Local candidate

Former University student and local attorney Jeffrey Bower announces his judicial candidacy.

Attorney Jeffrey M. Bower announced Saturday his judicial candidacy for the Centre County Court of Common Pleas.

"I believe my experience and my approach to law matches fairly well with the values you find in Centre County and what they look for in a judge," Bower said.

Bower has practiced law for 24 years and is a partner in the firm Eisenstein & Bower, 403 S. Allen St. Bower primarily practices civil law, but his background includes criminal, administrative, legislative and maritime law.

He is admitted to practice in all Pennsylvania courts and various regional courts. He has also been admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court since 1978.

Bower received his bachelor's degree from the University in 1969. He received his juris doctor degree from Georgetown University.

A former chairman of the Centre County Board of Commissioners, Bower was a member from 1980 to 1988. During that time, he created the first full-time chief public defender position in the county.

Bower's professional activities include an appointment to the Special Counsel to the Potter County Board of Commissioners to investigate improper activities in the Human Services Department.

Community activities include a seat on the board of directors of the National Easter Seal Society.

Bower said his judicial philosophy includes fairness, impartiality and interpretation, not litigation, of the law.

"Always remember that serving in that position is a public trust. It's much more than just a personal accomplishment."

-- by Christine Kosovac