Two lawyers and a local business owner are vying for an open District Judge seat in the Collegeville area in one of the most contentious races in Montgomery County.The three candidates have cross-filed for the May 19 primary, so one of them could end up winning both Republican and Democratic nominations. The race is to replace Magisterial District Justice Benjamin R. Crahalla, who has reached the mandatory retirement age.
It's not common knowledge that you don't need a law degree or any legal background to hold a District Judge seat in Pennsylvania. The only requirement is winning an election and taking a course on legal basics offered by the state.
The job pays well -- $80,927 a year, with annual cost-of-living increases, plus a state pension, and you get to wear a black robe.
The two lawyers, Cathleen Kelly Rebar and Martin P. Dorminy are touting their legal and court experience. But the third candidate, Collegeville Borough Council President Teresa Stagliano, who also owns a local hair styling business, is considered the favorite because of her longtime ties to the community.
Let's face it. A hair stylist has more clients than lawyers. Don't be surprised if Stagliano wins this race next Tuesday or at the very least moves on to a November showdown with one of the lawyers.
The district justice presides over cases from the areas of Collegeville, Trappe, Lower Providence and parts of Upper Providence.
Carl Hessler Jr. has a full story on the race in today's edition of The Pottstown Mercury.
(Pictured from l-r: Stagliano, Rebar, Dorminy)
1 comment:
I agree completely Tony. Terrie has selflessly and voluntarily done so much for this community with nothing but the best interests of the residents in mind. She deserves this position more than anyone because of her commitment to her community which she has been a part of for over 30 years. She has helped so many people without being paid to do so or expecting anything in return. Like you said, you DO NOT need a law degree to hold this position. Crahalla, along with 80% of DJ's in PA are not lawyers. In my opinion, why would a lawyer want this position with the salary you mentioned, when, Im sure with their education they could be making so much more? If the answer is because they want to "continue helping their community", I suggest they start first. Im so glad you see what so many other area residents do, that Stagliano is without question, the clear choice for this community oriented position. She has run a clean, straight forward campaign without bad mouthing either of the other candidates. I am a part of her committee and have been involved with every aspect along the way, so I can attest to this. I cannot say the same for the Rebar campaign. Its really a shame to see happen when all Terrie has done throughout her 12 years serving this area is be an advocate for the residents. She has never done anything malicious to deserve some of the slander that has been thrown her way, but the best part is, she is standing strong through it all, and therefore proving even more why she is the best candidate for this position...standing strong through adversity, not turning to dirty tactics, and blatent lies for her own personal gain. If Rebar really knew this area, she'd know how much Terrie has done for it, back off and run a clean, fair campaign. But I guess that's hard since she has only lived here for about 6 years. People are tired of dirty politics. We want to see someone who is "real" in that position. Someone who will understand that people make mistakes sometimes and not everything needs to be "by the book" like a lawyer would. That is why I am supporting her 100% and am so glad you recognize all Terrie has done. SOrry this is so long, but we have all been biting our tongues for quite some time now.. Thank you.
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