Derry district judge to retire in August

Derry Township’s longtime district judge will not seek reelection, marking the end of his three decades on the bench, according to an announcement.

Mark J. Bilik, 65, of New Alexandria plans to retire in August, said Chris Haidze, magisterial district court administrator.

He was appointed to the post in August 1991 by then-Gov. Robert Casey to fill the unexpired term of his retired predecessor. Bilik won the Democratic nomination in the primary election that year and then secured the seat that fall. He was elected to his fifth term in 2015.

He estimated overseeing 100,000 criminal, traffic, non-traffic and civil cases and millions of dollars brought in for local government entities during the 30 years behind the bench, according to the announcement.

During his time in office, the current district court building at the intersection of Route 982 and Latrobe Derry Road was constructed. The move added extra space and improved court functions to hear cases in New Alexandria and Derry township and borough.

Bilik and his wife, Amy, have two daughters, and a granddaughter .

Haidze said county officials could use a senior district court judge to take over until Bilik’s term ends on Dec. 31, though there is not a definite plan in place.

Bilik’s seat is one of a few that are up for grabs this year. Penn Township District Judge Helen Kistler is retiring when her third term ends Jan. 5, 2022, Haidze said. Hempfield District Judge L. Anthony Bompiani retired Dec. 31 after five years on the bench.

Two candidates announced their intention to seek the seat of Unity District Judge Michael Mahady, whose seventh six-year term is set to expire in January 2022. Mahady, who will reach the mandatory retirement age of 75 next year, has not said whether he plans to seek another term, Haidze said.