Magisterial District Judge William “Bill” Kissner announces his bid for re-election in the Palmerton District Court.

Judge Kissner is cross-filled and running on the Democrat and Republican ballots in the May 16 primary election.

Kissner has been serving the citizens of Palmerton, Bowmanstown, Parryville, Franklin Township, Towamensing and Lower Towamensing Townships since 2012.

He is the son of the late William “Sam” Kissner Jr. and the late Pat Evert. Born and raised in Palmerton, he attended St. John Neumann (formerly Sacred Heart School) and is a 1984 graduate of Palmerton High School. He graduated from Lehigh Carbon Community College and Kutztown University, majoring in criminal justice. Prior to his initial election in 2011, he served as a police officer for the City of Bethlehem for over 20 years.

Judge Kissner currently serves as president of the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania. As president, Kissner works closely with the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, President Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, the Pennsylvania General Assembly and over 500 Magisterial District Judges across the Commonwealth.

Kissner serves on multiple Carbon County committees, including the Criminal Justice Advisory Board, Court Processing, Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative, and Re-Entry Coalition. He initiated the use of remote access - Advance Communication Technology for on-call night duty in the county. ACT enhances the safety of law enforcement, District Judge, and defendant. ACT is a cost savings to the taxpayers of the boroughs, townships and state by expediting preliminary arraignments, search warrants, arrest warrants and reduces the need for additional overtime.

Kissner is a member of Lehighton Lodge No. 621 F & AM of Pennsylvania and holds his 32nd Degree from the Valley of Allentown A.A.S.R.M. He is a lifelong social member of the Franklin Township Fire Company, Palmerton Historical Society and Kibler School. He is married to Marlyn Kissner for over 26 years. Marlyn is the vice president of membership and community relations with the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.

Kissner is honored to continue his service for his communities with distinguished, impartial and fair justice.