DEMOCRAT

JOHN STOFFA

REPUBLICAN

No candidate

COUNTY COUNCIL (AT LARGE)

Candidates were asked:

What do you view as the major issue in this campaign and how will you address it if elected?

(Vote for not more than five; 4-year term)

DEMOCRAT

CHARLES M. DERTINGER

DOB: 1968

EDUCATION: Labor Relations, Empire State University

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Project Manager, Electrician

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Northampton County Councilman, Chairman Open Space Committee, Member of Economic Development Committee, liaison for emergency management and farmland preservation; Vice-chairman Washington Township Planning Commission; former member Board of Directors, Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley; former Chairman, Northampton County Election Commission.

RESPONSE: I have been blessed to have been elected a Northampton County Councilman and during these tough economic times I will use my experiences to continue work to make Northampton County a place where Homeowners and Seniors can afford their property taxes, where young people will want to stay and raise their families, where our farmlands and open spaces are preserved for generations to come and where businesses will grow and help revitalize our great communities.

DEBORAH L. HUNTER

DOB: 1958

EDUCATION: BA Historical Studies, Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA; Secondary Education Certification, Social Studies, Moravian College

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Social studies teacher, Northampton HS

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 10 years Nazareth School Board; Numerous awards for service to education; Civic volunteer of the year Binney & Smith 1997

RESPONSE: Productivity and results achieved for the citizenry of Northampton County have been hampered by obstructionist behaviors and downright incivility. Spending tax dollars wisely and following a vision for the county’s future development should be kept squarely in focus. Preservation of farmland and open space balanced with smart economic development should be priorities as well as proper funding of children and youth services to move the quality of life in the county in a positive direction.

WILLIAM E. WALLACE

DOB: 1956

EDUCATION: 2002, Gratz College, M.Ed., 1980, Penn State, Bachelor of Fine Arts/Ed. Certification; 1977, Montgomery Community College, AA

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Teacher, Pennridge School District, South Middle School

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Chairperson, 145th Democratic Committee 1996-2001; Ways and Means Committee chairperson - Easton Area Democratic Committee 2002-present; Candidate Northampton County Council, Region 2, 2007

RESPONSE: I believe that Northampton County Council needs to overcome petty bickering and personal agendas to move Northampton County forward. The present log jam of a split council needs to be overcome, enabling council to effectively deal with renovating Gracedale, prisoner rehabilitation, open space, and farmland preservation. A minority of members of council have been holding it back from initiating progressive policies that will help make Northampton County a leader in efficient and effective government.

LORRAINE M. PASQUALI

EDUCATION: 2008, Muhlenberg College, B.A Political Science

OCCUPATION: Political Consultant

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Managed small business, 5 years; Board member/volunteer coordinator for SouthSide Film Institute, 1 year; Communications Director for Lehigh Valley Democratic Coalition, 4 years

REPUBLICAN

PEG FERRARO

DOB: 1939

EDUCATION: 1961, Kutztown University, BS in Education; Graduate credits at Lehigh and Temple Universities

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired educator English department Nazareth schools; part time executive director Nazareth Blue Eagle Education Foundation

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Former Lower Nazareth Township supervisor, treasurer, planning commission, and chairman of zoning hearing board. Presently Northampton County Council at-large (14 years).

RESPONSE: Providing Northampton County residents with the best services for the least amount of tax dollars is always the major issue in any government entity's mission.  How this can be accomplished is by a constant striving for efficiency and prevention.  Through early intervention of many kinds costlier end need services can be abated.

JOHN CUSICK

DOB: 1966

EDUCATION: Lehigh University, BA, math and history; East Stroudsburg University, M.Ed., secondary education; County Government Academy courses

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Teacher

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Northampton County Council, 4 years; chairman personnel committee; member of finance and open space committees; Williams Township supervisor, 4 years; experience balancing budgets, negotiating contracts, funding capital projects, emergency services, and farmland preservation

RESPONSE: Council must work with the administration to produce fiscally responsible budgets that maintain core government functions and preserve programs that serve citizens.  Within that framework: adequately fund human services and Gracedale nursing home renovations.  Retain and promote qualified court services and emergency management employees.  Keep dedicated funding for open space and farmland preservation.  Provide rehabilitation programs that reduce prison costs and overcrowding.  Continue progress on affordable bi-county health department and support job creating economic development.

BRUCE A. GILBERT

No response.

TOM DIETRICH

DOB: 1969

EDUCATION: 1999, Ocean Country College, Associates in computer science; 1999, Thomas Edison State College, Associates in nuclear engineering technology

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Home inspector with ABC Inspection Services, Inc. Emergency Medical Technician.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 8+ years experience business owner/operator; Member of Hellertown’s Zoning Hearing Board; Former treasurer of volunteer fire company

RESPONSE: Unprofessional conduct. For years we have seen attempts to award contracts to the highest bidder, corporate welfare with taxpayers’ dollars, and political paybacks, etc. I will address these issues by applying the two things I learned in business: customer service and fiscal responsibility. They are the keys to running any organization, and meeting the defined needs of our county’s citizens. No more pet projects, multi-million dollar bonds to decorate windows and personal spaces.

BARBARA A. THIERRY

DOB: 1949

EDUCATION: High school

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired small business owner

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Bushkill Planning Commission, 3 years (current); 1985-2005 owned and managed two small businesses – 35 employees, 21 commercial and residential properties

RESPONSE: I am concerned about the current issues facing county government, which point to increased spending, higher taxes, and prolonged debt.  We cannot raise taxes. I would be willing to make the hard decisions to work within our budget.  I've had to do this in my life and my business when times were hard.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

JUDGE OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

(Vote for not more than Three; Ten-year term)

Candidates were asked: The Judicial Conduct Board handles complaints about sitting judges filed by the general public. The Board reviews the complaints and if necessary, action can be taken by the Court of Judicial Discipline. How do you think this system of judicial oversight is working? Does it meet the public’s need for assurance that justice is being served?

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

LEONARD ZITO

DOB: 1943

EDUCATION: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Grammar School; Bangor High School; University of Scranton (1968), BS; Villanova University School of Law (1971), JD

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Judge (Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County)

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Attorney 1971-2008; Chief Public Defender 1998-2004; Northampton County Council Solicitor 2006-2008; Municipal Solicitor 1984-2008

RESPONSE: The Judicial Conduct Board was created by the Pennsylvania Constitution as an independent board consisting of 12 persons, including judges and non-lawyer electors.  The board disciplines, removes and deals with issues regarding the retirement of judicial officers.  The legislature should consider an extension to the time limitations for considering complaints to permit the board to consider complaints arising from acts or omissions occurring more than 4 years prior to the date of the complaint.

MICHAEL J. KOURY

www.kouryforjudge.com

DOB: 1968

EDUCATION: 1990, Moravian College, BA magna cum laude (class rank 9 out of 327); 1993, Villanova University School of Law, Juris Doctor (member of Villanova Law Review)

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Magisterial district judge and attorney-at-law

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Magisterial district judge for more than 11 years and a practicing attorney for more than 15 years.

RESPONSE: By allowing members of the public to file complaints, including anonymous complaints, against a sitting judge, I believe the current system of judicial oversight assures the public that justice is served. Complaints received are thoroughly reviewed for possible violations. As a sitting magisterial district judge, I am well aware of the rules set forth in the Code of Judicial Conduct and make certain that my actions are in strict conformity with these rules.

DEMOCRAT

BARBARA L. HOLLENBACH

www.votebarbara.com

DOB: 1953

EDUCATION: 1975, Penn State, BA, Phi Beta Kappa; 1978, Dickinson School of Law, JD, cum laude

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Attorney

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: With almost 30 years of experience in trying cases, I have a solid foundation in the law and the fairness, impartiality, and good judgment necessary to preserve the integrity of our court.

RESPONSE: Although no system is perfect, Pennsylvania’s judicial discipline system works well. It protects those who file complaints from retaliation, and judges from publicity associated with unfounded accusations.  It permits public scrutiny of charges heard by the Court of Judicial Discipline.  The public can best be assured that justice is served by electing as judges individuals with experience, impartiality, judgment, and temperament needed to preserve the integrity and independence of the courts.

REPUBLICAN

CRAIG A. DALLY

DOB: 1956

EDUCATION: 1978, Lafayette College, AB Economics and Business; 1988, Villanova University, Juris Doctor

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Attorney/state legislator

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Attorney at law, 20 years. Former assistant county solicitor, solicitor for Northampton County Sheriff’s Department, register of wills, prison commission, clerk of criminal and civil court. Pennsylvania House of Representatives, 7th term. House Judiciary Committee.

RESPONSE: In Luzerne County, two judges pled guilty for receiving kickbacks for sending children to a favored juvenile detention center, clearly demonstrating the current system of judicial oversight needs refinement. We need a better system to inform the public how complaints should be filed and a better investigatory process utilized by the Court of Judicial Discipline to screen frivolous claims. The integrity of our justice system demands that our judges have the highest ethical standards.

RETENTION ELECTION

Voters are asked to vote Yes or No on the question whether they want to retain Kimberly McFadden
for an additional ten years as a judge on the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas.

KIMBERLY McFADDEN

RESPONSE: The Judicial Conduct Board and Court of Judicial Discipline were created to provide independent review of disciplinary issues of judges. Its composition of nonlawyers and members of the public assures fair and unbiased examination of judicial misconduct. Thorough review by this body permits effective punishment of misconduct in office. This system, as approved by the electorate, is functioning well.

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGES

Candidates were asked: The Judicial Conduct Board handles complaints about sitting judges filed by the general public. The Board reviews the complaints and if necessary, action can be taken by the Court of Judicial Discipline. How do you think this system of judicial oversight is working? Does it meet the public’s need for assurance that justice is being served?

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 03-2-01

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

(cross-filed)

ROY MANWARING

DOB: 1963

EDUCATION: 1986, Lehigh, BA; 1989, Ohio Northern College of Law, JD

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Self-employed attorney and part time assistant district attorney

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Based on my experience as a practicing attorney for approximately 20 years and as an assistant district attorney for the past eight years.

RESPONSE: As far as I can tell, the system in place to adjudicate complaints against sitting judges is functioning as intended and thus hopefully is meeting the public's need for assurance that justice is, in fact, being served.

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 03-2-04

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

(cross-filed)

DAVID TIDD

DOB: 1969

EDUCATION: 1997, Villanova, BA; 2001, Temple University School of Law, JD

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Attorney

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Attorney, 8 years; handled over 1000 civil and criminal cases; member Northampton County Bar Association; trial experience to verdict including major felonies; operate own private practice; well versed in law pertaining to cases which come before a district judge

RESPONSE: As an officer of the court, I share the responsibility for the quality of justice and believe our system, which allows broad citizen input, is mostly effective. The public's need for assurance is only satisfied if they themselves, attorneys and members of the judiciary itself, participate in this system. We must always strive for high standards of justice, accountability, and transparency. Without the honesty and impartiality of our judiciary, true justice is not possible.

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 03-2-05

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

GAY L. ELWELL

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 03-2-07

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

DIANE M. MARAKOVITS

DOB: 1964

EDUCATION: 1982, Northampton High School; 1987, The Pennsylvania State University, BS; 1990, American University Washington College of Law, JD

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Chief deputy district attorney

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Immediately qualified; member of the Pennsylvania Bar, 16 years; prosecutor Lehigh County District Attorney’s office, 12 years; Experience in criminal and civil law; extensive courtroom experience

RESPONSE: It is outstanding that the general public has an avenue to address any potential misconduct by a judge. This system insures that judges are held accountable to all the people that they serve. The system works well when people in the community are willing to use it. As magisterial district judge, I will strive to serve my community as best I can and be accountable to them for the job that I do.

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 03-2-09

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

JACKIE TASCHNER

DOB: 1955

EDUCATION: 1983, George Mason, BS; 1989, Georgetown, JD

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Assistant district attorney

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Assistant district attorney, 7 years; Private practice (civil, criminal defense), 13 years; Judicial law clerk, 2 years; FBI laboratory, 14 years (understand forensic evidence); Knowledge of rules of court, procedure, and evidence

RESPONSE: Traditionally, the position of Magisterial District Judge is not required to be full-time. Palmer Township, Forks Township, and Tatamy Borough are growing communities and would benefit from the services of a full-time Magisterial District Judge. If elected, I would serve these communities on a full-time basis and would not have other employment or business interests.

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 03-2-10

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

(cross-filed)

NANCY MATOS GONZALEZ

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 03-2-12

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

MICHAEL J. KOURY Jr.

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE 03-3-01

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

ROBERT A. HAWKE

DOB: 1961

EDUCATION: 1979, Pope John High School, Sparta New Jersey; 1982, Kutztown University, BS Criminal Justice; 1982, Allentown Police Academy

CURRENT OCCUPATION: 1983-present Lehigh Township Police, currently a detective

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: I have 27 years of experience in law enforcement. Member of Northampton County Drug Task Force, Lehigh Valley DUI Task Force, PA DUI Association

RESPONSE: The board is comprised on 12 members three of which are judges; three are lawyers, and six non-lawyers, all of which live in Pennsylvania. The members are chosen by the Governor and Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The board is very diverse, which I feel they are able to review complaints brought by the general public and make an impartial decision if the complaint should be dismissed or further investigation to determine if charges are warranted.

County Executive; County Council; Judges, Common Pleas Court; Magisterial District Judges