Mackenzie W. Smith Challenges For District 15-1-02 Judge's Seat

Pennsylvania's Primary Election is May 18. Mackenzie W. Smith is seeking election as Magisterial District Judge 15-1-02, including Tredyffrin, Easttown, Willistown, Malvern, and East Goshen. Smith is a challenger to Magisterial District Judge Thomas W. Tartaglio. She has extensive courtroom experience and a law degree.

She explained why she is running for election.

Mackenzie W. Smith

Age: 38

Position Sought: Magisterial District Judge 15-1-02

Party Affiliation: Democrat, cross-registered on Republican primary ballot as well.

Family: Husband, Damian Ciarmella — a Republican. We are in a happy "politically mixed" marriage! Stepdaughter, Abbi Ciarmella, 13; Stepson, Luke Ciarmella, 10; Son, Matteo Cecchi, 10; Son, Fletcher Ciarmella, 22 months.

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

Education: Temple University Beasley School of Law, Juris Doctorate, 2009. Middlebury College, Master of Arts in Italian Studies, 2006. Tulane University, Bachelor of Arts in Italian and Linguistics 2005

Occupation: Aerospace and commercial litigation attorney with 11 years of experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None

Why are you seeking elective office?: I believe that all judges in Pennsylvania should be required to possess a law degree as a minimum requirement. I am the only candidate for District Judge 15-1-02 who holds a law degree; additionally, I have over a decade of experience representing clients and the citizens of Chester County in court in both criminal and civil cases. I have advocated in courts ranging from District Court to the U.S. Supreme Court, and I know how a good courtroom should be run. I believe in equal access to justice and the sanctity of the protections enshrined in our Constitution for all people.

The single most pressing issue facing this district is: The single most pressing issue facing our district is ensuring that all people who enter a courtroom can leave with the knowledge that the judge who heard their case has the legal education and experience necessary to properly evaluate and adjudicate their case. As the only candidate with a law degree and broad experience practicing in the criminal and civil justice systems, I believe that I possess the qualifications necessary to fulfill this necessary role.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I am the only candidate for District Judge 15-1-02 who possesses a law degree, and the only candidate who has advocated for clients in court. I have been a criminal prosecutor at the Chester County District Attorney's Office but have also represented individuals accused of crimes. On the civil side, I have represented both plaintiffs and defendants. I believe my qualifications and experience make me the most independent candidate, as judges should be.

My opponent has not failed the community. I have practiced in his courtroom and in my experience, he was an evenhanded, decent judge. However, I believe that judges should be required to possess a law degree as a minimum requirement. This requirement would better serve the community by ensuring that district judges have the training and perspective to evaluate cases from both sides and to predict how the case will make its way through the system to higher courts. This is important because effective case valuation and docket management save time and money for the parties and the taxpayers.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: I graduated law school at the top of my class and was named the Constitutional Law Scholar of the Temple School of Law Class of 2009. I have handled thousands of criminal and civil cases at all levels of the court system, including over a dozen jury trials. I am very comfortable in court and highly effective at running a tight ship — just ask my kids.

The best advice ever shared with me was: Shortly before she passed away in 2019, my grandmother said to me: "There are few things in life that truly matter, but the ones that do, matter very much."

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: I believe that the rules of procedure and evidence exist to help judges seek out the truth. If elected, my courtroom will be a place where the truth, the facts, and the law prevail.

Mackenzie W. Smith's campaign website can be viewed here.