Issues

District Judges handle traffic cases, small claims, and preliminary hearings for criminal cases. This is the first rung of the justice system and many peoples' only contact with a court. Through dealings with youth offenders, routine traffic cases and the civil disputes that go to "small claims court," your local judge has a big impact on the functioning of your community. Impartiality and fairness are critical to the position, and I can bring both to the bench.

In addition, I will focus on several issues:

• Impartiality Beyond Reproach.

  When judges and the justice system themselves make news it's usually bad. Pennsylvania has seen too many judges and politicians use their positions to enrich themselves. As I learned early in my public service career, I will always avoid even the appearance of impropriety. I'm not a prosecutor presiding over my ex-colleagues and I won't have private clients or business interests with cases before the court. I will be a full time judge for Springfield Township.

• A problem-solving court.

  I like to take on challenges. No challenge is more satisfying than helping two people in conflict to find a mutual solution. Civil cases ("small claims court") don't always have to end with acrimony. As judge I will help to mediate, not just declare a winner and loser to quickly move to the next case. There are problems to solve within the system as well. Our court system needs to continually change and improve to provide better service to the taxpayers of our township and our commonwealth. I am comfortable with technology and the process of integrating it into the workplace. There is ample room for our courts to change with the times.

• A focus on local solutions to local problems.

  Many youth come before the Magisterial District courts. Some, of course, will have to be dealt with by the county correctional system due to the severity of their cases.

  But many first offenses or foolish mistakes don't merit a lifetime handicap due to a criminal conviction on the record. Neither should a mere "slap on the wrist" turn the justice system into a joke. Springfield needs a robust local system of community corrections, in which a youth who stays out of trouble for a period of time, focuses in school and pays his debt through real service to the community has a chance for a clean record.

  Read more about my commitment to improving youth justice.