With Palmyra Magisterial District Judge Carl Garver not seeking a third term, Palmyra residents will have an opportunity to select a new MDJ to take the position starting in 2024.
Read More: Palmyra Magisterial District Judge Carl Garver says he won’t seek third term
The Palmyra MDJ position oversees cases in Palmyra Borough and North Londonderry, South Londonderry, East Hanover, and Cold Spring townships. MDJs handle “small claims” cases such as traffic and minor criminal cases, preliminary stages of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil lawsuits involving up to $12,000. The position pays $98,565 annually.
Palmyra resident Cynthia Lyons is among those who has announced her candidacy for the seat. (LebTown will feature other candidates for the position in separate articles.)
Lyons is currently the aquatic director of the Palmyra Area School district and the head coach of the Palmyra High School and Palmyra Aquatic Club swim teams, according to her bio. She also manages the Palmyra Community Pool.
Lyons said that she has completed the certification course for district judges. In a press release, she cited experience working with Lebanon County Judge Robert Eby as well as with the Lebanon law firm Buzgon-Davis. Lyons said that she has also worked with other Lebanon County agencies, including the sheriff’s office, district attorney’s office, and probation services.
As is common with MDJ positions, Lyons said she intends to file for both the Republic and Democratic nominations.
“My education and experience, along with my upbringing by my parents, the late Dr. Jay and Carol Morris of Lebanon, has provided me with a deep respect for the law and the discernment to administer it rigorously and fairly,” said Lyons in the release. “My years of work with the youth in the community has given me insights and wisdom to address some of the most difficult issues that come before a magistrate.”
Lyons is married to Stephen Lyons and has two adult children, both of whom are graduates of Palmyra School District. Lyons has a law degree from Widener University, a master’s degree in social work specializing in criminal justice and addictions from the University of Pittsburgh, and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Hood College.
The primary election will be held on May 16.
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