Font ResizeEmmons, 51, of West Manchester Township, was a prosecutor in the district attorney's office from 1994 to 1999, a senior attorney for the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence from 1999 to 2004 and recently resigned as the managing attorney at Mid Penn Legal Services to run for judge.
From the steps of the county Judicial Center, before a small but vocal crowd today, Emmons touted a strong background in prosecuting domestic violence as well as her experience in prosecuting other violent crimes and civil litigation.
In the district attorney's office, Emmons was the county's first STOP violence against women prosecutor and helped write the office's protocol for handling domestic violence cases.
She also has instructed police officers, victim advocates and attorneys on the state's domestic-violence laws.
As a legal services attorney, "everyday I talked to people struggling to access the justice system," Emmons said. "As judge, I will work to ensure justice for all."
Emmons said it was a difficult decision for her to leave Mid Penn Legal Services, "but that does not compare to the choices" people face in the county courtrooms.
Emmons also said, in her 27 years as a minister with the York Association of Penn Central Conference United Church of Christ, she has had the opportunity to worship in many congregations throughout the county.
"As a parent and a step-parent . . . the vitality of the community is very important to me," she said.
Campaign chairman Larry Young said Emmons's background offers "a depth of experience the other candidates don't have."
York County voters will elect two new judges in the November general election.
OTHER CANDIDATES
Four others have already announced that they will run for judge:
