Meet District Judge Candidate Sharbel Koorie

Editor's note: In the weeks leading up to the May 21 primary, we asked Easton area candidates to fill out questionnaires about themselves. This is how district judge hopeful Sharbel Koorie responded.

Sharbel Koorie

Age: 45

Family: Married to wife Lena for 25 years, father of four children George 23, Simon 20, Selena 16, Rafqa. Oldest of seven boys, five of which still live in one block around parents on south 9th street

Political party affiliation: Republican

Tell us about your educational background: Graduated from Easton Area High School Class of 1985

Tell us about your professional/business background:  

Employed by the City of Easton since 1999 as code officer / inspector with our city since 2004

Why are you running for district judge?

I feel very strongly about what I do for the city as a code officer / inspector.  I enjoy identifying, investigating,  and resolving issues that affect our neighborhoods.

I like the fact that I help make this city a safer place for the people who live here. I enjoy at the same time educating our community on the issues that keep us safe in our properties.

I feel the magistrate's job has many similar duties but on a much higher level.         

What qualifies you to serve as the district judge?

In my current role I enforce municipal laws that affect properties in our neighborhoods. I feel my day to day dealings with our community gives me good insight in understanding  and the ability to resolve problems and make good decision in resolving issues that affect us as a community.

The state of Pennsylvania allows regular citizens who meet the requirements to be certified to serve as magistrates after completing a training course and taking an exam. The last certification training and exam were given during the time that Gay Elwell passed away. No one was planning on running for this office at that time.   

Our district has been represented since the beginning of the magistrate's office by three good citizens (Reibman, Leo, Elwell) who were not attorneys but regular people from the community who obtained their certification and served us honorably.  I want the opportunity to do the same.   

What do you see as the job's primary role and responsibilities?

Listening well and asking questions while enforcing the laws the govern our community. Being able to understand the issues  and make firm decisions to protect our community.  I believe the magistrate has a very important role in our community. In the process of enforcing the laws and keeping the criminals off the street the right magistrate also has the ability to help shape and maintain our community by providing guidance to some who might have made an error in judgment  and consequently broke the law.         

How much are you spending to run?

I don't have a final number but we have estimated around $10,000

How is your campaign being funded?

Donations from people in our community  and personal contributions.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?

None other than the support for the good people of this city that I have met over the last few months and have been very supportive of my campaign efforts. 

Do you use social media? Yes

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elect-Sharbel-Koorie-for-District-Judge/320235498091261?ref=stream

https://twitter.com/sharbelforjudge