Magisterial District Judge Frank Bernhardt Is Running For Re-Election: Meet Him

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, PA — With election season upon us, Patch is profiling candidates from various local races, everything from municipal councils to mayors to, yes, judges, since Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states where judges of all levels are elected at the ballot box.

Some candidates running for various races took the time to respond to some questions from Patch.

Below, see how Magisterial District Judge Frank Bernhardt responded. He is running for re-election to his judicial seat.

Age (as of Election Day)

63

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Mary, wife; Matthew married to Sarah, 2 grandsons; John married to Jenna Marie,2 grandsons; Sarah recently married to Lt. Dylan Kelly ( USNavy); and Lt.jg Patrick engaged to Lt.jg Hannah Rose.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Gettysburg College ,Gettysburg, Pa. BA History 1980; Capital Law School, Columbus, Oh., JD, Order of the Barrister, 1985

Occupation

Attorney 35 years; judge since 11/2001.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Plymouth Township Council 1/ 1996 - 11/2001

Campaign website

www.re-electjudgebernhardt.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am still making an impact each and every day in the lives of those that appear before me in Court. The citizens of our Commonwealth deserve a judge who is independent, fair and honest. Integrity in our Courts is paramount to the freedoms we enjoy in our society.

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

For folks to know that in their local court they can defend themselves, air their grievances and be given the opportunity to be heard.

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

42,000 hearings, 140,000 docketed cases in 20 years of proven judicial experience; life member of Plymouth Township Fire Co. #1; 19 years of coaching youth sports in our community, guest lecturer at several universities in our area, and several published legal opinions. I am very well known in our community.

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

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Continue the Community Service program that I authored for youthful offenders that uses diversionary sentencing to put non-violent teenagers back on the right track.

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

My proven track record in the 4th busiest court of 30 Montgomery County District Courts

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“God gave us two ears so that we can hear double of what we speak ." I listen to what folks have to say in my courtroom.

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

That my position as a Judge is not a political one . I run to be re-elected by myself and not with a slate of candidates. My reputation is beyond reproach and it is a cornerstone of our society for our judiciary to be independent.