Guy Smith Enters Race for District Court Judge in Tremont

Wayne Township resident Guy Smith has officially announced his candidacy for Magisterial District Judge 21-3-04.

Smith is a lifelong resident of Wayne Township. He is a 1994 graduate of Blue Mountain High School and holds a degree in Electronic Technology from Berks Technical Institute.

He recently completed and continues to maintain his certification from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court which allows him to hold this elected position.

Since 2002, Smith has worked at the Berks County Jail.

“This career path was nothing I had thought about in my younger life, but for the last 23 years it has opened my eyes. Over the years I have learned many things and wish to use them to help serve the residents of Schuylkill County. I would be an asset to the residents of Schuylkill County due to my diverse training and working with many law enforcement agencies from the State Police to Immigration. I work in an environment that is dangerous, unpredictable, exhausting, hectic, and challenging,” Smith says in his campaign announcement.

Through his work at the jail, Smith has supervised and enforced disciplinary actions with people who have been sent there for reasons ranging from parking tickets to death row convictions. When on duty, he helps admit people who come to the jail with challenging states of mind. They can be temporarily impaired due to drugs or shock, or they may have permanent developmental disabilities.

“Since the beginning of my career, I have developed the courage to say no and stand firm with my decisions when it would be easier to say yes. Even when times are tough, whether it is due to blizzards, power outages, or exhaustion, I am dedicated to showing up for work,” Smith says.

Over the past 16 years in the Booking/Records department of the jail, Smith says he has gained experience with working with numerous types of court documents from Magisterial Courts, Common Pleas Courts, Parole, and Domestic Relations. He has processed thousands of these and has been trusted to work independently with no direct supervision. These documents range from releases, bails, extradition, warrants, and sentencing. Many of these documents can be complex having multiple parts to them that can impact a defendant’s rights and the safety of the public.

He also communicates with the public and agencies while processing these documents. He arranges transportation schedules for law enforcement, courts, and the jail’s medical department. When he works in admissions and in direct contact with the newly incarcerated, his duties and responsibilities change. He is placed in situations with various dangers ranging from physical outbursts to hidden contraband. Contraband can be hidden weapons or deadly drugs such as fentanyl. Sometimes the situation arises where a hands-on approach is needed to be taken involving restraints. Through his effective communication skills and focused attention many problems have been avoided and resolved.

“What makes me the best choice to be judge are my 16 years of working daily with magisterial courts and the numerous law enforcement agencies to help keep everyone safe. With my qualifications and 23 years of law enforcement experience, I would be the best asset available in continuing to help protect the citizens of Schuylkill County and beyond. I encourage everyone to look at my website, guysmith4magistrate.com for more information about my background, qualifications, and philosophy. With my philosophy of Fairness, Accountability, Consistency, Temperament, and Security, I am the candidate that can be trusted in this position,” Smith says.

Smith says he enjoys spending his free time with his family, working on physical fitness, home repairs, and volunteering at St. Ambrose Church.

^{Published from a press release}

Subscribe to Coal Region Canary

Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!

Support Coal Region Canary

Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...