League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania

Citizen Education Fund

Voters Guide

MUNICIPAL ELECTION, November 8, 2005

Copyright 2005 LWVPA-CEF

 

The League of Women Voters publishes this information neither to endorse nor to reject the views of any candidate quoted and does not assume responsibility for the contents of a candidate's reply. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations in the interest of space and to edit from the bottom of a candidate’s answer when the total response exceeds the word limit.

 

PENNSYLVANIA JUDICIAL RETENTION ELECTION

The following candidates were asked to list their education, occupation and qualifications for this office. They were also asked to reply to the following question:

Question: What specific suggestions do you have for improving the administration of justice in Pennsylvania?

 

Justice of the Supreme Court—Job Description

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is the highest judicial authority in the Commonwealth. In addition to being the final court of appeals, it serves as administrator of the unified court system and is responsible for ensuring that all Pennsylvania courts perform their duties properly. The Court hears decisions of the Superior and Commonwealth Courts and in certain cases, including those involving the death penalty, from the Courts of Common Pleas. It may also assume jurisdiction over any case pending before a lower court that involves an issue of immediate public importance. There are seven Supreme Court justices, the Chief Justice being the one having the longest continuous service on the Court.

Term: 10 years

Salary: $171,800

(Vote Yes or No)

Shall Sandra Schultz Newman be retained for an additional term as Justice of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

The Honorable Sandra Schultz Newman

 

Home Address: Gladwyne, PA

Date of Birth: 11/04/38

Candidate for: Retention, Justice, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

 

Part I—Qualifications

A.   Education: Drexel University, B.S. 1959

Temple University, M.A. 1969

Villanova Law School, J.D. 1972

 

B.    Occupation: Justice Pennsylvania Supreme Court

 

C.    Qualifications for this Office:

I had twenty-two years trial/appellate practice, including civil/criminal cases; bachelor and master degrees; service as Judge on Commonwealth Court, and now almost ten years experience as Justice on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court.

 

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Essential to the administration of justice is the court system’s ability to ensure a secure court environment. I have presided over the Supreme Court’s effort to enhance security in court facilities statewide. From our initial improvements at the Magisterial District Judge Courts through our planned initiatives at the Common Pleas and Appellate levels, we are becoming the national model for improving safety for the benefit of jurors, victims of crime, litigants, and the public.

 

(Vote Yes or No)

Shall Russell M. Nigro be retained for an additional term as Justice of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

The Honorable Russell M. Nigro

Home Address: Lower Gwynedd

Date of Birth: 3/23/46

Candidate for: Retention, Justice, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

 

Part I—Qualifications:

A. Education: Temple University, 1969, B.B.A.

                        Rutgers University School of Law, 1973, J.D.

 

B. Occupation: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice (1996 to Present)

 

C. Qualifications for this Office:

Completing ten-year term in present position. Formerly served for eight years on Common Please Court Bench. Rated “Recommended” by Pennsylvania Bar Association on September 14, 2005.

 

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Reducing racial and gender bias in the justice system and enhancing public trust and confidence in that system. To these ends, I will be evaluating the recommendations of the Committee on Racial and Gender Bias in the Justice System and the Commission for Justice Initiatives in Pennsylvania, and working to implement those recommendations that will serve the interests of Pennsylvanians. I also remain committed to upgrading the educational components of our continuing legal education system.

 

 

League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Education Fund Nonpartisan Voters Guide

Municipal Election, November 8, 2005

copyright 2005 LWVPA-CEF

Polls open at 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.

 

FOR ELECTION INFORMATION

Contact your county Board of Elections. The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Information Center also provides election information. Call 1.800.692.7281.

 

 

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The material in this Guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the League. Each candidate’s reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations and by editing from the bottom when a candidate’s reply exceeded the word limit. The candidates listed are those whose names appear on the ballot as of September 27, 2005. They are listed according to their ballot order.

 

PURPOSE AND POLICY OF THE LEAGUE

The purpose of the League of Women Voters is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League is nonpartisan: it does not support or oppose any political parties or candidates. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement of any candidate by the League of Women Voters.

 

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOTERS

If you are a new voter or if you are voting at a polling place for the first time then you must bring your voter ID card or a photo ID such as a driver’s license, student ID or some other form of Federal or State government-issued ID. Some forms of non-photo ID are also acceptable such as a firearm permit, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check. If you do not have any acceptable ID then you must be allowed to vote by provisional ballot.

 

PROVISIONAL BALLOTS

If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on election day, you are in the right polling place, and the problem cannot be resolved by the judge of elections, you have the right to ask for and vote by provisional ballot. If it is later determined that you were eligible to vote your ballot will be counted. You will be given instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted.

 

ABSENTEE VOTING

Registered voters who are ill, disabled, or will be absent from the municipality on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot. Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should consult the county Board of Elections. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is the Tuesday before the election. The deadline to return the voted absentee ballot is no later than 5 P.M. on the Friday before the election.

 

WRITE-IN VOTING

For write-in voting information, check with the workers at your polling place before entering the voting booth.

 

ON-LINE VOTERS GUIDE

The Voters Guide and other useful information for voters can be found on the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania homepage: http://palwv.org

 

PROBLEMS ON ELECTION DAY

If you have problems casting your ballot on Election Day call the Election Protection Hotline. Call Toll-Free: 1.866.OUR-VOTE (1.866.687.8683).