There are four candidates vying for two seats on the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas. The two seats became open when judges Margherita Patti-Worthington and Arthur Zulick announced their intentions to retire.

Patrick Best and Janet Jackson are on the Democratic ticket, with Alex Marek and Kelly Lombardo on the Republican ticket.

Patrick Best

Town: Stroud Township

Website/social media: www.BestForJudge.com, @BestForJudge on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

According to his website, Best worked as a law clerk for Judge Carmen D. Minora in the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas. He moved to Monroe County and worked as an attorney in family law, and now is a partner at ARM Lawyers, handling consumer protection, bankruptcy and tax law. He also serves as a special assistant district attorney for the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.

“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,” Best said.

Janet Jackson

Town: Stroudsburg

Website/social media: JanetJacksonforJudge.com, @Janet Jackson for Judge on Facebook, and @janetjacksonforjudgeon Instagram

Janet Jackson has been an attorney for more than 35 years. According to her website, Jackson began her career as a law clerk for the Middle District of Pennsylvania’s United States Magistrate Raymond J. Durkin. She also worked as a special prosecutor for the Lackawanna County District Attorney and later was the first full-time assistant public defender in Monroe County. In 1988, she joined the law firm of Dominick A. Lockwood in Stroudsburg and continues to practice in civil litigation and criminal law. She also enjoys coaching Mock Trial competitions for high school students.

“Integrity, patience, compassion and commitment to the rule of law are the most important qualities of effective judges,” Jackson said.

“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.”

Kelly Lombardo

Town: Jackson Township, Monroe County

Website/social media: www.kellylombardoforjudge.com; www.facebook.com/kellylombardoforjudge/

Kelly Lombardo began her career in forensics, and developed a passion for law and justice leading to her pursuit of a law degree. She did a two-year judicial clerkship with Judge Jennifer Harlacher Sibum in the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas after being admitted to the bar. She then joined the District Attorney’s Office under District Attorney E. David Christine Jr., where she became an assistant district attorney. Currently, she practices law at the office of Attorney Lori J. Cerato, where she handles estate and family law cases.

“Judicial elections are about more than just the law; they are about ensuring fairness, upholding justice, and serving our community with integrity. I am deeply committed and vested in the future of Monroe County,” Lombardo said on her website.

Alexander Marek

Town: Hamilton Township

Website/social media: www.alexmarekforjudge.com

Alexander Marek is an Army veteran with a background in law enforcement before becoming an attorney.

According to his website, he began his legal career in 2007 in Michigan. After moving to Monroe County, he served as a law clerk for Judge Jon Mark in the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas and became a detective in June 2021 with the Monroe County District Attorney’s office. In June 2022, he transitioned to the position of assistant district attorney in the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office, then deputy district attorney.

Marek now works as an attorney at the law firm of Newman Williams P.C., concentrating on civil law, and municipal and zoning law.

“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,” Marek said.