Magisterial District Judge David Plachko says he’s retiring from that role at the end of November.
In a statement released to Coal Region Canary, Plachko’s retirement is effective Nov. 30.
“It’s been the honor of a lifetime to serve as an MDJ,” Plachko says, who first sat on the bench in Port Carbon in 1992. “When I first took the oath of office, I promised myself I’d give this job everything I had and I did. Along the way, I learned, I stumbled, I grew. I gave it a fair try. Now, it’s time to let new voices lead. I leave this position with no regrets and great appreciation. It has truly been an honor to serve.”
Plachko’s term as District Magistrate was set to expire at the end of 2027 so when he leaves, a Senior Judge will have to assume his role until Gov. Josh Shapiro appoints someone to the position. That appointment, if it happens, requires State Senate approval.
“This decision came about more quickly than anticipated but I simply reached a point where I knew it was time – both personally and professionally – to step back, reset, and begin a new chapter in life,” the judge says in his statement.
In comments to The Canary on Friday, Plachko says his decision to retire became more clear during a recent continuing education course in which he looked around and saw less familiar faces among his colleagues.
He also says the job has changed in the 34 years he’s served as District Judge in Port Carbon.
“I’m not recognizing the job anymore,” Plachko says.
Specifically, he mentions efforts at bail reform which essentially remove some of the elements of discretion from his role in the community and the rising number of civil issues entering his court, like landlord-tenant complaints and code enforcement problems.
Over the years, Plachko says, he believes he’s “done a lot” in addressing code problems communities are facing.
“It’s a huge challenge,” he says, while cautioning about the increasing number of out-of-state and out-of-county property owners that seem to be at the root of the issue.
He adds from his statement, “I’m proud of the work I’ve done for my constituents and their communities and I’m confident the court will continue to serve the community well.”
Plachko started in the criminal justice system in Schuylkill County back in April 1988, serving as an investigator for the Public Defenders office. That job allowed him to visit all the District Courts and see how they operated.
He was eventually approached and encouraged by people in the court system and by friends to seek office as District Judge, running in the 1991 Primary Election.
“Since 1992, I’ve listened to stories that broke hearts, healed wounds, or made me question the limits of human imagination,” Plachko says. “Over the last few years, the robe has been both a shield and a burden – black, simple, but much heavier than it looks.”
In his parting words, Plachko offers thanks to many.
“To my family, my constituents, and my community – thank you for giving me the privilege to serve. Your patience, faith, and encouragement sustained me through the challenges and responsibilities of this position,” he says. “I also want to thank the men and women of law enforcement for their professionalism, the attorneys who practiced before the court for their advocacy, and the countless litigants who placed their trust in the judicial process. I am equally indebted to my office staff whose commitment ensured the court operated smoothly and efficiently.”
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