LEWISBURG — Except for citing differences in their legal and administrative backgrounds, the three candidates vying for Union-Snyder judge in Tuesday’s primary election answered similarly every question they heard from an audience Wednesday night at a candidates’ forum.
Asked what characteristics are most important for a judge to have, Martin R. Wilson and Brian L. Kerstetter, both of Lewisburg, and Michael H. Sholley, of Middleburg, all said professionalism, integrity and knowledge of the law.
“Life experience is important too,” Sholley said. “Plus, a judge needs to be committed to his community, to seniors, to youths.”
Sholley, 52, touted that he has been Snyder County district attorney for 10 years.
Length of experience is important, said Wilson, 55, citing his 30 years as a lawyer in Lewisburg.
Kerstetter, 35, emphasized his 10 years of work as an attorney and solicitor for various Valley townships, including Gregg and Limestone.
The candidates said having an even, focused judicial temperament is important in providing all parties involved in disputes with the opportunity to advance their position fairly.
“The court should not dictate how each side presents their cases,” Sholley said.
Judges must not fly off the handle when sitting on the bench, Kerstetter said.
“You have to cut through your emotion and listen to the facts,” he said.
They also advocated the use of alternatives to incarceration, such as drug treatment courts.
“It works,” Sholley said. “If we treat the problem, we can be successful and save the taxpayers money.”
Wilson and Kerstetter said it was appropriate to use alternatives, but it was important for judges to make sure that if someone is not sent to jail, the public is still safe.
A questioner in the audience asked what the candidates thought about plea bargaining.
“Whether you like it or not, it’s necessary or the courts would be overcrowded,” Kerstetter said.
Sholley and Wilson shared similar sentiments.
“Plea bargains are negotiations,” Sholley said. “It’s how our legal system works.”
The 10-year position is for judge of the 17th Judicial District. It pays approximately $158,000 per year.
Approximately 100 people attended the forum at Lewisburg Area High School.
Sheriff candidates questioned
After the judicial candidates finished, Ernest R. Ritter, William R. Neitz Jr. and Jim Galbraith, the three candidates for Union County sheriff, were questioned about crime in the area.
They agreed that the influx of drugs into the county must be dealt with swiftly and harshly.
Asked about gang activity, the candidates said the best way to blunt their influence is to get inside information about them and also educate the public, especially young people.
“You need a network of information to keep two steps ahead of these individuals,” Neitz said.
Ritter, the acting Union County sheriff, said: “We are winning the war on drugs. We’re doing that by working with and assisting other agencies, state and federal.”
-- E-mail comments to rdandes@dailyitem.com
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