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To The Editor:
I am writing to support Jeff Davis for Judge of Common Pleas Court. As we know there are three candidates, all Republicans, who have cross-filed. This means that even the Democrats in Mifflin County will put a Republican on the ballot in November.
This is why we need to look at all the candidates' qualifications. I have nothing bad to say about any of the three candidates. However, we just need to look at the facts.
Jeff Davis has been in law practice over ten years and has represented people in all aspects and areas of law covered by court jurisdiction. As he says, "Experience matters."
Just having a license to practice law does not mean you are the best choice for Judge. Facts matter. I believe Jeff Davis is the best candidate because of his unique, across the board experience.
Scott Searer
To The Editor:
My name is Alfred Hughes and I am writing this letter in support of Jonathan Reed for Judge of the Mifflin County Court of Common Pleas. Although I am not a native of Mifflin County, I have been a resident for over 50 years. I was the Director of the United Way for five years, served on the MCIDC board for many years, and received the Mifflin County Brotherhood award in 2001. I have also faithfully served in the Lewistown Kiwanis Club that I truly came to know him. I am urging all my friends and fellow Mifflin County residents to vote for Jonathan Reed for Judge of the Mifflin County Court of Common Pleas. A vote for Jonathan Reed is a vote for honesty, integrity and justice.
Alfred Hughes
To The Editor:
I am writing in support of Jeff Davis for Common Pleas Judge. I have known Jeff since he was seven years old. I saw him growing up as a fine young gentleman to become a true professional. I've known him as a Probation Officer, as a Lawyer, a private practitioner, an Assistant District Attorney and a client of his law office.
I hope people realize the real issue in this Judge campaign is the right experience for the job. Jeff has represented people in the office and the courtroom throughout his career. I do understand Jeff's campaign emphasis as him having the right experience in all the important areas.
I hope voters who do not personally know how good of a judge Jeff would make, look closely at the type of experience Jeff Davis has and cast their vote for a conservative, experienced candidate like Jeff Davis. Be sure to vote May 16.
Gilbert "Dusty" Rhoades
To The Editor:
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a "Judge" as; "One who gives an authoritative opinion." Wikipedia further provides; "The duties of a Judge requires that a Judge must be able to research and process extensive lengths of documents, witness-testimonies and other case material, understand complex cases and possess a thorough understanding of the law and legal procedure, which requires excellent skills in logical reasoning, analysis and decision-making."
A Court of Common Pleas Judge must possess these abilities. Every decision must be based on the facts of the case as decided by the Judge or Jury, the law exists in the Commonwealth, and the logical application of the facts and law by the Judge to the case at hand.
Once a case has been tried and verdict reached, a defendant may file an appeal to a higher court. A Court of Common Pleas Judge must first write an opinion in each case. In criminal cases, the appeal is first to the Pennsylvania Superior Court, with the final step being an appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. This appeal process involves the application of the facts at hand from each case and the law as it exists in the Commonwealth being reduced to written form, and oftentimes, argued before Pennsylvania Superior Court Judges or in limited cases, Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Jerry L. Wagner's track record has demonstrated that he possesses the abilities and qualifications required as a Judge, as set forth above, to effectively serve the citizens of Mifflin County as Judge. Mr. Wagner has appeared in the Court of Common Pleas of Mifflin County as Assistant District Attorney trying and securing criminal convictions in various types of criminal cases.
In those cases in which defendants have appealed, Mr. Wagner has written briefs to the Pennsylvania Superior Court and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He has appeared in both of these courts representing the Commonwealth to argue these cases. His record in doing so is an unblemished twenty-three (23) wins and zero (0) losses. In those cases that he has argued, he has secured three (3) precedential decisions. A precedential decision is one that "is considered authority for deciding subsequent cases involving similar facts, or similar legal issues." A precedential decision applies to every case with similar facts, or similar legal issues in every county in the Commonwealth. His track record in the Appellate Courts and his accomplishment of securing three (3) precedential decisions clearly indicates Mr. Wagner possesses a proven ability to "perform the duties of a Judge," as set forth above.
For reasons set forth above, my vote will be cast for Jerry L. Wagner as Common Pleas Judge of Mifflin County. I respectfully ask that each voter of Mifflin County will consider these "facts" when deciding on their vote for Judge.
Chris Torquato
To The Editor:
I am writing in support of Attorney Jerry Wagner for Court of Common Pleas Judge. I have known Attorney Wagner for 42+ years. Jerry and I attended Kish High School. In high school, Jerry always utilized very good common sense and moral judgment. Many years later, I have the opportunity to work with Attorney Wagner regularly in his position of Assistant District Attorney. Attorney Wagner still displays the attributes of a fair and conscientious friend and co-worker as an Assistant District Attorney, which are perfect skills for a Court of Common Pleas Judge. Attorney Wagner can go from a blue-collar to white-collar worker without any hesitation. In my 28 years as the victim witness coordinator, Attorney Wagner has shown tremendous empathy for victims. When Attorney Wagner is prosecuting a case involving victims, he also exhibits exceptional listening skills. Attorney Wagner also handles each case with care and compassion and not just another number. These qualities as well as his proven Court of Common Pleas and Appellate Court experience, in my opinion, make Attorney Wagner the best candidate for Court of Common Pleas Judge. Please join my family and me who will be supporting Attorney Wagner in his bid for Court of Common Pleas Judge.
Jami L. (Boring) Glick
To The Editor:
I am writing this letter in support of Jerry Wagner for Judge in the Court of Common Pleas of Mifflin County. I am retired after working 22 years in the District Attorney offices in Mifflin and Juniata Counties. I worked with Jerry Wagner and have first-hand knowledge of his ability, his character and his work ethic. I believe he would be the right choice for Judge in Mifflin County.
Jerry Wagner is currently the Assistant District Attorney and has held that position for the last eight years. This is a part-time position and while holding this office, Jerry continued to operate his family business, Fay L. Wagner Tire Retreading, in Yeagertown. Jerry has prosecuted over 1,000 criminal cases. He has successfully argued criminal appeal cases before the Superior Court and the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, amassing a 23-0 record. Jerry also holds three precedential decisions effectively creating state law. He has been the solicitor for the Mifflin County Domestic Relations office for eight years. He has 25 years of legal experience in the private sector including contracts, collections, franchise agreements, security interests and has worked with various State and Federal agencies. Jerry is a hard worker.
I agree with Mr. Molek in his letter appearing in The Sentinel on April 20, 2023; all three men running for the position of Common Pleas Court Judge are "nice guys." However, I believe Jerry Wagner to be the best choice for Judge in Mifflin County due to his ability, his experience and his proven record in the court system. Please vote on May 16 for Jerry Wagner for Common Pleas Court Judge.
Louise Rickert
To The Editor:
A big thank you goes to the acting Mifflin County Coroner, Andrea Alcalde, for sponsoring a continuing education program on March 21, 2023, at the Fame EMS station. This program allowed EMS personnel to receive free continuing education hours pertaining to EMS and the Coroner's office at crime scenes.
As volunteers, her commitment to the EMS community is greatly appreciated.
Jennifer Lynch, EMT, LPN