Hunter announces her bid for re-election

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From staff reports

REEDSVILLE - Magisterial District Judge Tammy Hunter has announced she is running for re-election.

Hunter first took office in 2004 in the newly created Magisterial District that includes Armagh, Brown, Menno and Union townships.

Now starting her sixth year in office, Hunter said she has grown into the position and is fully confident in her abilities as a judge.

"When I first ran for office I had the necessary qualifications for the job, but after performing my duties over the last five years, I feel I have proved that I make solid and fair judgments," Hunter said.

Since taking office, Hunter has handled approximately 2,000 cases a year, including traffic, non-traffic, civil and criminal. Her office has collected approximately $2.5 million in restitution for victims of crime and civil settlements.

Hunter said she believes that it is important to fairly assess all matters that come before her and make victims a priority.

"It is crucial to keep an open mind when hearing cases and treat each person involved with the same respect I would like to be shown," she said.

Hunter added, "Respect, however, does not mean weakness. I believe I am tough but fair to those who have committed crimes, and I am not afraid to remand people to jail if the situation warrants it."

Hunter said she has promoted the use of the Youthful Offenders Program for first-time underage drinking violators. The program includes a five-week course on the dangers of alcohol use, and she also sentences juvenile offenders to community service.

"I believe that making juvenile offenders responsible for their actions is a teaching tool, as opposed to simply issuing a fine that someone else could pay for them," she said.

Hunter's office also offers a smoking cessation program to youthful offenders who get caught using tobacco in school. Parents of all juvenile offenders also can be required to attend a parenting class.

Additionally, any person charged with domestic violence is required to complete a batterer's program to comply with bail conditions.

"Domestic violence affects not only the victim, but the family members and society in general," Hunter said.

Hunter, a Republican, is seeking both the Republican and Democratic nominations in the May 19 primary election.

Prior to first being elected, she spent 14 years working in the Mifflin County Judicial System, which she feels gave her a firm foundation in understanding what is required for the job.

A recent state audit of her office showed no adverse findings and noted that only Magisterial District Court offices that strictly comply with administrative policies and procedures adopted by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court can qualify for such exemplary audit reports.

Hunter noted that she has been certified by the Supreme Court to perform the duties of a magisterial district judge since April 2003. She also attends yearly trainings.

"With the ever changing laws in the commonwealth, I feel that ongoing education is very important for district judges," Hunter said.

Hunter is a Mifflin County native and a 1986 graduate of Lewistown Area High School. She is the daughter of Debra and the late David Wray. She lives in Reedsville with her son, Tyler, who is 13.

Hunter serves on the Criminal Justice Advisory Board and the Domestic Violence Task Force. She is a member of the Mifflin County Farm Bureau and is a board member of the Mifflin/Juniata Special Needs Center, where her son participates in programs.

Hunter said she is seeking re-election to continue serving the citizens of Mifflin County.

"I was honored people had faith in my abilities when I first sought this position, and since then the people of this county have showed me continuing support in both my professional and personal life," Hunter said.