LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF INDIANA COUNTY

NONPARTISAN VOTERS GUIDE

Magisterial District Judge

MUNICIPAL ELECTION - November 1, 2005

This guide contains the candidates’ answers to League questions. Replies are printed exactly as submitted. The League does not assume responsibility for the contents of any reply.

The purpose of the League of Women Voters is to promote the informed and active participation of citizens in government. We publish this guide as a public service to registered voters in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. The League is nonpartisan: we neither endorse nor reject the views of any candidate. Candidates from the party of the governor are listed first in Pennsylvania. In the 2005 Primary Election, Democratic candidates are listed first, since the current Governor is of that party. Candidates are listed in the order they will appear on the Democratic or Republican ballot.

What is a Magisterial District Judge?

The Magisterial District Judge is the first level of Pennsylvania’s unified system of courts. The District Judge handles the less serious, non-jury criminal offenses, civil actions involving less than $8000, landlord tenant cases, and all traffic cases; matters pertaining to bail; and decides whether serious criminal cases, such as murder, should go to the Court of Common Pleas.

Candidates for District Judge can cross-file, meaning a candidate’s name can appear on both the Democrat and Republican ballots. Responses to questions from candidates who have cross-filed will appear only once under the Democrat listing. Only their names will appear under the Republican listing.

Democratic Party Candidates

District Court 40-2-01

Guy Haberl: Republican and Democratic
Indiana, PA
Date of birth: 1953

Education:Certified by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to serve as Magisterial District Judge.
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Bachelor’s Degree in criminology.
Graduate of the FBI National Academy, Quantico, Virginia.
28 years of full time municipal police service. Retired at the rank of Sergeant.

QUESTION 1: Successful candidates for Magisterial District Judge positions in Pennsylvania must complete a required four-week training course before taking office. Have you completed this course, and did you receive a satisfactory grade?

June 2002, I attend the required four-week training course given by the Minor Judiciary Education Board at Chambersburg, PA. I completed the course, achieved a passing grade on the test and was awarded my certification on July 19, 2002. A copy of my certification is on file at the Indiana County Prothonatary’s Office. Each year since receiving my certification, I have attended required continuing education courses provided by the Minor Judiciary Education Board.

QUESTION 2: As a resident of the community you could have personal history with plaintiffs and defendants. What steps will you take to ensure fair and impartial treatment for all persons who appear before you?

I believe that fairness and impartiality are essential elements of the office of District Judge. As a District Judge I will base each of my decisions on the physical evidence presented and the testimony heard at each hearing, without regard to any prior knowledge of the plaintiff or defendant that I may have. My courtroom will be open to the public in order to allow citizens the opportunity to observe the manner in which I conduct hearings and the basis on which I render decisions.

QUESTION 3: What steps are or might be taken to ensure that victims, especially child victims, are protected from physical and emotional intimidation during the process of preliminary hearings and while awaiting the courthouse trial?

I am sensitive to victim’s issues, particularly child victims. As District Judge, I would ensure that child victims only be exposed to defendants when necessary for the purpose of conducting a hearing. I would strictly enforce the protections granted to child victims and witnesses under the Pennsylvania Judicial Code. I would also make defendants aware of the protections against intimidation and retaliation granted to all victims and witnesses under the PA Crimes Code. Victim’s safety would always be a consideration when setting a defendant’s bond on criminal charges.

George M. Thachik, Democrat & Republican
Indiana,PA
Date of birth: 1950

Education/Experience: Graduate of Penns Manor Area High School, Bachelor's Degree from Salem College, W. Va., Graduate Baltimore City Police Academy. Police Officer in Annapolis, MD. 4 years, Chief Deputy Sheriff of Indiana County, 16 years, Certified as a Magisterial District Judge in 1993, and re-certified annually.

QUESTION 1: Successful candidates for Magisterial District Judge positions in Pennsylvania must complete a required four-week training course before taking office. Have you completed this course, and did you receive a satisfactory grade?

Yes, I have been certified as a Magisterial District Judge since
1993. All District Judges in PA must complete an annual mandatory one-week recertification course held in Chambersburg, PA. I completed the manadatory recertification course in September 2004.

QUESTION 2: As a resident of the community you could have personal history with plaintiffs and defendants. What steps will you take to ensure fair and impartial treatment for all persons who appear before you?

I have experienced a personal history with plaintiffs and defendants. I have learned over the years that people misunderstand certain violations and laws. A person may have pleaded not guilty, when the violation is explained to them, they often admit guilt.

If for any reason I feel I cannot render a fair and impartial decision, I
will recuse myself from the case and the Court Administrator will assign the case to another Magisterial District Judge.

QUESTION 3: What steps are or might be taken to ensure that victims, especially child victims, are protected from physical and emotional intimidation during the process of preliminary hearings and while awaiting the courthouse trial?

A child victim is usually assigned to a case manager with Children and Youth Services to assist during the judicial procedure. Depending on the situation, a child victim may visit the courtroom prior to the hearing. The child will be shown where all the different parties are positioned. The child is in a secure area, no contact is permitted with
the defendant. All available precautions are taken for the benefit of the
child.

REPUBLICAN PARTY CANDIDATES

District Court 40-2-01
Includes Indiana Borough and the northern precincts of White Township
(Vote for one)

Education:

This candidate has cross-filed. See personal information and responses to questions under the Democratic Party listing.

District Court 40-3-01

Includes White Township Precinct 1—site of State Correctional Institution Pine Grove—and boroughs of Cherry Tree, Clymer, Creekside, Ernest, Glen Campbell, Marion Center, Plumville, Smicksburg, and townships of Banks, Canoe, Cherryhill, East Mahoning, Grant, Green, Montgomery, North Mahoning, Pine, Rayne, South Mahoning, Washington and West Mahoning.

George M. Thachik
Indiana,PA
Date of birth:

Education:

This candidate has cross-filed. See personal information and responses to questions under the Democratic Party listing.