On July 7, 2005, the legislature suspended democracy, the Governor looked the other way and the judiciary went on moral recess.
On July 7, 2015, the legislature is locked in a budget stalemate with the Governor, and the judiciary’s standing among the public is at an all time low.
Since the the Judiciary preserved their own pay raise, we have witnessed bickering, petty feuds and spousal referrals, Kids for Cash, luxury car leases, opulent office rentals, traffic court scandals, billing tax payers $3 for a bag of peanuts, $5 for tips to doormen and $6 for bar snacks, and $12 million not to build a family Court Building.
Chief Justice Thomas Saylor takes over the Supreme Court with two vacancies after it was emptied by a porno feud, the departure of a convicted felon, and the retirement of a Chief Justice who knowingly ran for a fractional term.
How can we restore confidence in our judicial system?
Today’s announcement is a good start.
Character matters.
Competition matters.
Decency matters.
And most importantly, kids matter.
In 2009, Judge Panepinto, in an article titled “The Trial Judge as CEO,” staked out a community position for the judiciary whereby they would take leadership posts in service groups to help solve social issues.
He has come to be a role model for at risk kids, and a refreshing reminder of the Power of One to change the lives of many while providing direction, hope and mentoring.
Judge Panepinto has put “public” back in the term public servant.
His resume speaks for itself.
Judge Panepinto’s life work clearly attests to a man on a mission.
I am supporting Judge Panepinto’s bid to become a member of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
I believe adding a fair minded, honorable and independent judge to our highest court is a good start in restoring public confidence to the institution.