There are five candidates for the district judge office that covers Cranberry Township and Seven Fields. All candidates’ names will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots in the May 19 primary.

JULIET ABELCranberry Township

Age: Not available

Education: Bachelor of science degree, Pennsylvania State University; law degree University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 1997

Experience: More than 10 years of law experience working at two Pittsburgh law firms before opening her own practice

Family: Married, three childrenWeb site: www.julietabelforjudge.com

THOMAS CAMPBELLCranberry Township

Age: 42

Education: Bachelor of science degree, Penn State University; law degree, Ohio Northern University, 1992

Experience: Began as staff attorney for Northwestern Legal Services in Franklin, Pa., and for the past 11 years, has practiced law with the Pittsburgh firm of C. Leon Sherman & Associates

Family: Married, two children

Web site: www.electtomcampbell.com

DAVE KOVACHCranberry Township

Age: 55

Education: Bachelor of science degree, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; police training, Allegheny County Police Training Academy, 1979

Experience: Police officer for the Cranberry Township Police Department since 1978, current sergeant support services commander for 25-member department

Family: Married, two children

Web site: www.electdavekovach.com

KELLEY MORRONECranberry Township

Age: 40

Education: Bachelor of arts degree, Edinboro University; law degree, Duquesne University, 1995

Experience: More than 13 years of trial attorney experience and for nearly 11 years has practiced with the law firm of DiBella, Geer, McAllister & Best in Pittsburgh

Family: Married, two children

Web site: www.kelleymorrone.com

TERI LYNN MICHAELSCranberry TownshipDid not respond

<B>QUESTION: How important is it that a district judge have a law degree? What can a candidate without a law degree offer in its place?ABEL</B>: As a veteran lawyer who has also worked within the judicial system for five years, I believe it is very important for judges to be lawyers. Judges make decisions that affect families and protect citizen's rights and freedoms. If a district judge does not have a formal legal education, citizens can lose their rights or be burdened with enforcing those rights in a higher court. Common sense dictates a district judge have a legal education.<B>CAMPBELL</B>: It is critical that a district judge be an attorney who has actually practiced in court, like I have for the past 16 years. A judge must decide on objections based upon the rules of evidence and procedure, interpret a variety of laws and apply the applicable law to each case. Although someone who is not a lawyer may have fine qualities, actual courtroom experience is necessary to be efficient and effective from day one.<B>KOVACH</B>: I agree with the present system in Pennsylvania that a law degree is not necessary to hold the position of district judge. The Pennsylvania Constitution and Supreme Court provide all citizens the opportunity to be elected district judge. I would consider common sense and the ability to communicate with the people more important attributes. I have a college degree in criminology and sociology and over 32 years experience in hundreds of cases at the magisterial district judge level.<B>MORRONE</B>: I have a law degree and I have extensive legal experience in every area of law the judge handles. I am the only candidate with district judge office experience. The law today is more complex than ever. It requires professional training to be able to apply it correctly. If a judge does not have a law degree they must have extensive legal experience and education in many different areas of law so mistakes aren't made.<B>QUESTION: What is the most crucial issue facing the Cranberry Township magisterial district? Do you believe a district judge has a role in addressing that issue?ABEL: </B>As a mother and longtime resident, maintaining the quality of life for our families and our community is the most critical issue. Candidates often try to scare voters by talking about crime, but the truth is criminal filings in this district court have decreased since 2006. As district judge, my qualifications will help me strengthen that trend. I would maintain awareness of crucial issues by my involvement outside of the courtroom, in schools and other community organizations.<B>CAMPBELL</B>: The rapid growth of our community is very important. With a larger population comes the potential for more conflict and crime. That can range from disputes between neighbors to teenagers getting into trouble. A judge who can process cases efficiently will help prevent a backlog due to an increase in the number of cases coming before the court. The residents of our community should not have to endure long delays in getting their cases heard.<B>KOVACH</B>: I believe two of the most important issues facing the district judge position of Cranberry Township and Seven Fields are the protection of victims' rights and the curtailment of drugs in our communities. I have seen firsthand how crime affects victims. Sometimes, it is life changing. Drugs are a problem that all too often leads to other crimes. As district judge, I will make judgments according to our laws and offer solutions to solve the problems.<B>MORRONE</B>: One of the most crucial issues facing this magisterial district is the high incident of teen traffic violations/accidents. The judge should have a role in addressing this issue because a judge is a role model for the community, including its youth. A judge can play a very important role through providing educational and other types of prevention programs in an effort to explain the potential risks of speeding, cell phone use and texting while driving.<B>QUESTION: Do you believe district judges should be selected through "nonpartisan" elections, meaning the political parties no longer choose candidates and party labels would no longer be used on the ballot?ABEL: </B>Judges must be neutral and should be selected based on education, experience, and character — not politics, favoritism or bias. While political parties play a role in helping to put forth qualified candidates, in this race, all the candidates are Republicans. However, the "nonpartisan" nature also gives Democrats a voice in selecting the most qualified candidate. As the laws must be applied evenly to all citizens, I am in favor of including all voters in that selection.<B>CAMPBELL:</B> The Legislature has already started down that path by allowing candidates in this type of election to cross-file for both the Republican and Democratic nominations. All five candidates in this election have done that. The choice of a district judge should really be based on merit, not politics. A district judge is responsible for following the law and the people should decide who is best qualified to do that.<B>KOVACH</B>: I agree that district judges should be selected through "nonpartisan" elections. Commitment and dedication to the position of district judge are significant values and not the political party. The position calls for a person that has proven ability to make good judgments that are fair, trusted and unbiased. They should reflect the laws of our country and the values of our communities. I will bring the values of honesty, hard work and fairness to the district judge position.<B>MORRONE</B>: Yes, I believe district judges should be selected through nonpartisan elections because judges should make decisions based upon the Constitution and the law as written, not on political beliefs or views. It is a judge's responsibility to follow the law and not legislate from the bench. A judge should be neutral and nonpartisan in their service.