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Dear Editor,The surest harbinger of spring in NEPA is truly the election signs that dot yards and roadways about the area. For those of us who reside in the Abingtons, one race should stand out more than any other. The district magistrate position is incredibly important to the average resident of any small community. Not only is it the first line of dispute settlement for many civil and criminal matters, it is also the only interaction most of us will ever have with the justice system.Wouldn&#8217;t it be prudent for the community to meet and know the candidates for this important position? It has been quite some time since the last open election for district magistrate in our community and there is probably a strong need for us all to be reminded of the importance and duties of the job.I believe that an Open Forum is an appropriate vehicle for each candidate to have the opportunity to address the public. Most of the candidates are making the rounds at local supermarkets, bars and restaurants but is that really the way we want to select a magistrate? I would much rather hear each one offer his or her qualifications for our consideration in an environment designed for such a purpose. The candidates could respond to unscripted public questions in addition sharing prepared remarks.I believe just seeing the candidates and hearing their thoughts on the magistrate&#8217;s office would prove far more valuable than the five minutes&#8217; face time the regular person gets meeting the candidate on our doorstep or meeting by chance in the parking lot of a church breakfast.Perhaps the newspaper, the League of Women Voters or even Keystone College could take up the cause of civic education and organize an Open Forum for the candidates for Magisterial District Judge. Such a community service would help inform the voters that will decide on a candidate based on qualifications rather than endorsements or signs.Thomas D. Evans

Letter to the Editor: Reader would like opportunity to know district magistrate candidates