Newly elected Monessen district judge trying to pass test in order to take office

Although Monessen voters elected a new district judge in November, it could be at least March — or longer — before he is finally sworn in.

Wayne P. Vlasic, 63, the city controller, confirmed he still needs certification from the state minor judiciary board to begin serving as district judge. The Democrat defeated Monessen police Chief James Smith for the post that has been vacant since May 2018, when Joseph Dalfonso retired after 25 years.

Vlasic said he did not pass the state-mandated examination on his first try.

“I’ve been honest with everyone who’s asked me why I’m not in there yet. It’s embarrassing, but I’m going to take the test again at the end of the month,” he said.

The next test is scheduled for Feb. 25, said Stacey Witalec, a spokeswoman for the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court requires district judges who are not practicing attorneys to complete training and instruction in the duties of the office and pass an exam before they can take office.

There is no law requiring candidates to be certified prior to the election. District judges in Pennsylvania are paid $93,338 annually

“I just know that (Vlasic) hasn’t been certified yet,” said Don Heagy, the county’s deputy court administrator.

The test includes an examination with more than 100 questions, plus four essays. Vlasic said he took the four-week training program in Harrisburg last year.

Vlasic said he was informed that he flunked a written essay question but passed the other four parts.

“It’s not an easy test. I’m not the first person not to pass it on the first try, and I won’t be the last,” Vlasic said.

He noted that, during the training, one instructor, who is an attorney, said they were “cramming” contract law into a seven-hour session even though it’s taught over two semesters at law school.

Vlasic, who worked full time as an audit supervisor in state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale’s Bureau of Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Association, resigned that state job in January, according to DePasquale’s office.

Although Vlasic will take the test again this month, results will not be known until March, officials said.

Under state law, newly elected district judges have nine months from their election to become certified and take office. Otherwise, the office could become vacant until the governor appoints someone to fill it.

In the interim, Heagy said senior district judges will continue staffing the Monessen court.