The Mercer County League of Women Voters and The Herald posed five questions to the eight candidates for two Mercer County Common Pleas court judgeships. The following are their answers to one of the five questions. The other answers will be published in the Monday through Thursday editions of The Herald.

Why are you qualified to be a judge?

   » CHRISTOPHER ST. JOHN: My record and achievements as an attorney for nearly twenty years establishes a solid foundation of legal scholarship, broad-based experience and integrity that will continue the excellence of jurisprudence in Mercer County. Legal scholarship is demonstrated by graduating with honors from law school, serving as the editor-in-chief of Law Review, having a legal dissertation published and by serving as a law clerk to the Honorable Francis J. Fornelli. Furthermore, my law practice has revolved around courtroom proceedings continuously throughout my entire career. I have tried numerous criminal and civil cases, including several first degree murder trials. I literally have thousands of court appearances on a myriad of legal matters. In short, my background is directly related to the business of the court.

   » JOHN REED: I am proud to be a member of the legal profession. An attorney's role is to advise clients and advocate their causes, not apply the law to the facts - that is the role of a judge. An attorney's highest calling is to serve as a judge. I have practiced law in Mercer County for over thirty years, representing numerous individuals, families, businesses, charitable organizations, and approximately twenty governmental agencies. I have served as president of Mercer County Bar Association and have served on the boards of many charitable organizations and my church. My wife, Virginia, and I have now raised our family. Because of my dedication to the law and our community, I want to conclude my career by serving Mercer County as a judge.

   » WILLIAM G. MCCONNELL, JR.: I possess a diverse legal background with extensive criminal and civil trial experience. Practicing law in one of the largest law firms in Mercer County has broadened my legal background. As a former United States Marine Corps officer and a current board member of several community organizations, I have developed leadership and administrative skills which will serve me well. The ability to approach cases and review facts in an open minded and unbiased manner is a quality which I possess. I am committed to following the law, and can be both tough and compassionate when warranted. In addition to an even temperament, I have the moral and ethical values that are expected of a Mercer County judge.

   » STEPHEN J. MIRIZIO: Since 1974, as a sole, general practitioner, I was obligated to implement substantially every aspect of the law, both public and private, criminal and civil, although in the initial six to eight years, I concentrated on my courtroom practice, particularly in the criminal area basically to gain courtroom experience and courtroom exposure. However, over the subsequent thirty years, I concentrated on the embodiment of the law with enforcement in the courtroom when necessary. Given this conscious decision early in my career to broaden my practice as opposed to emphasizing a few areas, I indirectly developed the base and background which in my opinion provides the foundation to decide as opposed to advocate issues. I can offer decisiveness, tolerance and no-nonsense in administering the law.

   » MARGARET T. LUCAS: As judge, I will bring needed diversity and experience to the bench. My involvement and leadership in civic and legal groups as well as my professional experience has provided me with a broad base of experience. I have worked hard throughout my career to earn the respect of the people with whom I work, my peers in the bar and the present and past members of the bench. I have gained the ability through my concentration in family law to deal with people in stressful situations and to sort through complex and often irrelevant facts to focus on the important issues. I have a strong work ethic and an unflagging willingness to continue to learn and represent the citizens of Mercer County in the manner that they deserve.

   » JAMES M. GOODWIN: I believe that my legal experience qualifies me to be a judge. I am in a general practice which affords me an opportunity to deal with many types of cases. A significant portion of my practice involves criminal and family law, and I am a trial attorney which means I am in court a great deal of time doing the types of cases which occupies much of our courts' time. I further believe that my faith and family values qualifies me. I am married and the father of two. I believe that my leadership roles in my church and in the community demonstrates my ability and willingness to do the work. I believe I possess the judicial temperament required.

   » JAMES NEVANT: In 20-plus years in private practice and public service, I have represented clients - including the people of Mercer County as a prosecutor in many criminal proceedings - in thousands of court appearances. The Court of Common Pleas is a trial court, and there is no substitute for trial court experience. For sixteen years I have, as solicitor to the sheriff of Mercer County, proudly represented our law enforcement officers. As chief public defender (1984-88) I took seriously the rights to all persons to enjoy the protections of the Constitution. As a practitioner in education, municipal and employment law, I have worked to insure that the taxpayers and working people have a voice within the institutions and employers that their labors support.

   » JOANN M. JOFERY: I possess both legal knowledge and the character and integrity demanded of the judiciary. The fact that I am an honors graduate from law school, which I attended at night while working full time, says all I need to say about my work ethic and my ability to put in long hours. My many hours of pro bono service (I am a county leader each year) speak to my dedication to the law and to my clients regardless of their circumstances. As a former social worker, I have been in every school and hospital in the county, along with many homes. I will bring to the bench a firsthand knowledge of the many problems confronted by the citizens and services of Mercer County.