South Philly May Be Home To Supreme Court Judge

by Maria Merlino

“Be ready to shake Kevin’s hand,” said Brian Burrows, President of IBEW Local 98. “He is a true leader.”

JOHN TORTORICE, Judge Kevin Dougherty and Labor Leader Mike Barnes of The Stagehands IATSE Local 8. Photo by Maria Merlino

NECA Executive Jeff Scarpello told the well-dressed crowd that “Kevin has all the intangibles including patience and fair mindedness and is the ideal candidate for Supreme Court.”

Pennsport native, Administrative Judge of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas – Trial Division, The Honorable Kevin Dougherty, is overwhelmed as he stands up at the podium. The crowd is impeccably dressed. The venue, The Down Town Club, was perfect for the event. “I am a public servant, not a politician” he begins. “ I rely on you to tell me where to go. I commuted to Temple University. Then when I was in law school in Washington, my brother would send me care packages.

ATTENDING kickoff for Supreme Court Candidate Kevin Dougherty were Donna Gentile O’Donnell, attorney Bobby Mongeluzzi and 6th District Councilman, Bobby Henon. Photo by Maria Merlino

Sometimes there would be a shirt in one of them, but he always said ‘make us proud’. My greatest desire is to help. I requested Family Court. To make somebody from nobody you begin with the at risk, the marginal. It’s about what we believe that transcends race, religion, creed, or gender. Things that happen behind closed doors are played out in the courtroom.”

For the next 8 weeks, Judge Dougherty will be hitting the road on the first of many campaign stops to come across the state, starting with Reading, Scranton and Allentown. He loves meeting new people and hearing their concerns and hopes for the great state of Pennsylvania. That’s why he’s committed to visiting every corner of the commonwealth.

SCRANTONIANS Jack Joyce and his dad, Bill Joyce, Labor and First Ward Leader John J. Dougherty , NECA liaison Ken Adams and Frank Snyder were happy Judge Dougherty supporters. Photo by Maria Merlino

LABOR LEADER Mike Barnes of The Stagehands IATSE Local 8 State Rep., Bill Keller, John Tortorice and Sean Ryder Photo by Maria Merlino

HOSTS President of IBEW Local 98 Brian Burrows, Dan Hilferty of Independence Blue Cross, Jeff Scarpello of the National Electrical Contractors Association, and special guest Congressman Robert A. Brady attracted well-heeled crowd for Judge Kevin Dougherty at Downtown Club. Photo by Maria Merlino

   Send article as PDF