Muroski wants Ciavarella seat filled

By Terrie Morgan-Besecker tmorgan@timesleader.comLaw & Order Reporter

WILKES-BARRE – Luzerne County President Judge has asked Gov. Ed Rendell to “take whatever steps are possible” to have former judge Mark Ciavarella’s seat placed on the May 19 primary election ballot.

In a letter to Rendell dated Friday, Muroski says the county court system faces a “tremendous challenge” in staying current with cases given the Supreme Court’s ruling last week that prevents former judge Ann Lokuta’s seat from being placed on the ballot.

The high court stayed the Dec. 9 ruling by the Court of Judicial Discipline that removed Lokuta from office, precluding her position from being placed on the ballot. The order also prevents Rendell from naming an interim replacement for Lokuta because her seat is not officially vacant.

The decision means the 17 candidates who filed for judge are now vying for two seats instead of three.

Ciavarella, who pleaded guilty in February to corruption charges, officially resigned from office on March 16. The governor’s office previously determined that Ciavarella’s seat could not be placed on the ballot because the resignation came too late.

Muroski’s letter asks Rendell to consult with the Secretary of State to determine if there is any other mechanism, such as intervention by the state Supreme Court, that would allow for an exception to the rule.

Leslie Amoros, spokeswoman for the Department of State, said Muroski’s letter was just received on Monday. Attorneys are now reviewing his request to determine whether there is any action the governor or Department of State can take.

If no action can be taken, both Ciavarella and Lokuta’s seats would remain vacant until the 2011 election, with the winner taking office in January 2012.

Rendell has the option of temporarily filling Ciavarella’s seat pending that election. Muroski, in an earlier letter to Rendell, asked the governor to appoint someone as soon as possible.

Terrie Morgan-Besecker, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 570-829-7179.