Editorial: Judicial endorsements

With Luzerne County judges headed to prison for jailing juveniles in a kickback scheme, Pennsylvania judicial candidates in the May 19 primary are talking openly about a crisis of confidence in the state's judiciary. Now, voters can do something to help restore faith in the courts.

They get their chance in the statewide contests to nominate three appellate judgeships. Voters should focus on candidates who exemplify independence, integrity, and legal insight.

The key race is for one vacancy on the state Supreme Court, whose seven justices not only have the last word on state law but also have direct control over the entire state court system.

In recent months, the high court's own lackadaisical pace in intervening on behalf of teens railroaded by the now-disgraced Luzerne judges triggered criticism. Beyond that, the court has struggled for years against the perception that political winds can shape hot-button decisions - like its blessing of slots gambling. The willingness of justices to schmooze at political events, such as the annual Pennsylvania Society gathering, hasn't helped.

Whoever wins a three-way Republican primary will face off in the fall against Democratic candidate Jack Panella, a Superior Court judge from Easton who has no primary opponent.

Each of the GOP candidates - Superior Court Judge Joan Orie Melvin and Superior Court Judge Cheryl Lynn Allen, both from the Pittsburgh area, and Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Paul Panepinto - were given the state bar association's "highly recommended" rating. As a group, they are accomplished and veteran judges clearly up to the job.

Melvin, 53, who has her party's endorsement, is making her second run at a Supreme Court seat during a decade-plus tenure as a highly productive appellate judge. She portrays herself as a reformer who refused to keep the controversial 2005 judicial pay raise that triggered voters' ouster of Russell M. Nigro from the Supreme Court. Melvin's extensive political ties include her sister, state Senate Republican Whip Jane Orie (R., Allegheny).

Panepinto, 59, a city judge since 1990, gained administrative experience running Family Court. He developed a truancy program lauded by the bar association as a national model.

The third contender has to be regarded as the outsider, but it's a particular strength that makes CHERYL LYNN ALLEN the preferred GOP nomination choice.

Allen, 61, was an Allegheny County judge for 16 years until her election to the Superior Court - a tenure during which she gained extensive experience in juvenile law. The bar association pointed to "her scholarly and thoughtful opinions, intellect, work ethic, and passionate commitment to furthering justice." The judge first held court in a Pittsburgh elementary school, where she taught for three years before getting her law degree at the University of Pittsburgh.

On the campaign trail, Allen has been open about her born-again Christianity, but says she looks to her faith to "keep me honest, to function and operate with integrity" and that her courtroom decisions are "based on the letter of the law." What further distinguishes Allen as a potential justice is her avowed refusal to go along to get along.

When filling seats on the state's busy second-tier appellate bench, Superior Court, judicial experience is a plus - and all three Democratic standouts now serve as county judges.

In a six-way Democratic primary, the best choices happen to be the party-endorsed slate: Allegheny Common Pleas Judge ROBERT J. COLVILLE; and Philadelphia Common Pleas Judges ANNE LAZARUS and JOHN YOUNGE.

Also running are Allegheny County prosecutor Kevin McCarthy, Lackawanna County Judge Tom Munley, and Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Paula Patrick. Unopposed are Republicans Allegheney County Judge Judy Olson, Pittsburgh-area attorney Templeton Smith, and Bradford County lawyer Sallie Mundy.

Colville, 43, is distinguished by his hard work and passion about "the improvement of the quality of justice," according to the state bar. Lazarus, 52, received the bar's highest recommendation and was described as "intelligent, thoughtful . . . and scholarly." In 12 years as a city judge, Younge, 53, has "presided over a diverse and heavy caseload," the bar said.

Seven Democrats and three Republicans are vying for nominations to two Commonwealth Court seats. Pittsburgh-area attorney DANIEL K. BRICMONT, 44, has extensive legal experience before the court, handling workers' compensation cases. Philadelphia lawyer STEPHEN G. POLLOCK, 57, has a broad range of legal experience, with a focus on town planning and zoning issues.

Also running are Pittsburgh-area lawyers Barbara Ernsberger - given a "not recommended" rating by the state bar association - and Linda S. Judson, Michael Sherman, and Michelle Lally, as well as Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Jimmy Lynn.

Of the three Republicans, former state workers' compensation board member AL FRIONI, 46, and attorney PATRICIA A. McCULLOUGH, 52, both from the Pittsburgh area, edge out Harrisburg attorney Kevin Brobson due to their experience.