Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas
(vote for not more than 4 in your party)
Job Description: The Courts of Common Pleas are Pennsylvania’s courts of general trial jurisdiction. They have existed since the colonial charter of Pennsylvania, and are incorporated in the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776, according to the city’s Web site. The Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County presently consists of 93 judges.
The Court of Common Pleas is supervised by a President Judge who is elected for a five year term by the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas.
Term: 10 years
Salary: President, $155,175; judge, $152,115
Qualifications: We asked about the candidates’
A. Education
B. Current Occupation
C. Qualifications for this office
D. Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association?
We also asked candidates for Court of Common Pleas judge:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? What in your background prepares you for service as a judge?
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system?
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city?
(Vote for not more than 4)
Democrats
Linda Carpenter
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: 1984 Goucher College, B.A.; 1989 Villanova J.D., Associate Editor Environmental Law Review
Current occupation: Litigation Attorney
Qualifications for this office: Trial Attorney for over 17 years; Law clerk in the Court of Common Pleas and Pennsylvania Supreme Court. In addition I do not pre-judge any individual or situation, will asses each case on its own merits and will apply the law in a fair and equitable manner.
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Yes
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? Linda Carpenter is an attorney with over 17 years experience handling complex litigation for both plaintiffs and defendants, who has actively participated and successfully represented community groups and individuals in a wide variety of criminal and civil matters and pro bono representation of clients. Linda is community minded and actively involved in a number of charities including being the President of the Fairmount Civic Association and board member of Lutheran Settlement House, and an office and trustee of the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. Through all of these experiences Linda has worked to promote the ideals of community, economic, and social justice.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? All members of the justice system should work together as a unit to address the high number of young people who are not rehabilitated to become productive members of society.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? More community and “beat cop” police officers; early childhood intervention to address mental health issues related to the anger, dysfunction and despair that leads to so much crime; more probation officers to supervise cases, particularly to confirm that offenders are not falling back into old patterns of behavior, are working and are not taking drugs.
Web site: http://carpenterforjudge.com
Christian H. Clemente
Qualifications:
Education: Temple University Beasley School of Law; Philadelphia, PA LLM, Trial Advocacy, May 2002; Loyola University School of Law; New Orleans, Louisiana J.D., May 1998 Civil Law Certificate, May 1998; Marietta College Marietta, Ohio B.A., History, May 1995
Current occupation: Lawyer
Qualifications for this office: Law Offices of Nicholas A. Clemente, P.C. Managing Attorney September 1999-present, Philadelphia, PA, (managing attorney since 9/2001).
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Found not recommended
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? Practice primarily dedicated to family and criminal law, as well as juvenile delinquent and dependency matters, bankruptcy, real estate, personal injury and corporate law. Extensive experience litigating cases throughout the eastern Pennsylvania counties and New Jersey. In addition to litigation and transactional responsibilities, work also includes client development and office management.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? Respect for the people that have contact with the system. Starting court on time and accommodating our people that make the system work. The people are not here for the court, rather the court is here for the people.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? We start in the community. That is where problems arise. By the time the issue gets to the Court system, the system has failed. We need community response to help heal the violence that is plaguing the city.
Web site: None provided
Greg Coleman
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: 1969, University of Connecticut, B.A.; 1982, Rutgers School of Law, J.D.; 2003-04 Westminster Theological Seminary.
Current occupation: Attorney at Law
Qualifications for this office: Chief of Staff of City Council, 4 years; twenty-five years of legal experience; community involvement: providing basic necessities and scholarships to the poor.
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Rating process not yet completed.
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? For over twenty years I have successfully represented a diverse clientele in multiple disciplines of the law. I have represented every ethnic group, each gender, the rich, the poor, the young, the old. I have no respect of station or status, but impartially respect all people with compassion and understanding. I am a seasoned attorney.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? Certainly the election of candidates with outstanding abilities and character will improve our justice system. I would, however, reserve judgment on court reform, and would prefer to take a critical look from the inside to more intelligently identify systemic problems, determine whether the source is internal or external, and then offer carefully considered realistic solutions.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? To offend time and time and time again is a manifestation of an unrepentant, hard, unremorseful heart. Opportunity for rehabilitation has been given and proven unfruitful. These impenitent, depraved violators of the law are a scourge to our community, and, for the protection of society, they must be sentenced to the maximum extent of the law. Hopelessness is the disease that must be addressed. Policy makers, and we as a society, must address the root causes of hopelessness.
Web site: http://www.colemanforjudge07.com
Robert Coleman
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: Villanova BA 1979, Widener University School of Law JD 1982
Current occupation: Senior Trial Attorney
Qualifications for this office: Endorsed by the Philadelphia Fire Fighters Local 22; 24 years of extensive litigation experience where I have handled cases ranging from The American with Disabilities Act to Workers Compensation matters.
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Yes
Answers:
1. 24 years experience as a litigation attorney having tried hundreds of jury trials. Being raised in a family of lawyers including my father, uncle and brother. There have been many dialogues regarding the judicial system; its pluses and minuses; and the need for better judicial temperament.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? Although out justice system is the best in the world, we should always strive for more transparency. There have been a plethora of TV shows where real judges take on cases. Much more could be done to open up our court system by educating young people to the reality of the justice system.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? There must be more community involvement if we are to make inroads on violence. The police department must involve itself in more community programs and attempt to engage in preemptive policing. It is necessary that we target and involve our youth with after school programs and better educate them in the schools with such programs as “Scared Straight.”
Web site: None Provided
Alice Beck Dubow
(filed in both parties)
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: 1981, University of Pennsylvania, B.A cum laude; 1984, University of Pennsylvania Law School, J.D.
Current occupation: Lawyer
Qualifications for this office: Law Office of Alice Beck Dubow; Drexel University, Deputy General Counsel; Wolf, Block, Schorr & Solis-Cohen; City of Philadelphia, Divisional Deputy City Solicitor; Fineman & Bach; Duane, Morris, Heckscher.
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Yes.
Answers:
1. Over the past twenty-three years of practicing law, I have developed the technical skills to interpret the law as well as an understanding of the impact that a decision has on not only the litigants, but also the community as a whole. I have integrity and a strong belief in judicial independence.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? In the criminal courts, defendants must be brought to trial much more quickly so that they do not languish in jail and overcrowd the jails. In the civil courts, the courts must provide interpreters in civil matters as well as criminal matters. There are many civil proceedings in which the rights of an individual are greatly affected.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? The criminal justice system must more effectively deal with defendants with mental health problems, especially substance abuse problems, by providing better mental health care. While in prison and upon release from prison, the defendant must be given opportunities for education, skills training and jobs.
Web site: http://www.Alice.For.Judge.com
Michael Erdos
(filed in both parties)
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: 1987, Dickinson College, B.A. (summa cum laude); 1990 Oxford University, B.A., M.A.; 1994 Yale Law School, J.D.
Current occupation: Attorney
Qualifications for this office: Assistant District Attorney, 10 years; Chief, Public Nuisance Task Force, 3.5 years; reproductive rights litigator, 2 years; honored by Citizens’ Crime Commission and PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Yes.
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? I have devoted my career to protecting individual rights, fighting for justice, and giving the community a voice in our legal system. By handling hundreds of trials and writing briefs to the United States Supreme Court, I have developed the legal expertise necessary to preside over trials and appeals. My work ethic and commitment to excellence, as reflected in my academic and professional records, have also prepared me for the bench.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? We must improve our criminal justice system to reduce recidivism. We need more probation and parole officers, and we should establish a court-supervised system of private mentoring for probationers. We must establish geographically based “zone courts” to help judges better understand the communities in which crimes occur and to expedite cases by ensuring that police officers don’t have conflicting subpoenas. We should utilize “community prosecution” to better orient law enforcement in high crime areas.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? Our approach to probation and parole, and our gun laws, must be strengthened. My work addressing drug houses and nuisance businesses demonstrated how powerful the partnership between the community and law enforcement can be. We must establish a similar model to deal with violent crime. If we tap into the street smarts of our residents in a structured way, we can better monitor violent criminals and take steps to prevent many shootings from occurring.
Web site: http://www.ElectMikeErdos.com
Joyce Eubanks
(filed in both parties)
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: Temple University, B.S.,1978, Philadelphia, PA; Temple University Beasley School of Law, Juris Doctorate, 1981, Philadelphia, PA
Current occupation: Lawyer
Qualifications for this office: 30 years of service serving the citizens of Philadelphia and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Twenty-two Years as a public defender. Recipient of the Cecil B. Moore Community Service Award, Temple Legal Aid Alumni Award.
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Yes.
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? I have a history of service. I have served the citizens of Philadelphia, as a public defender for more than 20years; I have been an adjunct professor at Temple University Beasley School of Law for 10 years teaching new lawyers trial techniques; I am a volunteer coach with the John Bradock Mock Trial Competition,; and the Law, Education and Participation Program, Temple University Beasley School of Law, this is my twenty-ninth year.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? The most pressing needs for reform in our justice system are the reduction in the amount of time spent waiting for “court” to start. There also needs to be a decrease in the amount of people who are incarcerated, as opposed to the number of people who are educated by the State. Also, there needs to be an express emphasis on the need for citizens to be willing to serve on juries.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? The answer is multifactorial. There needs to be an emergency jobs-type bill aimed at attacking the ever increasing unemployment rate of young black and minority youth. There needs to be a partnership with the city government and corporations that do business in Philadelphia for the purposes of securing commitments for the realization of jobs. The jobs need to be paying a living wage, not minimum wage, and a training component needs to be attached to the program.
Web site: http://www.votejoyceeubanks.com
Ellen Green-Ceisler
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: 1979, Temple University, B.A.; 1986 Temple University School of Law, J.D.
Current occupation: Attorney
Qualifications for this office: Prosecutor; Litigator; Child Advocate; Director of Integrity & Accountability Office — Phila. Police Department; Director of Fraud Unit — City Controller’s Office; Hearing Committee Member — PA. Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board.
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Yes
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? My diverse background has essentially involved seeking the truth and applying that knowledge to effectuate positive change. I have established a reputation for independence, integrity, thoroughness, and fairness and have demonstrated the work ethic, temperament, maturity, passion, and common sense to be an excellent judge. I have also demonstrated the ability to absorb and synthesize large amounts of information, and to quickly master new subjects. My research, analytical, and writing skills are excellent. My varied experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the various agencies that are interconnected with the court system which will help me in BOTH effectively resolving individual cases and in my efforts to improve the quality of the judicial system overall.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? Lack of coordination among agencies within the criminal justice system and family courts resulting in case delays and inappropriate/ineffective case resolutions. Enormous and unreasonable case loads in criminal and family courts, probation and parole. Lack of comprehensive, sustained, effective, easily accessible services and programs including mental health and drug and alcohol treatment services, job training, and housing, among others.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? The underlying causes of crime/violence including but not limited to addiction, unemployment and poverty, must be addressed. (See prior answer). Efficacy of services and programs must be rigorously evaluated so limited resources are not wasted. Enactment of stricter gun control laws and better enforcement of existing gun laws.
Web site: www.greenceisler07.com
Thomas Martin
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: St. Joe’s Prep 1970; Boston College, BA cum laude 1974; Villanova Law School, JD cum laude 1977.
Current occupation: Civil Trial Attorney
Qualifications for this office: Thirty years experience as a trial lawyer. Certified Federal Court Mediator. Arbitrator in both State and Federal Courts; Member East Falls Community Council.
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Recommended.
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? Experience, competence, commitment to community service. Honors graduate of Villanova Law School, practicing trial attorney for 30 years meeting the challenges of a practice and responsibilities of running a small business. I served as counsel to the thirty-eighth ward and the Resident’s Coalition, member of the East Falls Community Council, and treasurer, board member and coach for the East Falls Sports Association. I have proudly raised a family of four children in the city.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? A moratorium on the imposition of the death penalty is needed. Our justice system is not perfect and cannot be made perfect. The death of an innocent person at the hands of the state diminishes all of us. These cases burden the resources of the justice system without conferring an appropriate benefit. The death penalty is not an effective deterrent. Resources spent on death penalty issues are better spent on crime prevention measures.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? Judges must insure that violent or repeat offenders are removed from society. I support Michael Nutter’s crime plan which provides for the establishment of targeted enforcement zones, aggressively enforcing arrest warrants against fugitives, installing cameras, and using constitutional stop and frisk tactics, directing crime-fighting resources against repeat offenders, fugitives, and probation/parole violators, increasing the size of our police force, and improving the economy to create job opportunities so that people can build better economic futures.
Web site: http://tommartinforjudge.com
Beverly Muldrow
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: 1971, Franklin & Marshall College, B.A.;1974, Ohio State University School of Law, J.D.
Current occupation: Solo Practitioner, Law Office of Beverly N. Muldrow, Esquire
Qualifications for this office: Deputy Attorney General (PA, 2 years); Assistant District Attorney (Phila., 10 Years); Sr. Assist. Regional Counsel, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region III, 3 Years
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Yes
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? I am qualified to be a judge based on my extensive legal and life experience. I am intimately familiar with the rules of evidence and procedure. I have practiced both civil and criminal law, and in the criminal arena, I have both prosecuted and defended cases. My years in the courtroom have acquainted me with the practical aspects of litigation and trial work.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? There are inequities in our justice system related to race, gender, sexual orientation and class bias that are in need of reform. These inequalities in our justice system have ramification well beyond any one case. It undercuts our sense of community and our goal of equal justice for all.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? The violence in our city stems from a lack of education, frustration, limited opportunity and deteriorating of the family. The public schools are inadequate. Many extra-curricular activities that were part of the school offering over the years have disappeared, i.e., gym, band, study hall, shop. Supply in the classroom is limited and little is offered to stimulate the student’s interest in learning. Approximately half of our Philadelphia students fail to graduate. This leads to an increase of crime and violence.
Web site: http://www.beverlymuldrowforjudge.com
Joseph T. Murphy, Jr
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: 1971 St. Joseph’s B.S.; 1974, Villanova, J.D.; 1983, Villanova, LL.M. Tax; 1996, Temple, LL.M. Trial Advocacy.
Current occupation: Attorney
Qualifications for this office: 32 years experience; Civil, Criminal, Domestic, Estates, Commercial litigation; Federal and State Court trials; Past President, Chairman and current Board Member of Special People in Northeast.
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Yes. Rated “Recommended”
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? I am a lifelong resident of Philadelphia with 32 years of varied legal experience, an honorably discharged USAFR Officer, a former Assistant City Solicitor, a graduate of Villanova law and Temple Trial Advocacy. As a single parent with three daughters, one of whom has Down’s Syndrome, I am sensitive to discrimination issues. I have been active for 16 years with Special People in Northeast, which serves mentally and physically challenged infants, children, adults and seniors.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? Broad reforms should begin by addressing our youngest offenders hoping that guidance and training will turn them around. We need educational and vocational avenues for young people to learn a skill so they can make a living. We must encourage employers to give youthful offenders a chance. To shut them out is counter-productive. Most people with decent jobs don’t get into serious trouble. We have to make young people want jobs, not guns.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? Without jobs, offenders will continue to get into trouble. Job training and job availability must exist for prior offenders. People need hope. If a repeat offender was given a job opportunity but instead opted to return to crime, then he should return to jail. To reduce violence, guns must come off the street. Laws must make it harder to get guns. Civil and criminal penalties for possession or use of guns must be severe.
Web site: None provided
Thomas M. Nocella
Qualifications: No response received
Answers: No response received
J. Scott O’Keefe
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: 1975 Villanova BA; 1979 Delaware Law School, J.D.
Current occupation: Attorney
Qualifications for this office: 27 years trial attorney; 1 year law clerk Court of Common Pleas, Referee Commonwealth Court of PA; Adjunct Professor Villanova University
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Yes, on four occasions, although this is the first time I have actually run.
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? For the last 27 years, I have been in court everyday trying cases. I have an extraordinary knowledge of courtroom procedure and evidence. Although this is my first time running for Judge, I have been rated “recommended” for the position of the judge of Court of Common Pleas four times since 1995. The last rating I received from Martindale-Hubbell, an independent national legal evaluator was the highest rating available. For the last several years, in addition to my practice, I have served as Referee by appointment of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? More efficient administration of justice by judges with the necessary experience and appropriate temperament to be fair. A Judge should have broad knowledge of the law and vast courtroom experience. Increased use of alternative programs for minor offenses.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? More Parole Officers need to be hired and stricter supervision of those on probation and parole. Both those incarcerated and those on probation been mandatory education and vocational training.
Web site: None Provided
Angeles Roca
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: 1992, Temple University, BA; 1995, Villanova Law School, JD
Current occupation: Attorney
Qualifications for this office: Sole Practitioner — Litigator, 12 years
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Yes
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? In my practice I have litigated many cases from custody trials to civil matters. I feel that my experience in the courtroom has prepared me to serve as a judge. I have always strived to be honest and impartial and I will carry those traits to the bench. Aside from applying the law, I will also bring the common sense approach to the bench. My reputation has earned me the honor of being selected Super Lawyer, Rising Star in the 2005 and 2006 editions of Philadelphia Magazine.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? Sentencing Reform. I believe that one must look at each case individually and weigh all the circumstances in the matter including but not limited to, the crime, social status, race, rehabilitation possibilities and age to determine the sentence to provide each person with the opportunity to become a responsible member of this society or, in the alternative, to punish the repeat and serious offender and/or be able to give the appropriate sentence for the crime. Addressing the needs of youth with disabilities in the juvenile justice system and looking at the family situation and the addressing the same for the juveniles in need of services.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? When possible, repeat offenders should be given the opportunity of rehabilitation. Should the repeat offender not want to be rehabilitated and/or follow the recommendations of the court, any offender should be punished and the punishment should fit the crime. Serious offenders should be severly punished.
Web site: http://www.rocaforjudge.com
Elvin Ross, III
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: 1989, Roman Catholic H.S.; 1994, U. Penn School of Engineering & Applied Science, B.A.S.; 2002, Drexel School of Ed., M.S.; 2003, TSU School of Law, J.D.
Current occupation: Attorney
Qualifications for this office: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP; United States District Court; District Attorney’s Office (Homicide Division Intern); School District of Philadelphia; PECO Energy.
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Pending
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? Hands-on experience in the energy industry combined with a premier legal practice where I help grow small and large companies makes me a candidate who understands the value of keeping everyone employed. My background also includes work as a high school math teacher where I confirmed that people live up or down to expectations.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? Our justice system lacks credibility. Reform requires greater accountability. Hence, we need to choose more judges who walk among us; such judges share our experiences and understand our issues; such judges believe in efficient courts and take seriously the commitment of being public servants.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? We need to stop treating the process of adjudication like an assembly line. Our problem with repeat offenders and reckless violence comes from an inability or unwillingness to personalize justice. If more judges were connected and accountable to the people, then the people would trust the court to be fair and just in all instances. Such trust would enable early, stern and compassionate intervention while promoting greater cooperation among all stakeholders.
Web site: http://www.elvin4judge.com
Rosa Ryan
Qualifications: No Response Received
Answers: No response received
Gerard P. Shotzbarger
Philadelphia
Qualifications:
Education: Haverford College ‘78; University of Pennsylvania Law School ‘81
Current occupation: Attorney
Qualifications for this office: Over 25 years practicing law; Civil and Criminal Litigation; Plaintiff and Defense; Over 20 years serving as a law clerk in Municipal and Common Pleas Courts.
Have you been endorsed by the Bar Association? Submitted but not reviewed.
Answers:
1. What in your background prepares you for service as a judge? I have spent my entire life in Philadelphia; knowing the various neighborhoods and their people will help me effectively serve as a Judge. I love the city and its residents.
2. What are the most pressing needs for reform in our justice system? We need more police and probation officers. We also need to pay them more. We need more prison space for adults. We need better facilities for juveniles.
3. What do you recommend happen to help stop repeat offenders and reduce the violence that is plaguing our city? I would encourage the city to devote more money and people to help teen-agers. I would advocate to increase spending for recreation, athletics and the arts for our young people. I would encourage passage of the toughest gun control laws in the nation.
Web site: None Provided
Marvin L. Williams
Qualifications: No response received
Answers: No response received
Republicans
Alice Beck Dubow
Michael Erdos
Joyce Eubanks
Marvin L. Williams
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