staff writer
justin_s@newsitem.com
SUNBURY - Three Republican candidates hoping to replace the late Carl Rice for district judge have been identified by the party chair, but the Democratic chair is not releasing the names of candidates from his party for the time being.
"We're still taking names. We hope to have a decision by the end of the month. I don't want to get into details. I don't want to discourage anyone from applying," said Northumberland County Democratic Committee Chair Rodger Babnew Monday afternoon.
However, Northumberland County Republican Committee Chair Beth Kremer said the submission period was closed Friday, Aug. 5, and three candidates were accepted.
Northumberland County assistant district attorney John Muncer, 52; Sunbury attorney Joel Wiest, 38, and Sunbury attorney Benjamin Apfelbaum will meet with the Republican executive committee Aug. 10 to be interviewed for the spot, said Kremer.
They will also meet with the whole committee Aug. 23, at which time the 114 members of the district will chose one of the three to appear on the Republican ballot in the November election.
The choice must be made by Sept. 9.
Northumberland County President Judge Robert B. Sacavage, chairman of the county election board, said nominees must be at least 18 years old and registered to vote in Northumberland County. Sacavage said nominees do not have to be lawyers, but must live in the Sunbury area jurisdiction covered by Rice's office. Anyone who is not an attorney elected to the position must pass a certification test to become a magisterial district judge.
At this point, Kremer said none of the candidates were considered over another.
"I think we're fortunate to have such good people come forward," she said.
Sacavage said both parties must agree on only one candidate to replace Rice, but Kremer noted she hasn't heard anything from the Democratic side.
Dems have until Aug. 18
While Babnew was mum on who had submitted their names for the Democrat side, he said there were already three people in the running.
Interested candidates have until Aug. 18 to submit their names for consideration, he said.
Babnew wasn't sure of the process, but said they wanted to have their final candidate chosen by Aug. 31.
"We are looking for a person of good character who we feel will be electable and qualified for the job. Whoever we pick will be well-qualified," he said.
Nominees will then have to run for the six-year, $82,303-a-year position in the Nov. 8 general election.
Rice passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack July 22 at the age of 49. He was appointed to the bench in September 2005 after former Magisterial District Judge Wade Brown left the position.
Senior Magisterial District Judge Richard P. Cashman, formerly of Magisterial District Court 26-3-02, Berwick, has been appointed to cover daytime duties for Rice's office until a permanent replacement is named. Cashman previously assisted Northumberland County following the retirement of Magisterial District Judge William Kear of Milton.