Judges take up alleged election paperwork violations
One candidate vying for a position as magisterial district judge in Kingston withdrew his candidacy Wednesday amid questions over his nominating paperwork, while a panel of Luzerne County judges is considering whether a second candidate as well as a prospective Newport Twp. commissioner should remain on the ballot.
Magistrate candidates Bill Hardwick and Anthony Margavage had their campaigns called into question this week when Kingston resident John Pickering and Edwardsville resident Stanley Zaneski raised allegations that they violated the Public Official and Employee Act by not filing the required statements of financial interest with their nominating petitions.
Ahead of an expedited election hearing Wednesday at noon, Hardwick withdrew his candidacy, rendering the issue with his case moot, said Judge Tina Polachek Gartley, who presided on the election panel along with judges Richard M. Hughes III and Lesa S. Gelb.
Margavage, however, appeared in court to defend himself, despite an unsuccessful argument that he had not been properly served notice of the hearing.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/2025/03/19/judges-take-up-alleged-election-paperwork-violations/