News

May 10, 2009

Lumbis hopes to serve as judge of orphan’s court

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – Tony Lumbis wants to serve as judge of the orphan’s court because he has more experience than any other candidate to assume that role.

Lumbis, 57, of Sweet Valley, told The Times Leader Editorial Board Friday that his 26 years practicing child welfare law and 31 total years of practicing law make him qualified for a seat on the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.

Lumbis, a registered Democrat, has cross-filed on the Republican ticket to try to win a nomination in the May 19 primary. The top two vote-getters on each party ticket will advance to the November general election.

“I’m confident I can do the job,” Lumbis said. “If elected, I will ask to be assigned to orphan’s court. I think it’s critical for orphan’s court to have a judge with experience in that area.”

Lumbis said there are complex issues when dealing with cases of child custody, visitation, placement and treatment, especially in light of the recent county judicial scandal.

“There is a lack of public confidence in our judicial system,” Lumbis said. “We have to restore that and I know I can help.”

As legal counsel to the Luzerne County Children and Youth Services agency, he said he has brought hundreds of cases against parents of abused and neglected children.

“I am running on behalf of the children of Luzerne County, the neglected and abused children whose interests I have already been advocating for 26 years,” he said.

Lumbis said he has raised $7,860.31 in his campaign – the 31 cents coming from his daughter.

“I carry that 31 cents around in my pocket all the time,” he said.

Lumbis said he has no problem accepting donations from attorneys or businesspeople.

“I think that’s a non-issue,” Lumbis said. “I’m a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. Not only would I never take part in any questionable activity, I would report it if I became aware of it.”

Lumbis said he will attend every event he can to try to convince voters to support him.

“I realize I don’t have a lot of money,” Lumbis said. “This will be an uphill battle. But it’s a battle I think I can win.”

Lumbis and his wife, Sharon, are the parents of two children, Tony and Tina. Lumbis is a graduate of King’s College and Dickinson School of Law.

He said he has spent 80 percent of his time devoted to child welfare. Lumbis has appeared in orphan’s court over 21,000 times in his 26 years as a child welfare lawyer.

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