Alderman Jim Fulton is urging his fellow board members to begin the process of deciding who Philadelphia’s next Municipal judge will be.

Fulton became concerned earlier this year when the current judge, Justice Court Judge Steve Cumberland, did not seek re-election.

“You have to be an elected official or a lawyer to be the city judge,” Fulton said. “We knew back in March he wasn’t seeking re-election and would be resigning. I brought it up again October 15. But other board members wanted to wait until after the election.”

During last Tuesday’s meeting of the mayor and board, Fulton brought the matter up and made the motion that local attorney Amy Taylor be named Municipal Court Judge. The motion died due to the lack of a second.

Fulton made the motion again and alderman Joe Tullos seconded it. It failed on a 3-2 vote with Fulton and Tullos voting yes.

One alderman who voted no said the majority wanted to open the position up and hold interviews.



Fulton said he suggested Taylor because she serves in the capacity of the youth court judge and has experience in holding court.

“The position becomes vacant on Dec. 31,” Fulton said. “I don’t know how many times they hold court each month. I am hoping whoever we chose will be able to attend at least one session to see how things are done.”

In other matters, alderman voted to:

• Declare a 2005 Chevy 2500 pickup and a 2000 Dodge 1500 pickup surplus, and for the town to take bids on selling the trucks;

• Approve the promotion of Hunter Ramsey to Patrolman 2nd Class in the police department;

• Approve the renewal of the city’s health insurance with Philadelphia Security Insurance with United Health Care, effective 1-1-2020; and,

• Approve the blocking of city streets for the Christmas Parade on Monday.