Re-Elect Judge Wheatley
Fairness, Experience, and a Court That Works For All.
Since taking the bench in 2022, I have worked every day to make our local court fairer, more accessible, and more responsive to the people it serves. I believe that justice is about more than applying the law. It is about listening, treating people with dignity, and recognizing the human circumstances behind every case.
With nearly 25 years of legal experience, I bring the knowledge and judgment this position demands. But I also know that experience alone does not make a good judge. A good judge must be patient, impartial, thoughtful, and willing to see the person—not just the case—standing before the court.
Why Do Our Local Courts Matter?
Magisterial District Judges make decisions that can have a very real impact on people's lives. A traffic citation can affect someone's ability to drive to work. A landlord-tenant case can determine whether a family remains in its home. A criminal proceeding can be the first step in a process with serious consequences. A truancy matter can affect a student's education and future. The work requires more than knowing the law. It requires careful listening, sound judgment, patience, impartiality, and an understanding of the responsibility that comes with making decisions that affect other people.
At its core, the job of a Magisterial District Judge is to make sure that justice is accessible, that the law is applied fairly, and that every person who comes before the court is treated with dignity and respect.
A Record of Making a Difference.
I believe our courts should work for the people who depend on them. That belief has shaped the way I serve:
Making court more accessible: I routinely accommodate virtual appearances so people do not have to lose wages, use valuable paid time off, or disrupt their workday for a brief court hearing.
Putting students first: I established evening truancy court sessions so students can address attendance issues without missing even more school.
Balancing accountability with compassion: I believe people should be held accountable, but that a single mistake should not define a person's future. Especially when young people are involved, listening and understanding matter.
Educating and serving our community: I have organized and participated in public seminars on landlord-tenant law, driver’s license restoration, and other legal issues that affect people in our community.
Service That Goes Beyond the Courtroom.
My commitment to public service extends beyond my courtroom. I serve on the boards of Lebo Pride, the Dormont Community Development Corporation, and the Mt. Lebanon Partnership. I also serve on two committees of the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania and was recently appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to the Minor Court Rules Committee.
These roles reflect my belief that strong communities depend on people who are willing to show up, contribute, and do the work.
Justice Is About People.
Every person who comes before the court deserves to be heard and treated with dignity. That is the standard I have worked to uphold since taking the bench, and it is the standard I will continue to bring to this job.
I would be honored to earn your support for another term.