Attorney David J. Rossi, Washington Township, has announced his candidacy for magisterial district judge in Tremont.
"As a practicing attorney for the past 27 years, I believe that I am the most qualified candidate to replace the Honorable Carol Pankake, who is retiring from the position," Rossi said in a prepared statement Tuesday.
"I take pride in my deep roots within the community, having resided in Washington Township with my wife, Leisha, and five children for the past 25 years. I have been active within our community, having represented many of our local gun clubs, volunteer fire companies, businesses, as well as numerous local charitable and civic organizations."
Magisterial District Judge Carol A. Pankake, Tremont, is not seeking re-election. In addition to Rossi, there are three more candidates seeking the six-year term in the position: Tremont Borough Council President Laine Mack; attorney Keith Hoppes; and Tower City Mayor Daniel L. Daub.
The primary election is May 21.
Rossi is a 1978 graduate of Wyomissing Area High School. He attended Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, and graduated in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in political science. He was awarded his juries doctorate degree from Capital University School of Law, Columbus, Ohio, in 1985 and received his license to practice law in Pennsylvania in November 1985.
After graduation, Rossi was employed with the Ohio Public Defender Commission, where he received the Ohio Public Defender Award for outstanding contribution to the advancement of criminal justice. He was a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Peter Krehl, Senior Judge Grant Wessner and Senior Judge Frederick Edenharter. He is now a partner at the Law Office of Zane, Rossi & Conville with offices in Schuylkill Haven and Pine Grove.
Throughout his legal career, Rossi said he has dedicated himself to providing exceptional legal services to his clients. He is licensed to practice law before the Courts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, along with the Federal Courts for the Middle and Eastern Districts of Pennsylvania, the Federal Third Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States. Rossi also said he has extensive experience in all types of civil and criminal litigation through his offices.
In addition to being a director of the Schuylkill County Bar Association and a member of both the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Association for Justice, Rossi is also a member of the "Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The Top Trial Lawyers in America."
According to the organization's website, membership to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum is "limited to attorneys who have won million verdicts and settlements. There are over 4,000 members throughout the country, but less than 1 percent of U.S. lawyers are members."
Rossi is also a Schuylkill County Foster Parent, Fresh Air Fund Host Family, founding director and past president of Schuylkill YMCA, former church council president of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Friedensburg, past president of the Pine Grove Area boys soccer boosters, lifetime member of the Pine Grove Area Grid Iron Club, member of the Pine Grove Area football boosters, and a member of the National Rifle Association.
Rossi has also served as solicitor or has performed pro-bono legal services for Pine Grove Fish & Game, Roedersville Gun Club, North End Fire Company, Hegins Fire Company, Landingville Fire Company, Ravine Fire Company, Pine Grove American Legion, Little Run Sportsman's Club and the Pine Grove Business Association.
"If elected, I will work hard and treat all those appearing before me with respect and fairness," Rossi said. "I will diligently serve the residents of Schuylkill County, patiently listen to the cases that come before me, and rule fairly and impartially in accordance with the law. I look forward to the campaign ahead and meeting the constituents served by this office."
BIO BOX
Age: 52
Residence: Washington Township
Office sought: Magisterial District Judge for Tremont area
Experience: practicing attorney for 27 years; partner at the Law Office of Zane, Rossi & Conville; former member of the Ohio Public Defender Commission; and was a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Peter Krehl, Senior Judge Grant Wessner and Senior Judge Frederick Edenharter Family: Wife, Leisha; and five children, Matthew, Michael, Christopher, Luke and Rachel