Four candidates are running for the position of magisterial district judge for Hellertown borough and Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County, in Tuesday’s primary election. They are James W. Hill, Robert F. Mateff Sr., Alan R. Mege and David A. Repyneck.
All four candidates are cross-filed in the May 16 primary, which means their names will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. The winner or winners of each party’s ballot will appear on the ballot in the general election in November.
Saucon Source recently put out a request for questions for the candidates and received several from readers, which they have answered in addition to questions from the editorial staff.
Their responses to these questions are below, in alphabetical order.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. To find your polling place, use the PA Department of State’s online polling place locator.
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JAMES W. HILL
Attorney and Hellertown borough councilman James W. Hill is a candidate for the position of Magisterial District Judge for Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.
1. What do you think is the single most important qualification for a magisterial district judge, and why?
The most important qualification is an attorney with a high moral and ethical character. Knowledge of the law, honesty and integrity are important when fairly deciding each case. I won’t take shots at the other candidates, and attempt to mislead the voters. Another candidate claimed to be the “most independent,” because he “pledged” not to accept donations. My pre-primary campaign finance report is filed and is public record. All campaign donors are identified. I have only accepted donations from immediate family and close friends, and I would be required to recuse myself from cases involving them anyway.
2. If you are a practicing attorney, do you plan to give up your practice if you are elected magisterial district judge? Why or why not? If you do plan to continue practicing, approximately how many hours per week do you plan to devote to your law practice?
I have pledged from the outset of my campaign that I would close my practice to avoid any potential conflict of interest and focus my full-time attention on being the Magisterial District Judge. The other attorney candidate has not made this pledge! His website states he handles bankruptcy law. Our previous district judge handled a lot of bankruptcy cases as well. Trying to do both jobs, will result in not doing justice to either one. The PA code of judicial conduct states that judges should not practice law. Although this requirement doesn’t apply to district judges I believe that it should!
3. What personal trait or professional achievement do you think most sets you apart from the other candidates, and why?
I graduated from Lehigh University and Penn State-Dickinson School of Law, and have practiced law since 2000. I volunteer time and provide free legal services for those in financial need. Not only do I have the necessary legal knowledge, and experience, but I know the community and its people. I’m dedicated to justice by volunteering at my church, serving on Borough Council and several non-profit organizations. My commitment to community and dedication to justice make me the clear choice to be an exceptional Magisterial District Judge.
4. A common theme shared by those running for MDJ in Saucon Valley this campaign has been an expressed desire to restore integrity to and trust in the district judge’s office. How do you plan to accomplish this?
Only one candidate expressed a desire to “restore” anything to the district court. I would never make this my campaign focus. To my knowledge, the District Court is not lacking in any attributes and has my full trust and respect. To suggest a desire to “restore” integrity and trust means you reached your decision in the case of our former District Judge (David W. Tidd), and court staff. This case is still pending! The PA Code of Judicial Conduct states that a judge, or candidate for judicial office, should not make any public comment about a pending proceeding in any court.
ROBERT F. MATEFF SR.
1. What do you think is the single most important qualification for a magisterial district judge, and why?
Robert Mateff is a former Northampton County Deputy Sheriff and a candidate for Magisterial District Judge for Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.
A continual sense of impartiality within the community. The individual is presiding over our local court and should be representative of the local community. Having served in multiple roles in our community, I have a deep rooted understanding of our values and priorities for public safety.
2. Have you completed the state certification test for non-attorney candidates for district judge? If yes, when? If no, when do you plan to take it? If elected, will you continue to work at another job, and if so, how many hours per week do you expect to devote to your other occupation?
The certification process begins in June with the Minor Judiciary Education and Training Board. Once elected Magisterial District Judge, I will solely work on behalf of the people of Hellertown, Lower Saucon and the community I have cherished for my entire life. Respect for the courtroom, the law and every resident will be paramount. That is why I will be committed to serving the public full-time. Again, public service is a public trust.
3. What personal or trait or professional achievement do you think most sets you apart from the other candidates, and why?
My experience as a Deputy Sheriff and public safety professional. As Deputy Sheriff I made criminal arrests; served and enforced protection orders; and served and executed civil cases. This experience coupled with credentials as a public safety professional has trained me to listen to the totality of information and make fair and impartial decisions.
4. A common theme shared by those running for MDJ in Saucon Valley this campaign has been an expressed desire to restore integrity to and trust in the district judge’s office. How do you plan to accomplish this?
I have always believed that public service is a public trust. As a result, that trust and the truth is always at the heart of one’s integrity. The only way to gain a clear pathway to the truth in any case is by exercising sound and impartial judgment every day in the courtroom. That is how I will restore integrity to this judicial position.
ALAN R. MEGE
Bethlehem attorney Alan Mege is a candidate for Magisterial District Judge in Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.
1. What do you think is the single most important qualification for a magisterial district judge, and why?
Knowledge of the law and rules. A Magisterial District Judge makes important decisions that affect the lives of citizens every day, and a knowledgeable and experienced Magisterial District Judge is essential. Whether it is issuing a ruling in a civil case involving hundreds to thousands of dollars, determining a defendant’s guilt or innocence or making determinations on whether or not a criminal offender’s case is bound over for trial, a keen legal mind makes all the difference. As an attorney, arbitrator and having worked for two county judges, I am uniquely qualified to decide both civil cases and effectively deal with criminal offenders that threaten our community.
2. Do you plan to give up your practice if you are elected magisterial district judge? Why or why not? If you do plan to continue practicing, approximately how many hours per week do you plan to devote to your law practice?
As a Magisterial District Judge, my obligations to that position will be my top priority. I pledge my complete and undivided devotion to the position of Magisterial District Judge, as the safety of our community is of paramount importance to my family and yours. As an attorney in private practice for nearly 20 years, I have learned how to efficiently manage my time and to judiciously prioritize tasks and responsibilities. I plan on closing the bulk of my private practice except for a small clientele and the pro bono work I do so that the job of Magisterial District Judge always comes first while still helping people with their legal issues.
3. What personal or trait or professional achievement do you think most sets you apart from the other candidates, and why?
I am fortunate to have a wide range of legal experience and training…from my degree in Administration of Justice from Penn State University to my law degree from the The Dickinson School of Law. I have had the privilege of serving as a judicial law clerk for judges at the Court of Common Pleas level and worked with those judges to address and resolve wide-ranging civil and criminal legal issues. In serving as both a County Court and a Better Business Bureau Arbitrator, I have been charged with reviewing evidence presented by litigants and rendering a decision based on that evidence. Having been on the Board of Directors for the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, I am also well aware of the drug issues facing our community. Finally, with almost 20 years of legal and court room experience, I have handled tens of thousands of court proceedings at the Court of Common Pleas and MDJ Levels.
4. A common theme shared by those running for MDJ in Saucon Valley this campaign has been an expressed desire to restore integrity to and trust in the district judge’s office. How do you plan to accomplish this?
Money, politics and favors should not decide court cases, the law should. As the only candidate for Magisterial District Judge who has not solicited or accepted financial contributions to my campaign, I will not owe allegiances or favors to anyone. I can decide each and every case based on the law and the law alone. That is my pledge to each and every voter.
DAVID A. REPYNECK
1. What do you think is the single most important qualification for a magisterial district judge, and why?
David A. Repyneck is a former criminal justice professional, veteran and candidate for Magisterial District Judge for Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township.
I think that the single most important qualification is experience in the criminal justice system. Over 65 percent of the cases/issues that come before a Magisterial District Judge are related to the criminal justice system, whether a summary/traffic offense and hearing, preliminary arraignment, preliminary hearing, search warrants and/or setting bail. Criminal justice professionals/former law enforcement officers have more experience in these areas than attorneys due to the nature of their jobs. Attorneys may attend hearings and argue on their client’s behalf, however they do not have significant experience in the decision-making process regarding warrants, pre-sentence investigations, sentencing guidelines, sentencing and bail recommendations/conditions. As a former probation officer I have extensive experience in all of these areas. As a professor of criminal justice, I instruct students on the criminal justice system and how it works, including at the Magisterial District Judge Level.
2. Have you completed the state certification test for non-attorney candidates for district judge? If yes, when? If no, when do you plan to take it? If elected, will you continue to work at another job, and if so, how many hours per week do you expect to devote to your other occupation?
I received my certification in August 2015. I completed my re-certification in June of 2016. I completed my continuing education requirement in December 2016. I am currently certified to hold the office and my certification is good through July of 2018. If elected I will resign from my teaching position at the Lehigh Carbon Community College’s Jim Thorpe campus.
3. What personal trait or professional achievement do you think most sets you apart from the other candidates, and why?
My personal trait that sets me apart is my work ethic. Having served in the military and as a former law enforcement officer I am used to being held to a higher standard. I understand the need to meet deadlines and perform my duties in a professional manner. I work to standard, not to time. Having deployed twice in my military career, I am used to working long hours in austere conditions to get the job done. My professional achievement that sets me apart would have to be my successful deployment to Iraq. While deployed I received an Army Achievement Medal for back-filling an Active Duty Public Affairs Officer for a month. In addition, I was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for my service and the contributions to overall mission by my unit led to a Meritorious Unit Citation.
4. A common theme shared by those running for MDJ in Saucon Valley this campaign has been an expressed desire to restore integrity to and trust in the district judge’s office. How do you plan to accomplish this?
I disagree that this is a common theme by all who are running. My whole campaign plan since last year has been predicated on restoring honor, integrity and respect to the Office of Magisterial District Judge. That has been the theme of my whole campaign, more so than any other candidate. If you look at the press releases from the candidates running, Mr. Mateff and I were the only ones who mentioned anything about an integrity issue with the current ongoing situation affecting our Office of Magisterial District Judge. I plan to restore honor, integrity and respect to the office and our district through accountability, professionalism and dedicated service. I intend to hold people accountable for their actions–not only the people who come before me but also law enforcement officers, attorneys, my staff and myself. The Magisterial District Judge and staff must be held to a higher standard and perform their duties in a professional manner, with respect, and in accordance with laws. If elected, I will dedicate the time necessary to perform the duties of the position in a professional manner free of any outside interests. This will be my only professional priority.
