Josh Portney

State College

Every November, we hire elected officials to do the people’s work on a day-to-day basis. We send folks to the halls of every level of government, including the benches in courts across the Commonwealth. In these races, we want people who can hit the ground running on day one. We need individuals who possess the necessary qualifications and relevant experience, with the shortest learning curve possible.

That is especially important for our judiciary. Pennsylvania voters hold a unique power to elect judges at every level. With great power comes great responsibility, and I encourage you to use yours wisely.

Individuals seeking to appeal their criminal convictions or civil judgments must go to the Superior Court for remedy. When electing a judge for this Court, someone with extensive experience in criminal cases and civil and family matters is needed.

Judge Brandon Neuman is the only candidate in the race who has actually served as a Common Pleas judge — doing so in Washington County for the last eight years. His opponent lacks the extensive experience that he has in presiding over criminal, complex civil and family law matters. The choice is clear as day.

The other contested candidate election is for a seat on the Commonwealth Court. This Court hears lawsuits where the government is a party, typically involving our rights as Pennsylvanians.

Judge Stella Tsai is the only candidate in the race who has actually presided over the specific types of cases that the Commonwealth Court decides on appeal. Judge Tsai has served on the busiest court in the Commonwealth for nearly a decade, deciding complex civil matters and other disputes. Again, the choice is clear.

Finally, both of these esteemed judges are rated “Highly Recommended” by the Pennsylvania Bar Association — a thoroughly independent and nonpartisan review of judicial candidates’ qualifications and merit.

This November, let’s choose experience by voting for Judge Brandon Neuman for Superior Court and Judge Stella Tsai for Commonwealth Court.