To the residents of the Derry area:
I want to thank all of you for the faith you showed in me over the last 30 years. Back in 1991 when I decided to run for the seat held by retiring Magisterial District Judge Michael Giannini, I could never have imagined I would be finishing up my 30th year as your magisterial district judge. The faith you put in me through five terms made me realize I needed to be the best judge I could possibly be.
With a staff that was second to none, we saw 30 county audits come and go without a finding. We opened a user-friendly office and made access simple. We made a partnership with the school district that successfully handled truancy, smoking violations and fights.
To my two boroughs, New Alexandria and Derry, thank you for all your cooperation. To the Derry Township supervisors, it was a pleasure dealing with you and your staff, and I take pride in what we accomplished together. We became a helping hand for our business people and constituents.
To all the law enforcement that have appeared before me, I thank you for your professionalism, your dedication and most importantly your bravery.
To the assistant district attorneys, public defenders and defense attorneys, thank you for helping me become a better judge — your passion for your profession is truly amazing.
As I get ready to start the second part of my life, again I thank you all for your support and faith in me and my staff.
Mark J. Bilik
New Alexandria
The writer retired as district judge in August.