Gettysburg Rising hosted a candidate forum at the Gettysburg YMCA last night, where about 25 voters listened to and asked questions of candidates for County Judge of Common Pleas and County Sheriff.
The candidates for Judge were Paul Royer and Torren Ecker. John Wega was the only County Sheriff candidate appearing, although candidate Josh Fitting sent a written statement. It was also announced at the forum that Kevin Miller has dropped out of the race for Adams County Sheriff.
Before the judicial candidates spoke, Gettysburg Rising organizer Jenny Dumont introduced Anne Douds, Chair and Associate Professor of Public Policy and Co-Chair of Public Health Policy at Gettysburg College, who gave a presentation on the role of a Common Pleas Judge. Douds explained that Pennsylvania is one of only four states that have Courts of Common Pleas.
The successful candidate will be elected to a 10-year term.
Douds said the role of the judge is to preside over cases of Major Crimes and Civil cases, but more importantly to settle disputes. “In non-jury trials, the judge determines guilt or innocence,” she said.
In Pennsylvania these judges get their positions in non-partisan elections so that they serve the people rather than politicians. Douds said that these judges’ primary concern is the rule of law, not politics. and that they should be “ruthlessly neutral.”
Current PA State Representative Torren Ecker was the first to speak. He outlined his extensive background in community service which led to his election to the state house, giving him a unique perspective of seeing how law is written as well as adjudicated. Ecker said he strives for an “objective view with bi-partisan support.”
Paul Royer spoke of his extensive experience as an attorney, including working in the Adams County Public Defenders’ office where he got a first-hand look at how the judiciary works and the rules of evidence. The most important thing, he said, is “You have to get it right.”
During the question-and-answer session both candidates were asked about people being incarcerated because they can’t afford to pay their fines. Ecker said rehabilitation gives second chances to offenders. Royer spoke about the importance of work release programs which are in place in Adams County. These allow offenders to maintain their employment while being confined for the duration of their sentence.
The Sheriff candidates were up next. Josh Fitting, currently a State Constable from Tyrone Township, sent a written statement discussing his background and his plan to modernize the office to improve relationships with other law enforcement agencies in Adams County. Fitting also said he had 100’s of hours of training at no cost to the residents of Adams County.
John Wega went next, saying he had had been employed for 12 years as Adams County Sheriffs’ Department Deputy. Wega explained that 60 to 70% of the work of the Sheriffs’ department is providing court security, with an additional 5 to 10 percent serving warrants.
Wega saidi he hopes to establish advisory panels to improve the department.
As an elected official, “the Sheriff reports to the people,” he said.
At the conclusion of the forum, Dumont reminded those attending to take time to vote in the May 20 parimary election.
Pete Vogel, freelance reporter and photographer, is a writer and photographer in the Gettysburg Area.