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A New Path Forward


In 1948, during a campaign stop in Pittsburg, United States President Harry Truman posed the question: “What the hell is a Prothonotary?” A County Prothonotary (Latin for "First Scribe") is an elected official in Pennsylvania that serves as a Chief Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas. Only Delaware and Pennsylvania have prothonotaries, and only Pennsylvania elects them. I, Montana Hartman, am asking for your vote on May 20th and November 4th of 2025, to be your Prothonotary.
The role of Prothonotary, unlike Representative or Senator, isn't legislative- It's Judicial. If elected, I wouldn't be able to vote on or put forth legislation to bring down the cost of living, defend our rights and freedoms, or hold accountable any forms of greed. What I could do is be your county record keeper, act as a liaison between our community and its court, ensure you the accessibility of public records and court services, certify and file legal documents, process passport applications, and be there for you and a signature to collect when you're going through life-altering events like changing your name, getting a divorce, filing for custody, or even becoming a United States Citizen- all in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
As we move into the next four years, many of the elections we hold are going to be divisive and pull at our stars and stripes until the red, the white, and the blue are pitted against one another. Not this race. I believe there is a relationship between constituent and elected official that is in desperate need of mending- and what I can do is start here, locally. I’ve proven time and time again that when it comes to working for everybody, regardless of identity and beliefs, I will always do whatever I can to help this community. Running for State Representative was the honor of my life thus far, and though I never made it from home to house, I’m ready to give the courthouse a try instead. Though there really are no small offices nor off years, I am ready to bring every ounce of fight and passion that would’ve come from my continued State Representative campaign to this campaign for Cumberland County Prothonotary. So, whether it be out at parades and events, knocking at your door, or sending you mailers, I’m excited to see you, to hear your story, to hopefully one day sign and file it away, and to serve you as I have in retail, as Judge of Elections, and as a former candidate for State Representative. Thank you, and I’m looking forward to this new opportunity to safeguard Our Story, Written Together.
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Montana's Message:

Please do not view the "(D)" next to my name and shy away from getting to know me and my campaign. I may be running as a Democrat, but my campaign is for everyone-regardless of party, ideology, or identity. Whether or not your elected Prothonotary is a Republican, Democrat, or Third Party isn't nearly as important as their commitment to the job and their constituency. I have proven time and time again that I will always prioritize the people over political parties- and Prothonotary is the perfect office in which to do so. It would be an honor to serve as your Cumberland County Prothonotary.
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