Experience matters in the courtroom

The one elected position that we must get right is the next judge of Centre County. We should elect the next judge based on his collective years of experience that prepared him to lead in the courtroom. Experience in the courtroom counts. It should not matter if he is a Democrat or Republican. Many Republicans supported Democrat Pam Ruest 10 years ago and Bernie Cantorna in the spring because they were the best candidates. Pam went on to become President Judge, and we have great hopes for Bernie to eradicate the courtroom drama that has plagued our judicial system. This year there is only one candidate that has extensive courtroom trial experience and that is Ron McGlaughlin. Would you trust a cardiac surgeon who has operated on thousands of patients or one that was never in the operating room? Would you hire a mechanic who worked on cars for 30 years or one who only watched YouTube videos? Ron McGlaughlin has over 30 years of proven experience in the courtroom in criminal and family law, the areas of law that most often come before a Judge. He has earned the respect of opposing attorneys, colleagues, and judges. I think it is time we elect qualified candidates. The ability to impart fair and impartial judicial rulings should be the only basis for your decision.

This story was originally published October 23, 2017 at 9:23 PM with the headline "Experience matters in the courtroom."