Sewickley area district judge seat up for grabs

Sewickley area district judge seat is up for grabs in November.

Two candidates are vying to replace longtime magistrate Robert L. Ford, who decided not to run for reelection and will retire at the end of the year.

Ford’s district encompasses Aleppo, Bell Acres, Edgeworth, Franklin Park, Glen Osborne, Glenfield, Haysville, Leet, Leetsdale, Sewickley, Sewickley Heights and Sewickley Hills.

Candidates running for the six-year term are Republican Joseph Bellissimo and Democrat Giuseppe Rosselli, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list.

Here are the candidates and their responses to the election questions posed by Sewickley Herald.

Joseph Bellissimo

Age: 63

Occupation: Retired/small business owner

Education: Bachelor of science major in accounting

Elected or political experience: None

What skills/knowledge do you possess that makes you the right person to become district judge?

My extensive experience with investigations has made me an expert witness in hundreds of cases in criminal court. This knowledge gives me a unique skill set to accurately and impartially apply the law to those who appear before me. I am a community-minded small business owner who understands the importance of law and order. I currently volunteer my time and my German shepherd as a therapy dog interacting with young and old alike.

Giving families a safe and secure environment is my mission.

Giuseppe Rosselli

Age: 48

Occupation: Trial attorney, Law Office of Giuseppe Rosselli

Education: University of Pittsburgh School of Law, class of 2000; degrees in criminal justice and political science from Allentown College of St. Francis De Sales, class of 1997.

Elected or political experience: In 2021, I ran for judge in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. (Rosselli lost in the primary.)

What skills/knowledge do you possess that makes you the right person to become district judge?

I’ve conducted 4,000 proceedings (in) district court. I understand the needs of those who may find themselves at the magistrate and possess a career’s worth of resources to assist in addressing those needs. I understand the tools available to magistrates to protect our community, restore victims and redeem our youth. I understand the importance of judicial neutrality, a commitment to the rule of law, and public service with dignity and respect for those we serve.