State lawmaker Neuman to seek spot on bench
Editor’s Note: This story has been modified to correct information on Rep. Brandon Neuman’s degree.
Weeks after he was sworn in for a fourth term in the state House, Rep. Brandon Neuman has announced his candidacy for the Washington County bench.
Neuman, D-North Strabane Township, formally announced Wednesday his bid to become a judge in the Court of Common Pleas. Neuman joins longtime attorney Charles Kurowski, former longtime Washington County Children and Youth Services solicitor Joyce Hatfield-Wise, current Assistant District Attorney Kristin Clingerman and former Washington County judge Phillippe Melograne in seeking the post.
Neuman, 35, first won election to the state House in 2010 and sailed unopposed last year to another two-year term. His announcement also lists him as having been an attorney for Robert Peirce & Associates since 2009, specializing in nursing home, personal injury and product liability litigation.
“As an attorney, I’ve focused on representing senior citizens who fell victim to negligent nursing homes and I’ve represented many other victims in civil court,” his statement read. “And as a legislator, I championed legislation that ensures rape victims can seek justice, started programs that give opportunities to our next generation, focused on combating fraud, and I’ve supported law enforcement so they have the tools they need to keep us safe.”
Neuman said he’s worked to expedite delivery of services to victims of crimes and more effective sentences. He is a member of the state commissions on sentencing and crime and delinquency.
“This experience (that) made me a leader in establishing guidelines for judges and finding ways to reform our justice system so we can get people help, and better protect our communities,” he said in the statement. Neuman holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond, master of law studies degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a law degree from the Duquesne University.
A vacancy on the Washington County bench occurred in January 2015 with the unexpected retirement of President Judge Debbie O’Dell Seneca. Gov. Tom Wolf appointed local attorney Damon Faldowski to serve through the end of 2017.