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Font ResizeAttorneys Harry Ness, Chuck Patterson, Kathleen Prendergast and Sandra Thompson survived a nine-candidate primary for the chance to compete in the Nov. 3 general election for two open judgeships.
The candidates each bring their own mix of traits and resumes to the table. The two new judges are expected to work in family law and deal with custody matters, adoptions, juvenile delinquency, dependency, protection from abuse and other matters.
Ness: Ness, 60, said he's been a trial lawyer for 33 years, during which time he's represented clients in all types of cases. He's worked as a prosecutor, defense attorney, on behalf of York City, in family law and other types of civil cases.
The Republican said he's been involved in probably 1,000 trials during his career, he said.
"I won't have a learning curve," he said. "That's not true about all the candidates."
Voters should examine who supports each candidate, he said, to help determine who's most suitable, Ness said, pointing to endorsements from local police unions and lawmakers as evidence he has widespread support.
Patterson: Patterson, 60, is currently the chief deputy prosecutor in the York County District Attorney's Office and has been a prosecutor for more than two decades. The Republican began practicing in 1984.
"In light of my experience and my interest and my high regard for justice, I believe that I can apply both my training, my experience and my values to becoming a judge of the Court of Common Pleas," he said.
Although a longtime prosecutor, Patterson said he's also experienced in civil and family law and has worked cases in appellate courts.
Like Ness, Patterson said he has broad community support, including endorsement from police unions and local lawmakers.
Prendergast: Prendergast, 46, said she's been focused on families and children for 20 years, first as a teacher and then as an attorney for the last 15 years. Of the four candidates, she says she has the most family law experience.
"It's not an interest I've developed because this will be a family law seat," she said. "My real interest is in children and families."
Prendergast, a Democrat, said she's naturally curious about the law and has the writing skills necessary to write concise opinions and be an effective judge.
She's also interested in serving on the specialty courts, such as the ones that focus on people with mental health or addiction problems.
Prendergast said her understanding of family law means she can step into the job immediately.
Thompson: Thompson, 41, has been involved in civil, family and criminal cases since becoming an attorney in 1999, she said.
The Democrat has worked as an assistant district attorney, assistant public defender and an attorney with MidPenn Legal Services. She is now a private practice attorney.
Thompson said the breadth of her experience as an attorney and beforehand makes her the best candidate.
Before becoming an attorney, Thompson worked as a case manager in a children's group home, a therapeutic support person and as a probation officer.
"It's not necessarily the length of time you've been an attorney that's going to make you a better judge," she said. "None of us have experience being a judge.
"You want to look at what have you done with your time as an attorney."
Candidate Bios
HARRY NESS
Age: 60
Affiliation: Republican
Family: Wife, Jane, and two daughters, Alexis and Jessica
Residence: York Township
Education: Vermont Law School
CHUCK PATTERSON
Age: 60
Affiliation: Republican
Family: Widower with three sons, Nick, Damon and Khamal
Residence: York City
Education: Indiana University School of Law
KATHLEEN PREDERGAST
Age: 46
Affiliation: Democrat
Residence: York City
Family: No husband or children, but parents and sister in the area
Education: George Mason University School of Law
SANDRA THOMPSON
Age: 41
Affiliation: Democrat
Residence: Springettsbury Township
Family: Son Damani Williams and daughter Kai Williams
Education: Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg campus
