The candidates are set for statewide judicial races. The Times takes a look at the candidates.
By Tom Waring
The lineup is set for statewide judicial elections.
Voters will elect candidates to Supreme, Superior and Commonwealth Court.
The Supreme Court race in the general election will feature Democrat Dwayne Woodruff and Republican Sallie Mundy, who are unopposed in the May 16 primary.
For four openings on Superior Court, the Democratic candidates are the endorsed slate of Geoffrey Moulton, Carolyn Nichols, Maria McLaughlin and Deborah Kunselman, along with William Caye.
The Republican candidates are the endorsed ticket of Craig Stedman, Paula Patrick, Wade Kagarise and Emil Giordano, along with Mary Murray.
For two openings on Commonwealth Court, the Democratic candidates are Todd Eagen, Joseph Cosgrove, Ellen Ceisler, Bryan Barbin, Walter Barry and Irene McLaughlin Clark. The party has endorsed only Eagen.
The Republican candidates are Christine Cannon and Paul Lalley. ••
In other political news…
Members of House seek answers on Iran nuclear deal
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-8th dist.) has joined 45 other members of the House of Representatives in seeking answers from Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, signed by the previous administration.
In the letter, the lawmakers congratulate Tillerson on his recent confirmation and swearing in as the 69th United States Secretary of State.
As members of the 115th Congress, they plan to monitor the deal.
“The nuclear deal with Iran, the world’s largest state sponsor of terror, was misguided from the start. But leading up to, and following its enactment, there have been serious concerns regarding its enforcement, stipulations and side deals,” Fitzpatrick said. “This bad deal was rammed through despite the bipartisan objection of Congress and an overwhelming majority of the American people. It’s time for the state department to set the record straight when it comes to this agreement so we can keep our country, and region allies like Israel, safe.”
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Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick released the following statement regarding the White House’s budget proposal:
“President Trump is a negotiator and, as such, this broad-stroke budget proposal should be treated as a starting point, not a final product. As a CPA, I appreciate the administration’s focus on fighting back against Washington’s overspending, and as a former counter-terror FBI agent, I appreciate the commitment to rebuild our military and support a robust foreign policy. However, I am very concerned about any proposed cuts to places like the EPA and State Department. We are requesting more information on the White House’s spending priorities — and I will fight for my own — during the upcoming budget debate.”
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In other news, Fitzpatrick was among 17 House Republicans who introduced a resolution calling for using American innovation to improve environmental policy.
They cited the “conservative principle to protect, conserve and be good stewards of our environment:”
“Washington needs independent voices now more than ever — especially when it comes to the environment and public health. The reality is, climate change is real and that humans are a contributing factor,” Fitzpatrick said. “Leaders on both sides of the aisle must take serious and reasonable steps to protect our planet. This resolution — as well as the work of the bipartisan Climate Solutions Caucus — both play a role in setting the table for meaningful discussion surrounding environmental policy in Congress and a starting point for beginning the dialogue with the administration regarding climate change. While there is room for debate and discussion on the issue, it is vital that we never politicize protecting our environment or let partisanship prevent Washington from accomplishing common goals.”
Fitzpatrick is one of 13 Republican members of the Climate Solutions Caucus.
The resolution calls for better environmental stewardship through “economically viable, and broadly supported private and public solutions to study and address the causes and effects of measured changes to our global and regional climates.”
David Jenkins, president of Conservatives for Responsible Stewardship, said, “The significance of this Republican climate resolution cannot be overstated. Real conservatives don’t deny reality, they face it. They don’t avoid problems, they tackle them head on. The resolution’s 17 initial cosponsors are stepping up on an issue that grows more urgent every day, and showing the prudent, fact-based — and yes, conservative — leadership our nation needs. We are grateful for this important first step.” ••
State rep to hold Senior Expo in Ivyland
State Rep. Scott Petri will hold a Senior Expo on Friday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road in Ivyland.
The event is an informational fair for citizens age 60 or older and their families and caregivers.
There will be exhibits, programs and materials concerning senior issues and services; more than 70 exhibitors, including representatives of state and county agencies; guest speakers; entertainment; door prizes; and refreshments.
Admission is free. No reservations are required. ••
Boyle wants campaign finance reform
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle introduced legislation to prevent members of Congress from personally asking for campaign contributions.
The bill is intended to have federal elected officials focus on serving their constituents rather than fundraising.
“The past election made absolutely clear that the American people are sick and tired of business as usual in Washington,” Boyle said. “They want a government that works for them, not special interests.”
The bill is cosponsored by Democratic Rep. Rick Nolan of Minnesota and Republican Rep. Walter Jones of North Carolina. ••
Overdose Prevention Town Hall is Friday
State Rep. John Galloway will hold an Overdose Prevention Community Town Hall on Friday, March 24, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Falls Township Municipal Building meeting room, 188 Lincoln Highway in Fairless Hills.
Free Narcan training will be available, courtesy of the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission. There will also be a drop box to properly dispose of unwanted and expired medications, including pills, capsules, ointments, liquids, nasal sprays, inhalers and pet medications. Needles and illegal drugs will not be accepted. There will be a discussion about the opioid epidemic and what can be done to address the problem.
The expert panel will feature Bucks County District Attorney Matthew Weintraub; Diane Rosati, executive director of the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission; Bryan Kennedy, chairman of the Bucks County Recovery House Association; Joel Rutkowski, chief operating officer of the Levittown/Fairless Hill Rescue Squad; Tim Philpot, project director for Pennsbury LYFT; Carol Rostucher, president of Angels in Motion; and representatives from the Gaudenzia Recovery Center and the Falls Township Police Department.
For more information, call 215–943–7206.
To report a drug dealer anonymously, call 215–345–3784. ••
Tom Murt gets new committee assignments
State Rep. Tom Murt (R-152nd dist.) has been reassigned to the House Human Services Committee.
“It is an honor to serve on the Human Services Committee, where I will focus on making sure adults with special needs receive the services they need,” Murt said.
Murt will also chair the subcommittee on mental health. Murt has also been assigned to the Children and Youth Committee, where he will consider legislation that impacts child protection issues, along with child day care services, infant/child/mother health issues, juvenile delinquency and adolescent and teen problems.
Murt will also serve on the Labor and Industry and Commerce committees. ••
