District Judge Santiago joins Lehigh County judge race
An Allentown district justice who teaches at Lehigh Carbon Community College is the latest attorney to join what is shaping up to bea crowded race for Le high County judge next year.
Rashid Santiago, 36, has been a district justice in Center City Allentown since 2014. He said his experience in that role, which includes conducting bench trials for summary offenses and overseeing preliminary hearings and civil disputes, has prepared him for a seat on the bench at the county courthouse in Allentown.
“I am comfortable and accustomed to making important legal rulings on a daily basis,” Santiago said in a statement .“I have worked hard to maintain a reputation of judicial temperament and treating all who come before mewith fairness and the utmost respect and dignity. In addition, my ability to manage a courtroom and render judicial rulings is showcased in my current position.”
Santiago, a registered Democrat, will cross-file to appear on both parties’ ballots in the May primary. County judges serve 10-year terms.
A married father of three, Santiago attended Allen High School as a freshman before being accepted to George School, a private Quaker boarding school in Bucks County. He’s a graduate of Gwynedd Mercy College and Widener University School of Law.
Santiago served as a law clerk to Berks County Judge John A. Boccabella. He works as an adjunct instructor at LCCC in the criminal justice program and has volunteered coaching basketball and soccer. He is a member of Life Church in Allentown.
Santiago joins criminal defense attorney David Ritter and civil attorneys Zachary Cohen and Tom Capehart in the race for three seats: two left open by the retirements of judges Maria L. Dantos and Kelly L. Banach, and another that will open due to President Judge Edward Reibman not seeking another term when his ends at the end of 2021.
“I understand that a great deal of my own success has hinged on the positive influences of coaches, teachers, and mentors in the community,” Santiago said.
“As a first generation college graduate from a single mother household that benefited from many of the programs that are offered to under privileged people in our community, I have learned to be persistent, compassionate, and humble while working towards achieving my dreams. I am truly blessed to acknowledge the people and programs that helped me to achieve my goals in life. Accordingly, I realize that I have a duty to pay it forward and serve the very community that has served me.”