Tuesday’s Election: Judgeship Recommendations
November 6th, 2005 by PapaSkaroffIt’s Election Day in Pennsylvania, Tuesday, Nov. 8. The big race in Philadelphia is for District Attorney, with Lynn Abraham expected to be re-elected. Most of the ballot, however, is devoted to local judgeship races.
The Philadelphia Bar Association, as a service to the community, investigates the judicial candidates and publishes their ratings. Here’s their description of the process:
The ratings by the [Bar Association's] 29-member Judicial Commission follow extensive study and investigation by the Commission’s own 120-member investigative division which includes 40 non-lawyer members. Candidates found Recommended satisfied a cumulative review of criteria including qualifications such as legal ability and training, trial experience, character and integrity, judicial temperament, mental and physical capacity and community involvement.
The Bar’s recommendations for Common Pleas and Municipal Courts:
•Judge of the Court of Common Pleas (Vote for not more than 8.)
*Recommended:
Susan I. Schulman (102, 202)
Marilyn Heffley (203)
Leon W. Tucker (104, 204)
Glenn B. Bronson (105, 205)
Ann M. Butchart (107)
Joyce Eubanks (207)
Charles J. Cunningham (108, 208)
NOT Recommended NOT:
Hon. Frank Palumbo
Lisette Shirdan
Hon. Walter J. Olszewski
•Judge of the Municipal Court (Vote for not more than 4.)
All 4 candidates are Recommended
*The numbers in parentheses appear on the ballot alongside the candidates’ names. The 100 series is for Democrats, the 200s, Republicans. Several candidates are listed in both parties; if you vote for them do so in only one party!
The Bar Association’s research was done for last May’s primary, when voters chose candidates for this week’s general election. Note that two of the “not recommendeds” are incumbent judges (Palumbo and Olszewski). It appears that the Bar is willing to make some important enemies when their candidate research leads then that way.
For a peek at the sample ballot, visit the Committee of Seventy, Philadelphia’s long-time elections watchdogs. Not sure where to vote? Use their polling place locator.
