Leskinen faces retention vote on Nov. 8
An evaluation conducted by the Fayette County Bar Association showed that the majority of its membership rated Judge Steve P. Leskinen, running for retention on Nov. 8, as “highly qualified” for his seat in the Court of Common Pleas.
The survey rated Leskinen that way on all 10 of the criteria posed. Those categories include judicial temperament, ability to have earned the respect of lawyers and other judges, a record and reputation for excellent character and integrity, financial responsibility, administrative ability, devotion to improvement of the quality of justice and demonstrated sound judgment in one’s professional life.
The ratings are part of a newly approved procedure for evaluating candidates adopted by members of the bar association. Members of the bar rate candidates in each of the 10 areas presented as either “highly qualified,” “qualified” or “not qualified.”
Leskinen’s candidacy for retention is the first time this process was used.
Leskinen was elected in 2001, following the retirement of then-President Judge William J. Franks. Judges in Common Pleas Court must run for retention every 10 years, when votes cast a “yes” or “no” ballot to determine whether the judge should remain on the bench.
“I have done my best to do the right thing every day. The people that I work with tell me that I’m doing a good job, and the bar association has recommended me highly. My retention is endorsed by unions, law enforcement and other public safety workers, including local firefighters,” Leskinen said.
“Public safety and justice are basic, yet critically important functions of government, and I hope Fayette County voters are satisfied that I have worked hard to justify the confidence they showed in me in 2001,” he said.
One of five judges, Leskinen said he is proud to work with his colleagues.
Before he was elected to the bench, Leskinen served as an assistant district attorney for a decade. He was a partner at the law firm of Leskinen & Cook in Uniontown from 1980 until 2001, and has been the solicitor for several municipalities. He is a member of the county and state bar associations, and has been admitted to the bar of the state Supreme Court, U.S. Supreme Court, Western District Federal Court and 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.
Leskinen has not formed a campaign committee, and is not soliciting or accepting contributions.
“An impartial judiciary is important, and I want the voters to be confident that I will remain completely fair and unbiased,” he said.
He noted that the retention question will be the last one on the ballot, and that a “straight party” vote will not register because retention questions are nonpartisan.
“I have always been a Democrat, but in 2001 I was nominated by both parties. I trust the voters will work their way through the long ballot, and I ask that they support my retention by voting ‘yes,” he said.
Leskinen graduated from Bucknell University in 1975 and received his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law in 1978. He is married to Merrittstown native Shanon (Getz) Leskinen, and is the father of Michael, 32; Kristina, 30; Amanda, 26; Shane, 12 and Bret, 11.