Judge Giordano To Host Pizza Party

Judge Emil Giordano is running for a seat on Pennsylvania's Superior Court. On Tuesday, May 2, 7 pm at Northampton Memorial Community Center, he'll be hosting a pizza party. Last time he did that, over 500 people showed up in an outpouring of support for the Lehigh Valley's favorite son. A son of immigrants who were unable to speak English when they first arrived in this country, Judge Giordano is no stranger to hard work. He knows what it is like to work your way up, and has developed an acute sense of empathy and compassion for others that makes him an excellent jurist. In my opinion, he's the finest in the Lehigh Valley and belongs on Pennsylvania's Superior Court.

Judge Giordano Appointed to Orphans Court Rules Committee

The term "Orphans' Court" is a bit misleading. It's the court with jurisdiction over most matters of estate administration, including the estates of decedents, trusts, minors and incapacitated persons. It also handles adoptions and the termination of parental rights. Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano presides over Orphans' Court, among his other duties. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court must like what it sees because it just appointed Judge Giordano to its Orphans' Court Procedural Rules Committee.

But he still is unable to overrule calls made by a basketball referee.

More Local Support For Giordano Bandwagon

FROM EMIL GIORDANO CAMPAIGN – The Emil Giordano for Superior Court Committee is proud to announce the endorsement of Lehigh Valley officials,
including Republican State Representatives Mark Gillen and Barry Jozwiak, Democratic Lehigh County Executive Tom Mueller, Republican Berks County Commissioner Christian Leinbach, Democratic Berks County District Attorney John Adams and former Republican Allentown Mayor William Heydt.

“I am incredibly grateful for the tremendous amount of bipartisan support my campaign has received and I am confident that working together we will be successful on Election Day,” Judge Giordano said.

Judge Emil Giordano is running for a seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Judge Giordano has been endorsed by the Republican Party of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, Pennsylvania Medical Society, National
Federation of Independent Businesses, Pennsylvanians for Effective Government, Le-Hampton Lodge 35 FOP, Allegheny County FOP, Queen City Lodge FOP, Scranton FOP, Pennsylvania Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), ABC Eastern Pa. Chapter and has earned the "recommendation” of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Firearms Owners Against Crime and LIFEPAC. Judge Giordano currently serves on
the Northampton Court of Common Pleas, a position he has held since 2003. Prior to being elected, Judge Giordano served as an assistant district attorney, assistant public defender, civil litigator and as lead counsel in his private law practice. Judge Giordano resides in Bethlehem with his wife Tina and his two sons, Joseph and Caden. For more information about Giordano’s campaign please visit EmilGiordanoforJudge.com.

Giordano Gets More Democratic Support

Judge Giordano and Steelworkers Prez Jerry Green

From the Emil Giordano Campaign: – The Emil Giordano for Superior Court Committee is proud to announce the endorsement of Lehigh Valley officials, including former Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, former Northampton County Executive and County Council Member Gerald Seyfried and Jerry Green, President of the United States Steelworkers, Local 2599.

“I have known and worked with Emil Giordano for more than 25 years,” said John Callahan. “Emil Giordano is an experienced, qualified and honorable judge and I know he will be an excellent addition to the Pennsylvania Superior Court."

Judge Giordano added, “I am proud of the broad coalition of that has joined together in support of my campaign and I am confident that working together we will be successful on Election Day.”

Giordano's My father-in-law and mother-in-law were proud members of the Steelworkers Union.

Judge Emil Giordano is running for a seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Judge Giordano has been endorsed by the Republican Party of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, Pennsylvania Medical Society, National Federation of Independent Businesses, Pennsylvanians for Effective Government, Le-Hampton Lodge 35 FOP, Allegheny County FOP, Queen City Lodge FOP, Scranton FOP, Pennsylvania Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), ABC Eastern Pa. Chapter and has earned the “recommendation” of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Firearms Owners Against Crime and LIFEPAC. Judge Giordano currently serves on the Northampton Court of Common Pleas, a position he has held since 2003. Prior to being elected, Judge Giordano served as an assistant district attorney, assistant public defender, civil litigator and as lead counsel in his private law practice. Judge Giordano resides in Bethlehem with his wife Tina and his two sons, Joseph and Caden. For more information about Giordano’s campaign please visit EmilGiordanoforJudge.com.

Pa Business Council Endorses Giordano For Superior Court

Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano, who has been visiting county after county across the state in his quest for a seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court, has received the important endorsement of Pennsylvania Business Council.

Unlike many endorsements, this one was unusually informative. David W. Patti, who is President and CEO of the PBC, points out that the 15 judges of the Superior Court only rarely sit together. Most cases are instead decided by three-judge panels. "An overall pro-business majority on a court is no guarantor of a pro-business majority among panelists," reasoned Patti. "That’s why it’s crucial we elect a well-qualified, experienced jurist like Emil Giordano to the Superior Court.”

Judge Giordano has served on the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas since 2003 and his background includes time as an ADA, a public defender and in private practice where he worked on civil law cases. It also includes a lot of selfless service to the community as a baseball and basketball coach, where he has helped mold many fine young men, including my grandson. He also knows a lot about the plight of small business owners because he worked in his father's pizza business while attending school.

He denies, however, that he is installing a pizza oven in his courtroom.

Patti said the Pa Business Council is confident that Giordano will always balance the rights and needs of plaintiffs and defendants fairly. “Judge Giordano’s parents emigrated from Italy and settled in the Lehigh Valley looking for the American Dream. He knows what hard work and tenacity it takes to achieve success. Judge Giordano will always be protective of the rights of Pennsylvania’s working families.”

The Pa Business Council decides who to support based on whether the candidate is friendly to the business community, regardless of party. This is the latest in a growing list of endorsements that include the Pa. State Troopers Ass'n, the Bethlehem FOP and the Le-Hampton FOP.

Judge Giordano Receives Another Police Endorsement

Last month, the Pennsylvania State Troopers' Association endorsed Judge Emil Giordano's bid for the Superior Court. That was followed quickly by Bethlehem's FOP. Now the Le-Hampton Lodge FOP, which represents 39 different police departments throughout the Lehigh Valley, has unanimously voted that Giordano is its choice on the Superior Court. President Gene Hatcher has sent this letter to Judge Giordano.

As President of Fraternal Order of Police Le-Hampton Lodge 35, it is an honor to inform you that our membership has voted unanimously to endorse you for Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Your track record and commitment to the safety of Pennsylvania’s citizens and law enforcement community are outstanding. Your continuing efforts and dedication to your profession have earned our support.

Bethlehem's FOP Endorses Judge Giordano For Super Court

Judge Giordano with a new American citizen

Last week, I told you that the Pennsylvania State Troopers' Association has endorsed Northampton County jurist Emil Giordano for a seat on Pennsylvania's Superior Court. You can now add Bethlehem's FOP, which represents police officers who serve Bethlehem. The law enforcement community believes Judge Giordano, who on the Superior Court will weigh in on many criminal cases, will consider the need for public safety and victims' rights when deciding on the merit of criminal appeals.

Giordano, who lives in Hanover Township with his wife and two sons, is also one of the best youth coaches in the Lehigh Valley.

PSP Endorse Judge Giordano

Bethlehem – The Emil Giordano for Superior Court Committee is proud to announce that Judge Giordano has received the endorsement of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association (PSTA).

“As a former Assistant District Attorney, I have the deepest respect and appreciation for the men and women in law enforcement who selflessly put themselves on the front lines to keep our streets and communities safe and I am honored to have their support in my race for Superior Court,” said Judge Giordano.

PSTA President Joseph R. Koval said, “As President of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association I am privileged to inform you that our members have unanimously endorsed your candidacy for Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court in the upcoming Pennsylvania Municipal Primary Election.”

Judge Emil Giordano is running for a seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Judge Giordano has been endorsed by the Republican Party of Pennsylvania and has earned the “recommendation” of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Judge Giordano currently serves on the Northampton Court of Common Pleas, a position he has held since 2003. Prior to being elected, Judge Giordano served as an assistant district attorney, assistant public defender, civil litigator and as lead counsel in his private law practice. Judge Giordano resides in Bethlehem with his wife Tina and his two sons Joseph and Caden.

The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association represents more than 8,000 active and retired State Troopers and seeks to endorse candidates who have the best interest of Pennsylvania and its law enforcement community at heart.

Giordano Gets ABC Endorsement

Superior Court candidate Emil Giordano, who currently sits on the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, has earned the endorsement of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Eastern Pa. Chapter.

“Giordano has demonstrated his strong commitment to community and free enterprise values. It is evident that he understands the construction industry and the merit philosophy that ABC represents,” said Mary Tebeau, President and CEO of the ABC Eastern Pa. Chapter.

Judge Giordano, first elected in 2003, has already received the endorsement of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania. he has also been recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

Judge Giordano has also served as an assistant district attorney, assistant public defender, civil litigator and as lead counsel in his private law practice. He resides in Bethlehem with his wife, Tina, and his two sons, Joseph and Caden.

If you were to ask him, he'd tell you his proudest accomplishment is his two sons, who are great kids. For years, son Joseph and niece Victoria Tesone collected used baseball and softball equipment to distribute to younger kids, making it possible for them to play.

His sons also have more common sense. Caden, for example, wants to be a doctor.

ABC Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter represents more than 14,000 merit construction employees who work for nearly 450 member companies. ABC was founded on the belief that construction projects should be awarded on merit to the most qualified and lowest responsible bidder. Nationally Associated Builders and Contractors is comprised of 70 chapters representing nearly 21,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms with nearly two million employees.

Judge Giordano Has a Party

Judge Giordano and his former law clerks

Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano, who has been criss-crossing the state in his quest for a seat on the Superior Court, had a chance to relax night with friends at the Hotel Bethlehem.It might have been a fundraiser, but Judge Giordano was only asking for ten. Not $10,000 or even $10. Ten votes.

So this Spring, I will have to vote for Judge Giordano ten times.As a Democrat, I'm used to that sort of thing.

I told people Judge Giordano had invited me to this event, and they bought it. I was able to wolf down three helpings of shrimp before security got wise and tossed me.

I love these judge events because they attract people from both parties, and they generally are very positive.

Lehigh County DA Jim Martin was there. Judge Giordano credited him as "running the best race possible - unopposed." NorCo Judge Paula Roscioli was there, and I wanted to get her picture just as my camera died. By the time I got new batteries in, she had vanished. Some say she jumped out a window when she saw me coming.

All three of the Northampton County judge candidates - Abe Kassis, Sam Murray and Vic Scomilio - were present. We are very lucky because any one of them would be excellent on the bench.

Jeff Kocsis (left) and Shawn Martell (right)

Bethlehem City Council candidates Shawn Martell and Jeff Kocsis got some special treatment. Like Judge Giordano and yours truly, they are graduates of both Becahi and Moravian.

City Council member Eric Evans was unable to make it, but his beautiful wife was there, and he should send her to all his functions. Eric had the best of all possible excuses for his absence. Baseball. For that reason alone, he deserves re-election. When his wife mentioned he was at baseball practice, Judge Giordano bowed his head, and I genuflected.

Robert Freedburg, former President Judge of Northampton County, has agreed to sign on as counsel to Judge Giordano's campaign committee. Former Judge Bill Moran has also endorsed Judge Giordno's campaign.  

The most touching part of the night was when Judge Giordano called on his former law clerks to come up with him. He had taught several of them at Moravian.

What's really appealing about Judge Giordano is that he is the same person he was when he was first elected. He has assumed no airs. At basketball and baseball games, people know him as Emil, not judge. I was talking to a fairly partisan democrat who sat on the jury twice for Judge Giordano. He could not get over how nice and decent a person he is. And he is, on and off the bench.

But what most don't know is that he is an excellent coach.  He brings out the best in young kids learning baseball or basketball. Unlike many of those involved in organized youth sports, he teaches the kids to have fun. The end result has been several championships.

Northampton County Welcomes 34 New Citizens

34 people fro 21 countries take the oath of allegiance to the United States

Thirty-four people from 21 different countries waited anxiously inside Northampton County's ceremonial courtroom on June 10. Though the Celtic harp music of Carol Thompson was soothing, some of them have had less than ideal relationships in their own countries of origin. But when Judge Emil Giordano walked into the courtroom, the first thing he did was call them "my fellow Americans."  Whether they were originally from Viet Nam or Russia, they are American citizens now. They were naturalized during a stirring ceremony that included a presentation of the colors by the American Legion, a terrific rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Wilson Borough vocalist Leah Kun, and even awards to grade school students who participated in a "My Favorite Place in America Contest."

Liberian native Betty Gaye waves a small American flag. 

When Liberian native Betty Tie Gaye was called the receive her papers, she stood bewildered. Then Judge Giordano took a few steps forward to welcome her into not just the well of the court, but into the giant melting pot known as America. He had good reason. He showed pictures of his father and grandfather, who came to this country from Italy in 1956, looking for a better life. "How brave these people were coming here and not knowing anyone, just like you."

Judge Giordano told these new citizens that his parents met while taking English classes. Though his father has passed away, he invited his mother to the ceremony and introduced his mother. He joked that Naturalization Court is the only time when everyone is happy after it's all over. He encouraged them to keep their cultural traditions. "We bring the best of each culture together," he said.

Rebecca Gelles, with the Daughters of the American Revolution, handed out flags and reminded them all to vote. "Voting is your absolute right and obligation as an American citizen," she said.

Easton Attorney Bill Murphy supported Father Deogratias Rwegasira's quest for citizenship. Originally from Tanzania, Fr. Deogratias is the Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Easton.

Bethlehem resident Marco Lu, who arrived from China 17 years ago, poses with wife Anna, daughter Katie and son Bryan.

New citizen Parmjut Kaur, who arrived from India 15 years ago, with her father, Duman. 

The tall and the small. Dionisia Arienda, who arrived from the Philippines eight years ago, poses with Judge Giordano.

Elizabeth Morales, from Our Lady of Perpetual Help, won an award from the Bar Association for a drawing of "My Favorite Place in America." St. Jane Frances de Chantal cleaned up with three awards to Joseph Karam, Alexandria Nehme and Caelan LaChance.