Candidate Night - District Magistrate

The second Candidate Open House was held on Thursday night at the Nazareth News Agency on Main Street in Nazareth featuring primarily the District Magistrate candidates. To begin I want to thank all five candidates for attending and taking the time to meet and take questions from everyone. There were probably 30 or so people who filtered in and out during the night, many thanks to them as well.

Since I don't want to show any preference, I'm drawing names from a Longaberger basket to determine the order for this post. Since I have no witness, I've photographed the basket and slips and in recognition of Bernie O'Hare's promotion of tonight's meeting, I've done it 'mini' style (note the mini-sharpie and basket next to life size mouse):

I asked each candidate the same two questions along with one follow-up, probably the easiest questions of the night. "Were you ever infront of (I used before and befuddled enough people to replace the wording here) a district magistrate?" Yes: "Why and how will your experience before the magistrate shape the way you conduct your hearings?" No: "What model or example will you use if elected for the way you conduct your hearings?" And then, "What one thing would most voters not know about you that they should", or "what one thing do voters need to know about you?" I also grabbed whatever materials they brought along to supplement their answers. Unfortunately, I left my camera in my bag throughout the night and didn't take a single picture (where's Alexa when I need her?).

Yvonne Falcone (610.365.8129). Falcone has represented clients before many magistrates over the past twelve years. Her demeanor would be to make people comfortable whether or not they were represented by an attorney because she understands that the legal process can be scary and intimidating for individuals. She noted that some would question why she would want the job as an attorney, yet in many other states a magistrate is required to be an attorney, and most people in our district believe they are attorneys. She also said that it would be a full time job without practicing law in addition. She was not doing this for the pay, but believed it was a natural progression for an attorney to become a judge.

Falcone holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Moravian College and a Juris Doctor Law Degree from Syracuse University. She is an attorney with 12 years experience, is certified to serve as a Magisterial District Judge and a member of the Northampton County Bar Association. She lives in Upper Nazareth with her husband and twin children.

Gary Hammer. He is before a magistrate all the time, almost every other day, across this county and beyond due to his employment as a police detective. He wants to ensure the position is a full time job. He also wants to be careful as a magistrate not to believe either an attorney (defense) or officer (as prosecutor) because of their title, but instead to be open to hear both sides and make decisions on the facts. His experience dealing with people in the area as a community member and police officer makes him a better candidate as well as his knowing the job so well.

Hammer lives in East Allen Township, is married and has two children. He is a detective for the Colonial Regional Police Department and previously served as a police officer in Nazareth. He has a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Alan Siegfried. Due to his position as an officer, he's been before the magistrate many times for various cases. It gives him the experience of having been on the other side for 30 years in a variety of cases. He has learned what is required and what criteria needs to be satisfied to determine guilt or not. Having a high ethical standard is the thing people might not know and need to It is something people need to experience about you over time and can't know because you tell them.

Siegfried is a graduate of Nazareth HS, Lehigh County Community College with a degree in Criminal Justice Administration, and since 2006 has been certified to serve as a Magisterial District Judge. He has been a police officer for over thirty years and Chief of Police in Upper Nazareth for 11 years. He lives in the Nazareth area, is married, and has a daughter.

Todd Buskirk (no link, but call 610.759.2531). Had one experience accompanying another person and was impressed with the professionalism of the hearing from the way it was handled, the proceeding, and compassion. The magistrate listened, acknowledged all input and made a fair decision. In comparison to others believes he is the most diversified having started with an internship in probation office (adult and juvenile) while at PSU, then in a five county detention center and county prison part-time while in college. He has worked cell blocks and got to know the people and mentality, the reasons they give, and this provides him with a different perspective. He was charged with the work-lease programs which involved community and he also worked with Drug and Alcohol agencies. As a warden there was day to day operation, but as a Director of Corrections he has the personnel aspects. These experiences have taught him to understand the ramifications of his decisions on others.

Buskirk has over 25 years of public service. He has a BS in Administration of Justice from Penn State University and is certified to serve as a Magisterial District Judge. He is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta National Fraternity, American Correctional Association, American Jail Association, and PA County Corrections Association.

John Capobianco (or call 610.759.8089). Has not been in-front of a magistrate, but would make his hearing as professional, fair, and comfortable as possible for all involved. He wants voters to know how hard he works and the time he is willing to put in. This is true in his current campaign and it would be as well if elected. Voters will get his hard work and best effort.

Capobianco is a graduate of Kutztown University with a BA in Criminal Justice and is certified to serve as a Magisterial District Judge. He is a Lieutenant with the Northampton County Sheriff's Department where he is responsible for supervising Deputy Sheriffs in the Criminal Division. He lives in Nazareth Borough, is married and has three children.


I want to again thank all of the candidates and resident who came out tonight for this event. It is an important election and we are fortunate to have very qualified candidates. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, May 9, 2007, less than one week before the election, for the next Election 2007 event at the Nazareth News Agency.