate administration process, Register of Wills Myers has been a panelist at numerous Berks County Bar Association seminars. She leads an experienced team with a reputation for professional, compassionate, and efficient delivery of service to the residents of Berks County. Suzanne lives in Muhlenberg Township with her husband, James R. Myers, and has one son, Jonathan Potts Myers. She is a member of and volunteers with the Virginville Grange. Mrs. Myers also served as an elected Republican committeewoman for 20 years in the Borough of Mohnton.
![20100514-DSC_0073[2305843009213837452].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d81906_709f886e238143bf84932cb1d990cf11~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_18,w_2592,h_2521/fill/w_110,h_107,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/20100514-DSC_0073%5B2305843009213837452%5D.jpg)
Mitch Darcourt
Candidate for Treasurer
Mitch Darcourt is a graduate of Governor Mifflin Senior High and is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard and Reserve. Currently employed as an associate broker with Pagoda Realty in West Lawn, Mitch has served on the Berks County Board of Assessment Appeals for 15 years and is also currently the chairman of the Spring Township zoning hearing board. His involvement with the assessment board and real estate industry gives Mitch a working knowledge of the Treasurer's office.