Judge Tartaglio Seeks Reelection To Chesco District 15-1-02 Court

Pennsylvania's Primary Election is May 18. Tom Tartaglio is running for reelection to serve as judge in Chester County Magisterial District 15-1-02, an area that includes Tredyffrin Township, Malvern, and West Chester. He was appointed to the bench in 2008 and has since been elected twice. He is challenged by Mackenzie W. Smith.

Tartaglio explained why he is running for election.

Thomas Tartaglio

Age: 50

Position Sought: Magisterial District Judge 15-1-02

Party Affiliation: Republican, cross-filed for both parties

Family: My wife Carolyn of 20 years and I are the proud parents of two Conestoga High School students. I have lived my entire life in my magisterial district to include Willistown, Easttown, and Tredyffrin Township.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No

Education: Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Organizational Leadership, Colorado State University, 2019. Magisterial District Judge Certification, Minor Judiciary Education Board, Pennsylvania Supreme Court, 2008. Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice and Sociology, West Chester University, 1994.

Occupation: Magisterial District Judge serving Chester County District Court 15-1-02 for the past 12 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: I was appointed by Governor Ed Rendell to serve as Magisterial District Judge in 2008. Since then, I was elected twice to the position in 2009 and 2015 with bipartisan support.

Why are you seeking elective office?: First, I wish to help keep my community safe, and secondly, I enjoy solving problems in our community. People appreciated how I treated them during my law enforcement days and wanted me to have a more prominent role in the community. This position is about dealing with people. I carry over my knowledge of the law and problem-solving skills into the courtroom.
The district court provides individuals with the opportunity to be heard, resolve issues, and seek justice. District judges throughout the state are community members from the education, business, law enforcement, and the legal professions. Our Pennsylvania Constitution specifically carves out this position and makes it accessible to non-attorneys for a more rounded jurist pool. To that point, there are eight hard-working non-attorney district judges currently serving in Chester County.

The single most pressing issue facing this district is: The volume of crime related to drug abuse is the most pressing issue. Defendants suffering from addiction, whether alcohol or drugs, puts substantial stress on the criminal justice system. The defendants facing drug prosecution come from every sociological background, age, and gender. The negative impact on their families, employment, and other areas of their lives can be significant.
Having outside resources to address the defendant's treatment and counseling needs goes a long way to improve the role and effectiveness of the court. I am a vocal advocate for specialized court diversionary programs.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I have been dedicated to the office for the past 12 years. Prior to serving on the bench, I was a member of the Chester County law enforcement community for 12 years.
What I bring as a candidate is an incredibly unique experience directly related to the type of law practiced at the district court. As a decorated officer, I worked with crime victims, partnered in school safety programs, and liaised with the business community.
I am an active member of my community volunteering on the ball fields, teaching in schools, participating in community days, take part in fire company safety events, and support local veteran runs. I served for nine years as the police liaison to the Tredyffrin Township Park Board, and I am an active member of the Berwyn-Devon Business and Professional Association.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: I have extensive courtroom experience adjudicating over 38,000 civil and criminal cases. On a personal level, I challenged myself by going back to school as an adult learner to obtain my master's degree with honors.
In addition to conducting hearings, as the district judge, I am responsible for accounting practices, issues related to human resources, safety and security of the court, and legal research.
The Pennsylvania Court Administrator recognized my court for having impeccable financial and procedural audits.
Since the last election, I have provided judicial coverage for two of my neighboring district courts, 15-4-01 and 15-1-01, when requested. I have served on both the Chester County Safety Committee and Constable Review Board. I have partnered with area school districts to reduce truancy filings by establishing truancy elimination plans.

The best advice ever shared with me was: Show kindness to receive kindness.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: I have established a reputation in the legal community as a fair and impartial judge. This position has provided me an opportunity to have a positive impact on people's lives. I take this responsibility very seriously and enjoy the opportunity to serve.

Tartalglio's campaign website can be viewed here.