Three attorneys hope to replace outgoing judge

The city's law director and acting Municipal Court judge are candidates.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CAMPBELL -- Three local attorneys are in the Nov. 8 election race to replace Municipal Court Judge John Almasy, who did not seek re-election.
Two of the candidates, Atty. Brian J. Macala and Atty. Patrick P. Cunning, have direct experience with the operation of Campbell Municipal Court, which serves Campbell and Coitsville.
The third candidate, Atty. Mark J. Kolmacic, has been in private practice for 22 years, during which he says he "handled every aspect of municipal court practice."
Atty. Macala is the city's law director and has served as the court's prosecutor for nine years. As such, he says he has worked on a near-daily basis with court and city officials, and understands how the court functions and operates, including budgetary and funding issues.
Atty. Cunning has been acting judge for Campbell Municipal Court since October 2004, which he says gives him direct first-hand knowledge of the operations of the court.
Major issue
Atty. Cunning said the major issue in the race is selection of a qualified jurist who can administer the court responsibly and efficiently, and serve its constituents with honesty and integrity.
"I will strive to limit the rescheduling of hearings since this requires duplication of court services, which is not cost-effective," Atty. Cunning said.
Atty. Macala said he would expand the court's existing community service program.
"I believe that more offenders should be required to complete community service as part of their sentences. Not only is this a form of punishment, it also provides a valuable service to the communities the court serves, both of which are experiencing economic difficulties," Atty. Macala said.
Atty. Kolmacic said overcrowding in jails has caused judges to become more creative with alternative sentencing programs.
"Drug addiction has placed an overwhelming burden on the courts. A strong probation department is essential," he said.
alcorn@vindy.com