A Wilson Borough lawyer has announced his candidacy for the position of magisterial district judge covering Wilson Borough, West Easton Borough, and the 7th and 8th Wards of the City of Easton.Richard H. Yetter III, who was born and raised in Wilson Borough, is seeking to fill the seat that became vacant when Michael Koury, Jr., was elected as Judge to the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas in 2009.
Yetter says he is pursuing the position to maintain the high level of professionalism and legal aptitude that the community has come to expect.
“My wife Donna and I are proud to be part of this community, and are looking forward to raising our son in an area that values safe and secure neighborhoods.”
A 1996 graduate of Wilson Area High School, Yetter received his Bachelor of Science degree after graduating with Honors from Slippery Rock University in 2000. He graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2003. After becoming admitted to both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey State Bars that same year, he began work as an Associate to Raymond J. DeRaymond. In January of 2004, he started his own solo practice, which he believes has given him the extensive courtroom experience and qualifications he needs to serve.
“I have represented clients as both plaintiffs and defendants for every type of case that is heard at the magisterial district court level. The people of a community should be able to expect their district judge to possess the essential knowledge, training, and experience before rendering a legal decision,” he says.
Dick's campaign web page is here. If you'd like more information, you can call Donna at 610-751-6727.
20 comments:
Bernie,
Who is in Koury's old post, now?
Peace, ~~~alex+
Judge Nobody. It's vacant.
Retired Sr. Judges from Northampton County rotate there on a monthly basis.
Ralph Litzenberger, James Stocklas, Joan Marinkovits, Sherwood Grigg, Elmo Frey & Elizabeth Romig
It would be interesting to find out how Judge Koury feels about the guy who wants to take over the "family business".
He will never win it.
Not that magistrates have much to do with it, but Wilson became a crime-ridden shit hole during the Koury tenures.
There must be another Koury out there.
I hear there is at least two more running -- a lady from Judge Smith's office and Mike Fleck
HHMMMMMMMMMM
There will likely be large numbers running both for this seat, as well as Jim Narlesky's.
The Fleckster?? Oh, boy, am I gonna' have fun.
Is Narlesky not running again?
Yes, he is, but lots of people want petitions.
I guess that Flocking Fleck is planning to throw his hat in the ring for EVERY elected position in the county. With his vast education and incredibly varied work experience, as well as his fine reputation the Flectster will make a great judge.
First of all, as a resident of New Jersey, it repulses me that a non-attorney can stand in a position to pass legal Judgment upon someone before a Court. I understand that is not the case in Pennsylvania, but let me tell you something about the candidate who was actually the topic of this particular blog. Yetter represented me for something over there in PA that I wish not to divulge in a public forum. Richard certainly knew what he was doing and I could not have expected a better job. From day one, he took much time to explain to me my options and how things may turn out. And guess what, he was right. There were no surprises along the way. He did exactly what he said he would and the outcome exceeded my expectations. I remain grateful to him.
Obviously I am partial to my attorney, but I just hope the voters know what kind of candidate they have here. People of Wilson, etc., vote him in. This guy obviously knows the law as he is licensed to practice in two states (PA and NJ) but he is also professional and courteous. Good luck Rick.
Jesse,
I am glad to read you had such a positive experience when Att'y Yetter represented you. Unlike you, I find a law degree is generally an impediment. A magistrate is expected to have common sense, and that's a quality in short supply among lawyers, including me. The best magistrates I have ever seen, from Gombosi to Frey, were non-lawyers. This is not to say that Yetter is not the best person for the job, but his local roots appeal to me more than his law degree.
I thank you for your response that was concise and expressed your opinion very well. I find your answer to be very well thought out, while acknowledging my Attorney (Mr. Yetter), and not kicking my opinion of the man who I just wanted the people to know based on my personal experience.
I am not familiar with the names you mention (as I
am a NJ resident), Gombosi to Frey. I am sure they were very good District Judges, but I have a question I am hoping you can answer. “If the person seeking an election as Magistrate is not an Attorney, how does one go about seeking the position?” By this I mean do they just file for the election and if he or she should win, what’s next? Not knowing how this process works I have visions of someone getting elected and not really knowing the law and errors being made based on emotion and or misinterpretation of the laws of Pennsylvania.
They have to spend a week in Carlisle getting familiar with what goes on and that level and must pass a test.
Bernie,
I thought it was a month long course?
All essay test.
Either way I think the person should have some sort of background in the legal field to run for this office.
Silent so far (especially from him) is Mr. Yetter's career as a race car driver. What should be said about his evident attraction to risky behaviors?
Peggy Trinchere-Yetter
With all due respect, I feel it necessary to respond to the comments you have regarding your recent blog posting about Rick Yetter’s “silence” about his passion for racing, and qualifications to be a District Judge. It is apparent from your post that you have an agenda; you may want to get your facts in order first.
With regard to your reference of “his silence about his career as a race car driver,” you obviously overlooked the articles written by Randy Kane dated June 15,2010 in the Morning Call and the article written by Chuck Givler dated June 25, 2010 with photo on the front page of the Sports section in the Express-Times on Rick’s big race win. This was one of many articles published in the Express-Times about Rick’s “racing career” over the years since the age of six. It’s hard to believe that anyone could think that he is trying to be silent about something that has been so publicized. His racing efforts are hardly based on a “thrill” seeking motive. If anything driving on a race track where officials are monitoring the track for safety, a driver must think ahead decisively. As a concern citizen as well, I think the good people of this district are more concerned whether or not someone is driving on their streets under the influence (alcohol, drugs, etc.) killing innocent people, not whether a candidate is driving a racecar. Wouldn’t you agree?
I guess my next question would be are your comments only directed toward Rick or all race fans, drivers, and enthusiasts in general? I’d be willing to bet that Northampton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Leonard Zito would take exception to your remarks about the “thrills to risky business or just able to race in life threatening circumstances.” Again, this is where “getting the facts” correct is so important, because when Judge Zito was Rick’s age he had the same enthusiasm for auto racing and even raced alongside Rick’s dad at Nazareth Speedway. I remember him well back then as he was then known as the “Racing Attorney out of Bangor, PA.” Does this disqualify him as being a good Judge?
I really think you should take a closer look at Attorney Yetter’s resume to see how qualified he is to be a District Judge. It’s true that being a lawyer is not a prerequisite to be a District Judge. However, when you look at his resume, you will see that he not only completed his law school class requirements in just two years as opposed to the normal three year curriculum (Juris Doctorate received in January 2003), he was one of the youngest people in his graduating class, and took and passed on the first try both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey state bar exams (February 2003). This shows you and all voters that Rick has the integrity, dedication, and temperament that will make him a great District Judge.
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