Lehigh Township Magisterial District Judge Robert A. Hawke is running unopposed in this May's primary election.

The Northampton County Voter Registration Office has indicated that Hawke is the only candidate who filed nominating petitions for the magisterial district position.

Hawke submitted petitions signed by registered voters, cross-filing as both a Democrat and Republican in the spring election.

The merger of the Lehigh Township-based magisterial district courts came about because of a lighter case load. The merger was prompted initially by the state supreme court that requested such mergers.

A decision will be rendered soon by Northampton County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Stephen Baratta concerning where the consolidated district judge's courtroom and office will be located.

Hawke's office is presently located in Lehigh Township. The Northampton minor judiciary courtroom and offices are located at Center and 21st streets, which also serves North Catasauqua.

Attorney Diane Marakovits held the district judge office in Northampton; however, she resigned in December to accept a senior district attorney post with Lehigh County District Attorney James Martin.

The Northampton courtroom is presently staffed by retired District Judge Joan Marinkovits.

Hawke is a retired Lehigh Township police officer and detective.

This is the second campaign he is running for elective office.