BEYOND THE PODIUM | What voters need to know about key state & local judicial races

While many already have their eyes on the 2024 election, there are still some significant races in this year's municipal election that have a direct impact on our everyday lives. In this town hall, 6 News will take you beyond the podium, highlighting two key judicial races: the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas and

While many already have their eyes on the 2024 election, there are still some significant races in this year's municipal election that have a direct impact on our everyday lives.

In this town hall, 6 News will take you “beyond the podium,” highlighting two key judicial races: the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas and the state Supreme Court.

CAMBRIA COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

With the retirement of two longtime judges, there will be two new men at the helm ruling on child custody cases, criminal cases, and other important facets of day-to-day life in Cambria County.

The candidates vying for a judge’s seat in the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas include Tim Sloan, Mike Carbonara and Forrest Fordham.

Voters will choose two of the three candidates in next week’s election.

We asked each candidate the same set of 8 questions and gave them all two minutes to answer each question:

  • Our first question was about their background: their upbringing, education or any other information they want voters to know about them.
  • What is the job of a judge on the court of common pleas?
  • What makes them "qualified" to be a judge on the court of common pleas?
  • What separates them from their opponents?
  • Then we asked each candidate to give us an example of when they would show "leniency" as a judge.
  • We also asked the candidates to give us an example of when they would make a "strict ruling.”
  • What they would say to those who have an "unfavorable view" of the judicial system?
  • And lastly, we left it open ended for the candidates, asking them what else they'd like voters to know.

    • STATE SUPREME COURT

    In the race for state Supreme Court, two candidates are vying to become a justice, but only one will be voted in.

    Voters have the choice between Republican candidate Carolyn Carluccio and Democrat Dan McCaffrey.

    The winner of this race will succeed Democrat Justice Max Baer, who passed away in September of last year.

    The high court went from a 5 to 2 Democratic majority to a 4 to 2 majority following his death.

    Again we asked each candidate the same set of questions, and gave them all the same amount of time to answer each question:

  • Again, our first question was about their background: their upbringing, education, or any other information they want voters to know about them.
  • What qualities do they bring to the state Supreme Court?
  • Within their ethical limits, we asked each candidate what they want voters to know about their stance, or approach, to some of the “hot button issues” that voters at home care about.
  • How would you describe your judicial philosophy?
  • What kind of transparency voters can expect from them if they're elected?
  • In discussing campaign finances and political donations, we asked them if they would "recuse themselves" if a donor to their campaign had a case appear before the state Supreme Court.
  • And our final question, again we left it open ended for the candidates, asking them what else they'd like voters to know.

    • OTHER STATEWIDE RACES

    Two candidates are vying for one seat on the Commonwealth Court.

    Voters have the choice of Democrat Matt Wolf or Republican Megan Martin.

    And in the race for Superior Court, voters will select two of the following four candidates: Republicans Maria Battista and Harry Smail Jr., and Democrats Jill Beck and Timika Lane.

    FINAL NOTES

    Finally, here are some election day notes to keep in mind.

    Polls are open on Tuesday, November 7th, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    A reminder to voters that as long as you are in line by 8 p.m., you will be able to cast your votes.

    If you're unsure of where your polling location is, visit Pennsylvania's election website.

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