Meet District Judge Candidate Lance Wheeler

Editor's note: In the weeks leading up to the May 21 primary, we asked Easton area candidates to fill out questionnaires about themselves. This is how district judge hopeful Lance Wheeler responded.

Age: I am 45 years of age.

Family: My family goes back many generations in Easton.  I live on South Ninth Street with my beautiful wife, Jamie Pettis, and our two amazing daughters, Myla (3) and Makaeya (5).

Political party affiliation: I’m a lifelong Democrat.

Tell us about your educational background: I am a class of 1986 graduate of Easton High School.  While attending Westchester Community College I played ball and started as a safety and cornerback. 

I’ve also graduated from the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Academy and the State Constable Academy.  As a constable, the enforcement arm of the Magisterial District Courts, I’m required to take continuing legal education on the very same issues District Judges rule upon.

Tell us about your professional/business background:

I was appointed constable in 1996 and was later elected to the same position.  I was employed as a Sheriff’s Deputy from 1998 to 2000, until I was elevated to Judge Freedberg’s court staff. 

In 2008 I was again elevated to the position of Lead Court Administration Officer, where I oversaw the day-to-day management of the Northampton County Courthouse.  I left the courthouse in 2011 to devote my full effort to the position of constable in order to best provide for my family.

Why are you running for district judge?

I’ve spent my whole life in this district.  I’ve worked for the courts in this district for almost two decades now.  The community here has given so much to me and I want to give back.  I feel I’m the most qualified candidate for this position.  If I, for a moment, was unsure of that, I would withdraw my candidacy.

What qualifies you to serve as the district judge?

It’s important to understand that District Judges handle both criminal and civil cases.  As a law enforcement officer, I’ve seen the consequences of letting criminals go free but I’ve also seen the consequences of not giving second chances to young people who happen to have made one bad decisions.  I come from law enforcement, but, when you look at the legal professionals supporting my candidacy, it’s clear that I have always been fair and respectful of any person I’ve dealt with.

As a Constable and legal professional, I’ve had extensive experience in civil law & procedure.  I’ve worked directly for judges for the past 15 years and have had deep and daily involvement in all the types of civil matters district judges decide upon. 

What do you see as the job's primary role and responsibilities?

Many people don’t know that almost all decisions made by a district judge are reviewable by the Court of Common Pleas.  Many of those decisions are reviewable de novo, meaning there is no prejudice against the losing party.

With that in mind, I believe the primary role of the district judge is to efficiently render decisions based upon common sense, something that is sometimes lacking in our legal system.

How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded?

My campaign has spent approximately $8,000 in this race.  About one-third of that has come from grassroots fundraisers and donations procured by my committee.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?

I’ve received endorsements from a number of community leaders and local attorneys.  Some of those endorsements include:

Paul Aaroe, Esq.

Angelo Almonti, Esq.

William Argeros, Esq.

Gary Asteak, Esq.

George Bright, M.A.

James Burke, Esq.

Eric Dowdle, Esq.

Alex Gangaware

Theresa Gangaware

A. Gangaware, Ret. SSgt.

Michael Gazzano

Glenn Goodge, Esq.

Jennifer Grube, Esq.

Larry Holmes

James Madsen, Esq.

Kimberly Makoul, Esq.

Stanley Margle, Esq.

Terrence Miller

Obinna Ndukwe

Robert Patterson, Esq.

Art Ravitz

John, Rybak, Esq.

Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook - www.facebook.com/ElectLanceWheeler