Dragons in the Algorithm
Adventures in Programming
by Michael Chermside

Election Guide for May 2023

This Tuesday we have a primary election coming up here in Pennsylvania. I've reviewed the candidates on the Democratic ballot in my locale and here are my thoughts on the candidates, along with the sources I used to come to these conclusions.

Justice of the Supreme Court (vote for 1)

  • (11) Daniel McCaffery
  • (12) Debbie Kunselman
    • In video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=102cYmo_GUM
    • CLAIMS: Highly Recommended - bar assoc
    • Superior court now; trial court before
    • Top quality - knowledge of law. I’m a generalist. Get bigger majorities by working w/ other judges on the court.
    • 18 yrs as judge (longest)
    • On recusal: be sure you don’t recuse for tiny amounts or people will donate in order to get you to recuse yourself.
    • Why run? Some of my mentors recommended it. I hope to do mental health reform and administrative work.
    I’m endorsing her because I was impressed with what she had to say and how she said it in the interview, plus highly recommended by the bar association.

Judge of the Superior Court (vote for 2)

  • (21) Pat Dugan
    • In video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=102cYmo_GUM
    • On the bench for 15 years. JAG officer. Established special court for veterans.
    • Recommended - bar assoc
    • I have empathy but toughness on the bench. I get good feedback from defendants.
    • Judicial philosophy: consider each case independently.
  • (22) Timika Lane
    • Endorsed by Democratic party
    • In video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=102cYmo_GUM
    • Court of common pleas for 10 yrs. Attorney before that; Teacher.
    • Highly Recommended - bar assoc
    • I pride myself that I treat everyone with respect (with examples)
    I’m endorsing her because I was impressed with how she presented herself, plus she was highly recommended by the bar association.
  • (23) Jill Beck
    • Endorsed by Democratic party
    • In video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=102cYmo_GUM
    • I practiced in Superior Court
    • CLAIMS: Highly Recommended - bar assoc
    • Judicial philosophy: restraint.
    • Model Judge: Justice Kennedy (because you didn’t know how he’d vote)
    I’ll probably vote for him because his bar association recommendation was higher and the Democratic party endorsed him.

Judge of the Commonwealth Court (vote for 1)

  • (31) Matt Wolf
    • Endorsed by Democratic party
    • In video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=102cYmo_GUM
    • Recommended - bar assoc
    • Been a judge for 5 years. Trial lawyer before that. Soldier.
    • What about precedent? NC reversal. Don’t be political.
    • Ethics: Is good enough now.
    • I’m the only candidate with judicial experience.
    • Extracurricular: running. Sailing (but I don’t own a boat).
    I’m endorsing him because I thought his answers were good, he seemed respectful of the job, and he was recommended by the Democratic party and the bar association.
  • (32) Bryan Neft
    • In video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=102cYmo_GUM
    • Recommended - bar assoc (highly recommended by his county bar assoc)
    • "If Dobbs means anything lots of our rights will be adjudicated in the states."
    • What about precedent? I think courts aren’t doing that well. Eg: [2 political examples that aligned with his politics. One was Dobbs the other was NC reversal.]
    • Ethos: Is good enough now. BUT the enforcement is inconsistent.
    • I’ve been a generalist in my practice. I’ve done sophisticated, complex litigation.
    • Extracurricular: working on bar association. Pro bono; raising money for hunger among judges.

Judge of the Court Of Common Pleas (vote for 1)

County Council (vote for 3)

  • (51) Elaine Paul Schaefer
    • Is willing to run.
    I endorse her because she's willing to run!
  • (52) Monica Taylor
    • Is willing to run.
    I endorse her because she's willing to run!
  • (53) Christine A. Reuther
    • Is willing to run.
    I endorse her because she's willing to run!

District Attorney (vote for 1)

  • (61) Jack Stollsteimer
    • Is willing to run.
    I endorse him because he's willing to run!

School Director Haverford School District (vote for 5)

  • (81) Chris Shelton
    • Endorsed by Democratic party
    • http://haverforddemocrats.com/school-board
    • Responded to League of Women Voters: Academic achievement for all, sustainable investment for growth and equitable and inclusive participation
    • Background brings in STEM, mental health, music program.
    Endorsed, because I think he’ll do a good job.
  • (82) David Schwartz
    Endorsed, because I think he is currently doing a good job.
  • (83) Ed Silvi
  • (84) Katherine Wang
    • No response to League of Women Voters
  • (85) Christina Bean
  • (86) Bridget Wiedeman
    • Endorsed by Democratic party
    • http://haverforddemocrats.com/school-board
    • Current head of school board; seems to be doing a decent job, I think.
    • DETAILED response to league of women voters, and I like what she says.
    Endorsed, because I think she is currently doing a good job, and she seems to have a good set of positions.
  • (87) LaTonia Lee
    • Endorsed by Democratic party
    • http://haverforddemocrats.com/school-board
    • Responded to League of Women Voters in a way I found not very meaningful: "Academic Achievement for All; Sustainable Investment for Growth; Equitable and Inclusive Priorities."
  • (88) Antoinette Snodgrass
    Endorsed, as she is currently holding the position and is doing some actual work.
  • (89) Elena Wiseley
  • (90) Kelly Hatton
  • (91) John Dilworth
    Endorsed, despite the fact that he’s running on the Republican slate. I think he’ll do a good job.

Posted Mon 15 May 2023 by mcherm in Politics