All PoconosB2B, News, Classified and all about life in Poconos
  

Read News

Pocono News Section

Monroe Co. Announces Plan to Avoid Scandals

Monroe Co. Announces Plan to Avoid Scandals - Monday, March 23, 2009 at 4:35PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Mar 23, 2009 @ 04:35pm EST
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - The Luzerne County judge scandal has many people worried about the integrity of the judicial system. People in Monroe County are doing their best to make sure all six people running for judge are honest.

Two judges plead guilty of corruption and the scandal echoes across the state. "We were distraught about it," said Alexander Bensinger of Monroe County.

When Luzerne County Judges Mark Ciaverella and Michael Conahan admitted to scandal people in Monroe county wanted to make sure nothing like it would ever happen in the Poconos. "It highlighted the need for something to be done now," said attorney Mary Louis Parker.

The Monroe County Bar Association formed a judicial evaluation committee. It will examine all candidates for an open Monroe County Judge position. Parker, the Vice Chairperson, explained, "This is an open, honest, and in depth attempt to evaluate these judicial candidates."

The candidates will undergo a criminal background check and a reference check. They'll also have to answer several pages of questions. In addition to that paperwork, they'll have to submit their tax returns, a list of their assets and other business interests.

Bensinger, the Committee Chairperson said that would help find, "Whether they'd have greater temptation to steal money to make wrong decisions."

Five lawyers sit on the board along with four community members. Rich Berkowitz said, "You can't rely on the courts, you don't believe in justice and if justice is corrupt - who do you believe in?"

Committee member Wayne Bolt said, "We just want to pick a good and honest judge for our area here."

The board will make recommendations about each candidate before the May primary. Those are suggestions on who people should vote for. It has no impact on whether or not candidates are allowed to remain on the ballot.

 


Discuss this news

Your Name (nickname):
Your Email: (will remain private)
Your Comments:
  


Home | News | Businesses | PA places | Classified | Cars for Sale | Account | Products | Home Recipes | Manuals | Stock Images | Earn Commissions | Advertise | Contact Us | Search
Raw Hack

© 2024 AllPoconos.Com All rights reserved.