Area attorney announces candidacy for county judge

Local attorney Joe Devecka announced in a telephone interview yesterday his candidacy for judge in the Centre County Court of Common Pleas.

"I want to let the people of Centre County benefit from my experience," Devecka said.

The Pennsylvania state legislature recently voted to give several counties throughout the Commonwealth additional judges to ease the burden of current caseloads. A third judicial seat will be established in Centre County.

Devecka said he handled cases in 45 of the 67 counties in the Commonwealth, and 60 trials in 16 different counties. He is handling cases in the Pennsylvania Supreme, Superior and Commonwealth courts. He handles cases in civil and criminal law, all dealing with non-violent offenders at the law firm of Devecka and Rayman, 111 Sowers St.

Devecka graduated from Penn State in 1976 with a degree in history and from the University of Pittsburgh Law School.

"I've worked pretty hard to learn the craft as it is," he said.

This is Devecka's first run for political office.

-- by Christine Kosovac