Vote for one

City of Butler

Patrick Casey

Residence: Butler

Education: B.A., Duquesne University, 1979; Juris Doctor, Duquesne University School of Law, 1986

Occupation: Trial attorney; adjunct professor, University of Pittsburgh, Legal Studies

B.T. Fullerton

Residence: Butler

Education: Graduated from Allegheny College, 1986; graduated from Duquesne University School of Law, 1989

Occupation: Butler County Assistant District Attorney

Bob Geagan

Residence: Butler

Education: 1974 graduate of Butler High School; 1978 graduate of Pittsburgh Beauty Academy with a teacher’s license

Occupation: Pennsylvania State Constable. Formerly self-employed for 36 years at Geagan’s Beauty Salon.

QUESTION: Is it important that a district judge have a law degree? Explain your answer.

CASEY: Yes. The district judge court has jurisdiction over civil lawsuits with an amount in controversy of $12,000 or less. The cases most frequently involve personal injury or contract law. The court also hears all landlord-tenant cases, which often involve interpreting lease disputes; which are contract matters.

FULLERTON: Butler County is fortunate to have many excellent district judges who do not have a law degree; certainly possessing a law degree is not a requirement for the position. However, when looking at the Butler City District Judge election, having a law degree is an important distinguishing factor. And it is a factor that does not cost the taxpayers any additional money. Possessing a law degree is not as important as the person who possesses it and what they have done with it. I have used my law degree continuously and exclusively in public service in Butler since 1990.

GEAGAN: The District Judge position was created as a layman’s position. Any member of the community is eligible to run for this post regardless of education or employment. The district judge presides over the court and administers the law on behalf of the community. The most important characteristic of a district judge is the sincere ability to listen to the people. He must understand society and its interactions, care for people and respect all citizens. He must be fair, honest and impartial to all parties involved. My experience demonstrates my dedication to these values.

QUESTION: What can you do as a district judge to have the court better serve the public? Do you plan any specific changes or improvements?

CASEY: Treat all persons who come before the court, whether parties to a case, or witnesses, respectfully and fairly.

I will ensure that all persons’ due process rights, as granted by the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions, are protected. If parties request a hearing, I will see that they receive a full and fair hearing.

FULLERTON: I will run an open, impartial courtroom, where those who come to court will have a full and fair opportunity to be heard. There are several ways that I would like to add to the Butler City District Court to serve the public. In order to accommodate those who work during the day, I would like to add evening hours of operation to the court’s schedule. I will also promote and facilitate the use of problem solving courts such as the Credit Crunch Collaboration, Veterans Court and Drug Court. During on-call duty, I will be accessible and available whenever needed.

GEAGAN: I promise fair and impartial hearings to ensure justice for everyone. I will listen to both sides and will follow the spirit of the law. One improvement I plan, if elected, is to add an evening of night court to help manage the workload and provide more convenient hours for those needing to appear in court.