Vlasic to seek reelection as district judge in Monessen

For the MVI

Magisterial District Judge Wayne P. Vlasic announced he will seek reelection by issuing the following campaign announcement: “My promise: I have served the citizens of District 101-03, which includes; Monessen, North Belle Vernon, Webster, Pricedale, and Lynnwood, for the past five years and I am determined to continue.

“I promise to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and to continue to run this office on the core values of the United States Navy, in which I served for 25 years. Honor, courage and commitment. Those values never go out of style.”

“My training and education: In Pennsylvania, the Court of Common Pleas has criminal, civil and domestic divisions, however, a Magisterial District Judge rules on all cases.

“Civil suits, landlord/ tenant disputes, traffic cases, non-traffic cases, emergency PFA requests, personal and property search warrants, school hearings, property ordinance violations, and criminal cases. Every accusation comes with its own legal restrictions, requirements and limitations,” he stated.

“I have adjudicated thousands of cases, fairly and competently. Mistakes can lead to disasters. To prevent them, the magisterial district judge must know the Pennsylvania Statutes thoroughly. That being said, I have successfully completed annual continuing education required by the Minor Judiciary Education Board,” Vlasic stated.

“My commitment and experience: During rotating 16hour night court sessions, I am responsible for three state police barracks and every police department in Westmoreland County. If someone wants to file an emergency PFA against their partner at 2 a.m. on a snowy February night, it is my duty to make sure it is all done properly, and the person is safe. That duty is sacred to me. Deciding an average of 450 criminal cases per year alone, can be demanding, but my 20 years of service with the Pa. Department of the Auditor General, four terms as Monessen City Controller, two terms as a member of the Monessen School Board helped prepare me for those long days. I am also familiar with budgeting, staffing, scheduling, and auditing procedures that keep my office running effectively. Audits conducted annually by Westmoreland County have revealed no audit findings,” he stated.

“My compassion and humility: These five years have taught me that the Office of Magisterial District Judge demands more than power and authority. This office exists to work with people, not just to punish them. A healthy dose of common sense is needed to balance the welfare of the community and the rights of the individual. Fortunately, my patience is my virtue.

“Empathy and understanding can make the difference between jail or treatment, mental health or anger management programs that might keep families together and communities thriving,” Vlasic said.

Vlasic continued: “My family and I are lifetime members of this community. My wife, Kathy, daughter, Lindsey, and I live in Monessen. We are members of the Epiphany of Our Lord Church, where I serve as a lector.

“I currently serve on the Special Court Judges Association Budget and Finance Committee. I am a member of the National Board of Trustees of the Croatian Fraternal Union, and a member of the Four County Board of Trustees of the Croatian Fraternal Union, in addition, I also serve as President of Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 194, and past President of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. I hold membership in the Monessen Knights of Columbus, Mid-Mon Valley Shipmates, and the Mon Valley Leathernecks,” he stated.

“A question: Is this the time in America to turn this court over to someone far less experienced, who will need time to acquire the vast knowledge necessary to rule effectively on the range of cases every Magisterial District Judge must hear? The office demands professional competence, a commitment to fairness, unquestioned integrity and basic common sense to make decisions that affect individuals, communities, schools, and businesses. I believe that I have those qualities and are better prepared to serve you as Magisterial District Judge in District 10-1-03,” Vlasic stated.