Schuylkill County Assistant District Attorney A.J. Serina has been recommended for the magisterial district justice vacancy formerly held by retired Judge James R. Ferrier.

Ferrier retired May 31 after 35 years. Senior Judge Richard Cashman is filling in until a replacement is confirmed.

Howard Merrick, chairman of the Schuylkill County Republican Committee, said members of the committee representing the 15 municipalities in then Ferrier’s district met at 7 p.m. Thursday at the New Ringgold Fire Company.

“We had two tremendous candidates,” he said of Serina and former Tamaqua Police Chief Rick Weaver.

The candidates talked about what they would bring to the job. Questions were asked of each.

“Both were well qualified. Both would make great district magistrates,” Merrick said.

A majority of the committee people attended the meeting. Most were in favor of Serina, he said.

Merrick said he called state Sen. David Argall, R-Schuylkill/Berks, with the recommendation. Argall said he will write a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf recommending Serina for the job.

‘He’s an excellent candidate to fill the vacancy,” Argall said.

Hugh Reiley, chairman of the Schuylkill County Democratic Committee, said Serina is a good choice.

“He is very highly regarded for the work he has done in the District Attorney’s office. I hope he carries the same work ethic and dedication to the district justice position,” he said.

District Attorney Michael O’ Pake did not return a call for comment.