MY TAKE ON WASHINGTON PROTHONOTARY, DA & JUDICIAL ELECTIONS

The upcoming Washington County general election has a profound effect on my profession as an attorney.  The Prothonotary’s office because of its obscure name is the stuff of bad jokes and funny political cartoons.  Perhaps one out of 25 voters can tell you where to find the office or explain what it does.  Yet, in the legal community, this office is the procedural hub for every civil document we prepare and file.  Lawyers need a Prothonotary’s Office that is accessible, informative, friendly and professional.  In my experience, Washington County has one of the best in Southwestern Pennsylvania, under the auspices of Phyllis Matheny.  The office certainly does not require new leadership from a career politician looking to upgrade his take from the public watering hole or to advance his political standing.

            The District Attorney’s office, on the other hand, does require the proverbial “rearranging of the furniture.”  The office needs a stable long term professional DA, with extensive knowledge of criminal law and administration, who is not part of the existing regime.  The new DA must look under every rock (and desk) to determine the most effective and efficient way to run the office.  The candidate who deserves your support must keep the office transparent, free from political decision making and provide the public with dedication to “best practices” not “doing it the old way.”  I believe that David Dicarlo is the candidate who will bring sunlight and a broom to the office of District Attorney.

Lastly, is the race for Judge, Court of Common Pleas. Much of my practice is in family law.  My bias is for the candidate with a strong background in domestic relations law.  More citizens come into contact with the court through family and juvenile cases than any other area.  As the former Administrator of the Allegheny County Family Court, I would like to see a newly elected judge willing to make a career managing family law cases.  I believe that Gary Gillman is such a candidate.  He has the knowledge and energy to put programs in place in family court that will be well received by lawyers and the public.  He has the commitment to stay in family court to make sure there is consistency and longevity.

While I do not serve on the committees of any of the above candidates, I have contributed to their campaigns. No need to take my word on any of the above.  Simply ask any lawyer who practices in Washington County.  After all, the court house is where we work and we really do want the best for all of us.