Three candidates were running for two open seats on the bench in Luzerne County. Current President Judge Chester Muroski is reaching mandatory retirement age this year and the other seat was left vacant by former judge Michael Conahan.
Happy supporters cheered when returns showed Williams Amesbury and Tina Polachek Gartley took those open seats.
Supporters greeted Amesbury when he arrived at a victory party in Wilkes-Barre. He has been a magisterial judge in Wilkes-Barre since 2001 and he was the top vote getter the May primary election and in this general election.
When asked about the role of the low voter turnout Amesbury said, "We were becoming quite concerned with the fact that there was a low voter turnout. I think in part that has to do with what's gone on here in Luzerne County. I think that just reinforces to all of us that we have a two-fold obligation. Number one we have to assume the responsibilities that the court poses for us come January. Number two, we have to restore confidence and trust in our people.We have to energize them again to make them part of the electoral process," Amesbury said.
Polachek Gartley declared victory early in the evening.
"It's wonderful. We are so enthusiastic and thankful to the supporters because they have clearly spoken and now we are going to more forward and work for justice.
The Luzerne County attorney said a year ago she never imagined being at this place this time. "We had no political plan or agenda. I stepped into this because it was the right thing to do," Polachek Gartley said, adding the voters clearly validated that they want change.
Happy supporters cheered when returns showed Williams Amesbury and Tina Polachek Gartley took those open seats.
Supporters greeted Amesbury when he arrived at a victory party in Wilkes-Barre. He has been a magisterial judge in Wilkes-Barre since 2001 and he was the top vote getter the May primary election and in this general election.
When asked about the role of the low voter turnout Amesbury said, "We were becoming quite concerned with the fact that there was a low voter turnout. I think in part that has to do with what's gone on here in Luzerne County. I think that just reinforces to all of us that we have a two-fold obligation. Number one we have to assume the responsibilities that the court poses for us come January. Number two, we have to restore confidence and trust in our people.We have to energize them again to make them part of the electoral process," Amesbury said.
Polachek Gartley declared victory early in the evening.
"It's wonderful. We are so enthusiastic and thankful to the supporters because they have clearly spoken and now we are going to more forward and work for justice.
The Luzerne County attorney said a year ago she never imagined being at this place this time. "We had no political plan or agenda. I stepped into this because it was the right thing to do," Polachek Gartley said, adding the voters clearly validated that they want change.
