Antonia Grifo Makes It Official - She's Running for District Judge

Antonia Grifo with mother Leonarda and husband Ron Shipman

From her Spring Garden Street law offices, Antonia Grifo made it official yesterday. She's running for the District Judge seat in which Gay Elwell served so well before her untimely death a few weeks ago.

In a post yesterday, I provided you with some biographical details about Antonia. But I was still surprised during her announcement.

First, though she comes from a staunch Republican background, Antonia is actually a Democrat. But as she was quick to remind everyone yesterday, judicial races are nonpartisan. She'll be cross-filing.

Second, Easton Attorney Theresa Hogan, who was rumored to be running for the job herself, dropped by to endorse Antonia. "I heard that, too," smiled Theresa about the political gossip, which I shared. She and Antonia actually grew up together. "She's ready for this," said Hogan. "Our community should be excited about this opportunity."

Third, Grifo really wants this. Noting that the minor judiciary is often "the first and only contact a wide range of citizens have with our system of justice," she has no desire to use this as a stepping stone and will, in fact, give up her practice if elected. For her, it's a full-time job.

Fourth, she's already signed up for minor judiciary course. As a practicing attorney, she has no obligation to do this, but said she wants to "hit the ground running."

In addition to Theresa, Grifo's husband, Ron Shipman, was there. He is one of Northampton County's finest lawyers. Her son, Chris Shipman, came, too. He's another good lawyer whose name you've likely seen in the newspapers. I neglected to get his picture.

For me, the biggest treat was seeing and speaking to Antonia's mother, Leonarda Grifo. You might know her as the widow of one of Northampton County's finest judges, Richard D. Grifo. You might know her as the mother to Antonia, an excellent attorney. I know her as a tireless advocate for many local causes that make Easton a better place. One of these is the Easton Area Community Center, which provides a home for 2300+ at-risk children between 3 and 7 PM every day.

Antonia calls her an 87 year-old dynamo.

Like her mother, Antonia has been involved on numerous local causes, from the Spring Garden Children's Center to the Boys and Girls Club of Easton.

Her Mom wears white glasses, too, a point Antonia made with me yesterday.

So for you readers who were having fun with Antonia's white glasses with all those damn Mrs. Potato Head jokes, thanks a frickin' lot. Don't you think I get into enough trouble on my own, without your help?

Next time I get a parking ticket, I might as well just report to jail.

Seriously, I consider Antonia a class act who will make a great judge if you choose to elect her.