You know you’ve finally become a grownup when you start paying attention to who is running for public office.
With the recent and ongoing upheaval in the courthouse, many of the local races are getting a lot of attention.
Judge Lunsford’s decision not to run for re-election, just a little over two months before the election, created an unusual political situation.
According to procedure, when Lunsford resigned effective at the end of his term, the local Democrats and Republicans were each asked to put forward a candidate for Centre County Judge. Those two candidates are now running an election sprint that is usually a many months long marathon.
I’ve been trying to follow the courthouse chaos and admit that it’s hard to figure out all the whos, whats, whys, and wheres. It’s clear that we need someone who will take on the tasks and duties in the courthouse in a reasoned and respectful manner, a person who is impartial, and someone who we can trust. That is why I am voting for Ron McGlaughlin for Centre County Judge.
I met Ron and his wife Ann many years ago when our kids were in the ski team development program and eventually the TMART ski team at Tussey Mountain. My son ultimately chose freestyle skiing over racing but we have remained friends with the McGlaughlins since those early days of watching our kids ski at mountains all over Pennsylvania. There is nothing like the bonds of friendship that are developed working sport team concession stands, sitting on the sidelines – or standing in the cold on the side of a mountain. Our kids attended State High together.
Those kids have all grown up and, most have flown the coop. Two of ours off to South Carolina after degrees from Penn State and one completing a gap year before college. The McGlaughlin kids both made the decision to serve our country by attending the United States Naval Academy; Alec as a member of the class of 2014 and Caitlin as a member of the class of 2018. Ron and Ann, married for over 29 years, have obviously role modeled community service and giving back to one’s community in their home.
I have also had the opportunity to see Ron in action within the legal arena. From helping my mother navigate the difficulties of a personal injury case to volunteering his expertise to help a community ask for accountability and transparency in their school board, Ron’s experience with the law is impressive.
I have also seen Ron in action defending Penn State students. In one case in particular – a very public and particularly nasty hazing incident – the student asked me to serve as a faculty advocate in the process. I observed Ron as he defended the student and comforted the student’s family through the campus hearings and in the court system. While Ron’s 29 years of experience as a trial lawyer is impressive, his confidence and understanding of the law, as well as his ability to bring common sense and decorum to difficult personal situations, make him an excellent candidate for judge.
We were talking about partisan politics and how it seems counterintuitive for a judge’s race to be based on party affiliation. Ron offered this. “If you or a member of your family should ever come before my court, should I take it into consideration when I’m deciding your case that you vote Democrat or vote Republican?” I said “I certainly hope not.” Ron responded, “People should vote for me based on my qualifications.”
A candidate’s understanding of the law and his or her experience in the matters that come before the court should be the basis for your decision for whom to vote, not politics.
When I heard that Ron had been selected as one of the candidates for Judge, I asked him what he knew about the other candidate. He said “She’s a nice person and a good lawyer.” Not surprising from the person I have known and trusted for 15 years. He answered truthfully and candidly and did not disrespect or denigrate his opponent. Candidates running for office at the state and national level could take a lesson from Ron. His demeanor and the way he conducts himself in the courtroom has undoubtedly been among the top reasons that the local Fraternal Order of Police have endorsed Ron for Centre County Judge.
As we get older, who is elected to office becomes more important to us. We understand the relationship between those who sit in office and how their experience, integrity and the ability to be impartial can make a difference. Political party for those who serve through the judicial system should be irrelevant.
That is why I am voting for Ron McGlaughlin.
Editor’s Note: StateCollege.com, as an organization, does not endorse officially candidates. Please click here for more information about Ron McGlaughlin and his opponent Katie Oliver.
