Leskinen up for retention vote

One judge in Fayette County faces a retention vote in Tuesday's general election.

Common Pleas Judge Steve P. Leskinen was elected to the bench in 2001 after former President Judge William Franks retired. Leskinen is seeking voters' approval for a second 10-year-term.

Voters simply vote "yes" or "no" on whether they favor another term for a judge up for retention.

"I am asking the voters of Fayette County to vote 'yes' to retain me as a judge," Leskinen said.

"Most people in Fayette County don't even know that my name will be on the ballot on Nov. 8, 2011," Leskinen said in a prepared statement. "And in many ways, that is a good thing. The justice system is a lot like the electric power system or city water - people only take notice of it when it isn't working right."

Leskinen said has worked to "do the right thing every day." His duties include presiding over criminal trials, civil suits, divorces, adoptions and estates.

The Fayette County Bar Association has recommended that he be retained. In order to maintain impartiality, Leskinen did not accept campaign donations or form a campaign committee.

A graduate of Bucknell University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, Leskinen worked for 10 years in the district attorney's office. He previously served as solicitor for the Domestic Relations Office and as a law clerk for former President Judge Conrad Capuzzi.

Leskinen maintained a private law partnership with attorney Nicholas Cook from 1979 to 2001.

Leskinen is married to the former Shanon Getz. The couple have five children, Kristina, Michael, Amanda, Shane and Bret.

The retention question is listed last on the ballot. Because retention votes are nonpartisan, a "straight party" vote will not cast a ballot on the retention. For retention votes to be counted, voters must select "yes" or "no" in the appropriate place on the ballot.