Judicial candidates and cross-filing

I am writing as a concerned lawyer who practices before Judges in Chester County and the state of Pennsylvania.

As a legal professional wellversed on election law and one who has handled numerous cases on the subject, I feel compelled to inform the voters in Magisterial District 15-3-05 of the smoke and mirror tactics of the Independent candidate for District Judge in the Oxford District Court.

I recently read a letter to the editor that candidate Stephen Sheppleman had published in the Chester County Press.

In it he makes accusations that Judge Massey, the incumbent, is playing politics after having cross filed to appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballots in the primary election, subsequently winning the nomination of voters in both parties.

First, this is the standard practice when running for a judicial election.

Judicial positions are nonpartisan.

For this reason Pennsylvania law allows candidates for judicial office to cross file, provided they collect the required signatures from each political party.

Virtually every judge in Chester County this year and in previous years has cross filed on the Democratic and Republican ballots regardless of their registered party.

Second, running as an Independent candidate doesn’t make one non-partisan as stated.

Third, I challenge the statement that Judge Massey stepped away from his registered party.

That is simply untrue. What Mr. Sheppleman is not telling voters is HE is the candidate who changed political parties to run as an Independent only after he attempted and failed to secure his former party’s endorsement.

Lastly, I have been in Judge Massey’s Courtroom and have found him to be well-versed on the law, thorough and fair.

Not once have I heard him ask those who come before him with what political party are they registered.

Candidates running for elected office should run on their record, experience and accomplishments.

I want voters to be informed when they vote on November 7th. I urge people to do their own research, get to know their candidates and make their own rational decisions. Samuel C. Stretton West Chester

Roadside signs litter

It is so disappointing to observe politician signs once again littering our Chester County roads and highways. The most significant disappointment is that the majority of this ‘litter’ is allegedly promoting persons that are designated to protect our county and environment.

They consist primarily of District Judges, Magistrates and Mayors etc. The same professional individuals that advise drivers never to take their eyes from the roads. I sincerely do not understand the difference between highway litter and these intentionally placed expensive posters.

I recently counted 36 such signs while driving three miles of an attractive road in Chester County and continue to question if anyone makes their important voting decisions based upon their presence!

The vast majority of other persons that discuss this issue agree that these unfortunate promotional pieces contribute no value to the voting process and even present a negative message to many!!!

I personally request that the respective candidates remove their litter from our beautiful highways immediately after the election on November 7 rather than the usual weeks delay! Tom ‘Duke’ Evans West Chester

Ceremony for veterans

The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 1777 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 287 will be hosting a wreath laying ceremony at Veterans Park on 1st Avenue and Lincoln Highway, in Coatesville on Saturday Nov. 11, at 10:45 a.m.

This event is open to the public, please join us in honoring our local veterans.

For more about the Coatesville VA Veterans Week Celebration, please contact Kirk Fernitz at 610-380-4348.