Frank J. Ruggiero Runs for Lackawanna Court of Common Pleas

Candidate: Frank J. Ruggiero

Court: Lackawanna Court of Common Pleas

Party: Democrat and Republican

The following has been edited lightly for length and style.

The Legal: Tell us about your background, where you went to law school, what firms you have practiced at, and areas of law you focus on.

Frank Ruggiero: I completed my undergraduate studies at The Pennsylvania State University and law school at the City University of New York, Queens College. While attending undergraduate and law school, I was a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Over the past 25 years, I have maintained a private practice focusing on trial work in Archbald, Pennsylvania, with my law partner, Joseph Campolieto. I have also served in other capacities and roles including: law clerk and special trial master, assistant public defender, municipal solicitor, chief county solicitor, and general counsel.

The Legal: What is one major thing about your career experience that most qualifies you for this position, and why?

Ruggiero: For the past 25 years, I have focused my practice on litigation and trial work. During that time, I have handled hundreds of jury and non-jury trials involving civil, criminal, municipal, and other areas of the law. While seeking a position as trial judge on the Court of Common Pleas, I believe it is important and helpful to have an extensive background in trial work, practice and procedure, as well as, the rules of evidence.

The Legal: What is the main reason Pennsylvania voters should pick you?

Ruggiero: Pennsylvania voters should elect me because with me they can be assured of consistency, continuity, and the fact that I will get up everyday and go to work with the same work ethic to which I have subscribed for the past 25 years. My military background and upbringing which is based in the notion of service to others has taught me two philosophies: Leave things in a little better place in which you found them, and if you can figure out a way to help people then try and do so.

The Legal: What will be your approach to moving matters efficiently through the case management system?

Ruggiero: First, it all starts with the proper work ethic, which I have. Next, I would work collaboratively with my fellow jurists and the court administrators to see what, if anything, could occur to move my cases more efficiently. This may be a more global approach as I do not believe we are ever done looking at, reviewing, and trying to make our systems better and more efficient. Lastly, it is important to develop an understanding between the court and the bar of what is expected from each other and then working with each other to efficiently adjudicate matters.

The Legal: What would you say to voters regarding your plans to ensure the equal administration of justice for all people?

Ruggiero: Everyone will have an opportunity in my courtroom to present their issues and be heard on the same. The reason that consistency and continuity are important is so that anyone coming into my courtroom understands everyone is treated equally, regardless of one’s social or economic status. The Lady of Justice is blind for a reason.

The Legal: Where can voters go for more information about you?

Ruggiero: Voters can visit my website at www.FrankRuggieroForJudge.com or my Facebook page, Frank Ruggiero For Judge to learn more information.