RE-ELECT
BRIAN GERMANO
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGE
Recipient, The Spirit of Judicial Excellence Award, 2022
LETTER
Dear Friends:
It is an honor and a privilege to serve you as your magisterial district judge. I am now running for reelection.
I believe judges should be close to the people and give them, as I have, a voice in court. I believe in making the courts work for people, not just governments or corporations. I value more than anything being the judge of your court and helping you attain justice.
I ask for your vote on November 7th.
I am, with warmest wishes
Very truly yours,
Brian R. Germano
VALUES
The role of the judge is to apply the law.
Law, however, is full of gaps and ambiguities. Judges must then resort to other sources of judgment, the most appropriate of which is what an ordinary person living in today’s world would think about the issue.
A judge's mission is thus to assess a potential ruling for its consequences, its real life impact upon people.
STATE OF THE COURT
Judge Germano's state of the court address:
It is my pleasure to present this report on the state of the court. I hope it helps inform the public of the important role of the court and the work it does. Among all the courts, this court is one of the busiest, with thousands of new cases filed annually. Every day, dozens of people bring a vast variety of cases, all of which are important, sometimes even distressing. I have worked to make the court a sanctuary, where the public can resolve disputes in a peaceful forum, a temple of law, where the rule of law prevails, a cathedral of justice, where each case is decided on its own merits, regardless of one's rank or station in life. I am pleased to report, ladies and gentlemen, that the court is dynamic, has momentum, and is moving forward with vitality, and that the state of our magisterial district court is strong.
I shall highlight developments over the last several years in a few major areas, court physical facilities, administration, and operations, including a discussion of various sorts of cases.
I. FACILITIES.
I moved the court to its new location in the Smithfield township building, which reduced operating costs while affording a decorum more suitable to a court. I've opposed an effort to create a central court in Stroudsburg, which would have required our residents to travel there for criminal cases and which would have lowered the quality of justice. I've used a new video link to the jail to conduct arraignments.
II. ADMINISTRATION.
I've implemented policies to make the court more open, transparent, and accessible. I've docketed cases promptly and instituted policies that limit continuances. I've used staggered scheduling times to avoid logjams, block scheduling and default scheduling for some cases, and scheduled bench time five days a week and, if need be, I've stayed late to hear cases. I've complied with all right to know requests, from individuals and the press alike.
I've ensured that the court is accountable. I've brought the court in compliance with all auditor general requirements. I've monitored the court's case management reports and financial management reports on a monthly basis. I've ensured the court's return of warrants is current. I've ensured, as well, that the court's disbursement of funds is up to date. I am attempting to acquire chip-reading credit card machines in the courts to make the court experience easier.
I've instituted measures to make the court more efficient. I've created standard forms to assist the public in making requests. I've overseen implementation of efiling, by which law enforcement officers file citations electronically. I've launched a scanning initiative that will allow the court to go paperless. It is the goal of the Pennsylvania courts to develop a uniform statewide electronic filing and retrieval system so that people and their lawyers can file and access data easily. I've directed the staff in end of year archive events during which the court destroys case files that have been retained for the required time period. I've also supervised training of staff in an updated judicial software program and other duties.
III. OPERATIONS.
I've heard in the past several years many thousands of cases, one of the largest caseloads among the county's magisterial district courts. In 2021, for example, in our magisterial district court, there were 9 search warrants, 44 arrest warrants, 456 criminal cases, 354 non-traffic citation cases, 1,885 traffic cases, 474 civil cases, 93 landlord-tenant cases, and 1 emergency protection from abuse order. In addition, I've covered cases as on-call judge as well.
I note that I've worked with servers to ensure service of process is peaceful and professional. I've assigned service of civil complaints to an outstanding constable who treats citizens involved in these cases with the utmost of respect. I've assigned service of misdemeanor and felony warrants to the Pennsylvania State Police or, in some cases, the Sheriff's deputies. I've used the deputies for certain landlord-tenant service of process.
A. Criminal Cases.
I've been tough on serious crime, especially violent crime. I've issued bench warrants for failure to appear. I've held full preliminary hearings, applied the rules of evidence in a common sense manner, and sent cases in to common pleas court for a jury trial. I've held full, thorough bail hearings, determined if there was danger to the public, and set bail to ensure the public is safe. I've been one of the first judges to be proactive and set high bail in heroin cases in an effort to combat the opioid crisis in our area. I am, as a member of the county criminal justice advisory board, examining the value of a pre-trial services program, which might offer increased supervision of those at liberty on bail.
B. Citation Cases.
I've taken, in citation cases, a collaborative approach. I've often heard comments indicating distrust, cynicism, and despair, that people "can't fight city hall," and that no one will even listen, least of all a judge. I've guaranteed them this – that I will listen, that I believe, as the ancient Roman maxim states, "no man is wise enough by himself," and that I can learn as much from them as they can from me.
1. Agreements.
I've accepted agreements. I've set a tone in court that invites parties to compromise, encouraging law enforcement officers, to, in appropriate circumstances, negotiate citations. I've honored legitimate requests to continue, and I've sometimes imposed accelerated rehabilitative disposition, to afford the defendant a chance to remit restitution, engage in anger management or other counseling, or undergo drug and alcohol treatment.
2. Trials.
I've also presided over thousands of trials. I've given each litigant their day in court, letting them speak, listening to them, and taking their concerns to heart. I've ruled in trial against improper evidence, misstatement of law, and unreasonable argument, from wherever it has come, the prosecution or the defense. I've interpreted statute in favor of protecting us against government, especially when it is overreaching. I've acquitted where appropriate.
3. Sentencings.
I've conducted sentencings. I've listened to a lot of people, including people who work hard, people who tell me of economic hardship, people who tell me that, for instance, they don't have the money to fix something on their vehicle, they were stopped, issued several citations, and are looking at hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fines, fees, and costs, money that they don't have and can't pay. I've issued installment payment plans to deserving people.
C. Civil and Landlord-Tenant Cases.
I've heard civil and landlord-tenant cases, including complaints sounding in contract, negligence, and other tort. I've taken an ad hoc approach in these cases, considering all the relevant facts and circumstances, balancing the plaintiff's rights against the defendant's rights. I've docketed these cases expeditiously. I've addressed the "justice gap," i.e. the difference in skill between pro se litigants and opposing lawyers. I've leveled the playing field in such cases by explaining law and procedure. I've heard a large volume of assignment of credit card debt cases and, citing case law, have ruled against the corporations and in favor of the defendants. I've applied, in contract cases, contract law and, as well, quasi-contract doctrine, such as promissory estoppel, detrimental reliance, and quantum meruit, doctrines which are sometimes the only law that effectuates justice.
I note that the appeals from this court are the lowest among the magisterial district courts in the county, a record which I attribute to several factors, among them that I attempt reconciliation between or among the parties, allow people to put on their case, and explain the law and the court's reasoning.
I am pleased to report that our magisterial district court is strong. I am confident that 2023 and beyond is going to be another period of progress. I come to court every day eager to work, to take on hard problems, to seek excellence. I shall continue to seek excellence, to seek out the views of those I serve, to get their advice about how I can do better, and to reflect constantly on what I can do to make sure I provide excellent customer service and fulfill the court's core mission – to resolve cases in a manner that is prompt, efficient, and, above all else, just. I am grateful for the support of law enforcement, the bar, and, most of all, the people of the district, and I believe that, working together, with vision, thoughtfulness, and perseverance, we can build on this solid foundation and make our magisterial district court even stronger in the future.
CREDENTIALS
JUDGE
Judge, Magisterial District Court, Marshalls Creek, Pennsylvania, 2006 to Present.
Arrest and search warrants, arraignments, bail, probable cause hearings, guilty pleas, trials in criminal and civil cases, and sentences and civil judgments.
Chief Judge, Magisterial District Judges Association of Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
Leadership of county magisterial district judges, including discussion of current issues, liaison with other groups, and proposing initiatives to promote improvements in the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice.
Chairman, Committee on Court Structure, Procedure, and Administration, Magisterial District Judges Association of Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
Research and studies focusing on reform, especially elimination of central courts in counties of class two through eight.
Named by PennLive as one of the hardest working judges in Pennsylvania.
PROFESSOR
Adjunct Professor, Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 2007 to Present.
American Constitutional Law, American Legal System, Criminal Justice Ethics, Criminal Law, and Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice.
Online teaching certification.
ATTORNEY
Attorney, Public Defender Office, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, 1994 to 2005.
Felony and misdemeanor cases before juries, motions and briefs, oral argument in pretrial, trial, and appellate level cases, including cases in the Superior Court and Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
Murder case qualified.
Commissioners' Letter of Appreciation.
EDUCATION
J.D., The City University of New York Law School at Queens College, 1993.
Dean's Letter of Commendation.
Advocate, Philip C. Jessup Moot Court.
Editor, International Law Student Association Journal.
President, Student Bar Association.
M.A., International Studies, Economics Concentration, University of Connecticut, 1989.
Senator, Graduate Student Senate.
A.B., Political Science, History, and Political Philosophy, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, 1981.
phi beta kappa.
magna cum laude.
A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Scholar.
Dean’s List (eight semesters).
CERTIFICATIONS
Certificate, Trial Advocacy, Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, 2001.
Certificate, Appellate Advocacy, Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, 2004.
Certificate, Supplemental Practicum Course of Instruction for Magisterial District Judges, 2006.
Certificate, Accounting Training Course for the Magisterial District Judge System, 2008.
Certificates, Annual Judicial Education, 12 credits, 2006 to present.
ASSOCIATIONS
American Judges Association.
Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania.
Magisterial District Judge Association of Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
American Bar Association.
Monroe County Bar Association.
American Criminal Justice Association.
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Justice Educators.
COMMITTEES
Member, Strategic Planning Committee, Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania.
Member, Overdose Fatality Review Team, Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
Member, Criminal Justice Advisory Board, Monroe County, Pennsylvania.
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Rural and Small Town Challenges in Criminal Justice: Research and Evaluation, Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Justice Educators, 33rd Annual Conference, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, 2023.
In Absentia Trials in Magisterial District Court, thejudgeforum.com, 2022.
"A Proposed Rule 131 Change," thejudgeforum.com, 2021.
"Rethinking 1970's Court Reform: Magisterial District Court or Central Court?," B.R.G. Law Publications, 2020.
"Central Courts in Pennsylvania," Presentation to the Annual Conference of the Special Court Judges' Association of Pennsylvania, State College, Pennsylvania, 2020.
"Rethinking 1970's Court Reform: Magisterial District Court or Central Court?," The Journal of Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania, Volume XLII, No. 9, 2020.
Defense of a Credit Card Action From the District Justice Level Through the Court System, Presentation to Monroe County Bar Association 3rd Annual Pro Bono Conference, 2012.
Pro Bono Tenant Representation, Presentation to Monroe County Bar Association 1st Annual Pro Bono Conference, 2010.
AWARDS
Recognized for excellence in judicial leadership, Annual Conference, Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania, 2022.
Recognized for outstanding achievement in judicial writing, December Meeting, District Ten, Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania, 2022.
The Spirit of Judicial Excellence Award, Magisterial District Judges Association of Monroe County, Pennsylvania, 2022.
Q & A
1. Is trial practice in Pennsylvania courts important?
Yes.
There is a balance of power in every courtroom. Lawyers vie against each other. Lawyers vie against the judge. Some even try to push the judge around. To correct trial lawyers, judges must have the same expertise as trial lawyers.
In some cases justice may be done only by trial, a fast paced event that requires immediate rulings. Judges, like lawyers, must be experts in, among other things, the rules of evidence, a complicated set of law requiring years of trial practice to master.
A trial lawyer in Pennsylvania for a decade, Brian came to the bench well prepared to sit as judge.
Brian was a local attorney who practiced extensively in our state courts. He practiced in our magisterial district courts, including the court in which he is now judge. He conducted felony and misdemeanor trials before juries in our common pleas court. He litigated appeals in our superior court and supreme court.
In addition, Brian earned the certificate of trial advocacy from the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law, and, later, the certificate of appellate advocacy, also from the Pennsylvania State University Dickinson School of Law.
Brian also did many major felony trials to verdict, earned advanced credits in capital case practice, and attained murder case qualification.
It makes sense to hold judges to the same standard as the lawyers who appear before them. It is important, in this as in all walks of life, that the referee be just as qualified as the combatants.
2. Is independence, especially from politics, important?
Yes.
The judge's robe requires the right character, the right faculties, the right temperament.
It is critical that a judge be a servant of all people, the people of both parties and the people who are party unaffiliated.
It is a disservice if people, due to a judge's political activities, fear that the judge decided their case because of the political party they belong to, because they spoke out on a political issue, or because they are associated with the wrong friends.
Judicial candidates should not ever have been a politician, a political operative, or a party official. They should be called to the bench, as Brian was, free of politics, political causes, and political agendas, alliances, and animosities.
It is also critical, moreover, that a judge not impose his own political dogma when deciding issues. There must be no "radicals in robes," whether they be of the left or of the right. Things are not all black and white.
Common sense reform to improve the quality of justice? Yes. Radical politics on the bench? No.
Our most cherished traditions say that the bench is no place for politics.
It is important for us to remember what the robe is. It is a sign of unification. There is no blue robe for Democrats. There is no red robe for Republicans. There is only a black robe. It must be given only to those who have the character to wear it.
3. Is judicial leadership important?
Yes.
Our government, including the judicial branch, is never a final achievement. It is a call to an untiring effort.
Judges are in a unique position to contribute to the improvement of the law, the legal system, and the administration of justice. It does, however, take experience, leadership, and hard work.
A judge of eighteen years, Brian has ascended to leadership roles, and he has excelled, accumulating an impressive track record of accomplishment.
Brian is chief judge of the magisterial district judges association, chair of the committee on court structure, procedure, and administration of the magisterial district judges association, and a member of the strategic planning committee of the state special court judges association.
As the leader of a court reform movement, Brian conducted empirical research, published studies, and authored an article. He submitted a proposal to change an important rule of court. As a result, he achieved a statewide court reform.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Brian was awarded the county magisterial district judge association's spirit of judicial excellence award, and was recognized at a state judges conference as well as at a state judge association district meeting.
Brian is regarded across the state as the leading judicial authority on administration of magisterial district courts and central courts, and the state special court judges' journal has reported developments in his work several times.
It is certainly desirable to have on the bench a judge who has seniority, experience in judicial committee work, and a proven track record of judicial achievement that has improved the quality of justice.
4. LWV question.
The League of Women Voters asked: If elected, what will you do both on and off the bench to ensure that all Monroe County residents have access to justice?
Brian's answer:
"I do not require people to put up money as collateral in order to be heard in court. I use justice technology, i.e., Polycom and Zoom.com audio-video links, to enable people to attend court remotely when they are experiencing difficulties attending in person. I authored submissions opposing creation of central court, which would have required people to travel long distances to the county seat rather than to their local magisterial district court. "
TESTIMONIALS
I am a lawyer, I practice in several counties and in many courts, and I have appeared in Judge Germano's court many times. I appreciate his extensive learning in the law, his helpful experience as a fellow practitioner, and his full commitment to the administration of justice. I believe that, through extensive law practice, he acquired a deep insight into the law and courts and has had the vision to lead the court in the right direction.
Paul Aaroe, II, Esq.
Defense Attorney
I am a retired New York City police detective ... I believe the public deserves a judge who has the highest level of professional competence. I expect a candidate for judge to have prepared himself for a judgeship, which means going to law school, passing the bar exam, and practicing law. It is important to me that a candidate earn his candidacy by acquiring these credentials, as Brian has. By hard work, he earned his credentials and earned his candidacy.
Wayne Bolt
Retired New York City Police Detective
Middle Smithfield
Judge Germano respects people by listening to them and getting all the facts ...
Keith Brooks
Investigator, Domestic Relations Office (former)
A Letter from Mary Anne Buendia:
I worked for the judge as one of his court staff for several years before retiring, and I have seen first hand the hard work the judge puts into his job.
Since 2006, the people of the district have chosen him to preside over their court, a public trust he has met with the utmost of professionalism.
The judge's temperament is dignified but collegial. He is respectful of all those appearing in court.
The judge's court administration is the gold standard in public service – in scheduling, courteousness, and explanation of procedure, law, and rulings.
The judge's rulings are honest, well reasoned, and wise, upholding principle but seeking compromise where appropriate.
I also want people to know that the judge works very hard, often taking on extra projects, like those relating to court reform.
Mary Anne Buendia
Former court clerk
I am a lawyer who has appeared before the judge as both a prosecutor and defense counsel. I value his willingness to listen to both sides, apply common sense and his knowledge of the law, and issue a ruling that is both fair and just.
Janet Marsh Catina, Esq.
Defense Attorney and former Assistant District Attorney
I served in a church affiliated group that helps the working poor build their own housing. Brian was a construction volunteer and later a member of the board. I saw in him our values, values of faith, respect, and a willingness to help others.
Nancy Ceglia
Delaware Water Gap
A Letter from E. David Christine, Jr., District Attorney, Monroe County:
I am writing regarding Brian Germano, magisterial district judge. It's important that judges have certain qualifications.
I believe one of Brian's most important qualifications is his experience practicing law. His legal expertise makes him the equal of any lawyer in his court. It is that professional competence, that strength in the courtroom, that enables him to be independent and fair.
I believe judges must be, as Brian is, decisive, effective, and strong. A legal system based upon respect for the rule of law needs judges, like Brian, who explain the law, who inspire agreement, but who, if need be, issue firm rulings, even in difficult cases.
I believe another of Brian's qualifications is his character, including his work ethic. He sees public office as the highest trust, he has the utmost of respect for the people of his district, and he works hard for them. He is a diligent, hard working, conscientious judge.
It is my honor to recommend reelection of a jurist so highly qualified, someone who has brought to the bench all the qualities we want in a judge.
E. David Christine, Jr., Esq.
District Attorney
I think Judge Germano is one of the most down-to-earth people I know. He can relate to people of all kinds, regardless of age, wealth, or politics.
Michael Collins, Esq.
Defense Attorney
I am a local business owner and, as such, I appreciate the judge for several reasons. I appreciate that the judge allows, even encourages, the parties to attempt reconciliation before going to trial. I appreciate that the judge, often using a calculator on the bench to tally numbers and check testimony, is able to get to the exact facts and figures involved in money issues. I appreciate that the judge, when issuing verdicts, is willing to explain the principles of contract law to the parties. I believe the judge is open-minded, fair, and truly motivated by a sense of justice. We, the greater Marshalls Creek community, are fortunate to have him as our Magisterial District Judge.
Giselle Cutrone
Smithfield
I attended law school with Brian. There were many difficult readings every day, the case method, and exams like you've never seen before. Law school teaches law, but its real value is in teaching you to think like a lawyer. In this, Brian excelled. I remember many students went to him when their study group didn't understand some case or point of law. It was in law school, and afterward in law practice, that Brian developed real legal expertise. It's that legal expertise that makes Brian so effective on the bench and one of our most able judges.
Jerome P. Foley, Esq.
Attorney
Judge Germano has the right integrity, professional competence, and judicial temperament for the job. He has worked very well with the borough and its police department. He is the gold standard in public service.
Larry Freshcorn
Mayor, Delaware Water Gap
A Letter from Mary Ellen Higgins:
I believe [Judge Germano] has all the qualities we want in a judge.
Judge Germano listens to others. He is able to speak to people from all walks of life, to people of all ages, income levels, and political affiliations.
Judge Germano is fair. In Judge Germano's court, each case is a blank slate. There is no thumb on the scale of justice.
Judge Germano has vision. He has taken the court in the direction we want. He understands our wishes, and he honors them.
It may be truly said that because Judge Germano listens, really listens, to people, he puts people first and, in this sense, is a true people's judge.
Mary Ellen Higgins
Smithfield
A Letter from Eric Kerchner, Chief Detective, Monroe County:
I am writing regarding Brian Germano, the Magisterial District Judge of Smithfield, Middle Smithfield, and Delaware Water Gap. I see in the judge a few qualities.
I see a judge who has the highest level of expertise, a judge who is learned in the law, a judge who is able to make up his own mind without deferring to others.
I see a judge who has the highest level of integrity, a judge who is principled, a judge who is unswayed by legal tactics and maneuvering.
I see a judge who has a consummate temperament, a judge who is patient, dignified, and courteous, a judge who listens to and respects the people appearing in his court.
It is a pleasure bringing a case to Judge Germano's court. I can count on his deciding the case in accord with law, fairly, and justly.
Eric Kerchner
Chief Detective, Monroe County
[Brian] is respected for his knowledge of the law, his willingness to explain the law to others, and his dedication to justice.
Marpus Lim, M.D.
Court Translator
A Letter from Nick Lepore:
I appreciate that Judge Germano is dignified but approachable, having an ability to talk to all sorts of people, people from all walks of life, young or old, rich or poor, one political party or the other.
In cases where there is a lawyer or professional affiant against a pro se litigant, the judge spots the issues, explains procedure, and facilitates the parties presenting a case so that it may be decided on the merits.
Having more than a decade of judicial experience, the judge sees through tricks, surprises, and games, musters the actual facts, and applies the law in a manner that honors its true aim, to do justice.
He is what a judge should be – intellectually honest, forthright, and fair.
Nick Lepore
Middle Smithfield
Judge Germano understands, at the deepest level, what people are going through as their case proceeds, and he shows the utmost of respect for attorneys, police, defendants, and victims and witnesses.
Joel Lowris
Police Officer, Stroud Area Regional (former)
I think it's important that a judge have strong values, the values of the people of the district he serves. I believe this is what makes Judge Germano a great judge. He is from a working class family, knows the value of hard work, and is a hard working judge. He understands those of us who work hard to earn a living. He has strong values. He has our values. He is one of us, and he is on our side.
Fran Malsch
Middle Smithfield
Brian brings to the bench all the qualities we want in a judge – a quick intellect, deep dedication, and strong values.
Michael Mancuso, Esq.
First Assistant District Attorney
I believe judges must be, as Judge Germano is, a judge of all the people, regardless of appearances, wealth, or political views. He understands people from all walks of life, sees cases from several perspectives, and is exceptionally insightful.
David N. Marra, Esq.
Assistant District Attorney
I see in Brian the best of judicial qualities, among them legal expertise, sound judgment, and respect for the people of his district.
Suzanne McCool
Former County Commissioner
I am a former state trooper and detective ... I believe one must excel in his field before being elected to lead it. I worked with Brian when he practiced law. I saw him as he worked long hours to prepare a case for hearing, for trial, or for appeal. I saw him as he applied his legal expertise, perfected his trial skill, and excelled in court. I saw him as he mentored other attorneys and taught them advanced litigation practice. Brian excelled in his field.
Wilson Miller
Former investigator
People are frightened at the thought of appearing in court. They nonetheless want to be heard, even those who are upset, not well spoken, or share some fault. The best judges listen. Judge Germano knows he is the most important person in the courtroom, but he does not think he is. He thinks the most important person in the courtroom is you.
Vera Oliveras
Middle Smithfield
I am impressed that the judge treats people with the utmost of respect, accommodating litigants in scheduling, explaining procedure, and providing information. I am especially impressed that in Judge Germano's court the deck is not stacked in favor of one side or the other, neither plaintiff nor defendant, landlord nor tenant, government nor individual. I am also impressed that the judge comes to each case with an open mind, ascertains the facts, and, employing a deeply learned understanding of general legal principles, statute, and case law, decides the case fairly.
Dorota Pindych-Zielinski
Middle Smithfield
I accompany victims and witnesses to Judge Germano's court weekly. I see his interaction with those appearing before him, including lawyers, police, and defendants. He is very welcoming, respectful, and understanding of people's concerns.
Carmen Rodriguez
Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator
Judge Germano is a fine judge. He relates very well to all kinds of people, whether they be police, defendants, or lawyers. He does a great job on the bench.
Santos Rolon
Police Officer, Delaware Water Gap (former)
A Letter from Scott W. Trethaway II:
I believe Judge Germano has earned your vote for reelection.
I am a former policeman. I am familiar with Judge Germano and how he runs his court. I think one of the judge's strongest points is his reasonableness, open-mindedness, and willingness to work with others.
In addition, the practical experience he has accumulated as a judge over the years enables him to not only do the right thing, but to move cases to a speedy resolution, cutting through legal confusion to get a reasonable and efficient result for the parties.
I also admire the patience he exercises in hearing cases, the respectfulness with which he speaks to all litigants and lawyers, and the manner in which he makes us feel at ease in his court.
I believe Judge Germano has what matters – independence from politics, vast legal experience, and strong values. You will serve our community very well by voting to reelect him.
Scott W. Trethaway II
Middle Smithfield
Retired Police Officer
It is imperative, as the ancient maxim jura novit curia ("the court knows the law") says, that a judge understand, truly understand the law. Law is full of gaps and ambiguities. The question is how to interpret it? It is Judge Germano's practice, in the tradition of the great legal realist judges, to assess potential rulings for their consequences, their real effects on the people in court. He has what Judge Henry Friendly described as a special "sense for the 'right' result." His rulings are realistic, sensible, and just.
Jason Vichinsky, Esq.
Defense Attorney
[Judge Germano] does a fine job on the bench.
Tom Yanac
Coroner
COMMITTEE
REELECT JUDGE GERMANO
BIPARTISAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
Chair
Michael Mancuso, Esq.
Secretary
Joel Lowris
Treasurer
Brian S. Stone, C.P.A.
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Paul Aaroe II, Esq.
Marshall E. Anders, Esq.
Elizabeth Arzola-Plaza
Michelle Auster
Wayne Bolt
Bruce Brandli
Mary Anne Buendia
Janet Catina, Esq.
Greg Christine
Jami Coco
Giselle Cutrone
Vince Della Fera
Kim M. Diddio, Esq.
William Doolittle
Patrick Dykiert
Lori Frazetta
Gary Grabin
Rob Heeter
Ron Hertz, Esq.
Mary Ellen Higgins
Lawrence Holubesko
Lisa Pyle Howey
Regina Ireland-Auer
Brian Jordan, Esq.
Laura Kessler
Steve Krawitz, Esq.
Malcolm Law
Randy Litts
Jon Lowris
Noreen Lowris
Hillary A. Madden, Esq.
Fran Malsch
Daniel and Jennifer Malsch
Ralph Matergia, Esq.
Suzanne McCool
Zofia Mieczkowska
Bob Munley, Esq.
John Moyer
Albert Sonny Murray, Esq.
Carol Nevil
Dorota Pindych-Zielinski
Joe Pipolo
Donna Pisacreta
Ana Alicia Plasencia
Jason Possinger
Frank Riccobono
Seth Richards
Carmen Rodriguez
George and Joanna Russell
Gary Saylor, Esq.
Emily Sartori
Kasia Siwulec
Russ Scott III
Don Slepian
Joe Squires, Jr.
James A. Swetz, Esq.
Norma Swint
Scott W. Trethaway II
Michael Ventrella, Esq.
Sal Vito, Esq.
Robert Widmer
Headquarters
819 Ann Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
570 424-4900
email:
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