COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

Voters will choose two of three candidates on the ballot for judge of the Court of Common Pleas, Northampton County.

John M. Morganelli, Abe Kassis and Victor Scomillio are seeking the 10-year terms.

We asked the candidates:

What is the most important characteristic of a judge/magistrate?

Republican

Victor Scomillio

A judge must listen to facts and apply the law as written to guarantee the decision is free of political pressure, bias or popular trends; this ensures equal application of the law. For 20 years, I have advocated for clients in everything from adoptions to death penalty trials and know what citizens expect. As a law clerk for two years, I worked with judges on writing opinions and making decisions and know judicial temperament, legal acumen and judicial independence are necessary qualities. Three FOP lodges endorsed my campaign. Keeping our county safe is a priority.

Democrat/Republican Morganelli and Democrat Kassis did not respond.