Meet District Judge Candidate Tim Prendergast

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 Tim Prendergast responded.

Tim Prendergast

Age: 46 

Family: single/no children 

Poltical Party Affiliation: Democrat 

Educational Background:  Easton Area H.S. 1985; Univ. Of North Carolina-Greensboro, Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude, 2000 B.A. Poilitcal Science, minors in communication studies and sociology; Penn State University Dickinson School of Law, 2003 Juris Doctor  

Business/Professional Background: I spent approximately 12 years in the Bar and Restaurant business as general manager, bar and kitchen manager, chef and owned a percentage of cajun/creole restaurant in Greensboro, NC called the Wild Magnolia Cafe.

Upon graduating from law school in 2003 I was employed by the Asteak Law Offices in Easton, PA, a general trial practice with extensive practice in the Magisterial District Courts, during this time I also served as attorney guardian for the Northampton County Area Agency on Aging and as Solicitor to the Slate Belt Council of Governments.

In summer of 2007 I opened up my own general law practice in Easton with a concentration in criminal and family law, as well as small civil litigation. I have also served as an Assistant Public Defender for Northampton County since 2007 until the present. Additionally I also served as child's counsel for the Northampton County Dependency Court in 2007-2008.  

Why are you running? 

I am running because I am at a point in my life where I want to be able to serve both my profession and my community and I see this position as perfect way to do so. I believe the City of Easton and the citizens of this district would be best served by and Attorney who currently and consistenly practices law in the Magisterial District Courts and who is versed in the Rules of Evidence, Civil and Criminal Procedure. I see this position as opportunity to both be a part of Easton's continuing improvement being driven by the current city leadership as well to provide the citizens of this district a fair, firm and knowledgeable magistrate with the right recent and relevant experience necessary to serve them in the administration of justice.  

What qualifies you to serve as a District Judge?

As an attorney, I am not subject to the certification exam as my successful passing of the rigorous Pennsylvania Bar Exam makes me automatically qualified to take the job from Day One. In my practice over the last ten years, both as a Public Defender and a private attorney, I have practiced and continue to practice extensively in Magisterial District Court appearing before numerous Magistates in 17 counties throughout the Commonwealth.

I have handled every type of case that comes before the Magistrate more than once, from Homicide all the way down to the most minor of summary offenses. I have represented both landlords and tenants, plaintiffs and defendants in small claims matters, and have handled Truancy matters as well. I would bring to the office a varied life, work, and educational experience that will allow me to be fair, unbiased, and knowledgeable when dispensing justice, and a temperament that will allow me to treat all those who come before the court with respect and dignity.  

What do you see as the job's primary roles and responsibities?

 I believe the Magisterial  District Judge's primary role and responsibilty to be effective administration of the  voluminous criminal and civil docket, serving as a gatekeeper to the Court of Common Pleas on criminal matters and being a neutral arbiter of the law on civil matters. The Magistrate must effectively and efficiently oversee the collection of fines and court costs in such a manner that maximizes these collections in a fair and cost-effective way. I believe it is also the role of the Magistrate to be a fair and involved leader and member of the community so that he or she may gain an understanding of those citizens that come before the court and administer the duties in a manner consistent with laws as well as the standards of the community he or she resides in.  

How much are you spending?

It is my hope to spend less than $7000. I have taken a small amount of donations from friends and supporters but I am primarily financing the campaign on my own. 

What endorsements have you receieved?

I have received a number of endorsements from community leaders, business people and private citizens in this campaign. Please refer to my website for a list.  

Do you use social media?

Yes I have a website which is http://voteprendergast.com and 2 Facebook pages : Tim Prendergast for District Judge and Elect Tim Prendergast