Norco's Three Mini-Judge Races: Follow the Money

After spending most of the last two days discussing the mudslinging in Easton's mini-judge contest, you might think that's the only race. Actually, Northampton County will be electing three new mini-judges this Fall in Nazareth, Bethlehem and Easton. In this post, I'll lay out the finances for each candidate so you can follow the money.

What is a mini-judge? I've talked about this before, but it's worth repeating. "District Justices have jurisdiction over minor criminal offenses, traffic offenses, landlord/tenant matters and other civil actions where the amount claimed does not exceed $8000.00. In misdemeanor and felony cases, District Justices have jurisdiction to issue arrest and search warrants, hold preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings and set bail. They also have authority to perform marriages, handle protection from abuse matters and issue subpoenas. They also may impose summary punishments for criminal contempt." I have the record for most overtime parking tickets in Nazareth, so I know the office very well. Although the annual salary for this position is $74,566, most magistrates consider themselves part-time workers.

Easton. This seat consists of Williams Township, Glendon Borough and Easton's south side. Brian Monahan, a lawyer; Cindy Greene, a designer; and Dan Corpora, Easton councilman, are the contestants.

Monahan. - Between March 1 and April 30, Brian raised $14,500 and spent about $5,700. There are no small under $50 contributions, and his list of contributors is a who's who of local lawyers. I counted twenty-seven, from all over the area. These lawyers could be trying to buy influence. I believe it's a mistake for judicial candidates to accept money from attorneys who may appear before them. Others will argue this just indicates Monahan has the respect of his fellow attorneys. I report. You decide.

Corpora. - Between January 1 and April 30, Corpora raised only $550. With what he already had in his treasury, his warchest was barely $1,600. Most of his money comes from small contributions of $50 0r less. Corpora has not been certified for the position of district judge.

Greene. - On Monday, when I checked finance reports, Greens's reports had not yet been filed. She told me yesterday that has since filed her report late and that she had raised about $1,900, most of which is self-funded. Like Corpora, she is uncertified. Of the three candidates, she is the only one unable to follow finance campaign laws, but she is also a relative newcomer.

Bethlehem. Like Easton, this race over the Marvine-Pembroke area of Bethlehem is a three-way dogfight. Patricia Romig-Passaro, daughter of retired District Judge Liz Romig, faces social services worker Juan Cruz and Attorney Gil Negrete.

Romig-Passaro. - Between January 29 and April 27, Romig-Passaro raised $8,055, and spent $7,482. Nearly $5,500 of her money comes from small contributions of $50 or less. Three Bethlehem lawyers have contributed to her campaign. Romig is certified for the district judge position.

Juan "Johnny" Cruz. - Between January 28 and April 30, Cruz raised $3,030 and spent $2,503.72. Over one-third of his money comes from small contributions of $50 or less. He did inadvertently accept a corporate contribution, a violation of campaign finance laws. This money has been returned. I'm unaware whether Cruz is certified, and will update this post if anyone can tell me.

Gil Negrete. - Gil raised $3,500 and kicked in another $7,500 out of his own pocket. Like Monahan, he relies heavily on contributions from lawyers who are likely to appear before him. You can decide for yourself whether these attorneys are trying to buy influence or are trying to improve the judicial system.

Nazareth. Five mini-judge wannabes are eyeing Nazareth's magisterial district, which includes Nazareth, Bath and Stockertown boroughs, as well as Upper Nazareth and East Allen Townships. The contestants? Bangor lawyer Yvonne Falcone, Colonial Region police detective Gary Hammer, Norco prison boss Todd Buskirk, Upper Nazareth top cop Alan Siegfried and deputy sheriff John Capobianco.

Falcone. - Between January 1 and April 30, Falcone raised just $1,200 but spent $8,665.39. She's in the hole. Surprisingly, there were only a few contributions from attorneys. Falcone had previously told me she did not want to accept money from attorneys who appear before her regularly, and she appears to have kept her word. She did purchase an address list of the local bar, but appears to be content without accepting lawyers' money.

Hammer. - In a simple and honest report, Gary tells us he raised no money and spent $1,085 out of his own pocket for signs and handouts. Unfortunately, Hammer is the only candidate uncertified for the position of district judge in the Nazareth race.

Buskirk. - Between February 13 and April 30, Todd raised $6,690 and spent $4,568. Nazareth landlord Ray Orwig and his family have kicked in $480, but Buskirk previously told me Orwig's landlord cases won't be heard in his court. Twelve local attorneys contributed to his campaign, but they appear to be mostly attorneys who worked with Buskirk at the county.

Capobianco. - Between January 24 and April 30, Cap raised $10,631.05, and spent $9,484. Half of this money comes from his own pocket. His sister also gave him $1,000. He also raised $1,125 in small contributions of $50 or less.

Siegfried. - Chief Siegfried told me his integrity is very important to him. I now believe him. The $5,472 reported in his campaign treasury came right out of his own pocket.

Update:Juan "Johnny" Cruz, a Bethlehem magisterial candidate, has been certified once. He needs to be recertified.