Local news

Wright, Smith seek to fill Magisterial District Judge seat

Heidi Wright

MILL HALL -- Heidi Wright is looking to become Magisterial District Judge for District 25-3-02.

The seat was held for over 20 years by current Judge John Maggs, who will be retiring at the end of this year. The district covers Bald Eagle Township, Beech Creek Borough, Beech Creek Township, Greene Township, Lamar Township, Logan Township, Porter Township, Loganton Borough and Mill Hall Borough.

Wright, of Beech Creek, has a connection to the area -- since 1898 when her great-grandfather, Glenn S. Dickey was born.

Wright has been active in her community from a young age, joining the local 4-H Club when she was 8 and participating until she turned 18 years old.

She is a 2009 Central Mountain High School graduate.

After high school, Wright attended Penn State University and graduated in 2013 with a Bachelors of Science in Health Policy and Administration.

For seven years she was a stay-at-home mom before rejoining the work force in 2020 to help in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wright attends Blanchard Church of Christ, works in the nursery and volunteers with the Kings Kids after-school program. She coached Central Mountain Middle School softball from 2016-2019, and has been a Little League baseball coach within the community since 2018. She also currently serves as a volunteer within the Keystone Central School District.

Wright answered the following questions to The Express:

Q: What experience do you have with law enforcement and the criminal justice system?

Wright: While I come from a law enforcement family, I do not have a law enforcement background or experience in the criminal justice system. However, I do not feel that this is a hindrance to carrying out the duties of a District Judge, and in fact may be more of a benefit. Some of the former District Judges had no law enforcement or criminal justice system experience and I believe their longevity in office and their reputation speaks volumes to how they ran their office and their courtroom. In addition, rendering decisions on vehicle code and crimes code offenses requires a judge to listen to the testimony and view any evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense, and then render an unbiased decision as to whether the crime charged was committed and if the person before you are the one who committed that crime. I believe that someone who can listen, has common sense and is able to fairly apply the interpretations of Pennsylvania's laws as they exist can readily render decisions in these types of cases. I don't believe that law enforcement experience is vital in dealing with the civil law portion of the District Judge's job. This would include the landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, personal suits, etc. Again, I believe that by using common sense, fairness and listening to what both sides have to say, while staying within the confines of the civil laws, would allow for fair and unbiased decisions to be rendered. I possess those qualities that would enable me to render decisions on any case that would come before me, whether it be traffic, criminal or civil. I would also like to clarify what the qualifications are to be a district judge. You must be 21 years of age, resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, resident of the Magisterial district in which she/he is seeking election for one year prior to the election and be certified by the Administration Office of Pennsylvania Courts by completing the program administered by the Minor Judiciary Education board. I received notification of my certification by the Minor Judiciary Education Board on July 17, 2023.

Q: What do you feel is the most key part of the role of magisterial district judge?

Wright: I think that most would agree that the important part of the District Judge's job is to hear court cases and render decisions on those cases fairly. However, I think the importance of the job goes well beyond that. To name a few additional important areas, it is letting people know that when they come into the office, they will be heard and that no one nor their situation is insignificant. It is about investing in our youth and interceding in their lives to try to re-direct those that are on a dangerous path. It is creating an atmosphere in the office whereby everyone works together as a team to accomplish the desired goal.

Q: The district two magisterial judge seat has been held by its current judge for over 20 years. Do you feel there are any adjustments or changes that could be made to improve the role? Or would you continue to operate the position as the current judge has?

Wright: I believe District Judge Maggs has set the bar pretty high for what a new District Judge should aspire to be and the systems and practices he has in place will certainly be a model to continue with. One of the things I have been adamant about during this campaign is finding common ground with Keystone Central School District in hopes that the District Judge could work with the district and invest in our kids' lives to help them make better choices. Choices that do not result in them having criminal records before they are out of high school, and pathways that would result in them being productive members of our society and community.

Q: Why have you chosen to run for this position?

Wright: I chose to run for Magisterial District Judge because I care about our community and want to ensure it remains a great place to live and to raise our families. This community that I love has been so good to me and has served as a foundation for the person I am today. Through the love, guidance and dedication of parents, grandparents, pastors, Sunday school teachers, school teachers, 4-H leaders and coaches, I have developed qualities that are essential to successfully fulfill the duties of a Magisterial District Judge. These traits include a strong work ethic, common sense, fairness, respect and honesty. During my childhood, I was taught some of the greatest life lessons: to always have God in the center of everything I do, to be respectful, to work hard and that honesty is the best policy. I emerged from childhood with clear views, and a well-developed value system that remain with me today. It's a scary world we're living in. It's becoming more and more common for good to be viewed as evil, and evil viewed as good. I am not afraid to stand up for what is right and stick true to who I am. I have a firm foundation to stand on and this is why I chose to run for Magisterial District Judge.

Kristen Smith

MILL HALL -- Former Lock Haven City Police Chief Kristin Smith is looking to replace outgoing Judge John Maggs in 2023 as the Magisterial District Judge in District 25-3-02.

The seat was held for over 20 years by current Judge Maggs, who will be retiring at the end of this year. The district covers Bald Eagle Township, Beech Creek Borough, Beech Creek Township, Greene Township, Lamar Township, Logan Township, Porter Township, Loganton Borough and Mill Hall Borough.

Smith is a 1997 graduate of State College Area High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Penn State University in 2001. She attended the police academy at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Smith was hired as a patrol officer by the Lock Haven City Police Department in 2002. Over the course of her career with the department, Smith worked her way up the ranks, earning the titles of Corporal, Detective Sergeant, and finally Chief of Police in 2018. After 20 years of dedicated service, Smith retired from the Lock Haven City Police Department in December 2022.

Smith served on the Board of Directors for the Clinton County Housing Authority and the Clinton County Housing Coalition. For over ten years, Smith volunteered with Clinton County Police Camp Cadet where she served in the positions of Senior Counselor and Assistant Director.

The Express asked Smith four questions regarding herself and the position:

Q: What experience do you have with law enforcement and the criminal justice system?

Smith: In December 2022, I retired from the Lock Haven City Police Department where I was a police officer for over 20 years, for five of those years I was the chief of police. I have testified countless times in every level of court in Clinton County. I have obtained numerous search warrants and arrest warrants from Magisterial District Judges as well as the Common Pleas Judges. I have extensive knowledge of the laws and the procedures of the court.

Q: What do you feel is the most important part of the role of magisterial district judge?

Smith: The Magisterial District Judge is the first level of the court system. The majority of people, when dealing with the justice system, will only encounter the Magisterial District Judge. The most important role of a Magisterial District Judge is to provide an impartial environment for people to navigate through the justice system whether it's a preliminary arraignment, preliminary hearing, summary trial, or a civil case.

Q: The district two magisterial judge seat has been held by its current judge for over 20 years. Do you feel there are any adjustments or changes that could be made to improve the role? Or would you continue to operate the position as the current judge has?

Smith: I have been before Judge Maggs many times during my career. In that time, Judge Maggs has treated everyone in his courtroom with dignity and respect. I will continue operating in this manner whether dealing with plaintiffs, defendants, police officers, or attorneys.

Q: Why have you chosen to run for this position?

Smith: I have worked toward this position since I was 18 years old. During my career, I witnessed people who were not treated well in a courtroom and the lifelong impact it had on them. I want to ensure that people are treated fairly in the court system and can have faith that justice will be served. It's very important to have a judge who has the experience to deliver knowledgeable and unbiased verdicts.