2 with law enforcement experience vie for district judge

LONDON GROVE » The General Election returns Tuesday. In Southern Chester County, two former constables, Judge Matt Seavey, the incumbent, and newcomer Bobby Brown, are competing on the ballot to win the magisterial district judge race for District Court 1504-04.

Both men won opposing political primary races this past spring, setting up the showdown in November. Seavey cross-filed on both the Republican and Democratic ballots and ran unopposed in the Republican primary. Brown ran in the Democratic Primary. In Pennsylvania, magisterial district judges handle small claims, landlord-tenant cases, traffic and nontraffic citations, and rule on preliminary hearings for those charged with felonies and misdemeanors, as previously reported in the Daily Local News.

The part-time position has a salary of $89,438. District Court 15-04-04 covers seven municipalities including the townships of London Grove, West Marlborough, Franklin, London Britain, New Garden and the boroughs of West Grove, and Avondale. Whoever wins Tuesday will then be sworn-in, come January, to begin a six-year term as the magisterial district judge for the municipal court, which is next to the Pennsylvania State Police Troop J barracks in London Grove Township near West Grove and Avondale boroughs off Route 41.

Seavey currently holds the position. A resident of West Grove, he was first elected to the role in 2009 and began serving shortly after the New Year in 2010.

“I have the distinct pleasure of serving my communities of Avondale, Franklin, London Britain, London Grove, New Garden, West Grove Borough and West Marlborough for nearly 12 years,” Seavey said on Wednesday. “While I am pleased with my accomplishments, there is still work to be done.” Seavey continued: “With the strides made over the past 12 years, I feel strongly I am the person to continue this critical work for our community.” The judge said it is immensely important that the health, safety, and the welfare of citizens continues to be protected equitably in the manner it has been for the last 12 years. This equates to “maintaining the course with a strong and committed district court is a critical piece in the judicial system to help keep our young people on the right path to responsible citizenship, to ensure the timely, efficient and effective operation of our state and local police, and to ensure that justice is served swiftly, righteously and honestly in accordance with the regulations of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” he said. “I believe, with this body of experience I am the only candidate who can deliver that critical piece and be devoted full time to the position,” Seavey said. Seavey said a dozen years ago he ran on the platform of service to the community because he had a strong belief the responsibility of a magisterial district judge was not only to uphold justice, but also to serve the community to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community of Southern Chester County. “Today, 12 years later, that remains my priority,” Seavey said.

“Every day, I make it my responsibility to run the court as efficiently as possible while ensuring equal justice and protection for all residents.” Seavey said his top qualifications are judicial experience, dedication to the community, and integrity. “There is no substitute for experience,” Seavey said. “In 12 years, I have handled over 70,000 docket cases, have placed high profile defendants in jail in an effort to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our community, and successfully increased the court’s docket volume improving both effectiveness and efficiency.” Seavey said all the court’s annual audits have been deemed excellent. “When

dealing with the people’s court, there is no substitute for experience,” Seavey said. “My record of dedication to the community speaks for itself. I am a member of the Eagle Scout Board of Review for the Chester County Council, Octorara District and have an excellent working relationship with The Garage in West Grove,” Seavey said. While serving as magisterial district judge, Seavey said he has had the incredible privilege of joining nearly 600 couples in marriage. “There is nothing as rewarding as counseling and joining young, and not so young, couples in marriage,” Seavey stated. Of integrity, Seavey said: “I am here to ensure justice for all and ensure that the court operates as efficiently, honestly, and productively as possible to honor our taxpayers. Every day, I strive to serve.”

Seavey said his greatest achievement as a judge has been the Truancy Prevention Program. “Nothing has been more rewarding than seeing the transformation in students who have entered this program,” Seavey said. “I visit our schools regularly to share the importance of education and follow up personally with students on their progress. Countless young people have benefited from this program. Nothing is more satisfying than being able to give someone a second chance to do their best.”

Newcomer Brown, of Franklin, is married to Marie.

They share two sons, Andre and Julian.

As for why he is running for judge, Brown said: “As a lifelong resident (of Chester County) I aspire to provide our district a court where the law is applied fairly and consistently. We deserve someone on the bench truly engaged in the community they serve and dedicated to the protection and safety of our neighbors.” Brown began his certification training to become a magisterial district judge in June. He has since been certified by the Minor Judiciary Education Board to serve as a magisterial district justice come January if he is elected to the position for the first time on Tuesday. “My top priority is guaranteeing the court benefits the people it serves. Also ensuring the community understands how the court system is designed to work for them,” Brown said on Wednesday. He worked as a Pennsylvania State Constable for 15 years. As for his greatest lesson learned in life, said Brown: “Always understand that knowledge is king and if not shared it is wasted.” Brown graduated from Avon Grove High School in 1987. He said his family has lived in Landenberg for more than 100 years. “Being a public servant of the community is about knowing the issues of your community,” Brown said. “Being committed to help educate and develop all members of our community. What we do off the bench is just as important as what we do while on the bench.”

Brown works as a manufacturing supervisor with Bloom Energy, based in Newark, Delaware.

Seavey Brown