... For the high court
Allen, Olson and Stevens for the Republicans
Republican voters have the same challenge in the May 19 primary as Democrats: Pick three nominees for Supreme Court from six candidates.
Among the contenders are: Ann Covey, 64, of Bucks County, who served on the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board for 10 years before being elected in 2011 as a Commonwealth Court judge; Michael George, 56, the president judge of Common Pleas Court in Adams County; and Rebecca Warren, 48, Montour County’s district attorney since 2012. Although each would bring certain judicial or legal skills to Pennsylvania’s highest court, the Post-Gazette editorial board was more impressed by the experience of these candidates, who have our endorsement:
Cheryl L. Allen. Judge Allen, 67, of Hampton has sat on Superior Court since 2008. She practiced law for 15 years for Neighborhood Legal Services, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the Allegheny County Law Department. In 1990 she was appointed to Common Pleas Court and won election to it the next year, where she served until joining Superior Court. The judge prides herself on independence and nonpartisanship and is a trustee for Waynesburg University and a board member for Hosanna House and the Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation. The Pennsylvania Bar Association rated her “highly recommended,” saying she “sets the standard for administrative efficiency.”
Judith F. Olson. On Superior Court since 2010, Judge Olson, 57, of Franklin Park practiced law for 25 years, specializing in complex civil litigation. In 2008, she was appointed to Common Pleas Court and after a year ran successfully for the appellate court. The state bar rated Judge Olson “highly recommended,” saying she displays “excellent administrative skills” as shown by her ability, with her Superior Court colleagues, to issue more than 300 opinions a year. She has extensive community involvements, which keep her close to the cares of average people, and a deep desire to restore integrity to the Supreme Court.
Correale F. Stevens. Justice Stevens, 68, is the only Supreme Court candidate this year who is already on the court. After a distinguished legal and judicial career, he was appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate in 2013 to fill the vacancy left by Justice Joan Orie Melvin. The Luzerne County resident was an attorney who served as city solicitor of Hazleton before winning a seat in the state House. He later became district attorney, then was elected to Common Pleas Court, where he served for seven years. He ran successfully in 1997 for Superior Court, where he became president judge. The bar rated Justice Stevens “highly recommended,” applauding his “unique and wide breadth of experience.” He is a jurist dedicated to rehabilitating the image of a tarnished court.