Feb 8, 2024 2 min read

In August 2022, our company was a defendant in the Washington County Court of Common Pleas before one of the judges that were recently up for retention. This judge ruled against our firm, and in my opinion, simply did not understand the contract before them.

Prior to the November election, the president of the Washington County Bar

Association (WCBA) wrote a letter to the editor explaining the members of the WCBA are

surveyed regarding judicial retention. The survey showed support for the retention of both judges. However, the voters were not privy to the results of this survey from attorneys who earn a living practicing before these judges. The Observer-Reporter did not challenge this

representation.

Several weeks later, columnist Gary Stout stated that voters could learn a judge’s record by contacting the Judicial Conduct Board (JCB) of Pennsylvania. We wrote to the JCB requesting information on judges up for retention. This request was subsequently denied.

This underscores the point that voters are unable to know if judges are worthy of retention as their performance records are not available through publicly accessible means. Doctors, dentists, lawyers, even the Supreme Court, all have reviews on their performance. Yet, Washington County judges, who are public servants, have no publicly available record.

We have filed for a judicial review which we have been informed will take between six

months to a year. In my opinion, It is important for the public to know that when using the

taxpayer-funded court system and paying the related fees, they can receive a fair hearing from a judge that understands the matter before them.

Knowing a judge’s record before you appear before them can determine if you wish to appeal

the assignment of that judge to your case.

Joe Ford, Sr.

Stuart, Fla.

Ford is a former Washington County commissioner.