About Michael

I have never been a shrinking violet. Whether performing in school plays or speaking out in public meetings, I simply can't hide in the back of the crowd. I didn't just study the Middle East conflict in the classroom, I traveled to the region several times, talking frankly to Arabs and Jews about the politics of the region. I didn't just take literature door to door, I helped organize local campaigns. So after years of political involvement and volunteer leadership, I am taking on the challenge of running for judge. It's the logical extension of my experiences in conflict resolution, grassroots organizing and community involvement.

Springfield Township Native

I was born in Erdenheim, not far from my grandparents' home in the Springfield portion of Laverock. It seems quaint in this mobile age to be living just three blocks from my first house, but it is a testament to Springfield Township that it could call me back after years away.

My education gave me a love of learning and helped me discover my talent for seeing both sides of a dispute. I attended Germantown Academy and Amherst College, in Massachusetts, graduating from both with honors. In college I studied international conflict and negotiation, focusing on the Middle East. In 1997 my college sweetheart (now my wife) and I moved to Washington, DC.

Public Servant

I served our country in many ways, including a diplomatic posting to Yemen and several positions in the capital. I helped families navigate the confusing National Flood Insurance Program, worked with municipalities to plan disaster mitigation projects, reported on the human rights situation in Yemen, and told the story of the United States to foreign journalists, among other adventures. After the attacks of 9/11, I was seconded to the U.S. State Department's 24/7 taskforce coordinating our country's diplomatic response.

All government employees swear an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…" As my friend Josh said after his own swearing-in, it's a pledge that makes you feel like super hero. We weren't issued a cape of course, or in my case even a uniform, but we had a purpose higher than ourselves—a sacred trust to uphold. Every day in Washington and abroad my actions were guided by my oath and I endeavored not just to do "good enough," but to avoid even the slightest appearance of bias, personal gain or impropriety.

At Home Dad

During my diplomatic adventure, my wife Jennifer's career had taken a back seat, if not a complete pause, for mine. When our oldest son, Arden, was born in 2003 we decided that it was best for me to become the full time caregiver so that Jen could continue her career. I have been a stay at home dad for almost eight years now, raising Arden and, later, Zayne. It is not easy for a man to take the primary caregiver role, even in this new millennium. People ask inappropriate questions, look quizzically at you on the playground, and generally don't know what to make of it. But my two sons are amazing, curious, and imaginative souls and I know it was the right decision for them.

In 2004 Jen and I moved back to Erdenheim. We moved to a house midway between two sets of close family friends, next door to a Springfield Township High School classmate of my mother's and around the corner from my grandparents. We joked that the village to raise our children was already in place! Springfield offered everything we wanted in a community: strong public schools, a chance to know our neighbors, and stable neighborhoods with a mix of age, class, and race. I love that Springfield maintains a small town feel right on the edge of a major city.

Community Organizer

I give my volunteer time in activities to build community and maintain human-scale institutions in the face of social and technological change. I volunteer at my childrens' schools and build connections in my neighborhood and wider community. Not long after moving back to Pennsylvania, I became a Board Member (and eventually Vice-President) of the co-op Beachcomber Swim Club, which was on the verge of financial collapse. Through my efforts the club was able to revitalize a community that seemed to be fading away and to restructure so that the institution continues and new generations can build happy summer memories. I think it is still important to maintain spaces where we come together.

With my education and career experience, it's natural that I "think globally," but I try to act as "locally" as I can. I walk to neighborhood schools and shop at local businesses. I am site host for a Community Supported Agriculture organization, making it easier for my neighbors to eat healthy food direct from a local farm. I have worked on local campaigns to elect Democrats in our township as well as statewide. I worked very hard on the Obama campaign and have been active with Organizing for America, the President's grassroots organization, since 2009. I believe that people gain power through collective action and that is why I work as a grassroots organizer. My work on the 2008 Presidential election inspired me to run for Magisterial District Judge in 2011.

Ready to Serve as Local Judge

I have studied criminal justice issues formally (through Penn State University) and observed proceedings in our Oreland court and other District Courts. In the summer of 2011 I attended "Judge School" through the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Having passed the very rigorous test at the end of that course, I am certified to serve as a Magisterial District Judge in Pennsylvania.

It is clear to me that it would be very difficult for a judge to preside without bias over former colleagues or clients. We need a fair arbiter to protect our civil rights and apply the law. We also need a problem solver to make sure that the letter of the law is consistent with justice for all parties. I will bring my diplomatic training to the court to help mediate, so that, where possible, people can come to solutions together and avoid the pain of an adversarial process. But in all things I will be a neutral arbiter concerned only with ensuring justice and fairness and with supporting the Constitution.

Many local judges around the county have legal practices or other business interests on the side, viewing the judgeship as a source of extra income. I don't think that is fair to the taxpayers and citizens of Springfield. Springfield deserves a single-minded focus on improving the local justice system and ensuring fairness for all. I will be a full time judge with no conflicts of interest and no competing business entanglements.

I will be knocking on every door and hoping to speak with every voter in Springfield. When we meet, I hope that I will earn your respect, perhaps your friendship, and I hope that you will honor me with your vote.