The pending retirement of Magisterial District Judge William K. Wagner has created a wide-open vacancy in Magisterial District 05-02-12, which covers Bradford Woods, Marshall, McCandless, and Pine, and two McCandless attorneys are seeking nominations to fill the post.

Matthew J. Brungo and Eric Fischer are each seeking the Republican and Democratic nominations in the May 16 primary. State law allows judicial candidates to cross-file on both the Republican and Democratic ballots. A single candidate could win both the Republican and Democratic nominations going into the November General Election

Wagner is retiring after three decades of service.

“I love coming to work and I’m going to miss it. But it’s time,” Wagner said.

“After 30 years of service, it’s time to pass the torch.”

When his term on the bench ends this December, he will be 71.

The McCandless resident said there’s an option to become a senior judge, which means filling in for judges who go on vacation, or in case of illness. Or he could fill in at night court, but he’s made no commitment yet.

As of now, his retirement plans are spending more time with family and to travel.

Matthew J. Brungo and Eric Fischer are seeking to replace him.

Biographies of the candidates follow in ballot order:

Matthew J. Brungo

Age: 42

Political affiliation: I am running in both the Democratic and Republican primary elections as a cross-filed candidate.

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, Penn State University; Juris Doctor, University of Maryland School of Law

Political experience: My experience as an attorney has equipped me with a diverse legal background including practice in criminal, landlord/tenant, and civil disputes. Judges are not legislators; their job is to apply the law. My lack of involvement with local partisan politics is an asset in seeking this non-partisan position.

Why did you decide to run for election?

I grew up in McCandless and have returned to raise my family. We are blessed to have a thriving community. I want to work in the community to help ensure this region’s ability to raise and educate the next generation and to provide opportunity, safety, and support for all.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Change is the biggest issue facing our community. We are electing a new Magisterial District Judge and we need to decide what change will look like. We need to answer questions about how we handle technology, enforce laws, and utilize our legal system to the benefit of our residents.

Why should people vote for you?

Having been raised in McCandless, I understand the community and its unique needs and concerns. I can provide the fair and impartial application of the law with respect for the parties involved in the case and create community driven resolutions to community based legal disputes.

Eric Fischer

Age: 61

Political affiliation: Democratic/Republican

Occupation: Attorney

Education: Juris Doctor, University of Pittsburgh; Bachelor of Arts, University of Florida

Political experience: This is my first election as a candidate for elected office.

Why did you decide to run for election?

I have always considered judicial office to be the highest form of service that an attorney can aspire to. The office of magistrate allows me to achieve that while also allowing me to remain active in the community by working with local police, school personnel and volunteer agencies.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Across the country, the biggest issue affecting magistrates is bail. As magistrate, I will work closely with the police, prosecutors, bail agency, defense attorneys and victims to ensure that a proper bail is set that protects the community without infringing on the constitutional rights of the accused.

Why should people vote for you?

I have the experience and qualifications to serve as magistrate. Over the past 34 years, I have practiced in all areas of the law that come before a magistrate with an emphasis on criminal and civil litigation. Please visit www.fischerforjudge.com for more information about my background, judicial philosophy and endorsements.

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---