Now that Northampton County President Judge Robert A Freedberg has been elevated to the Superior Court, Pennsylvania's Constitution provides that the new PJ must be elected by his or her fellow judges. In order of seniority, here's how they stack up: William F. Moran (1987); F. P. Kimberly McFadden (1988); Stephen G. Baratta (1998); Emil Giordano (2004); Edward G. Smith (2002); Anthony S. Beltrami (2006); and Paula A. Roscioli (2006).In a few days, the judges will conclave in some dark chamber to make their choice. We'll know we have a new PJ when white smoke billows from the rotunda.
If you don't think all kinds of deals are being made bhind closed doors, think again. District Attorney John Morganelli, himself an astute politician who helped put both Baratta and Roscioli on the bench, has said "judges are probably the most political animals in the political and legal jungle."
Many insiders predict that Baratta has it sewn up, but I'm not so sure. I believe it will be either Moran and McFadden might have a shot, too.
Judge Moran is the most senior jurist, but and it is widely believed he has no intention of seeking retention in 2009. Does it make sense to elect a PJ who will only serve a year? Judge Baratta did have a lock on the position, but that was before Freedberg was suddenly named to the Superior Court. Will his close ties to the DA help or hurt him? Judge McFadden is both a scholar and a worker. When she first ran for office, she created a firewall between herself and the lawyers contributing to her campaign. If elected, she'd be the Lehigh Valley's first female PJ. If only because I know her the best, she's my favorite. But she's the least political of the bunch, too. Does she want the inevitable headaches?
We'll know when we see the white smoke.
So with one judge promoted, one possible retirement, and one possible additional judge added, does that mean there could be 3 open judge seats on the ballot in 2009 in NC?
ReplyDeleteFirst Bernie you should keep church and state seperate! But I must pat you on your back for such a good kiss up job to McFadden.
ReplyDeletei believe that would make 3 open slots for judge in 2009, providing that zito isn't appointed again without the provision of not being able to run in 2009. i know his name has been mentioned for an appointment. i don't see that happening.......but, As for the PJ. Judge McFadden would make a fine PJ. I'm not so sure she wants the hassels that come with the title. Judge Barratta's name was the sure front runner if our current PJ stayed on until his retirement happened in 2010. This surely will make for an interesting race in next years elections.
ReplyDeleteThere could be three slots. Moran retires and the state legislature creates a new position. But the latter is not likely any time soon.
ReplyDeleteAs far as sucking up to McFadden is concerned, I just know her better than the others.
SUCK UP!
ReplyDeleteLike I said, I know McFadden the best of all of them. But any one of them, including your hero, is capable of doing the job. Maybe you should schedule a fundraiser for him or have Scissorhands start calling the other judges. I'm sure they'll all appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteCould make millions having you in a dunk tank. You up for it?
ReplyDeleteMcFadden, NC version of LC's beloved McGinley. If only you could clone McGinley. Each with their own method of madness, that works!
ReplyDeleteGender should have no bearing here. The question posed in the headline is insulting. It's time for the best qualified PJ. Period.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find insulting is that very well qualified women have gone so long without getting the regognition they deserve in the legal profession. What I find even more insulting is to see Judge McFadden painted with the same bruish used to smear Judge McGinley. Why? Because they are women.
ReplyDeleteAs far as rewarding this position to the most qualified person is concerned, it goes to the person who gets the votes.
Could make millions having you in a dunk tank. You up for it?
ReplyDeleteIf I get a cut.
Nobody would pay anything to dunk Burne. Nobody knows who he is other than a crank.
ReplyDeleteMcFadden? Baratta? They are both good judges that do their jobs to make sure the court system is run correctly. It would be a privelege to have either one picked for PJ.
ReplyDeleteSo what if McFadden is a woman, a person should be looked at for their experience and not what sex they are.
There are too many people who judge others and they do not give other people a chance to achieve anything. It seems like some people join in to gang up on one person because they are afraid that they may have the capabilities to be a leader.
At least, these judges are doing their jobs.