What to know about the Somerset Magisterial District Judge candidates
The Daily American asked the candidates for Somerset Magisterial District Judge to answer a few short questions in hopes of helping voters make their decision during the primary May 16. This year, voters will have the choice between Scott Walker and Michael Kuhn for the seat of Magisterial District Judge 16-3-03, currently held by Kenneth Johnson. Both Walker and Kuhn are registered Republicans and are running for both the Democrat and Republican party nomination. The winner of the party nomination will appear on the ballot in the general election in November. Other magisterial districts are up for election this year as well. Those candidates are running unopposed. The unopposed judge races include: Susan Mankamyer running for district 16-3-01 Boswell, Sandra Stevanus for district 16-3-05 New Centerville, and Douglas Bell for 16-3-06 Meyersdale.
See the Daily American for more election questions with candidates this week.
Somerset District Judge Ken Johnson discusses his role in the justice system
What do you think is the role of a district judge in the community?
Scott Walker
The district judge has a very important role in the community. This court provides quick, easy access to all parties to seek the intervention of the court in the resolution of their grievances. This access provides most people with the only exposure they will ever have with the Court system. The district judge has to resolve disputes regarding landlord/tenant issues, monetary disputes and criminal matters while ensuring impartiality, integrity and guaranteeing both the law and common sense are employed in all of it’s decisions. A bad experience at this level can reflect badly on the entire court system.
Michael Kuhn
Magisterial District Judges are the frontline of Pennsylvania's judicial system. Locally elected, these officials handle landlord-tenant matters, small civil claims, summary offenses, violations of municipal ordinances, arrest and search warrants, emergency protection from abuse orders when the county courthouse is closed. They oversee arraignments, set bail, and hold criminal preliminary hearings. They can also perform weddings! We have been fortunate in our county to have a stable, professional group of District Justices. My pledge to the citizens is to keep this stability with fair and impartial proceedings.
Here are the individuals running for local Somerset County offices in 2023
What experience can you bring to the role? How would a legal background be a challenge in this role?
Michael Kuhn
My legal background is more of an attribute than a challenge, with experience of 32 years including Law Clerk for local Judiciary, Capital Certified criminal defense, with 20 years as Public Defender, county-wide positions of Divorce Standing Master, Domestic Relations Hearing Officer, and CYS & Juvenile Probation Master. I have significant criminal and civil trial experience along with numerous other court appearances that will enable me to be an effective and impartial District Judge. Community-wise, I've served as President of Bar Association, Rotary, Jaycees, Vice-President of Pennsylvania Jaycees, and Chairman of Somerset County Flag Committee. Active at St. Peter's Church.
Scott Walker
I bring seventeen years of experience as an attorney to the role. This experience has taught me to listen to both sides of a question and to determine who is being truthful. My experience equips me to make the right decision and to ensure justice is served. A legal background can offer challenges. I view the district court as the court of the common man. Many participants come before the district judge unrepresented. The judge must explain the law and his decisions in a way that is clear to people without legal training and instruct participants on the law.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Kuhn and Walker seek party nomination for judge in May 16 primary
