In the Nov. 4 general election, Philadelphia voters will face important choices that will shape the city’s future and the judicial system at large. The races for district attorney, city controller, and multiple judicial positions, while often overlooked, carry significant consequences for the community.
**District Attorney Race**
The incumbent Democrat, Larry Krasner, is challenged by Republican former judge Pat Dugan. We endorse Larry Krasner for a third term based on his commitment to reducing mass incarceration, holding police accountable, and addressing systemic issues within the judicial system.
Krasner’s office has taken bold steps, including halting death penalty prosecutions due to concerns over racial bias and ineffectiveness. He also ended the use of cash bail for many low-level offenses, highlighting the unfair burden the system places on poor defendants.
**City Controller Race**
The race for city controller features incumbent Democrat Christy Brady against Republican challenger Ari Patrinos. We endorse Christy Brady for her financial expertise and decades of experience in the controller’s office.
Brady, a certified public accountant (CPA), rose through the ranks from auditor to deputy controller before becoming acting controller and eventually winning election to the post. Under her leadership, audits have uncovered millions in city waste, such as the $11.4 million lost annually due to fraudulent Homestead Exemption claims. Her office has also scrutinized critical public safety concerns, including the city’s demolition of dangerous properties and the allocation of gun violence prevention funds.
**Judicial Elections**
Philadelphia voters will also select judges for several courts, from the Superior Court down to the Municipal Court. While these races tend to attract less attention, the judges elected will make decisions with profound and lasting impacts.
We endorse the following candidates:
– Judge of the Superior Court: Brandon Neuman
– Judge of the Commonwealth Court: Stella Tsai
– Judges of the Court of Common Pleas: Will Braveman, Irina Ehrlich, Larry Farnese, Sarah Jones, Kia Ghee, Leon A. King II, Jennifer A. Santiago, Anthony Stefanski, Deborah Watson-Stokes
– Judge of the Municipal Court: Amanda Davidson
**Judicial Retentions**
We recommend voting **yes** to retain the following judges:
*Supreme Court*
Christine Donohue
Kevin M. Dougherty
David Wecht
*Superior Court*
Alice Beck Dubow
*Commonwealth Court*
Michael H. Wojcik
*Court of Common Pleas*
Gwendolyn N. Bright
Ann M. Butchart
Michael Fanning
Christopher Mallios
Walter J. Olszewski
Rainy Papademetriou
Tracy Roman
Stephanie M. Sawyer
Lyris F. Younge
*Municipal Court*
David H. Conroy
Henry Lewandowski
T. Francis Shields
—
**Stay Informed and Engaged**
To stay informed about these important races and more city news, subscribe to *The Philadelphia Tribune* today! [Click Here]
—
**Community Guidelines for Engagement**
We encourage all readers to participate respectfully in discussions:
– Keep it clean: Avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist, or sexually-oriented language.
– Do not use all caps (*CAPS LOCK*)—it is considered shouting.
– Threats of harm or violence will not be tolerated.
– Always strive to be truthful; do not knowingly spread false information.
– Be kind and avoid any form of discrimination, including racism and sexism.
– Use the “Report” link to flag abusive or inappropriate comments.
– Share your experiences, eyewitness accounts, and additional history related to articles.
—
**Spotlight: Misty Copeland**
Breaking barriers as the first Black female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland now uses her platform to make dance more accessible to children of color through her nonprofit organization—continuing to inspire and uplift the next generation.
—
Make your voice heard this Nov. 4. Your vote matters.
https://www.phillytrib.com/commentary/editorial-philadelphia-tribune-endorsements-for-district-attorney-city-controller-and-judicial-races-for-the-nov/article_fbe53059-b48d-4ce7-8e1b-2d86ddb2f3bd.html