Two vie for district judge in Gilbertsville

GILBERTSVILLE >> Newcomer Dennis Psota is challenging incumbent Maurice Saylor for the district judge seat in the Gilbertsville area.

According to a survey Psota filled out on The Mercury’s election website, Psota is seeking the seat to make the community a better place.

“I want everyone in our community to have their chance to be heard in a fair and professional manner, with empathy and proper judicial temperament. My years of working with the youth have demonstrated my ability to help kids learn from their mistakes and get them back on track. My goal is to be a fair and impartial Judge for our community,” Psota wrote in his response.

Psota is a 23-year veteran of the New Hanover Police Department and is certified by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to serve as a Magisterial District Judge. During his tenure in law enforcement, Psota completed several years of specialty training in various areas including complex crash reconstruction. He is recognized as an expert in vehicle crash dynamics and occupant kinematics by the Berks and Montgomery County courts.

If elected, Psota said, “I will provide an atmosphere of professionalism and courtesy, both inside and outside my courtroom. This level of professionalism will be for all victims, witnesses, defendants, and plaintiffs. I will listen to understand, not just to respond.”

He will be on the ballot alongside current District Judge for Court 38-2-03, Maurice Saylor.

Saylor was first elected to the bench in 2007 and was re-elected without opposition in November 2013.

Saylor did not fill out The Mercury candidate survey but has cited years-long experience with the community on his Facebook page for re-election:

“Known to many as ‘Mo’ or ‘Maury,’ Judge Saylor was born in Pottstown and is a graduate of Pottsgrove High School and Kutztown State College. A devoted community leader, Judge Saylor still serves as an official for PIAA wrestling and baseball. In addition, he is a former Coach for Boyertown Optimist/MidgetMite Football. An active firefighter for over 16 years, Judge Mo Saylor served as President of the Sanatoga Fire Company and is a life member of Sanatoga and New Hanover Fire Companies. Prior to serving as Magisterial District Judge, Judge Saylor was an elected Constable for New Hanover Township.”

District Court 38-2-03 covers areas including Upper Pottsgrove, Douglass (Mont.), New Hanover, and Upper and Lower Frederick townships.