The bar association's Judicial Evaluation Commission called Jack A. Panella a 'thoughtful and respected jurist' in their recommendation for his retention.
A former Northampton County judge received the backing of the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Judicial Evaluation Commission in his bid to remain on the state Superior Court.
The commission announced today that Judge Jack A. Panella, of Palmer Township, is one of four judges being recommended for retention.
"Our commission's duty is to provide information that Pennsylvanians want and need to make informed voting decisions about judicial candidates," Erie County lawyer Steven E. Riley Jr., chairman of the organization, said in a news release. "Following our investigative evaluations, we recommend only those candidates that will best serve in Pennsylvania's courts."
The commission also recommended voters keep state Supreme Court Justice Max Baer, Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille and Superior Court Judge Susan Peikes on the bench.
Since retention elections require only a yes or no vote at the ballot box, the Pennsylvania Judicial Evaluation Commission rates candidates it deems worthy of re-election as either being worthy of retention or not, according to a news release.
Panella has served since 2004 on the Superior Court and has been active in ensuring that information reach the public on the court's website, according to the commission.
"He has an excellent judicial temperament and a reputation for being a thoughtful and respected jurist. His written opinions are well-reasoned, clear and concise," the commission says in its recommendation. "He has been the recipient of numerous honors for his leadership and service to the legal community and to the public."
Voters will have a chance to have their say about the judges during the Nov. 5 election.