Meet District Judge Candidate: Mike Zweifel

District Judge Race, Upper Saucon Township

Candidate: Mike Zweifel

Age: 58 years

Family: I am married to wife Linda, three daughters, one son, a grandson, a granddaughter and an extended family of over forty.

Political party affiliation: Republican (cross-filed for the primary, so he will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots). 

Tell us about your educational background:

Graduated from Southern Lehigh in 1973, attended DeSales University and previously graduated from District Justice school. 

Tell us about your professional/business background:

I have been an elected Constable for 20 years serving various District Courts throughout Lehigh and Northampton Counties. Constables work in both the criminal and civil sides of district court. Constables are elected with out receiving the perks of other elected officials. As a Constable you are self-employed. If we don't work, we don't get paid. We do not get State benefits.  We cost the taxpayers virtually nothing and the wrongdoers fund our training.  Before being a Constable I was a part-time uniformed deputy sheriff for 15 years.

Why are you running for District Judge?

I have served as a Constable for 20 years. I know the ins and outs of a district court and have seen both good and bad judges. The one level playing field in life is supposed to be the judicial system having that tilted even slightly in favor of one side is not fair to anyone or how this country was founded.  I feel that my experiences in both life and as a Constable would make me a great judge and that is why I am running. 

What qualifies you to serve as District Judge? (Did you take the required training course? Did you pass the examination?)

I previously attended the District Justice School and passed the certification test.

As an Elected Constable for 20 years I have experience in both the criminal and civil sides that will come before a MDJ.  I also have a working knowledge of the administrative side of district court.

What sets you apart from the other candidates for the job?

I am not looking at this for a second career or to pad my retirement with a second government pension. The state already has a pension problem and doesn't need any more double dippers. Due to age restrictions, I will only serve 2 terms and will not take a State Pension. The Police officers running have just the criminal experience and the lawyers have just the civil experience. As a Constable I have experience with both. Also working in the offices of multiple DMJ's on an almost daily basis I understand the administrative side. This knowledge will help me to make the Southern Lehigh district court effective and efficient and make it accessible for the people of Southern Lehigh.

 How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded?

I have spent approximately $2,300. The money I have received is from family and close friends and Congressman Charlie Dent's Campaign. Being PA Dutch and a self employed business owner I maximize every dollar I spend. Rather than putting my campaign signs illegally on every street corner and vacant lot I only have my signs on people's yards that support me. I realize the money I spend as a MDJ is not mine but the taxpayers and will maximize it like it is my own.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?

I have not received any endorsements. I feel that as a judge you need to be independent and impartial and that by receiving an endorsement you become obligated to the individual that endorsed you. Regular people, lawyers, law enforcement, and prosecutors make mistakes. If you are indebted to one as a judge you may feel you need to overlook that mistake. That is not justice or how a judge should act. The legal system needs to be fair and equal to everyone. As a judge I promise to be fair and unbiased, which is what is required and expected of a judge. 

Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter.

Web – www.ElectZweifel.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ZweifelForDistrictJustice

Twitter - https://twitter.com/ElectZweifel

Linkedin – Mike Zweifel