Billy O’Gurek and Beth Dodson are on the ballot for the next district justice in Panther Valley. Longtime judge Casimir T. Kosciolek is retiring at the end of this year.

The Magisterial district court 56-3-03 covers Lansford, Nesquehoning, Summit Hill, East Penn, and Mahoning.

Magisterial District Courts are the first level of court in the Pennsylvania legal system.

Magisterial District Judges - or MDJs, as they are called - preside over traffic ticket cases, landlord tenant evictions, civil cases below $12,000 in value, summary trials for minor criminal citations, as well as preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings (the first steps in most misdemeanor or felony criminal prosecutions).

The current salary for the position is $106,254.

Billy O’Gurek

Town: Summit Hill

Background: Summit Hill Borough Council Vice President; currently employed by Auditor General as Children & Youth Services auditor and previously as welfare fraud investigator and supervisor; high school football coach and former Little League coach and umpire; lifelong member and volunteer at St. Joseph of the Panther Valley; Bo Tkach Foundation, board of directors; Men of Marian and Marian Quarterback Club, Treasurer; Panther Valley Irish American Association, former President; Marian High School and King’s College graduate

Why you wish to become a district judge: Living in the Panther Valley my whole life, I’ve seen it undergo many changes. I have worked as volunteer for many different civic groups and have served as a borough official to help improve the quality of life for those in our town. As magisterial district judge I want to continue to work to make our communities safe and be a place that thrives.

Special strengths or background you feel you possess that would particularly qualify you for the position: I have successfully completed the Supreme Court’s Minor Judiciary Education Board certification course for prospective magisterial district judges, passing the examination in July. I am ready to assume the office on day one. As a borough official, I have seen the issues facing our communities first hand and have worked with our police department and code officials to help enhance our town.

What do you think the most difficult part of being a magistrate judge would be? How you are prepared to overcome the challenge: MDJs typically interact with people during challenging, difficult and sometimes sad times in their lives. I pride myself on being approachable, thoughtful and possessing the even temperament necessary to navigate this broad range of sometimes complex situations. As MDJ, I will have an understanding of these challenges and work with both crime victims and defendants to address their needs, while ensuring cases are adjudicated based on the evidence and the law.

An important task assigned to magistrate judges is resolving civil cases. Describe any experiences you have with mediation or settlement. Describe how your professional background has prepared you to step into the role of mediator: Some civil issues that appear before the Court are first brought to the attention of borough officials in an attempt at resolution. As a council member, I have encouraged cooperation between parties when issues develop and encourage both sides to take a logical approach to settlement. Professionally, I successfully completed the certification course where civil law and issues were a major component of the course preparing me to hear the issues that may arise.

Additional comments: I am qualified for the position and ready to assume the duties of the office on day one, evidenced by successfully completing the Supreme Court’s Minor Judiciary Education Board’ certification course. I have worked on council and as a community volunteer to help make our area a better place. As a magisterial district judge, I will make decisions based on the law and evidence provided and would appreciate your vote to be our next MDJ.

Beth A. Dodson

Town: Summit Hill

Background: I am the daughter of Jim Dodson and Liz (Yusella) Dodson. We lived in Lansford for most of my life and I graduated from Panther Valley High School in 2000. I earned my bachelor’s degree at Elizabethtown College and JD at Duquesne University School of Law, both magna cum laude. I am a licensed attorney, mediator, and judicial arbitrator. Endorsed by Fraternal Order of Police Schuylkill/Carbon Lodge #13; Union Iron Workers and Carbon County Register of Wills.

Why you wish to become a district judge: I understand the dire need to maintain the independence of our judicial system. For the past 17 years, I have argued cases on behalf of clients in courts across the country. I have seen the gross injustices that occur when politics enter a courtroom. I want to use my professional skills and experience to ensure that our district court is a place where cases are decided fairly, according to the law, and without political influence.

Special strengths or background do you feel you possess that would particularly well qualify you for the position: My professional training and legal acumen in (1) applying the law to a unique set of facts and evaluating a situation from multiple viewpoints; and (2) effectively determining the credibility of testimony. Equally important is my natural temperament and ability to demonstrate empathy and interact patiently with others. These skills will help to ensure that everyone feels their case was given the attention it deserves and they have been given a fair day in court.

What do you think the most difficult part of being a magistrate judge would be? How you are prepared to overcome the challenge: Adjusting from the whirlwind of excitement associated with campaigning to a much more isolated lifestyle. I have enjoyed - much more than I anticipated - socializing with new people and reconnecting with old friends. If elected, I must follow stringent rules that significantly limit a judge’s ability to engage in political and social activities. To help with this, I intend to seek advice from veteran judges on what activities are permitted that I may enjoy.

An important task assigned to magistrate judges is resolving civil cases. Describe any experiences you have with mediation or settlement. Describe how your professional background has prepared you to step into the role of mediator: In 2007, I obtained my certification as a mediator in civil and family cases from the Association for Conflict Resolution Academy of Family Mediators. Thus, I could effectively mediate any civil dispute that comes into the district court on day one in office. I have well over 100 hours of professional mediation training and also represented clients in numerous private, court mandated, and governmental agency mediations in a variety of civil matters.

Additional comments: To learn more about me visit www.dodsonforjudge.com or facebook.com/dodsonforjudge. While campaigning, I was shocked to learn how many people do not know their neighbors. Please, go introduce yourselves. Invite them to dinner. Let’s start the conversation about how to get our close-knit communities back. I assure you that you will have at least one thing in common - you both want to live in a safe place you are proud to call home.