May 15, 2007 2 min read

In the six-way race for Uniontown magisterial district judge, the Herald-Standard editorial board endorses city police Lt. Michael “Mick” Metros, believing he possesses the necessary credentials, including fair-mindedness and integrity, to perform well in that job. Former Uniontown Police Chief Ronald K. Machesky, who boasts an impressive resume in police and public safety work, made a good presentation and also had some support on the editorial board. But in our final analysis Metros won out.

Metros has already completed the training class needed to be a magisterial district judge, and has vowed to make it his full-time job if elected. Metros has more than 30 years’ experience on the city police force and has vowed to perform the job full time, with integrity and a solid work ethic.

Incumbent Mark L. Blair declined to meet with us, and for that and other reasons, we did not consider him for our endorsement.

The other candidates in the field – Gary N. Altman, Dan Campbell and Brian Miller – simply didn’t impress us as much as Metros when it came to the gut feeling of which candidate is best qualified and would be best suited for the job.

We think a long career in police work gives Metros a bird’s-eye view of the judicial system, and how it interacts with police at the entry level, which is the role carried out by a magisterial district judge.

Metros also impressed us as someone capable and interested in making fair determinations, balancing the law with the needs to protect the community and to send a signal to criminals.

Metros is our clear pick for Uniontown magisterial district judge.