Tidd Exonerated by Judicial Discipline Court

Until he resigned in July 2016, David Tidd was Magisterial District Judge in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township. It was a position he had held since 2009. He should be there now. But he stepped down because of a distracting investigation and eventual complaint filed by officious lawyers on the Judicial Conduct Board. Chief Counsel Robert Graci and his Deputy, Elizabeth Flaherty, had painted a bull's eye on Tidd's back. They were all-too-willing to accept the word of clerks who had tried and nearly succeeded in setting up a good man. Fortunately, the Court of Judicial Discipline saw things differently. Except for one instance in which Tidd angrily confronted his staff, the Court found no merit in any of the numerous other accusations.

Tidd was represented by West Chester Attorney Samuel C. Stretton. The judges on this panel were Allegheny County Magisterial District Judges David Barton, Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Minehart and Lackawanna County President Judge Michael Barrasse.

This ordeal took its toll on Tidd. In addition to resigning as a Magisterial District Judge, he also moved his law practice to Berks County.

He still faces a potential parallel complaint with the state Disciplinary Board, but Friday's ruling makes that far less likely. .

Though exonerated by the Court of Judicial Discipline, Tidd was convicted by the Express Times long ago. Here are some of the headlines. "Bully judge dropped F-bombs, slept on floor in robes, panel finds." "Misconduct trial starts for ex-judge who ran 'fast food' court." "Bully judge ignored warnings about misconduct, clerk testifies." "Work was 'intolerable' with judge's cursing, abuse, clerk testifies." "Judge held clerks 'against our will' in confrontation, witness says." "Disgraced judge admits regrets, suicidal thoughts, but not misconduct."

As if this were not bad enough, he was also accused of playing favorites with a local defense lawyer.

Headlines are one thing, but facts are another. As the 32-page opinion below makes clear, Tidd was victimized by office staffer Brenda Anthony, who for some reason had it in for him. You'll have to ask her why. Tidd even hired her daughter, Amber Glass, to work for him. Tidd lent his staff money, too. But behind his back, Brenda Anthony was talking to Tidd's election opponent, feeding him confidential information. This is in violation of a ban on partisan political activity by court-appointed employees. She and Amber kept notes about Tidd, and would save video clips from within the office if they were juicy, while deleting everything else. They even scheduled hearings for him on election day, forcing him to leave the campaign trail.

They dimed him for sleeping on his robe without bothering to point out that he used his robe as a pillow to take a nap one day because of a serious medical illness.

He was slammed for running a "fast food" court, dispensing justice from his office counter. But as witnesses explained, Tidd never conducted trials from a counter. He did sometimes ask a police officer or a defendant of there was going to be a plea arrangement. His function there was mostly administrative and had more to do with being in confined quarters than any desire for a judicial McDonald's.

He was also accused of playing favorites by notifying a local defense lawyer he knew of outstanding parking tickets so he could come in and pay the fine before an arrest warrant was issued.  Testimony showed that Tidd offered this same courtesy to others.

He was charged with using his position as a judge to pick up work as a lawyer or to represent peiple who had matters before him as a jurist. Testimony showed that Tiidd sought and followed ethical guidance concerning anyone who approached him for representation when there was a matter before him as a judge. When there was a conflict, he'd have the judicial matter reassigned. One of the persons who testified against him was Leslie Ziegler, the wife of one of Tidd's judicial opponents in 2015."We find troubling the apparent motivation behind Ziegler's April, 2015 complaint concerning acts that occurred in 2010 and 2011," the Court observed.

So after being tarred and feathered, where does Tidd go to get his reputation back?

As of November, Brenda Anthony was still listed as a Magisterial District Judge Tech. Her daughter, Amber Glass, is a 911 operator.

Todd Exonerated by Court of Judicial Discipline by BernieOHare on Scribd

No Financial Irregularities in Tidd's Courtroom

Though David Tidd has resigned as a  Magisterial District Judge, the state Judicial Conduct Board still wants to string him up, based mostly on the testimony of an ex-secretary whose own conduct has never received the attention it deserves. This is like digging someone up after he's dead and killing him again.

While that witchhunt continues, people began to whisper that there must be financial irregularities in the office. What other reason could there be for slamming a judge who simply took a nap in his robe or who once threw a nonworking pen?

Well, there are no irregularities. Controller Steve Barron told Northampton County Council yesterday that he has audited the office, and nothing is amiss.

Judge Tidd Reverses Himself, To Remain On Bench

They say a judge is never really a judge until he's reversed himself at least once. David Tidd can now say he's a judge. He's reversed his decision to resign as magisterial District Judge in Hellertown and lower Saucon Township, thanks to an outpouring of support from the community.

Last Friday, Tidd announced he was resigning his position as Magisterial District Judge, effective March 1.I knew he had gone through a particularly vicious campaign. I knew that he had been ill, and had lost income. But I was unaware that he had grown so disenchanted until I spoke with him.

It bothers him that he has to pick winners and losers. I never thought about it because I'm a prick. But I suppose it's troublesome to good-hearted people who know their rulings are going to make some people unhappy. On top of that, mini-judges, as I like to call them, are the Rodney Dangerfields of our judicial system. They may wear the black robe, but only rarely get the respect they deserve. In many cases, it is the magisterial district judge, sitting on the front lines, that keeps our system from erupting into chaos.

I often think of John Gombosi on Bethlehem;s south side, who approached his duties with common sense, humility and humor. He kept the South Side of Bethlehem from breaking out into riots.

The same is true in Nazareth with Elmo Frey, a great judge who had all the Gombosi qualities. He could still be sitting on the bench, but the truancies got to him. He could not understand why no one from Children and Youth was coming to the hearings. He invited me to come for an afternoon of hearings in the slate belt, so I could see things for myself. I'm ashamed to say I forgot.

But this is precisely the kind of person who needs to be on the bench. A person with both knowledge and compassion. Fortunately, Tidd received a large number of phone calls from constituents and his colleagues asking him to reconsider.

Below is his statement.

I recently announced that I was going to be resigning my position of Magisterial District Judge. I was fortunate enough to have been re-elected last year and began my second term in January of this year.

My decision to resign was based upon purely personal issues. When my intended resignation was announced, I am gratified to say that I received an upwelling of support from my constituency as well as professional colleagues, all of whom urged me to reconsider my decision.

I have done so. I have rescinded my resignation and intend to continue with my duties. Upon reflection, and especially upon consideration of the comments of my professional colleagues, I believe I have an obligation to the citizens who elected me to honor their wishes and their votes, put aside my personal issues, and continue my public duty.

Tidd Suddenly Resigns as Magisterial District Judge

At this time last year, David Tidd was announcing his bid for re-election as Magisterial District Judge in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township. It was a position he had held since 2009, and despite facing two formidable opponents, he emerged as the sole nominee of both parties in the May primary, assuring his election in November. But on Friday, he suddenly resigned his position.

Though most magisterial district judges have no outside employment, this is a part-time job that pays $88,290 per year, and is automatically adjusted by the cost of living index. There's full medical benefits and the pension is vested after ten years. So, absent some illness or legal miscues, it's rare to see a magisterial district judge just step away.

Yet that's exactly what Judge Tidd did. "Refereeing the game is not what I want to do," he said. "I want to be in the game."

Tidd maintains a private law practice in Hellertown, and has been a lawyer for 16 years.

Tidd denies that his resignation is related in any way to ethical complaints filed against him during his re-election campaign.

David Repyneck, one of Tidd's primary opponents, told me during that campaign that "your boy TIdd is currently under investigation for Judicial Misconduct. Did you know that ??????"

When I pressed Repyneck, he was at first evasive, calling it "word on the street." Then it was anonymous sources that he was unable to reveal. He finally acknowledged that he filed one complaint and his wife another.

Repyneck filed a complaint against Tidd because he did not like the way Tidd spoke to his wife when she was circulating a petition on her husband's behalf. That's obviously frivolous on its face.

A second complaint against Tidd, filed during the primary, concerns Tidd's representation of Repyneck's wife in December 2012. She was being sued in a collection matter, and Tidd was recommended as a good bankruptcy lawyer. Neither he nor she was aware that he was the judge in the collections matter. Once he became aware, the matter was transferred to another magisterial district judge.

Tidd has never heard a word from the Judicial Conduct Board about either complaint. But Tidd added that what Repyneck "put me through really took a toll."

He also explained that, a judge in a small jurisdiction is going to make people unhappy. And these are people he knows and sees every day. He added that, contrary to what people think, magisterial district judges have two bosses - the County President Judge and the state.

He lamented that, while he received lots of phone calls from police officers and regulars to thank him, he heard nothing from Easton.

Tidd can rescind his decision, but must do so by March 1.

Hellertown-Lower Saucon DJ Candidates' Night

(From L to R: Magisterial District Judge David Tidd, Dave Repyneck and Att'y Amanda Kurecian)

Hellertown Public Library was the venue last night for a debate among three candidates seeking the Magisterial District Judge in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.Nearly 50 people attended the one and only time that all three will appear together before Election Day on May 19. The event was hosted by Northampton County's League of Women Voters. After five years on the job, Judge Tidd easily demonstrated that he is the most knowledgeable. Attorney Amanda Kurecian, who is absolutely beautiful when she smiles, was also very impressive. Repyneck was what I expected and ended the event with the cheap shot that he would restore integrity and honor to the office, something he claimed without explanation to be "severely lacking" now.

Repyneck, who initially said No to the debate, decided on Friday that he needed to be there. He packed the house with as many of his supporters as he could find. People like Lanita Lum insisted on carrying on conversations with other audience members while Beverly Hernandez and Joan Dean from the LWV attempted to explain the format.

When Hernandez complained about questions that were addressed to just one and not all candidate, Repyneck's rowdies began loudly complaining. "This is what to expect from the League of Women Voters," complained either Lum or the woman aside her, who sarcastically told me after it was all over that she could not wait to blog about it.

Nasty people.

During the evening, Repyneck incorrectly claimed that he can charge for weddings, although he claimed he would give his fee to charity. Tidd corrected that inaccuracy. Repyneck also claimed inaccurately that attorneys who become district judges still have to go through part of the certification course that will be required of Repyneck if he wins. That is also untrue, Tidd observed, although there is a requirement of continuing education.

When it was pointed out that the certification course for a magisterial district judge is quite difficult, Repyneck boasted has has gone through more stress than either of his opponents.

"I would invite Mr. Repyneck to take the bar exam," retorted Tidd.

Kurecian observed that Repyneck, if elected, could only be tested twice. If he failed a second time, there would have to be a special election. .

When asked about what kind of service organizations they participate in, Kurecian stated she is involved in a dog rescue group, helps coach volleyball and does pro bono work as an attorney. Tidd stated he is involved in the Saucon Valley Community Center, the relay for life and provides between $25,000 and $35,000 in free bankruptcy services every year. Repyneck belongs to the Sportsman's Association and is a merit m=badge instructor.

Repyneck at one point stated he is a big defender of the second amendment and a well-regulated militia. I'm not sure what his point was, but there it is.

He repeatedly referred to himself as Diane Repyneck's cousin. She is a former magisterial District Judge. She did not attend, and has remained neutral in this race.  

When asked about making unpopular decisions, Repyneck pointed to an instance in the military when he dropped the dime on fellow officers who claimed falsely that they had taken their fitness tests. The officers were reprimanded, claimed Repyneck. Kurecian stated that her pro-life support sometimes makes her unpopular. Tidd stated he makes unpopular decisions in his court room every day. Somebody loses.

Candidates were also asked for suggestions on improving the magisterial district judge system. Tidd stated the biggest problem is the lack of security for members of the public and his won staff. He 'd also like the County to start making credit card payments possible, and would like the state to agree with expanded hours.

Kurecian would like to see night courts, problem solving courts and more pro bono lawyers.

Repyneck agreed with his opponents and added the position should be full-time. That position is also supported by Kurecian, but not Tidd, who maintains a private practice in Hellertown. But he stressed that his first obligation is to clear the court's calendar for the day, whether that takes one hour or eight hours.

Repyneck Meets Bottom-Feeding Blogger, Face to Face

David Repyneck is one of three candidates in the hotly contested race for Magisterial District Judge in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township. The other two candidates are the incumbent, David Tidd, and Attorney Amanda Kurecian.

"Be a man and meet me face to face," Repyneck told me last week, after I posted stories that raised some questions about his candidacy.

So I did. On Friday, I met him at the Hellertown Diner. He told me to be a man and talk to him face-to-face, but brought his wife. One of his supporters, Lanita Lum, also crashed what I thought was supposed to be an interview with the candidate. Both had lots of negative things to say about Tidd. But I was there to hear from the candidate, not them. Eventually, we had to consign them to another table. Here's what I learned.

1. Repyneck agrees he should be at Tuesday's debate. - On Tuesday, the League of Women Voters will host a debate for the three candidates at the Hellertown Library, 7 pm. Repyneck had declined because he was meeting a potential donor at that time. But if my series of blogs about this race has done nothing else, it has convinced him that he owes it to voters to be there. he reportedly is clearing his schedule to do so, though it's still unclear whether he will attend.

2. Allegations made by Repyneck's ex are a nonissue. - Although I felt it was important that Repyneck respond to serious allegations made about him by his ex-wife in several police reports, his simple denial is good enough for me. He has never received so much as a parking ticket.

3. Repyneck running on his last name. - He is a second cousin to Diane Repyneck, who held office before Tidd took over. She has made no endorsement, preferring to be Switzerland in this race. But he's running on his last name. His web page even includes a "Repyneck Family in Criminal Justice" section. If this were a Kingdom, I could see him claiming some sort of right to the throne. Theoretically, it should make no difference what his last name is, but the Repyneck family is well known in Hellertown and Lower Saucon. That alone will get him votes and might even win the race.

4. Repyneck is scheduled to take Magistrate's course. - Tidd and Kurecian, by virtue of their law degrees, are automatically certified to become magisterial district judges if they win the election. Nonlawyers like Repyneck must be certified. He lacks that certification, but is enrolled in the four-week course commencing June 1.

5. Repyneck prejudges. -  During the interview, he would say things that, on further questioning, appear to be untrue or questionable. Let me give you an example. He accused Hellertown Mayor Richard Fluck of destroying a Repyneck sign near Fluck's home. When I asked him if he was sure Fluck destroyed that sign, Repyneck stated, "In my opinion, yes. I believe he did."

There's absolutely no physical evidence to support that opinion. Nobody saw Hizzoer out in the middle of the night, ripping out his signs. But Repyneck is willing to prejudge Fluck because Fluck supports Tidd.

6. Repyneck has filed ethical complaints against Tidd. - In an email confirming our interview, Repyneck claimed that "your boy TIdd is currently under investigation for Judicial Misconduct. Did you know that ??????" I didn't. That was one of the first things I questioned.

At first, Repyneck was evasive, calling it "word on the street." Then it was anonymous sources he was unable to reveal . But as I pressed, he finally acknowledged that he filed one complaint and his wife another. He filed a complaint against Tidd because he did not like the way Tidd spoke to his wife when she was circulating a petition on her husband's behalf. That's obviously frivolous.

A second complaint against Tidd, filed just last month, concerns Tidd's representation of Repyneck's wife in December 2012. She was being sued in a collection matter, and Tidd was recommended as a good bankruptcy lawyer. Neither he nor she was aware that he was the judge in the collections matter.Once he became aware, the matter was transferred to another magisterial district judge. There is nothing improper here. Had Repyneck really thought so, why did she wait until April 2015 to make a complaint?

7. Repyneck's troubling views about PFAs.- During our interview, Repyneck displayed contempt for Protection From Abuse Act (PFA) Orders, even though a magisterial district judge has the authority to grant or deny an emergency PFA. "When women want to screw with a man, thy play the PFA card," he insisted. "It clogs up our judicial system." It appears that his own negative experience has made it questionable whether he can be fair and impartial.

Pennsylvania's Protection From Abuse Act (PFA) was adopted because our criminal law is inadequate for dealing with the violence that sometimes arises in a domestic environment. Police are reluctant to get involved, especially when battered wives drop charges only days after they are filed. So this domestic, non-criminal law was adopted. It includes a temporary protection order, which can be issued based on the testimony of just one person, to provide some basic protection from violence, as well as a cooling off period.

It can be abused by parties seeking a keg up in a divorce or custody. But anyone who sees the women walking into the courthouse, day after day, beaten and bruised, will quickly agree it is a much needed tool.

I have done my own research on these actions, and know the following. First, contrary to what Repyneck claims, PFAs have actually decreased in Northampton County over the past dozen years. Second, over half of the temporary PFAs issued are later withdrawn or dismissed. This could mean that the parties were able to cool down and sort things out. But what's disturbing is that, in many of the withdrawn cases, the files contain photographic evidence containing proof that there was violence.

Tomorrow, I will write about some of the claims Repyneck has made about Tidd.

Repyneck Responds to Allegations

David Repyneck, who is running for Magisterial District Judge in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township, has responded to Monday's blog about his race with these comments:

10:25 pm: Mr. O'Hare, if you want answers to the questions, feel free to contact me and I will meet with you to discuss your inaccurate facts and slanderous accusations. On the PFA, it was the strategy of my ex-wife's scum bag attorney to file it when I exercised my Soldier civil relief rights and she had to wait for extra money for child support during my deployment to Iraq.

You fail to let your audience know that the PFA was withdrawn by Penelope as frivolous after I went to her attorney and provided her with documentation alleging child abuse allegations to include leaving my daughter in the presence of a registered sex offender in October of 2007. She is prohibited from having relationships with convicted offenders under Lehigh County Policy. I will be more than happy to give you my side of the story since you have hers so that your readers can determine that 3rd side of the story.

Be a man and meet me face to face and I will discuss my ex-wife’s allegations and my intentions for the candidate forum.

10:29 pm: I respond: Mr. Repyneck, I have been a man. I sent you these allegations in advance and asked for a reply. I am willing to meet you in person as well. You, however, have not been a man. You have ducked a debate sponsored by a nonpartisan group.

I am making no accusations. I am repeating what appears in several police reports and am asking for your side of the story. I also accurately reported that the PFA was withdrawn as a result of a stipulation of the parties. I have that stipulation and know exactly what is in it, as well as subsequent matters, so don't try to bullshit me as you are doing here. It will only make matters worse for you. I am emailing you for a one-on-one.

Email to Repyneck (10:36 pm): I am available to meet you in person tomorrow or Wednesday evening. I prefer meeting in a diner. Please advise me what time and place and I will be there.

10:31 pm: Mr. O'Hare, I resigned from my job at Lehigh County to pursue an opportunity to serve my country full time in the PA Army National Guard. I do not use drugs. I do not sell drugs. My ex wife with whom you have been in touch, is a pathological liar. She involved my kids in her love affair for over 5 years. I contacted Lehigh COunty Adult Probation today and spoke to Chief Probation Officer Ann Marie Egizio. She is very familiar with Penelope and her issues. I will be meeting with her later this week to discuss my ex wife's activities with convicted criminals, especially sex offenders. I have the supporting documents and the pictures. I will be more than happy to share them with you. The comments from my ex wife are the result of a bad divorce.

So there you have it. His wife's lawyer is a "scum bag attorney", his wife is a "pathological liar," the PFA was "frivolous" and he has "supporting documents and pictures" to show she consorts with sex offenders. He denies selling or using drugs.

Why Repyneck Will Avoid Candidates' Nights

Last week, I told you about a candidates' night in the Magisterial District Judge race in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township. Incumbent David Tidd is facing two challengers, Attorney Amanda Kurecian and David Repyneck, a former probation officer and retired military man. The Northampton County League of Women Voters has scheduled a debate for Tuesday, May 12, 7 pm, at the Hellertown Library. Tidd "looks forward" to it. Kurecian is "excited" by the opportunity. But Repyneck will be a no-show. Asked if some other night might work, retired Repyneck is too busy. Obviously, he's unwilling to face some hard questions.

1. Why did Repyneck's career in criminal justice end so suddenly? - On his web page, Repyneck takes credit for 13 years of experience in criminal justice. He is apparently referring to his work as a Lehigh County Probation Officer. So why did his career there suddenly end after just ten years? Did he resign on his own or was he asked to quit? He owes voters an answer to that question. His ex-wife is still employed there, and as a probation officer.

2. Is Repyneck using, and possibly selling, drugs? - That's what his ex-wife has told Lower Saucon police on several occasions. Now this could be "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" situation, or it could be true. She is, after all,  a probation officer. On June 7, 2011,  PTL Robert Winters witnessed a custody exchange in an empty Pathmark parking lot, noting that Repyneck displayed an "attitude." After it was over, his ex told police of different areas they should watch, where he uses and sells drugs. On July 13, 2012, she spoke to PTL John Bowlby, in response to a harassment complaint that Repyneck made about her. Denying any kind of harassment, she told the officer that Repyneck has been under the influence of marijuana and alcohol in the presence of their children. She expressed concern about his "supposed drug use" again to PTL Bowlby on September 22, 2012. After a custody exchange on March 4, 2010, he approached PTL Charles Werkheiser and "seemed to be on a short fuse."

3. Does Repyneck have a legal and illegal gun stash? - That's what his ex told PTL Robert Winters on Jun 7, 2011, claiming "he does have a large 'arsenal' of legal and illegal firearms stashed throughout the township (one apparently being as close as two blocks away from the PD)."

On March 9, 2010, a temporary Protection From Abuse Act Order was entered in Lehigh County against Repyneck, but it was withdrawn pursuant to a March 16, 2010 Stipulation. Under its terms, his wife was awarded exclusive possession of the marital residence, located in Salisbury Tp.

I should note that I'm unable to find any evidence that Repyneck has ever been charged, let alone convicted, with so much as a parking ticket. But he's running for a judicial position and has an obligation to respond to these serious allegations. Considering the source, I do take them with a grain or two of salt. But before he asks anyone to vote for him, I think he needs to answer these questions. I have asked him to provide an explanation, which I will post here.

Blogger's Note: The police reports are below, and I believe I have fairly and accurately portrayed the information in them.  I do have information concerning the PFA, but am not posting it.

Police Reports Concerning David Repyneck

LWV Schedules Candidates' Night For Hellertown Mini-Judge Candidates

David Tidd

They used to be called Justices of the Peace, and many of them did a great job preserving that peace over the years. In his 36 years on the front lines of our justice system, John Gombosi used common sense and good humor to keep South Bethlehem from breaking out into riots. I call them mini judges, but our regular judges will be the first to tell you how important they are.

Last week, I told you about a disputed magisterial contest in Bethlehem Township, in which five people are in contention for a job that pays $88,000 a year.

There's another magisterial race in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Tp. Magisterial District Judge David Tidd has two opponents. One is Attorney Amanda Kurecian, a divorce attorney with her own practice in Allentown. The other is David Repyneck, a former probation officer who served in the National Guard.

He is unrelated to former Magisterial District Judge Diane Repyneck. From what I hear at the courthouse, Repyneck is running a fairly negative campaign, but strangely will be a no-show at a candidates' night to be hosted by the League of Women Voters on Tuesday, May 12th, 2015 at 7pm, at the Hellertown Area Library, located at 409 Constitution Ave., Hellertown, PA 18055.

I will find out more about each candidate and report to you.

Tidd Has Challenger is Hellertown District Judge Race

Magisterial District Judge David Tidd has an opponent in his race for re-election to the Magiesterial District covering Hellertown and lower Saucon Township. He's being opposed by Amanda Kurecian, another attorney, who lives in Lower Sauson. Below is her announcement.

Amanda Kurecian, Esq. is announcing her candidacy for Magisterial District Judge 03-2-04, which covers Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.

Ms. Kurecian has a family law practice in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She has been a resident of the Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township district since 1989. Ms. Kurecian attended St. Theresa's Elementary School, Bethlehem Catholic High School, and Lehigh University before completing her education at Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law.

Ms. Kurecian is running for district judge because she has a strong desire to serve the Saucon Valley community. She wants the voters to know that she is qualified, capable, and trustworthy.

Ms. Kurecian is a a Republican, but plans to cross-file.

At Becahi, Amanda was named female athlete of the year, yet still graduated in the top 5%.

When I graduated from Beca, I was very nearly named top female athlete myself.

Magisterial District Judge Tidd Seeking Re-Election

Magisterial District Judge David W Tidd, whose district includes Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township,has already told The Express Times that he's seeking re-election. I bumped into him at last night's Sam Murray for Judge announcement. I promised to leave him alone if he would send me his announcement. True to his word, he did. But I lied.  I will probably bug him down the road. It's what I do. His announcement is below.

I am pleased to announce my candidacy for re-election as Magisterial District Judge for District 03-2-04 covering Hellertown and Lower Saucon. For the past 5 years since my election in 2009, it has been my honor and privilege to faithfully and expertly serve the citizens of our community.

The choice of Magisterial District Judge is an important one with significant impact on all of us. Not only is the District Court where traffic and landlord-tenant cases are heard, but where bail is set and preliminary hearings held in serious criminal matters such as theft and homicide.

As current Magisterial District Judge and licensed attorney in practice for 15 years, my extensive legal experience in civil and criminal matters, integrity and desire to ensure fair and impartial resolutions make me uniquely qualified to continue as your Magisterial District Judge. These same qualifications make the difference between criminals being punished and being released back into our community.

I desire to continue as District Judge to maintain the reputation of my Court for decisions grounded in sound legal reasoning and for providing outstanding service outside the courtroom through knowledgeable, well-trained staff. The Court is also known for bringing a balance to the just aims of law enforcement and the individual rights of defendants as required by our State and Federal Constitutions. Additionally, I have, with the help of of my staff and officials of Northampton County Court Administration, brought my Court in compliance with standards set by the State of Pennsylvania. In its most recent audit, the State recognized my Court's fiscal accuracy and adherence to proper procedure; I desire to see this compliance continue long into the future.

These past 5 years have seen great change for my wife Vera and I with the birth of our two children, Caroline, now 4, and John William, 23 months. One thing that will not change is my dedication to the people of the Saucon Valley through my service to them as their Magisterial District Judge.​