Jodi Lukens Griffis Is Running For Magisterial District Judge In Plymouth Township

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, PA — Patch continues its pre-election coverage by introducing you to Jodi Lukens Griffis, who is running for magisterial district judge in Plymouth Township.

Check out her responses to a Patch candidate questionnaire below.

Age (as of Election Day)

41

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband, Mike, sons Rylee (7) and Tanner (5).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Mother, Debbie Lukens, is a current Magisterial District Judge in Whitemarsh Township. Sister, Kim Lukens, is a juvenile probation officer for Montgomery County.

Education

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, class of 1998, Dickinson College, class of 2002, American Studies Major, Women Studies Minor, and Widener School of Law, class of 2005.

Occupation

Attorney for over 15 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

jodiforjudge.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have spent my career using my education and experience to help others, particularly those less fortunate that didn't fully understand the court system. My professional goal has always been to make a positive impact in the lives of others. The pandemic has shown how common mental illness is in our community and the importance for those in positions of power to have the understanding and compassion to deal with individuals they encounter. My experience in the court system and in the mental health field would bring a much needed perspective to our local court.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The increase in individuals with mental illness being involved in the criminal justice system. Our county has an incredible diversionary court for individuals suffering from mental illness, which I was a part of while with the Public Defender's Office. As our Judge, I would have the ability to not only recognize individuals that could benefit from the county diversionary court, but could help people get in contact with programs and treatment facilities that could provide intervention services immediately. That would benefit the individual with treatment and the community with safety.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I plan to put our Court first. I have been a Montgomery County attorney for the last fifteen years. I have chosen to concentrate my practice in our county. This will allow me to be available and in the courtroom five days a week. More courtroom hours will better serve our local police and our community. Accessibility is my goal.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Accessibility. The current Judge has a full time Philadelphia law practice.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

As a woman, I am concerned about the increase in domestic violence. As a mother, I am concerned about the increase in juveniles in the court system and being treated as criminals. I'd rather educate and handle matters without criminal convictions that stay on their records. As a daughter, I am concerned about senior citizens. Their safety, treatment, and accessibility to programs they have earned the right to benefit from. As a wife, I have learned patience and how to work with others with different opinions and views.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

While I was in the Public Defender's Office, I handled numerous mental health hearings in various hospitals and prisons all over the county. When I left the office, the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas appointed me as a substitute Mental Health Review Officer to preside over hearings. I have been sitting in a judicial capacity since appointed on November 2, 2015.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be kind, always.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have the qualifications and experience necessary to be a great Judge. What sets me apart is I am from this community and am raising my boys here. I am just like anyone reading this article. I am your neighbor, the mom running late to the baseball field, and someone who is always willing to lend a hand to anyone that needs one. I will always be fair and impartial to anyone that would come before me.