Matthew Brungo is facing off against Eric Fischer in the Nov. 7 election for magisterial district judge seat in the district covering Bradford Woods, Marshall, McCandless and Pine.

The pending retirement of Magisterial District Judge William K. Wagner has created an vacancy in District 05-02-12.

Brungo is the Republican candidate, Fischer is the Democratic candidate.

Magisterial district judges oversee summary criminal cases, traffic citations and non-traffic citations. They preside over civil matters including contracts, torts and landlord and tenant disputes not exceeding over $12,000.

District judges also preside over arraignments and preliminary hearings. They set bail, issue arrest warrants in misdemeanor and felony cases and issue search warrants.

They also conduct marriage ceremonies.

State law sets the annual salary of a magisterial district judge at $106,254.

Candidates were asked to provide written responses to the questions posed by the Tribune-Review.

Eric Fischer

Age: 62

Residence: McCandless

Political Party: Democrat

Education: B.A. University of Florida; J.D. University of Pittsburgh School of Law

Legal experience: I have 35 years experience as an attorney, practicing in all areas of the law that come before a magistrate judge.

What skills/knowledge do you have that makes you the right person for District Judge?

I served as a supervisor and a member of the Child Sex Assault Unit in the DA’s Office. I was appointed chair of arbitration panels through the courts. I was previously rated “Highly Qualified” to serve as judge by the Allegheny County Bar Association. I have lived and been active in this community for over 25 years. I have worked with police, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and victims to craft outcomes that provide justice and closure to all parties.

Under what circumstances is nonmonetary bond justified?

Nonmonetary bond means that a person is released without having to post cash bail and certain conditions may be imposed such as no contact with the victim(s), travel restrictions, wearing an ankle monitor, attending counseling sessions and/or refraining from alcohol use. If a person is deemed to be a minimal flight risk and a minimal danger to the victim and community, then non monetary bond can be justified.

When is nonmonetary bond not justified?

If a person is a flight risk and/or presents a danger to the community as evidenced by their past or present behavior, then incarceration is warranted. By law, pretrial incarceration cannot be used as punishment since the person has not been found guilty at this point. I will work with the police, bail agency, victims, and defense attorneys to ensure the safety of the community while safeguarding the rights of the accused.

Matthew J. Brungo

Age: 43

Residence: McCandless

Political Party: Republican. I am seeking bipartisan support in this non-partisan judicial election.

Education: North Allegheny High School; B.A. Anthropology, Penn State University; J.D. University of Maryland School of Law

Legal experience: My experience as an attorney has equipped me with a diverse legal background including practice in criminal, landlord/tenant, and civil disputes. Judges are not legislators. A judge’s job is to apply the law. My lack of involvement with local partisan politics is an asset in seeking this non-partisan position.

What skills/knowledge do you have that makes you the right person for district judge?

I have a combination of legal and community knowledge to bring to the magisterial district judge position. I grew up in McCandless and practice law in Allegheny County. I have appeared before several Magisterial Courts, the Court of Common Pleas, and the Superior Court. I have represented clients in cases ranging from minor traffic violations to serious felony charges. In civil cases I have represented clients in landlord-tenant, contract, and tort disputes.

Under what circumstances is nonmonetary bond justified?

Pennsylvania statutes clearly set forth criteria a judge must consider when determining whether to release a defendant, and what conditions, if any, to impose. I believe a judge must examine the factors on a case-by-case basis when reviewing the release criteria of a defendant. I do not believe it is appropriate for me to make campaign promises about matters that could potentially come before me if elected magisterial district judge.

When is nonmonetary bond not justified?

The Pennsylvania Legislature has enacted laws setting forth considerations a bail authority must consider when reviewing each case. Each case presents its own facts and must be examined on a case-by-case basis when it is presented. I do not believe it is appropriate for me to make promises about how I will rule on cases that could come before me if I am elected magisterial district judge.

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