Police officer, business owner face off to replace Haggerty
Cultivating understanding and justice are the goals of two well-known community men running for district judge in Southeastern Magisterial District 50-3-03.
Jack D. Ripper, Penn Township police officer since 2001, and Christopher Bauman, owner and operator of Bauman’s Compute-a-Line in Jefferson Township, are running on both the Democratic Party and Republican Party tickets in the May 16 primary election.
Ripper said his community involvement spans back to when he was 16 years old working as a fire, rescue and EMS volunteer. This, combined with his police experience and help in community events, familiarized him with the magisterial district.
Bauman’s family business has been in the Saxonburg area since 1936. He said he is active as a Freemason and a Shriner and that he volunteers as a counselor at the Butler County Prison and at his church, Westminster Presbyterian.
Both candidates said the courtroom can be an intimidating place and want to help people understand the system.
“My plan is to make the court experience work for everyone. When you are summoned to appear in court, it is a pretty stressful and intimidating situation. I don't feel it has to be that way,” Bauman said.
“Sitting in on many hours of court and observing several magistrates at work, I learned one important thing: explaining what is happening in plain English goes a long way,” he added.
“I believe it is the role of a district judge to ensure all parties understand the proceedings and are given time to explain their perspective on matters. A good district judge not only applies the law, but ensures rules are understood,” Ripper said. “At the local level, eliminating repeat offenses is paramount. This means a district judge should seek to educate as well as adjudicate.”
Bauman and Ripper both placed emphasis on encouraging and educating the younger generation to put a stop to repeat offenders.
“When it comes to young people especially, a kind word of encouragement — or letting them know you believe in them — will help tremendously. After all, we as judges might be the difference between the beginning of court experiences or ... the last time they appear in court,” Bauman said.
Ripper said eliminating repeat offenses “with young adults is especially important.”
“In the past, I taught a vehicle crash course for another District Court aimed at individuals, mostly teenagers, who had committed minor traffic offenses, which I believe was very worthwhile,” Ripper said. “Likewise, taking the time to educate our young people who have run afoul of the law on other matters is equally important in their personal growth as citizens of our community.”
Bauman said he has an unbiased nature, which makes him an excellent candidate for judge.
“Our primary job as district magistrates is to adjudicate civil and criminal cases. What could be more important? The laws of the Commonwealth, enacted by the General Assembly, are clear. As district judge I must adhere to the laws as written. There is no room to waiver. My personal beliefs have nothing to do with my job,” Bauman said.
Ripper said his experience in police work gave him ample time in the courtroom, and his skill in conflict resolution and deescalation will contribute to the role if he’s elected.
“Throughout my career, I’ve demonstrated firmness in applying the law and fairness with respect to the parties involved,” Ripper said. “I also have a great deal of first-hand knowledge as to how matters are handled effectively. Combining this with numerous other certifications — ranging from federal negotiation training to holding a PA State vehicle inspection license — I’m confident my continuous learning has prepared me well for this role.”
Magisterial District 50-3-03 includes Saxonburg plus Buffalo, Clinton, Jefferson, Middlesex, Penn and Winfield townships.
Whoever receives the most votes on the Republican ballot will advance to the November ballot. Likewise, the person who receives the most votes on the Democratic ballot will advance to the November election.
In November, the candidate to receive the most votes will replace District Judge Sue Haggerty, who is not seeking reelection. Her term expires at the end of the year.
