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)
Originally posted at TONY PHYRILLAS
