Northampton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Emil Giordano returned to Northampton last Thursday to announce his candidacy for a second term on the county bench.

Giordano kicked off his first campaign 10 years ago at the same location in the borough.

With more than 400 people in attendance, the event at the Northampton Memorial Community Center took on the feel of a celebration and victory party, as a live band played and pizza of every variety was plentiful.

Superior Court Judge Jack Panella was also present. The former Northampton County jurist and Giordano are seeking re-election via the state's retention system for sitting jurists.

"I'm running against myself," Giordano said in brief remarks to the audience.

He told the crowd voters going to the polls will vote "yes" or "no' on the November ballot on his candidacy. The large crowd showed their support for Giordano and Panella.

Giordano, who has served on the bench for 10 years, has served in many judiciary roles within the juvenile, criminal, civil and domestic court systems.

A Bethlehem Catholic High School graduate, Giordano received his bachelor's degree from Moravian College and his law degree from Villanova University.

No stranger to Northampton, Giodano served as borough and council solicitor until his election to the bench.

He travels to the borough occasionally and he has served as the principal speaker at the Colonel John Siegfried Elementary School D.A.R.E. graduation exercise, as well as the annual December dinner meeting held by the borough.

Among borough officials and others greeting Giordano on Thursday were Council President John Yurish, Councilmen Ed Pany and Keith Piescienski, Mayor Thomas Reenock, Public Works Supervisor Steve Gerny, borough Solicitor William McCarthy, former Councilman Richard Ackerman, Rep.Julie Harhart (R-183rd), and a host of others in attendance.