was elected by the other judges on that court as the President Judge. I have read dozens of his opinions and he is a legal star. Nobody can match his record. Not that the Inquirer is the last word, but they endorse Brobson, describing him as a conservative judge and make some good points. Qualifications matter.
Unfortunately electability also matters. We have the most partisan state Supreme Court in America. Some of their decisions in election cases last year were ridiculous. We need to win the seat. Brobson gives us by far the best chance. His qualifications will help in a big way with anyone who looks the candidates ujp. He has raised several times more money than his opponents combined, which is important. He has a large number of endorsements in addition to that of the Inquirer, including the state and city Republican Party organizations. Pennsylvanians will suffer for decades if we lose this one.
The logistics are difficult. You'll have to look for Judge Brobson. He is the only name in the second column. Avoid the temptation to vote for the name in the first column, even though she has "Philadelphia" under her name. We can't afford to pass up the opportunity to have Judge Brobson as our standard bearer in the General Election.
Superior Court
Uncontested.
Our candidate is Megan Sullivan, a veteran litigator with twenty years of legal experience as both a criminal prosecutor and civil attorney. She is from nearby Chester County, where she was an Assistant District Attorney.
Commonwealth Court
Also uncontested.
Drew Crompton is a sitting Commonwealth Court judge running for a full term. He has experience as a civil lawyer and as General Counsel to the State Senate Republicans.
Stacy Wallace is a distinguished civil litigator. She currently serves as the President of her county bar association, having been elected by the lawyers in her county.
Court of Common Pleas
There are no Republican candidates. This is unfortunate, but go ahead and write in someone. It is important that the Republican Party in Philadelphia show some activity, so think of some Republican lawyers (up to eight) and write them in.
Municipal Court
Again there are no Republican candidates filed. Write in up to three.
District Attorney
Philadelphia is cursed with the worst District Attorney in America. We are proud to have Chuck Peruto as out candidate. Enough is enough.
City Controller
Again no Republican (or Democratic primary opponent) has filed. Write in a Republican.
Judge of Election
Inspector of Election
These are the people in your own division who run the elections. If there is a candidate take the time to vote for them. If not, write yourself in.
Questions
Usually we are asking for you to no on most of the questions that are put on the ballot. This year we are doing the opposite. Vote YES. That being said, not all questions are created equal. Questions 1 & 2 are critical. The others not so much.
Questions 1 & 2
These questions are critical. They both deal with a governor's authority to abrogate our laws and liberty under emergency declarations without any oversight. Question 1 would permit the legislature to terminate or extend an emergency declaration and Question 2 would require legislative approval after 21 days. Putting autocratic power in one person is never good. The legislature is a co-equal branch of government. It would apply to all future governors, regardless of party. Vote YES on these two important questions.
Question 3
This question would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to bar discrimination on the basis of race and ethnicity. What, you thought it was already illegal? Well, of course you're right. No harm in putting it in the state constitution. Vote Yes.
Question 4
This question relates to permitting municipalities to borrow money for fire and EMT companies. Close call. Some argue that they will squander the money or get too much in debt. Hey, it's a critical service and if they need the money they need the money. Nobody makes the borrow the money. Vote Yes.
Question 5 (only in Philly)
This question expands the Board of L&I Review and allows it to decide cases in three member panels. For once City Council has crafted a charter amendment to meet an actual problem rather than just to pander to some group or another. Vote Yes.
