Letter to the editor: Yakopec compassionate, fair

I am writing to help others understand what type of service our local district judge’s office provides.

In Pennsylvania, the district judge’s office is the gateway to the criminal justice system. All criminal complaints, search warrants, protection from abuse orders, arrest warrants and, of course, preliminary hearings are conducted in the office. It is also the place where a lay person can pursue a civil claim if under $12,000. Therefore, a district judge has enormous authority over the lives of citizens, and with that comes the significant responsibility to see that justice is done in every case.

Cheryl Peck Yakopec, judge, lawyer, wife, mother and former public defender, has served for over two decades as our district judge. She has proven herself as compassionate, fair and dedicated.

When deciding how to cast your vote for district judge in Lower Burrell, Upper Burrell, Allegheny Township Vandergrift, West Leechburg and Oklahoma Borough, please remember the total service Yakopec has provided to our communities.

Mary Radowicz

Lower Burrell