Lauren Holt Seeks District Judge 15-4-01 Seat, Brings 10 Years' Trial Experience

Pennsylvania's General Municipal Election is Nov. 2. Lauren Holt is running for Magisterial District Judge 15-4-01, an area encompassing parts of Tredyffrin and East Whiteland townships.

She explained why she is running for election.

Lauren Holt

Age: 39

Position Sought: Magisterial District Judge 15-4-01

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Family: I am married to Matt Holt and we have two young sons.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: My husband currently serves as a Tredyffrin Township Supervisor.

Education: University of Pittsburgh, B.A. in Political Science/History; The Penn State Dickinson School of Law, J.D.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: I have been an attorney for 14 years and previously worked as a trial attorney for the Chester County Public Defender's Office for over a decade.

Why are you seeking elective office?: District Judges should have courtroom experience and a background in criminal law. I am running for this position based on my own experience as a public interest attorney and to ensure that Tredyffrin and East Whiteland townships have an effective, efficient, and respectful courtroom where all voices are heard.

The single most pressing issue facing our township is: Having a full-time judge! Our district court bench has been vacant for the past 2 years with only senior judges filling in on a part-time basis. As a result, our court dockets are backed up and the East Whiteland Township and Tredyffrin Township Police Departments are unduly burdened by having to seek out other out-of-district judges to sign off on criminal warrants and paperwork. With my knowledge of the court system and experience in both magisterial district court and the court of common pleas, I can take the bench on day one and run an efficient and effective courtroom.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I am the only candidate that has extensive criminal law and trial experience and I am the only candidate that has been endorsed by law enforcement, specifically the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge No. 11. I have spent almost my entire career in Chester County courtrooms successfully working with diverse clients, judges, attorneys, and law enforcement officers. My role as a public defender also gave me experience in helping clients navigate our county drug and alcohol services and mental health resources. Additionally, I am the only candidate that can serve a full term due to Pennsylvania's mandatory retirement age for Judges.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: When I began my career at the public defender's office, I was assigned to represent clients at the magisterial district court level. For four months I traveled to every single district court in the county, including 15-4-01, and represented clients facing summary, misdemeanor, and felony offenses. I was then assigned to a trial position where I represented clients during every stage of the criminal process before the Chester County Court of Common Pleas in West Chester. My biggest accomplishment in that role was working with my trial partner to successfully defend a client on trial for first-degree murder. All of these experiences combined have given me the skills necessary to be an effective and respectful Judge.

The best advice ever shared with me was: Words are powerful, use them carefully.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: I am very committed to serving my community and previously served as a member of our Tredyffrin Township Libraries Board for four years.

Lauren Holt's campaign webpage can be viewed here.

Also running for the Magisterial District 15-4-01 Judge's seat is Gene Twardowski.

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