Letter to the editor: Karaica qualified as district judge

During the primary election, Mitchell Karaica’s opposition stated he was the “only” constitutionally eligible and qualified candidate for magisterial district judge in District 05-3-03. While that may have held some weight then, that is no longer the case.

Karaica spent June in Harrisburg, where he completed the intensive certifying course offered by the Minor Judiciary Education Board of Pennsylvania and successfully passed the exam. In Pennsylvania, obtaining this accreditation not only fully qualifies Karaica to take the seat of district judge on day one, but it also specifically certifies him in the duties of the role and the types of cases that appear at the magisterial level every day.

Aside from proving Karaica’s competency, this certification demonstrates his level of commitment — having taken a month away from his home, family and current full-time job to pursue this qualification without guarantee of being elected.

While individuals holding this certification and barred attorneys are equally qualified for magisterial district judge in Pennsylvania, in my mind, individuals specifically certified for this exact role seemingly have an edge over a broad legal education and niche specialization far from the courtroom. This qualification paired with his character and community focus are just a few reasons why I will be counting on Karaica for magisterial district judge in District 05-3-03!

Dolores Stephens

Springdale