At 5 PM last night, my grandson was racing up and down a basketball court under the careful supervision of Judge Emil Giordano, who sacrifices countless hours coaching basketball and baseball. As I watched Giordano, I couldn't help thinking that he missed his calling. The kids obviously love the guy, and he seems to have a lot of fun with them. Don't get me wrong. I'm glad he's a judge. His election was something of a surprise, but time has proved the voters right. His patience and compassion are rare qualities.
Last night, the voters made another good choice, electing Craig Dally to the bench. I've known him for years, and he has always displayed those rare qualities. He could even put up with me! Last night, I was one of about two hundred people in a bipartisan crowd that celebrated Craig Dally's victory at Nazareth's Holy Family Club. Even Judge Zito, who was just elected himself, dropped by to welcome a new member to Northampton County's bench.
This election was important to Criag, who actually began to tear up when he thanked everyone for their help. He told us that many years ago, he ran for Mayor in Pen Argyl, and lost by 74 votes. "Thank God I lost. I'd probably still be mayor of Pen Argyl."
Over the summer, he knocked on over 1,000 doors. And in the last two weeks, he personally called 2,300 Democratic households. That strategy seems to have paid off because some voters leaving the polls said that Dally's call is what persuaded them to give him their vote.
Craig promised "honesty and integrity." "It's what the people expect. It's what they deserve."
And in a veiled reference to State Senator Lisa Boscola's intrusion in this judicial race, where she posed for pictures with candidate Barb Hollenbach, Craig said this: "It's not who you stand next to, it's ehat you stand for."
21 comments:
Hey Bernie,
Craig did the same pro-life post card that you blasted the council candidates for. Same design, same quotes. Obviously also done by Kilbanks. Why did you give Craig a pass on this and smear the council candidates for the same thing.
I'm not Buddy Christ. I never heard Dally had done this and still do not know he did it. All I have is your anonymous word. I'd have to see it.
Judicial candidates, unlike council candidates, do deal with life and death matters. But it is very dangerous for a judicial candidate to discuss how he'd rule on a given issue. It reveals a bias that should not exist.
Also, in the case of the council candidates, leaving their top vote getter off was incredibly idiotic. It's bad enough that the issue is so inflammatory, but that card also drove an unnecessary wedge.
Craig was lucky that as a State Representative he has nothing but time to make calls and knock on doors.
He is a nice guy but Hollenbach has the better legal mind and temperment.
You never seek endorsements from other elected officials when you run for office. If you think you are going to pick up votes, you're wrong.
I don't like Boscola, and the two mayors. Even if you were the best candidate in a million years, I can't get by those endorsements and I voted against you.
Bernie -
For months now you've posted subtle criticims of Hollenbach (ex. violated ethical rules, not campaigning as hard as Dally and others -- both absolutely false), which are now revealed as your attempts to talk her down in favor of your candidate, Dally. It was both underhanded and patronizing. There's no problem w/ you supporting a candidate, but next time do it open and honestly.
Well, you wanted a legislator on the bench who hasn't seen the inside of a courtroom in 10+ years. How does it feel?
Any front runners for his state seat?
I believe the R frontrunner is one of Dally's own staffers, a very nice and competent lady. Lamont McClure has his eyes on the seat, too. If what happened to Dertinger is any indication, he'll be crushed.
What we have today is an elected person to the Northampton County Bench who is the best candidate for the job. Period. Craig Dally is a humble man with deep convictions and integrity. He doesn't give these qualities mere lip service but he LIVES them everyday. He is a driven person and dedicated to serving his community. Ms Hollenbach, while assumingly a very intelligent and accomplished attorney ran her campaign based on who she stood next to, not what she stood for. That was , is, and always will be the difference.
Alright, first let me say I know Barbara first hand and I will tell you she worked her butt off and was out everyday going door to door and attending other events.
Second, everyone trumps Barbara because she has these three local endorsements. Well, they conveniently forget that Dally has more local endorsements (Bob Donchez, Pat Browne, Joe Brennan, and some other local state rep). Dally clearly went after her bacause he saw it as a threat.
Lastly, Dally won because of only one reason. It's not because he is the better qualified. It's because Republican turnout was clearly much much higher than Democratic turnout, which is evident when you look at the other countywide races.
"For months now you've posted subtle criticims of Hollenbach (ex. violated ethical rules, not campaigning as hard as Dally and others -- both absolutely false), which are now revealed as your attempts to talk her down in favor of your candidate, Dally."
There was nothing subtle in my criticism of Barb. I was pretty up front about it. She did violate ethical standards for judicial candidates when she circulated a nomination petition on bahalf of Ann McHale. She did take perhaps too long a hiatus between primary and general. In addition, I did not care for campaign signs that told me Lisa Biscola was commanding me to vote for her.
Having said that, i did. I know Barn, went to law school w/ her, and think she would have been a great judge. I voted for her, Craig and Zito. I told my readers that was who I supported.
I also criticized Craig for scheduling some bear symposium in the middle of a budget impasse. i questioned Zito's inability to serve ten years.
No candidate is ever perfect. I hope barb runs again some day. But I am sure she herself would agree that Craig is an excellent choice.
Not diminishing character, but the job of a trial court judge is making procedural rulings and applying the law to the facts. The better qualified candidate would be one who has significant trial experience and is knowledgable of court procedure and legal standards. Dally simply has not had significant civil or criminal trial experience, even when he was a lawyer. I imagine it's not something that one can learn by attending a seminar or 2.
I've always thought that Dally, coming from state politics, will find the job stifiling and yes, boring. It's a 10 year term Craig. You wanted it. You got it.
I am sure Barb would not appreciate your sour grapes. The people have spoken. If that does not suit you, start a revolution.
Dally may have been supported by local politicians but I don't recall he was connected at the hip to them and secondly Dally will not be stifled by the job. He will be out and about doing what he has always done I would say- connecting with the public , in the schools, addressing organizations who ask it of him etc etc. And you are correct - "he wanted the job" and YES he did get it. The election is over.
HEY! I resent that remark.
"Dally may have been supported by local politicians but I don't recall he was connected at the hip to them and secondly Dally will not be stifled by the job."
He made it a point to notify everyone that he found it problematic that Barb was endorsed by LOCAL politicians. An endorsement is an endorsement PERIOD, it doesn't matter whether one is stronger than the other, or one has a bigger name. Also, he clearly took the first shot at Barb. I don't recall any negative campaigning on Barb's behalf. If he felt like he could stand on his own merits, than there should have been no need for negative campaigning.
Bernie, you're right, the people have spoken, but look at the results of other countywide races. Clearly, the Republicans turned out in droves and the Democrats were lazy and didn't get out and vote. Were this election held last year (during a presidential election year), would this vote had come out differently? Probably. But like you said, it is what it is, so there's no point in being sour about it.
Yeah it's sour grapes on my part. However, Dally's comment during his victory speech last night to the effect of, it's not important who you stand next to but what you stand for, was a clear and uncalled for shot against Barb.
And what was the endorsement differential in Dally's mind, local v. non-local pols? Huh? Also, what did he stand for that Barbara didn't? What was the big policy contrast?
One of the commenters mentioned that Dally would continue to do as judge what he has done until now, such be active in the public arena. Not true. The position of judge is an extremely isolated one. I can think of no current member of the bench who has a large public profile. That's the problem with Dally. He will find the job to be isolating and technical.
Bernie:
I worry when my vote and your vote on a given line are the same. My picks for judge were the same as your picks Barb, Craig & Zito. None of them were perfect candidates, all, however, were better than Koury who lacks, imo, an appropriate judicial temperament. The only nice thing about Koury is that he may get kicked upstairs to the Superior Court or Eastern District quickly.
Let's hope Koury proves us wrong.
Awesome he is a fair judge and that's what is needed .
Sad how idiots like you think social standing and experience trumps integrity. Dimish character lol people like you haven't the capacity to gauge your blank from a hole in the ground. Things are coming to a head because of morons like you. Dally is a judge because of his character that's what is needed not someone that has been ingrained with socialistic rederic and the ability to Dimish empathy which you and your lush party girl coattail riding candidate have .
Shit? That's fact jack. The crust of why NC is better now then before he was elected. People like. You don't see that. Job u say its a duty for Dally He's not about the sick crap you and your candidate are about. Get it now? His statement was right on the money. Love when this country gets rid of morons like you.
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