There are currently two candidates running for Stephen Baratta's empty seat as Northampton County's Court of Common Pleas Judge. Nancy Aaroe (registered Republican) and Brian Panella (registered Democrat). However, both of these candidates have cross-filed, so you will see their names listed under both political affiliations on the ballot in May.
The Court of Common Pleas Judges hear major civil and criminal cases and make dramatically life altering decisions for situations involving divorce, child custody, protection of abuse orders, and adoption. A Judge for Common Pleas has an immense amount of power over the litigants who present their cases before them. This is not a cushy position to happily ride out till retirement; it is a position of immense responsibility and burden. This level of intensity requires the ability to not only judge fairly and rationally- but to uphold the sole responsibility of accepting the possibility, that your decision may ultimately lead to absolute failure from bad judgement and in some cases, death of the litigant or child.
Brian Panella, son of president Judge of the Supreme Court Jack Panella, is an impressively ambitious 31 year old who made the decision to run for county judge "as the rare opportunity made itself available". With 6 years of working for both Lehigh and Northampton counties as custody master and solicitor for children and youth, Panella believes he has "the unique quasi-judicial experience" making life altering judgements for families and their children.
At this point, Panella's career should really just be getting started, but he has a romanticized and ideological willingness to fully commit to community service for the remainder of his life as Common Pleas Judge. Although endearing, Panella contradicted that very statement by claiming that he bases his movements in life with the idea of "always looking forward... stagnation isn't good for anybody." Perhaps Panella would be better off exploring the endless possibilities of his career to avoid stagnation and produce growth, but it is admittedly admirable to have the courage to gamble such a youthful life and career, going all in for this position of Common Pleas Judge.
With nearly 30 years of experience as a family and divorce attorney, Nancy Aaroe leads a fulfilling career and family life with her husband, two biological children, and one adopted son. She had the unique experience as a mother to go through the Court of Common Pleas herself when she decided to adopt a child into her family when his own parents were unable to provide suitable care. As a woman, Nancy will also help balance out the ratio of male and female judges which is currently 6:2. On a side note, if Aaroe wins, she will be the fourth female judge in Northampton County since 1776.
Nancy may be too modest to see it herself, but it is blatantly clear that her family, friends, and clients, firmly believe she has the ethics, wisdom, and backbone to bang down the gavel in the name of justice for the litigants of Northampton County. "Why shouldn't they have the opportunity to be heard? Trial court ... has the greatest ability to affect all of us as individuals, families, and communities in terms of decision making.” Nancy gets it- on the most personal level possible- that what happens in Northampton County courtrooms doesn't stay in Northampton County courtrooms... it is brought home to the lives of the individuals standing in front of the judge and in many cases, it has the power to turn someone's life completely upside down, to grant them the chance to start over, or provide relief and a true sense of safety for victims of domestic violence.
Between these two quality candidates, which one would you trust to hold the ultimate power to grant safety and justice for you and your family, and to decide the fate of your children?
-Margie Mandell
Owner/Blogger at Game of Politics
