List of Endorsements for 2009
District Attorney:
Seth Williams, button #119
The District Attorney is the city's top prosecutor. His or her staff investigates and prosecutes violations of state law within Philadelphia county boundaries.
City Controller:
Alan Butkovitz, button #120
The Controller is responsible for auditing the financial operations of the City, including the Mayor's Office and City Council, and has the authority to approve or disapprove of all payment requests.
Supreme Court:
Jack Panella, button #101
Pennsylvanians voters will elect a Justice to fill one seat on the State Supreme Court, the highest court in the Commonwealth. Justices of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania hear appeals from lower-level state courts, and are the final arbiter of state law. These seven justices are elected to ten-year terms.
Superior Court:
Anne Lazurus (#104), Teresa Sarmina (#105) and Robert Colville (#102).
Pennsylvania voters will elect three judges to the Superior Court. Fifteen judges are elected to ten-year terms. The Superior Court hears appeals from the Court of Common Pleas. The Superior Court may one day play a very important role in determining the rights of LGBT Pennsylvanians in terms of employment and housing discrimination and adoption and marriage rights.
Commonwealth Court:
Linda Judson (#107) and Barbara Behrend Ernsberger (#106).
Pennsylvania voters will fill two spots on the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania. Judges of the Commonwealth Court hear appeals regarding legal matters involving state and local government and regulatory agencies. This court also serves as trial court for suits filed by or against the Commonwealth. These nine judges are elected to ten-year terms.
Court of Common Pleas:
Diane Thompson (#110), Angeles Roca (#109), Donna Woelpper (#111), Dan Anders (#212) and also a member of the LGBT community).
This is Philadelphia's state trial court for civil and criminal matters, including family court. Judges are elected to a ten-year term and there are seven seats up for grabs this year.
Municipal Court:
Dawn Segal (#117 and also a member of the LGBT community), Charles Hayden (#115), Joseph Waters (#116)
This is Philadelphia's "people's court" which handles small claim and other small civil cases. In addition, all criminal cases begin at this court but may be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas for a new trial. There are four seats up for grabs this year.
Election Day 2009
Want to find out where you vote?
Interested in working on Election Day to help get out the vote? You could earn a stipend of up to $75.
