James L. Hawkins has announced his candidacy for re-election to the office of magisterial district judge 46-3-04
Hawkins will seek both the Democratic and Republican nominations in the May primary election.
“I’ve worked very hard in the past to make my office as accessible as possible to the people of our area,” said Hawkins.
It is extremely important to me that everyone who contacts me goes away feeling that they have been treated with dignity and respect above all. I think I have done well in that capacity in the past and would like the chance to continue that work for several more years.
Hawkins commented on the functions of his office and how he has worked to make it an efficient part of the judicial system.
“My main function is to decrease the backlog of cases before the Court of Common Pleas.”
Hawkins said he is most proud of his record as a judge, hearing literally hundreds of cases each year ranging from criminal cases to domestic disputes to simple traffic violations.
“I have gained a wealth of judicial experience presiding over a whole spectrum of issues,” said Hawkins.
“I pride myself on being fair, firm and impartial in all of my verdicts. I pledge to continue running my office in the same legal and professional manner I have worked so hard to establish in the past several years.”
Hawkins also noted that hs in compliance with all continuing education requirements and has sat on the Legislature and Vehicle Code committees.
“It is important for the magisterial district judges to work with local schools to teach young adults the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse along with very important discussions of crimes involving social networking.
“The best way to deal with juvenile crime, in my opinion, is to work to prevent it long before any of our young adults find themselves standing in front of me in my courtroom.”
Hawkins is a member of Christ the King Church of Houtzdale. He is married to the former Lisa A. Sherkel of Houtzdale. They have three sons: Timothy, who is an auditor; Ryan, who is serving in the US Army; and Paul, who is a social worker.
Magiststerial District 46-3-04 includes the boroughs of Brisbin, Burnside, Coalport, Glen Hope, Houtzdale, Irvona, Lumber City, Newburg, New Washington, Mahaffey, Ramey and Westover and the townships of Bell, Bigler, Burnside, Beccaria, Chest, Ferguson, Greenwood, Gulich, Jordan, Knox and Woodward.
“I would like this opportunity to “Thank” those who passed and signed my petitions,” said Hawkins. “It is greatly appreciated.”
