HOLLIDAYSBURG — Long-time prosecutor and area attorney Jackie Bernard (R-Duncansville) has announced her intention to seek the Republican and Democratic nominations for Judge of the Blair County Court of Common Pleas.
Her entry into the race follows Judge Jolene Grubb Kopriva’s decision to retire from the bench.
In a three-and-a-half minute message on her campaign’s Webs site, JackieforJudge.com and Facebook page, Bernard discussed her experience and readiness for the Court, and the need for a wide effort to confront the collapse of family and community values.
Bernard stated:
“Being a prosecutor has allowed me to bring change, to battle drug crime and to hold killers accountable.
“As one of a dozen statewide members on the Task Force on Child Protection, I was able to advocate for sweeping changes in Pennsylvania law so that kids feel secure where they live and play.
“Most recently, I helped lead the charge for the creation of a local child advocacy center to provide coordinated care for the region’s abused children.
“I know courts and jails won’t fix society, and I know that courts and jails can’t teach values—that’s the job of parents and family . . . churches and synagogues.
“But we can hold the line. We can say, ‘Not this time.’ We can balance justice with mercy—enforce the law while offering second chances to change.
“This year I’m running for judge to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves; to protect constitutional freedoms; to enforce the laws that keep our families safe.”
As a prosecutor in the District Attorney’s office, Bernard has a 21-year-record of successfully prosecuting murder, rape and child abuse defendants, including death penalty cases. During her career, she was tapped by three Pennsylvania Attorney Generals to prosecute illegal drug operations.
Bernard is a member of the National Rifle Association and pro-life.
Bernard holds Bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and her law degree from Duquesne University. She and husband Gregory, a lieutenant with the Pennsylvania State Police, are raising their two children in the Hollidaysburg area.
Bernard is active in her faith, professional committees and charitable organizations.
