GANT News conducted a questionnaire with the candidates for the office of Magisterial District Judge, MDJ 46-3-04. Two of the three candidates responded under deadline.
Ashley Fyock Hansel is seeking election, and below are her responses to a series of 10 questions.
- Provide a brief biography and background.
A 2006 graduate of Moshannon Valley Junior-Senior High School, I graduated at the top of my class. I then went on to attend Penn State University for political science.
In November of 2016, I attended the Minor Judiciary Education Board’s certification course for Magisterial District Judges at the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in Harrisburg.
I became employed by Joey’s Restaurant in Houtzdale, starting in 2005 and leaving in February of 2016 to pursue a career in restaurant management.
- Why did you choose to run for Magisterial District Judge?
Government has always been an interest of mine, and along the way, the judicial aspect has become my focus. I feel like I could really make a difference in the community with this position, given the opportunity.
- What qualifies you to hold the office of Magisterial District Judge?
I attended the Minor Judiciary Education Board’s certification course for Magisterial District Judges at the Pennsylvania Judicial Center in November of 2016, which is a required course of anyone holding this particular office.
- What is the most important aspect of this position, and how can you ensure you meet all the requirements?
The most important aspect of this position is to serve with a fair and unbiased position. The position holder needs to approach each case without a preconceived judgment. Making informed decisions is important, as well. I can ensure that will be my approach, if elected.
- What do you think makes you the better candidate for Magisterial District Judge in Clearfield County?
The office of Magisterial District Judge was formed to help take some of the workload from the upper courts and allow local citizens who meet the correct requirements to serve as a local judge.
I believe that I am the better candidate for this position because I will not be influenced by political or any other affiliations. I fully believe in our judicial system and it has something I have been passionate about for a long time.
- If you are elected, what would you make your priority in the upcoming term of office?
If elected, my priority would be to remain fair, unbiased, firm and consistent, while keeping the community’s safety in mind.
- What is the greatest challenge facing the office of Magisterial District Judge in Clearfield County?
The greatest challenge facing this particular office is the increased drug use in our area. It has become a major problem. The heroin epidemic that has so sadly taken too many lives too soon, especially. I would make it a priority to deal with these cases with the safety of our community in mind and aid in education to people affected by this.
- If you are elected, what plans do you have to develop relationships with local law enforcement, court officials and attorneys?
If elected, I plan to develop a respectful relationship with local law enforcement, court officials and attorneys, keeping those relationships to a strictly professional level.
Every person is entitled to a fast and fair trial. When becoming too friendly with the people they interact with often, judicial officials can become influenced from one of these agencies, clouding their judgment as to what is fair.
- If you are elected, how would you be proactive and set an example within the communities you serve?
If elected, I will set an example in the community by continuing to volunteer as much as I am able to. I am a co-founder of a non-profit and a volunteer youth soccer coach.
I also would like to follow in Judge Hawkins’s example of visiting schools within our district to talk with the children about the importance of staying out of trouble and being active in the community.
- What would you like voters to consider before they make their final choice for Magisterial District Judge?
I would like the voters to consider that this has not been a hasty decision on my part. I have been looking forward to the opportunity to run for almost seven years.
This is something that I have remained focused on and passionate about. I have no ties to any political agenda or law enforcement agencies, which will ensure an unbiased approach to each individual case.
