Five candidates are crossfiled as candidates for judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Monroe County. Two positions are open, with the retirement of Judge Art Zulick and President Judge Margherita Patti-Worthington.

We asked candidates questions about qualifications. Here are their responses, in alphabetical order.

Patrick J. Best

Town: Stroud Township

Website/Social Media: www.BestForJudge.com, @BestForJudge on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Background: I’m a lifelong advocate for justice and a proud resident of Monroe County. As a husband, father of four, and attorney, I’ve built a life grounded in public service and community involvement. I’ve served as solicitor to the sheriff and controller, volunteered for nonprofits, and worked to protect consumers and families. My legal work has always been about people – ensuring they’re heard and treated fairly. I’m ready to bring that same commitment to the bench.

The most important qualities of an effective judge: An effective judge must be fair, impartial, and deeply respectful of the law. They need the experience to make tough decisions, the integrity to stand by them, and the temperament to treat everyone with dignity in the courtroom. Above all, they must remember that behind every case are people — real lives, real consequences. A judge’s role is not just to apply the law, but to do so with compassion, clarity, and unwavering fairness.

Legal experience that qualifies you for this position: I bring broad experience in every area the court handles – from traffic offenses to homicide, consumer protection to family law. For over nine years, I served as a court hearing officer, appointed by then-President Judge Worthington, presiding over hearings that mirror trial-level proceedings. My decisions earned a reputation for fairness and were rarely overturned. I serve as special assistant district attorney in the consumer fraud division and as solicitor to the controller and sheriff.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law and ultimately run for judge: I became a lawyer to fight for people who felt the system wasn’t built for them. Whether guiding families through tough times or protecting citizens from fraud, I’ve always used the law to serve others. During my tenure as court hearing officer, more and more of my colleagues urged me to consider running for judge. At their urging, I stepped up to ensure our courts have good stewardship and work for all of Monroe County.

Other comments: I’m not running for judge to start serving the community – I’m running because I already do. Whether volunteering at local nonprofits, advocating for consumer rights, or mentoring new attorneys, public service has always been at the heart of my work. I’d be honored to bring that commitment to the bench. If I can answer any questions, please contact me via my website or social media.

Janet Jackson

Town: Stroudsburg

Website/Social Media: JanetJacksonforJudge.com, @Janet Jackson for Judge on Facebook, and @janetjacksonforjudge on Instagram

Background: An honors graduate of King’s College and the Dickinson School of Law, I began my career as a clerk to a federal judge in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. I served as the first full-time assistant public defender in Monroe County where I have continued to practice in civil litigation and criminal law. My experience includes injury cases, family law and child custody trials, Will challenges and criminal matters as minor as traffic tickets and as consequential as death penalty trials with more than 35 years experience, I have earned the respect of clients, colleagues and the courts.

The most important qualities of an effective judge: Integrity, patience, compassion and commitment to the rule of law are the most important qualities of effective judges. Being guided by the Constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well as the Canons of Judicial Ethics, judges must know and follow the law and must remain independent and fair in every proceeding. Equal justice under the law requires that every individual be treated fairly regardless of background or social status.

Legal experience that qualifies you for this position: I have a wide variety of courtroom experience. I have handled misdemeanor cases such as simple assault and retail theft as well as sexual assault cases, arsons and homicide trials. I was appointed by the President Judge of the Court of Common Pleas to handle a death penalty case. My civil experience includes litigation of injury and death cases, divorce, custody, property matters, will challenges, guardianships, juvenile dependency and protection from abuse cases.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law and ultimately run for judge: Growing up in a working class family, my parents instilled values of good citizenship and hard work at home which my siblings and I were directed to bring to our schoolwork and eventually our professions. A passionate high school government teacher and an aunt who worked for the Judge Advocate General in Washington, D.C. inspired me to pursue a career in law and to work hard to get justice for my clients.

Other comments: When my dad died suddenly at work when I was a college student, I witnessed the struggles my mother faced navigating the legal process of hiring lawyers to help her pursue a fatal claim petition and to protect her children financially and emotionally. My decision to go to law school was inspired by my mother’s strength. I have been privileged to help others through similar adversities and to gain many great friends along the way.

Jamie Levy

Town: Delaware Water Gap

Website/Social Media: judgejamielevy.com

Background: I am honored to serve Monroe County as a Magisterial District Judge, with a deep commitment to fairness, impartiality, and the rule of law. As an attorney, my entire legal career has been dedicated to serving victims and helping them obtain the justice they deserve. As a district judge, my time on the bench has given me firsthand insight into the challenges our communities face. I believe every person who enters a courtroom deserves respect and an opportunity to be heard. My record reflects a dedication to justice, community safety, and common-sense decision-making.

The most important qualities of an effective judge: An effective judge must be impartial, fair, and grounded in both the law and common sense. A judge should be compassionate but not sympathetic. They must follow the law as written, not advocate for their own policy preferences.

Legal experience that qualifies you for this position: My experience spans criminal defense, civil litigation, and public service. As a Magisterial District Judge, I’ve handled thousands of cases — from criminal arraignments and hearings to landlord-tenant and civil trials. I apply the law consistently and fairly, ensuring everyone receives due process.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law and ultimately run for judge: I’ve always believed that the laws that govern us are powerful tools designed to protect the vulnerable, the innocent and to resolve disputes equitably. My early work with underserved communities opened my eyes to how much judges matter. I ran for judge to ensure that every resident — regardless of background — is treated with dignity, fairness, and respect in the courtroom.

Other comments: In this judicial race all the candidates agree — experience matters. Monroe County is losing two of our most senior, experienced judges. To fill these vacancies, this dearth of judicial experience, we need to elect someone who is ready to hit the ground running on day one. I am the only judge in this race and the only candidate with any judicial experience. I am ready – experience matters.

Kelly Lombardo

Town: Jackson Township, Monroe County

Website/Social Media: www.kellylombardoforjudge.com; www.facebook.com/kellylombardoforjudge/

Background: Monroe County isn’t just where I live — it’s where my story began and has continued for the past 42 years. I bring a unique perspective, having watched this community grow, and I understand the issues that matter most to our residents. Monroe County has shaped me both personally and professionally. I’ve practiced law for 16 years, but I’m also a wife and mother. My husband, a dedicated police sergeant, and I are raising our two children with values of respect, hard work, and service to our community. I’m running for judge to keep fairness, experience, and compassion on the bench.

The most important qualities of an effective judge: I’ve built my career on integrity, respect, and hard work. As an attorney, I valued Judges who listened and allowed fair advocacy. As a judge, I’ll ensure everyone is heard and treated with fairness. I believe a Judge must be approachable, trustworthy, and committed to applying the law thoughtfully and impartially—without political influence or bias. Every person deserves their day in court, and I will work hard to uphold justice with fairness and integrity.

Legal experience that qualifies you for this position: With 16 years of courtroom experience, I bring well-rounded legal expertise to the bench. As law clerk to a judge, I learned how to manage a courtroom and handle diverse legal matters. As a criminal prosecutor, I tried hundreds of cases, spending thousands of hours in court, including jury trials. I represented indigent clients in divorce and civil matters through a legal clinic, and currently practice elder law and Orphans’ Court litigation for vulnerable clients.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law and ultimately run for judge: I discovered my passion for the law while serving on a Monroe County jury trial. Watching the judge manage the courtroom sparked my love for the judicial process. I witnessed the importance of giving everyone a voice. As an attorney, I’ve advocated for my clients and now want to make a bigger impact in our community. I believe in integrity, respect, and diligence — I’m committed to bringing those values to the people of Monroe County.

Other comments: I stand by the principles of integrity, experience, and compassion — qualities I will bring to the bench. Monroe County deserves a Judge who listens, applies the law fairly, and keeps politics out of the courtroom. I will treat everyone with respect, hear all voices, and make firm, fair decisions to keep our community safe and strong. I am the right choice for your next judge and I humbly ask for your vote on May 20th.

Alexander Marek

Town: Hamilton Township

Website/Social Media: www.alexmarekforjudge.com

Background: I am a former police officer, federal criminal investigator, and U.S. Army veteran. I attended Cooley Law School and have a master’s degree. I have been practicing law for 18 years. I initially focused on the areas of criminal law, family law, and intellectual property law. I served as a law clerk at the Court of Common Pleas for Monroe County. I was previously Deputy District Attorney – Chief of the Appellate Unit with Northampton County. I am currently at Newman Williams, P.C., focusing on civil litigation in state and federal courts, municipal law, zoning law, and assisting several local municipalities.

The most important qualities of an effective judge: The most important qualities to be effective are integrity, wisdom, courage, and empathy. A judge must have the integrity and courage to make difficult decisions even when the just outcome is inconvenient or unpopular. A judge requires wisdom, not just knowledge or experience, and knows how to appropriately apply the law. And a judge needs empathy, someone who can grasp the human stakes involved while understanding the impact rulings may have without letting cloud objectivity.

Legal experience that qualifies you for this position: I have 18 years of diverse legal experience in both criminal law and civil litigation. However, my capability in research and analysis, an absolute necessity for a judge, is what sets me apart. My ability to interpret complex laws with precision, will ensure rulings are grounded in reason and authority. I will be a judge who can dissect arguments, evaluate evidence, and articulate clear, defensible decisions that others can follow and respect.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law and ultimately run for judge: Going from law enforcement to legal practice has been a relatively seamless and natural transition, especially when my practice concentrated on criminal law. In pursuing the judge position, it is about service. Becoming a judge is not only an invaluable opportunity to serve my community utilizing my legal expertise, but would be humbling as it would indicate residents of Monroe County have faith I possess the character and integrity to perform the required duties.

Other comments: I will be a judge that will decide cases without bias, favoritism, or personal interest. I will weigh evidence and arguments objectively, unaffected by external pressures like public opinion, political influence, or personal relationships and will maintain public trust by adhering to the rule of law, even when it’s unpopular or inconvenient, making me the ideal choice to be one of the next judges for the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas.