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Shavertown man serves as assistant district attorney in Luzerne County.
McMonagle
SHAVERTOWN – Luzerne County Assistant District Attorney Jim McMonagle has announced his candidacy for judge of the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas.
McMonagle grew up the son of a police officer. He said his father inspired his passion for the law and helped prepare him to be a successful prosecutor.
He said he learned at an early age that the role of law enforcement was to protect the innocent and prosecute the accused, not to persecute randomly; that all involved – from police officers to judges, prosecutors to defense attorneys – had rules to follow. That justice is the goal and should always be the focus, he said.
“During my years as an attorney, lessons taught to me by my parents have applied everyday: work hard, mind your manners, be honest and treat everyone you meet the way you want to be treated,” McMonagle said. “It is with this sense of integrity that I have tried over one hundred cases to verdict. I have served on arbitration panels and as a divorce master. From summary appeals to capital homicide, I have worked in our courtrooms. I am ready to take these lessons and my years of experience to the bench.”
McMonagle said the current members of the county bench have done an admirable job of restoring the public trust.
He said courtesy and professionalism will be the standard in his courtroom.
“All present – accused or victim, attorney or private business, husband or wife, parent or child – will be treated fairly and with respect,” McMonagle said. “Once all parties have placed their case before me, it will be decided in accordance with the law, based on the facts presented and on no other considerations. This is my promise.”
McMonagle said by conducting his campaign with integrity, gaining the people’s trust and restoring confidence in the judicial system “begins now.”
“I will speak honestly about the issues facing our judicial system,” he said. “I will work with other branches of government to make our judicial system more efficient and fiscally responsible. A solid and effective bench is a constant work in progress. I am ready to contribute to that on-going effort.
Jim McMonagle
Age: 43
Residence: Shavertown
Education: Juniata College, 1989; Dickinson School of Law, 1992
Community Affiliations: Knights Council of Plymouth; Back Mountain Little League, coaches baseball, soccer; Luzerne County Bar Association.
Family: Wife, Julie; children, Courtney, 14; Sean, 12; Eryn, 9.