Antonia Grifo Wins Easton District Magistrate Election Primary Races

By Christina Georgiou


Antonia Grifo hugs her campaign manager Joe Welsh as it becomes
clear she's won both the Democraticand Republican primary elections
for Easton's district magistrate seat.



Easton attorney Antonia Grifo has apparently won both the Democratic and Republican primary races to be the new magistrate of District Court 03-2-05.

While election numbers remain unofficial at this point, the results and slim margin of possible error indicate she will run unopposed in the November election, and it is all but certain that Grifo will take the seat in January.

While the preliminary election numbers were publicly reported later in the evening, Grifo and her supporters, gathered at a post election party at Grifo's North Fourth Street home, got the news from poll watchers shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday night


"I just can't believe it," she said after campaign manager Joe Welsh made the announcement. "You can't want it too much. But I really just can't believe it."

About 40 supporters, gathered around Grifo's dining room table where Welsh was tallying vote count reports as they came in, applauded upon hearing the news.

While it seemed Grifo was a strong contender in the race, she still seemed somewhat surprised at the election results.

"This feels so odd. It's almost surreal," Grifo said. "I can't believe they're going to let me do this job. I'm not a person who counts their chickens before they're hatched."

Welsh attributed the win to hard work on Grifo's part and "a lifetime of being involved in the community", which helped gain her strong support from community members who also worked on her behalf.

"She did everything she needed to do--knocking on doors. Everything," Welsh said.

He also said strategizing contributed much to the campaign's success.

"We knew the Democratic side was over, so we've concentrated on the Republican side in the last three weeks," he explained.

Grifo said despite being prequalified for the magistrate's position as a standing member of the Pennsylvania bar, she still plans to take the month-long state course for potential magistrates that begin in June.

Being as competant and knowledgeable about her new job is very important to her, Grifo stressed, adding that she intends to be compassionate when she takes to the bench too.

"That's very important, I think. You can be skilled and competent, and still care," she said.

Despite their loss at the polls, the four other candidates seemed mostly upbeat Tuesday evening.

Lance Wheeler, right, talks with those gathered on his
behalf at the after-election party at Black & Blue.

While Lance Wheeler's supporters, gathered at Black & Blue in Easton's West Ward, seemed disappointed at his taking second place in the Democratic primary, Wheeler said he felt satisfied about his efforts during the campaign.

"We ran a good campaign," Wheeler said. "I made them think. I am the first African-American candidate on the ballot (for district magistrate) in Northampton County. I'll see her in six years."

He also said he wouldn't rule out running a write-in campaign in the coming months running up to the November election, but said before he makes a final decision on that, he'll be consulting with his campaign team and supporters.


Lance Wheeler stands outside
Black & Blue with his campaign
team.

"Congratulations to Antonia," he said. "We ran an honest campaign, and I'm happy."

He added that he intends to keep his job as a Pennsylvania constable and will be continuing in his position serving district courts in Bethlehem.

Sharbel Koorie, who was cross-filed, came in closely behind Grifo on the Republican ticket and third in the Democratic primary.

Speaking from his South Ninth Street home where family and supporters had gathered after the election, he seemed content with his efforts.


The final vote tally, as provided by Antonia Grifo's poll
watchers. Koorie came in second in the Republican
primary by a narrow margin.

"I wish it was different, but I'm okay with it," he said. "We never ran a campaign before, and we did well."

He said his campaign experience was a good one, and he valued the things it has brought him and his wife Lena, who accompanied him knocking on doors seeking votes over the past five months.

"We met a lot of really nice people. I think 50 to 60 of them will be part of our lives going forward," he said. "I'm proud of what we did. We ran a very positive campaign. It was a very rewarding experience."

He also wished Grifo the best in her new role.

"I'm truly happy for Antonia. I'm excited for her--she's going to start a new chapter in her life," he said. "I'm also happy for the girls in Gay (Elwell)'s office too, because they'll be keeping their jobs."

Koorie too said he'll continue his life the way it was before the election, and plans to remain as a city zoning code inspector.

"Tomorrow, I'll go back to work with the same dedication I've always had," he said. "It was a humbling experience. We're very grateful for all the support. I can hold my head high."

He added, "It was a very enlightening experience. We'll see where the future takes us."


A Prendergast supporter chats with a Wheeler supporter
outside the Easton Area Community Center, which serves
as the polling place for the city's 6th and 7th voting wards.


Tim Prendergast, who had intended to cross-file but ended up only on the Democratic ticket as a result of a petition error, said he was disappointed by the loss, but satisfied with his efforts.

"We all ran a good race," Prendergast said. "I learned the process, and it was my first time. This was my first round, and I learned some lessons. And I met a lot of great people."

Prendergast said he wishes Grifo the best in her new role.

He hinted that this election may not be his last, too.

"My father lost his first race, and he served for 20 years," he said

But for now, he will continue as a criminal defense attorney and public defender.

"I'm going to work tomorrow, and I have a case at 9:30," he said.


Despite political differences, candidates' supporters got
fairly chummy after 13 hours of sitting together outside
of Easton's 5th ward poll on Koury Place.

Tony Bassil, who finished last on both the Democratic and Republican primary tickets, said he's abstaining from comment until Northampton County election officials certify the race results.

Grifo will run unopposed in the November election, and will presumably be sworn in as the magistrate of District Court 03-2-05 the first week of January 2014.

She will replace District Magistrate Gay Elwell, who died suddenly in early December of 2012.

Updated at 7:47 a.m. to add photos.

District Judge Candidates Meet with West Ward Residents

By Christina Georgiou

From left to right, district magistrate candidates Antonia Grifo, Tony Bassil,
Tim Prendergast, Sharbel Koorie, and Lance Wheeler at the Easton Teen
Center Monday evening meet and greet event organized by the
Easton NAACP.

The five candidates vying for the district magistrate seat left vacant by Gay Elwell's sudden death last December got another chance to meet with voters and tout their qualifications Monday evening at a gathering in Easton's West Ward Teen Center, organized by the local NAACP.

While the scheduled moderator for the event was unable to attend, audience members were still able to ask questions, either of all the candidates or directed at specific ones, and each candidate also had the chance to make an opening statement as the evening got off the ground.

"I'm at a point in my life and my career where I'm ready to combine my legal areer and my career in community service," said attorney Antonia Grifo. "I've gotten involved...in many community organizations in all the neghborhoods of Easton."

While it's not a requirement that the magisterial district justice have legal experience to be elected, only that the elected person pass a test to become a member of the Pennsylvania bar to be sworn in to the position, Grifo said she thinks the office should ideally be occupied by an experienced attorney.

"I believe it should be an attorney. It doesn't have to be an attorney, but why not have the best face on the office?" she said.

Tony Bassil, currently controller for the City of Easton with years of similar corporate experience who is also co-owner of the Carmelcorn Shop in the city's Downtown neighborhood, said his financial expertise would be a plus for the position, which typically issues an estimated $600,000 in fines every year.

"I have the knowledge of our city," he said, reading from a prepared statement. "I understand the concerns of residents and business owners.  As a corporate controller, I have the experience, the skills, and the leadership...to serve."

Tim Prendergast, an attorney who specializes in criminal defense, also said his legal experience would be an asset to the court.

"There's not a case I haven't handled. I've argued cases in 17 jurisdictions," he said. "You want fairness, and you want knowledge of the law (in a district magistrate)...I believe everyone who walks in there should be treated without bias. It doesn't matter why you're there. We all deserve to be treated with respect."

He added that becoming a district judge would give him the opportunity to serve both the community and his profession, and promised to do the job "with a smile".

City code enforcement officer Sharbel Koorie said his experience in that position give him a unique set of skills that best qualifies him for the job, noting that it requires listening to both complaintants and residents, and resolving issues.

"The magistrate has to be a person that sees the city as a whole," he said. "What I've enjoyed the most is working with people...I am the only person here who has a record people can go back on and check. (The city code office) has a good reputation for resoving issues...that affect our community."

He added that he's a lifelong city resident who's lived in the West Ward his entire life.

"I've been on South 9th Street for 45 years," he said. "I have a good understanding of all the wards of this city."

Koorie added that he's committed to becoming certified for the position, beginning in June, when the state will next hold classes to do so.

Lance Wheeler, a state constable who mainly works in Bethlehem, said his experience in that position uniquely qualifies him for the magistrate position.

"A constable works hand in hand with the district magistrate. I do the workings of the district court every day," Wheeler said. "When I'm elected...I will be there from 8 to 4 every day."

He dismissed the idea that prior legal experience is necessary to do the job.

"This position doesn't need a law degree, it needs a common sense degree," Wheeler said.

Audience questions the candidates on a variety of issues and concerns

Moving on to questions posed by audience members, NAACP executive board member Merrill Fennell asked of all the candidates, "What are your plans with the unique problems in the West Ward?"

Jumping in first, Wheeler replied, "I confront the landlords every day. I serve tenants (papers). Not all tenants are bad. I'm not against landlords. I'm not against tenants. A lot of landlords are from out of state...The majority of people who rent can't afford eight or nine hundred (dollars) a month."

Following, Prendergast said, "The unique problems of the West Ward are the unique problems of all of Easton...You have a very finite job and that's to follow the law. The law is sometimes more than black and white. I think what's important is to follow and apply the law...and also have a sense of fairness and compassion."

No other candidates offered their thoughts on the question.

Moving back to the matter of legal experience, Fennell asked on behalf of an audience member, "Do you thing being a lawyer is an advantage or a disadvantage?" of all the candidates.

Taking the lead, Grifo replied, "I don't think there's any question that there's an advantage to being a lawyer," noting that attorneys are prequalified as state bar association members. "I don't think there's any question a person can become qualified (though)...I think the most important thing about being a lawyer is you can see a thing...impartially. Because that's what we do every day. It really is hard to set aside what's not relevant and just look at the law."

Prendergast said, "Those of us in the criminal justice system do resolve conflicts on a daily basis. I think the advantage is (lawyers) are ready to hit the ground running. We've had magisterial justice candidates who have won and failed to pass (the certification exam).

Wheeler said again that his experience as a constable makes him qualified for the position though he's not a member of the state bar, and suggested that an attorney would continue to practice law on the side, not devoting their full time to the job.

Grifo interjected that while she won't give up her law license and "might write a will or something on a weekend", she'll devote herself full time to the job if elected.

Bassil said, "The position is more of a community position. If they required a lawyer, then why don't they require one?"

Prendergast also said he'd "extremely limit" his law practice if elected and additionally promised not to work in other Pennsylvania counties.

Koorie again stated his intention to become certified for the magistrate position, and noted that the job requires a balance of justice and feeling.

"You have to have some compassion," he said. "Something that's a matter of health and safety needs to be addressed immediately. Other matters have taken years to develop. If you go in there swinging a bat, you may create other problems...I think I can be fair and comssionate while applying the law."

The next question was directed at Koorie personally: "Do you have a liquor license, and do you think that's a conflict?"

Koorie said he does not personally hold a liquor license, but that related family members can have one without affecting his eligibility under the law.

"My wife holds a liquor license for a restaurant that we're opening," he said.

Another question, aimed at Grifo, asked if she is a real estate attorney and if that presents a conflict.

Grifo said, "It's been reported that I'm a real estate attorney, but I've handled just about every kind of case, from both sides. I don't think any of my legal experience presents a conflict."

A question at Wheeler asked how he'd change the court.

"It's not about how I'm going to change it," he answered. "It's about how I'm going to better it."

Another question for all the candidates asked their opinion of the Guardian Angels and whether they support the group.

"I attend the Guardian Angels meetings every Friday evening," said Wheeler. "We need to support the Guardian Angels and Block Watch, but they're not getting the support they need."

"As long as they're not being vigilantes," said Prendergast. "I think a neighborhood's policing themselves is very important."

Bassil said he supports Block Watch and attends the group's meetings.

One audience member questioned Koorie specifically on his community leadership qualifications and asked how he would relate to people that are less better off financially than he is.

"I think I have the best knowledge of the makeup of our community based on my job," he said, after stating his experience again and also noting his volunteer experience with his church. He added that he doesn't come from a rich family, that he wore second-hand clothes as a child and bought his first good pair of sneakers with money he earned himself in high school.

"I've worked hard for where I am today. And I didn't leave my neighborhood. I bought the houses on my block. I built my house where there were three (that were too dilapidated to fix)...I've walked the walk of being a poor person," he said.

County council candidate and former Easton Area School Board president Kerry Myers, who attended the event, asked all the candidates: "You also represent College Hill. You have students up ther that tend to get a little rowdy and do some damage. How are you planning on handling that?", adding he wanted to know if there would be a difference between how a local young adult and a "silver-spoon-daddy-can-pay-for-it" would be treated in court.

"There is no difference. We're all equal," said Bassil, answering first. "He's a citizen. We're going to read him his rights, and we're going to deal with it."

"The law is the law is the law," said Prendergast. "The job is to treat everyone fairly. you have to detach yourself. The law is the law is the law."

"It's a different atmosphere up there," said Wheeler. "But you have to be fair. All men are created equal. And the law is the law."

"You really don't have a tremendous amount of discretion," Grifo said. "You can make a difference, but you have to follow the law."

"I would judge each case on its merit, regardless of where the defendant comes from," Koorie said.

Another audience member asked, "How will you deal when a case inconveniences you (by happening in the middle of the night)?"

"Whether a call is at 9 or 3 in the morning, we'll deal with it," said Bassil.

"I'm an insomniac, and I'm up 'til 2 or 3 in the morning anyway," said Prendergast. "It won't affect me."

"I'm devoted to the job," said Koorie. "It's not a problem."

"I don't really sleep anyway," said Wheeler. "When 911 calls, we're on duty."

"It's not a problem. It's part of the job," said Grifo. "You know when you're on call."

Another audience member asked the candidates their positions on sentencing more minor infractions, particularly those committed by younger offenders, to setting up programs or  giving community service over jail time.

"Whatever is available to me as a judge, I'm going to consider my options for programs," Grifo said. "But our options as a judge are limited, when it comes to setting up programs."

Prendergast said he thinks there may be some options of working with the county district attorney's office when it comes to set up alternative sentencing programs, and that community service is a component of that.

"It would be great if a kid that gets caught gets community service and picks up garbage over probation," he said.

Koorie similarly said he'd favor alternative sentencing for younger offenders in certain cases.

"I will do what's available," he said.

All five candidates will be on the Democratic ballot at the primary on May 21. Grifo, Bassil and Koorie are cross-filed and will also appear on the Republican ticket.

Prendergast recently said he'd planned to be cross-filed, but a problem with petition signatures left him one vote short of the minimum 100 valid signatures on the Republican ticket.

Wheeler has said he's a loyal Democrat and didn't want to cross-file.

District Court 03-2-05 covers most of Easton, including the entirety of the Downtown and College Hill neighborhoods, and the West Ward from 10th Street and east.

***

In addition to Myers, Forks Township Supervisor candidate Bendine Mballa-Fonkey and Easton Area School Board Region 2 candidate Robert Obey attended the meeting and spoke briefly.

Mballa-Fonkey, a 12-year resident of the township, said she's hopeful for the position and wants to make a difference for the municipality.

"I have always been a community organizer, even in my village in Africa," she said.

Obey said if elected he'd stand with Frank Pintabone in many matters, and promised to preserve the schools' music programs, while keeping finances in check.

"Layoffs of teachers and cutting of programs like music need to stop," Obey said. "I'm not a politician, but I'm a concerned citizen."

A corrections officer in New York, Obey said he's seen the prisons there call schools and ask for drop out numbers so they know how many places in jail to plan for in the near future.

"It's time for our children to get an education and not an education in jail," he said.

Myers said he's running for county council because "we don't actually have people representing the people. We have people representing the parties...I have not attended any classes like some of my opponents, and I will not. I'll go in there with an open mind. If you want a pit bull on county council, I'm your guy."

Updated to add a photo and the district court's geographical jurisdiction at 7:19 a.m.

Meet and Greet Event Planned with Magisterial Candidate

The Committee to Elect Antonia Grifo District Judge will hold a "Meet and Greet" reception at the Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton St., on Wednesday, May 8 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be served, and vouchers will be given to guests for free parking in the parking garage on South Third St. 

Additionally, anyone attending the reception will be granted free admission to the Sigal Museum.

Tickets are not necessary, however, it is requested that those planning to attend RSVP to campaign committee treasurer Kathy Presto at kathy.presto@yahoo.com.

Grifo is one of five candidates running for magisterial justice in District 03-2-05, which became vacant when District Judge Gay Elwell suddenly passed away late last year. 

The district includes Downtown, College Hill, and most of the West Ward (10th Street and east) in the City of Easton.

Judicial Candidates Vie for Votes at Neighborhood Meeting

By Christina Georgiou

 The five candidates running for the magisterial district judge position left vacant by Gay Elwell's sudden death last December got a chance to introduce themselves to the public at a "Meet the Candidates" event held during the College Hill Neighborhood Association's meeting last evening. About 40 people attended the event.

Three of the candidates are cross-filed and are on both the Democrat and Republican tickets for the May 21 primary: Tony Bassil, Antonia Grifo, and Sharbel Koorie.

Tim Prendergast intended to run on both tickets, but fell short of the 100 signatures necessary for his inclusion on the Republican side of the ballot by one after it came to light that on signator had signed twice and another was from outside the voting district, he said, noting that he believes he could have contested the situation and successfully run on both tickets, but decided against the move.

Candidate Lance Wheeler only filed on the Democratic ticket because he's a loyal Democrat, he said.

All five were given five minutes each to speak uninterrupted in front of the audience. A chance for questions from the crowd was offered at the conclusion, though few were offered. Those assembled seemed to prefer to chat privately with the candidates afterwards, which was also a planned part of the event.


Tony Bassil

Each of the five stressed their connections with the community, particularly the area covered by Magisterial District 03-2-05, which includes Easton's Downtown and College Hill neighborhoods, along with much of the West Ward. Most struggled to get in all they wished to say in the five minute allotted.

"Although no one can replace Gay (Elwell), someone must fill that office," said Bassil, speaking first.

Bassil noted his past experience in both the private and public sector, including his current position as Easton City Controller and ownership of the Carmelcorn Shop since 1996 with his wife Sia.

"With my corporate and public experience, I'm qualified to serve in this office," he said. "My goal is to futher my service to my community. I will be fair and an honest representative."


Antonia Grifo

Grifo, an attorney who runs a Downtown law practice with her husband Ron Shipman, stressed her legal experience, as well as multi-generational ties to the Easton community and a dedication to being non-partisan.

"I think people innately understand this is not a partisan race," Grifo added.

She noted she attended nursery school at the College Hill Presbyterian Church, where the CHNA meetings are held, and grew up on Paxinosa Avenue.

"My family came to the West Ward a hundred years ago. I truly know this town," Grifo said. "My first job here was as an assistant DA--I was on the 'Easton team'. I've pretty much dealt with every type of legal matter that can come before this court."

She also stressed her volunteer efforts.

"I think my community service is extremely important, not just on boards of directors, but more in hands on," Grifo said.

It is not required to be a lawyer or have experience with the legal system to be elected to the magistrate position, Grifo noted, "but why not raise the bar?"

She added, "This is the place where people see our judicial system. A judge makes a lot of decisions. Think about who you want to represent you."


Sharbel Koorie

Koorie, a code enforcement officer for the city, said his experience in that position makes him uniquely qualified to be a district magistrate.

"The magistrate is going to hear cases that represent what's happening in our community. The magistrate should be someone who can keep an open mind and listen to both sides," he said. "I am, of all the candidates, the only one who has a proven record of working in the community (in this capacity) day in and day out."

His West Ward residency, along with his zoning officer position, gives him a unique view of residents and their situations, Koorie said.

"I get to see a lot of homes in the city. We see these real things that happen," he said. "I think whoever's district judge...should have a clear idea of the people who live in it...and to resolve problems."


Tim Prendergast

 Prendergast also stressed his long-term ties to the community, noting he too grew up in Easton's College Hill neighborhood, and attended the church's nursery school, along with March Elementary school across the street.

"My ties to this community are deep. I have a great love for this community," he said. "I've walked a lot of miles in a lot of shoes."

Prenderagast, also a lawyer, said he's represented clients in all sorts of cases, having worked in 17 counties before coming back to Easton, but, "in the long run, most of my time is spent as an Easton public defender."

He's further gotten to know the community he grew up in recently too, he said.

"In the past two years, I've lost 200 pounds. And I did it by walking the streets of this city," Prendergast said. "My commitment to this community is deep. I think this is a position (in which) I can both serve my profession and serve my city."

The district judge requires someone who is "fair, respectful, understanding of the law, and compassionate" Prendergast said. "And I hope to be able to do that with a smile."


Lance Wheeler


Lance Wheeler, currently a Northampton County constable who has also moonlighted in the security field, notably at Lafayette College, said his experience transporting prisoners and evicting tenants gives him a unique perspective on the magisterial justice position.

"I'm familar with the courts as I work with them every day," he said. "There is no substitute for justice."

As a West Ward resident, he also understands neighborhood issues, he said.

"I'm a big supporter of block watch. If there's someone in my neighborhood that shouldn't be (there), I'll deal with it."

He added, "This is a very important job."

All five candidates said they plan to continue meeting with community members in anticipation of the primary election, to be held on Tuesday, May 21.

Updated at 12:18 p.m. to correct a detail about Antonia Grifo's legal practice and to add links to candidates' election announcement articles.

Fourth Candidate Announces Run for District Court Judge

By Christina Georgiou

Tim Prendergast

Local lawyer Tim Prendergast announced today that he intends to run for the district magistrate seat left vacant by the sudden death of Judge Gay Elwell.

With a law practice in the West Ward, Prendergast said he has extensive experience arguing a wide variety of cases in district court, as well as serving as a part-time public defender.

"It is this practical experience and knowledge and skill set that I would offer the citizens of this District, along with my love of this city and its residents and a commitment to my profession," Prendergast said.

Prendergast also cited his family's deep roots in the city, that his father and grandfather were Lafayette College graduates, and a family history of community service in a variety of roles.

"It is this commitment to serve this community that I now seek to emulate in seeking this position, and I believe that I not only have the legal knowledge necessary to perform the duties of magistrate, but the temperament, energy, compassion and commitment that this particular district requires," Prendergast said.

"This district will be best served by an experienced attorney, versed in criminal and civil procedure and the rules of evidence and capable of making the fair and appropriate decisions from day one," he added.

Prendergast said he will be knocking on doors and meeting with local residents in the coming months, asking for their votes.

Prendergast is the fourth to announce his intention to run for magistrate of district court 03-2-05, which covers the Downtown, College Hill and part of the West Ward neighborhoods in the City of Easton.

Others that have announced they will vie for the position are Easton codes enforcement officer Sharbel Koorie, Downtown attorney Antonia Grifo, and Northampton County Constable Lance Wheeler.

It is rumored that Easton City Controller Tony Bassil is also intending to run, but he has not yet made an official announcement.

It is still possible that Governor Tom Corbett might appoint someone to fill the vacant position, but this is seeming more and more unlikely as time passes. It is expected that the declared candidates will all crossfile and run in the primary election in the spring, with the final winner to be decided in the November election.

Third Bid for District Magistrate Announced

Lance Wheeler, a local Pennsylvania State Constable for the Northampton County Sheriff's office, announced Tuesday at a press conference in front of his West Ward home that he will run for the open district magistrate position left vacant last month by the sudden death of Judge Gay Elwell.

Wheeler said that working in the district courts of Northampton and Lehigh counties provides him with first-hand knowledge of the mechanics of civil and criminal procedures, and that living in the most densely populated part of the City of Easton places him in the middle of the issues a district judge will face daily, from traffic violations to truancy, homicides to domestic violence and landlord to tenant disputes.

"As a constable I am familiar with the mechanics of the system and the necessity of discerning through the facts with impartiality," said Mr. Wheeler. He added his experiences have prepared him "to discern through the facts with impartiality and wisdom."

A registered Democrat, he will be cross-filing on the spring primary ballot he said.

Wheeler is the third declared candidate in the likely magistrate election for District Court 03-2-05, which covers the Downtown and College Hill districts of Easton, along with part of the West Ward.

Sharbel Koorie, another West Ward resident and City of Easton code enforcement officer announced his intention to run in late December, and Antonia Grifo, a Downtown city attorney, announced last week she too will run in the expected election for the vacant seat.

Two other candidates, attorney Tim Prendergast and Easton City Controller Tony Bassil, also seem likely to vie for the judgeship, but neither have yet made official announcements.

It is still possible that Governor Tom Corbett might appoint someone to fill the vacant seat, but this seems unlikely. Any gubernatorial appointment would have to be approved by the state senate as well.

Update, Thursday, January 17, 10:00 p.m.: Magisterial District Judge candidate Lance Wheeler has posted a Facebook page entitled "Elect Lance Wheeler". Listed are a number of public events in coming months where members of the public can meet and chat with him

Attorney Antonia Grifo Announces Bid for Magistrate

By Christina Georgiou

Downtown Easton attorney Antonia M. Grifo announced her intentions Monday to run for the magisterial justice seat vacated by the sudden death of District Judge Gay Elwell.

"I am running for this judgeship at the urging of many friends, family members and colleagues who believe that I have 'the right experience, right from the start' to serve this district, as district judge," Grifo said at a press conference held at her office in the 300 block of Spring Garden Street.

Grifo said her roots and lifelong residency in the city, in addition to her law experience, would be beneficial to the magisterial office.

"My legal career and my community service, the wide range of clients I have represented over the years, and the many people I have come into contact with provide me first hand knowledge of the legal concepts I will be required to apply, and a unique insight into the types of situations I will be required to consider and rule upon," she said. "It would be an honor to succeed to Judge Elwell’s legacy as District Justice and with my solid footing in this community, I think I can fill her shoes."

Grifo, 56, is a lifelong resident of Easton who has two college age sons. She shares a law office with her husband, attorney Ronald Shipman, who is semi-retired and son Christopher Shipman, who is also an attorney.

She is the daughter of Lee T. Grifo, described as a community leader, and the late Judge Richard D. Grifo, both also lifelong residents of the city.

Grifo said she doesn't expect that having family members in the legal profession locally will present a problem.

"Certainly, they couldn't appear before me (or represent clients)," she said, adding that such cases would be transferred to another nearby district court. "It's not uncommon for family members to not be able to appear before a particular judge due to a family relationship."

Despite the fact that as a practicing attorney she is already qualified, Grifo plans to take the state certification course for district judges in June.

"I don't need to take that course, but I plan to take that course," Grifo said. "It's a very good review of what the job requires...There's an administrative component as well."

Grifo said that her approach to the election will be bipartisan.

"I come from a solid Republican background, but I am a long-time registered Democrat. As is appropriate, judicial races and my appeal are bipartisan," she said. "I will cross-file and appear on both the Republican and Democratic tickets in the primary."

She added, "I am now at a place and time in my career where serving in the justice system not as a practicing lawyer, but as a public servant, has become important to me. This is not a step on the way to another career for me, but a logical continuation of both my legal career and my community service...The people of this District can rely on the fact that I will hit the ground running in January of 2014...ready, willing and honored to serve this District, as District Justice."

Grifo is the second person to officially announce interest in serving as magistrate for District Court 03-2-05, which serves College Hill, Downtown and parts of the West Ward in the City of Easton.

While it's still possible that Governor Tom Corbett could appoint someone to Elwell's vacant seat, the governor's office has to date made no indication he will do so.

Sharbel Koorie, a code enforcement officer for the City of Easton and also a lifelong resident, announced his intention to run on Dec. 27.

Northampton County Constable Lance Wheeler is also expected to make a statement with regard to a possible bid for the judgeship on Jan. 15, and it is thought that attorney Tim Prendergast may also make a bid for the seat, possibly later this month.

Easton City Controller Tony Bassil has also expressed interest in running for magistrate, but has yet to announce if this is a certainty.