LOCAL

Franklin County has one MDJ race in the primary: Local attorney challenges incumbent

Amber South
Chambersburg Public Opinion

Citizens in the northeast area of Franklin County will have the opportunity Tuesday to choose who they want to serve as district judge for the next six years. 

T.R. Williams is seeking a third full term as judge in magisterial district 39-3-04, which covers Greene and Southampton townships, and the boroughs of Orrstown and Shippensburg (West End). The office is in Scotland. 

Kristin Nicklas, a local attorney, hopes to unseat him. 

An MDJ is usually the first judicial authority a person charged with a crime encounters. MDJs set bail and conduct preliminary hearings, and determine if a case is moved up to the county's Court of Common Pleas. They continue to handle some minor criminal cases, as well as all traffic citations and some civil cases. 

T.R. Williams and Kristin Nicklas

Williams and Nicklas' names will both appear on the Republican and Democratic primary ballots. Both could move on to the general election in November if each secures the most votes from either party, or the primary could effectively produce a winner if one candidate wins the most votes in both parties. 

Below are key points about both candidates. 

More:2019 primary election: Who are the candidates for offices in Franklin County?

Kristin Nicklas

  • Has extensive courtroom experience and has litigated hundreds of civil and criminal cases. Has represented clients on all areas of family and real estate law at her firm, Nicklas Law Offices, Chambersburg. 
  • Serves as the county's current support master, which is a quasi-judicial role where she hears evidence and decides domestic relations cases. 
  • Began her law career as a law clerk for Franklin County President Judge Douglas W. Herman, who retired in 2015. She received her law degree from Widener University and has been licensed to practice law since 2010. 
  • A Fayetteville native, she lives in Greene Township with her husband, John, and their four children, Ellie, Bishop, Barron and Beau. 

“I became an attorney because I wanted to help people," Nicklas said. "I am passionate about the law and devoted to my community. As a district judge I will be able to utilize my legal knowledge and serve my community on a daily basis. I believe my well-rounded legal experience, strong work ethic and dedication to my community make me the best candidate for this position.”

T.R. Williams

  • Has served nearly 13 years as MDJ since he was first appointed in 2006 by then-Gov. Ed Rendell following the sudden death of his predecessor. 
  • His career began in 1992 as a public defender in Franklin County. He moved to the district attorney's office less than a year later, and worked as assistant district attorney and chief deputy district attorney before becoming MDJ. 
  • Studied at Penn State University and Dickinson School of Law. 
  • His wife, Lisa, is an eighth-grade social studies teacher. They have two adult children - Allison, a teacher, and Chris, who attends Widener Law School. 

“I believe in using sound judgment based on what is right under the law," Williams said. "I believe in the constitutions of our country and our state, including our second amendment rights, and I ask for the privilege of continuing to serve the people of Franklin County as I have for the last 26 years.”

Learn about other candidates for key races:

More:Franklin County's current and former sheriffs face off in primary: Q&A with candidates

More:Franklin County commissioner race: Q&A with Republican candidates

More: Franklin County Court of Common Pleas judgeship: Q&A with candidates