Wayne County, PA — Wayne Thomas of Prompton, Wayne County officially announces his candidacy for Magisterial District Judge in Wayne County’s District 22-3-02, a position that serves Honesdale, Prompton and Waymart Boroughs, and Cherry Ridge, Texas, Canaan, and South Canaan Townships.

Wayne retired with an honorable discharge from the PA State Police in 2016, and is currently serving as a Western Wayne School District police officer. Thomas says, “He now finds himself driven to continue serving the community in yet ANOTHER SUBSTANTIAL WAY; as Magisterial District Judge for District 22-3-02, an honor that he WILL NOT TAKE LIGHTLY!”

During Wayne’s 25 years of service as a State Trooper in the patrol and criminal investigation units, and as a school police officer since 2016, he developed strong professional working relationships with multiple county District Attorney Offices, Public Defender Offices, Magistrate Offices, Children and Youth Agencies, multi-disciplinary teams, school administrators and teachers, other regional law enforcement agencies, and the many attorneys who interact within the court system. He knows the administration procedures of an MDJ office and courtroom, and has fulfilled the required Minor Judiciary Education Certification.

“I made the decision to run for magistrate because I am passionate about upholding the rule of law and ensuring that everyone has access to fair and impartial justice. I believe that the most important qualities of a successful magistrate are integrity, ethics, impartiality, and a deep commitment to public service.”

As a school police officer Thomas is involved with daily school functions. He leads by example and demands and gets respect from the students. He collaborates with administration on matters of how to curb truancy, filing criminal charges, and the safety and security of the school community. He works with the school resource officers who work with students to guide them to an appropriate outcome in disciplinary situations. His job gives him the ability to assist students in career paths, while being a role model, and even teaching classes of students about various aspects of his job.

“When I can be a part of someone making a right decision to fix a wrong one, especially our children, it makes my life, and all that I have done, and do today, WORTH IT!  Fairness is an absolute necessity in a courtroom!

I will be FAIR and IMPARTIAL, yet FIRM as a Judge!”

The position involves overseeing a range of local legal matters including civil disputes up to $12,000, minor criminal cases, traffic violations, tenant disputes, and other judicial functions. The position is currently vacant, with former Judge Kay Bates’ resignation which went into effect in August of 2024.

In order for Thomas to serve District 22-3-02, ensuring that ALL VOICES are represented and heard, he is running on both the Republican and Democratic tickets (cross filing). Primary Election Day is May 20th with the 6-year term beginning in 2026. To learn more about the candidate like and follow him on facebook @ wayne for judge. To contact Wayne directly, email wayneforjudge@gmail.com.