Dear editor:
In a recent article about Jerry Sandusky's child molestation case, the Warren Times Observer included a paragraph about Kane native, Judge John Cleland, who has been assigned to hear that case.
The paragraph includes the following item, "he (Cleland) was appointed judge of the Superior Court of Pa., in 2008". That sentence represents only part of the facts. I believe that the public is entitled to additional information regarding the restrictions of Judge Clelands appointment.
In July, 2008, then Gov. Ed Rendell did in fact appoint Judge Cleland to fill a vacant seat on the Pa. Superior Court. However, Rendell restricted Cleland to only 18 months on the higher court. Cleland signed a contract agreeing to the restriction and further agreed that he would not seek re-election. His appointment ended in Dec. 2010. He is no longer a judge of the Superior Court of Pa.
As a former McKean County resident, I followed Judge Cleland's impressive career. Shortly after his appointment, he gave me an interview to the Kane Republican, in which he confirmed that there were "strings attached" to his appointment.
Full disclosure is a critical part of the legal process. The public is also entitled to full disclosure whenever possible.
Sincerely,
J.A. Knapp
Kane