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In a press release issued today, PMC and PMCAction Executive Director Lynn Marks noted the great strides made by judicial reform advocates in Pennsylvania this year. Civic, business and legal groups, and reform-minded legislators have joined a growing coalition working to replace partisan election of Pennsylvania’s appellate judges with a Merit Selection system. Marks praises their efforts, and looks forward to more progress in the coming legislative session.

On July 1, Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts issues a press release about the newly confirmed interim appointments to four appellate court vacancies. Executive Director Lynn Marks echoed the sentiment reflected in yesterday’s post: “We must be clear about this. Despite the fact that this process involved nomination by the governor and confirmation by the Senate, it is not the same as Merit Selection.” The press release went on to highlight the differences between the two processes.

The press release concluded: “We hope that disillusionment with the current process and dissatisfaction with the delay that resulted will motivate the public to demand a better way to fill all appellate court vacancies — Merit Selection.”

Listen to Lynn Marks, Executive Director of PMC and PMCAction, discuss Merit Selection and the reasons we need to change the way we select appellate court judges on Lincoln Radio Journal. Talking with host Lowman Henry, Marks discussed the problems inherent in judicial elections, the benefits of Merit Selection, and the need to get this issue before the public.

Tonight PMC/PMCAction Executive Director Lynn Marks will appear on PCN’s Call In Program. The show airs live from 7:00-8:00pm . The program will focus on judicial elections and Merit Selection, and viewers can call toll-free, 1-877-PA6-5001 (1-877-726-5001) to join the discussion. Also appearing will be Barry Kauffman of Common Cause PA and Russ Diamond of PA Cleansweep.

Lynn Marks, Executive Director of Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts, above, gives the opening remarks.  Rep. Josh Shapiro is at her right and Sen. Jane Earll at her left.

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