Franklin County looks at court expansion
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

Franklin County Judge Richard Walsh, left, chaired a meeting of the Criminal Justice Advisory Board in Chambersburg. Representing various segments of the county were commissioners Bob Thomas and Bob Ziobrowski flanking Franklin County Jail warden John Wetzel.

While the Franklin County Criminal Justice Advisory Board meets monthly and the meetings are always open to the public, Chairman Judge Richard Walsh made a point of inviting county media to the June 19 meeting in the courthouse.

A hoped-for action that would impact county citizens was the focus of the business part of the meeting, and Walsh was counting on the press and a television station to spread the news of a consensus vote.

Citing a need for additional space, Judge Douglas Herman asked the 25 committee members to adopt facilities planning as the top priority for the board, that the county commissioners join in on the effort, that the group search for grants and other funding and that the board, commissioners and court create a committee of affected personnel to develop a plan for the new facilities.

In short, Herman, Walsh, and the other county judges, Carol Van Horn and John Walker, want another courtroom.

"County trial court is the most important court in Pennsylvania," stated Herman. "It allows the most participation by citizens."

Tracing the history of the current building, he said it was built in 1978 with two common pleas judges in mind, but included space when a third judge came onboard in 1987. When the fourth judge was added in 1998 the county administration offices had to move to another location. Now, due to caseloads and in the interest of security, he sees the need for a fifth county judge. That person could be seated in 2010 pending legislation in Harrisburg.

"Our needs have outgrown this particular vessel," he said of the courthouse annex. "It's related by our inability to adapt to security needs since 9/11 and increased caseloads."

With the growth in population has come an increase in criminal and civil cases. In 1980 561 criminal cases were docketed. In 2007 that number was 2375, according to a handout at the CJAB meeting.

Herman's motion, seconded by District Attorney Jack Nelson, was supported by a number of affiliated parties.

Chief Deputy Randy Stroble was pleased with the idea of another courtroom.

"Security is challenging here," he said. "We keep adjusting methods with the less than modern security. I believe we can assure safety with technology and can set ourselves up for many safe years ahead."

County Commissioner Bob Thomas credited the advisory board with being one of the best in Pennsylvania after a slow start forming in 1999.

"Our relationship is for the record books, and that is critical as we move forward."

He felt there was no choice but to support the move for expanded facilities and wanted the entire community involved in the process. Fellow commissioner Bob Ziobrowski concurred, acknowledging that while CJAB would be the driving force, he also wanted the entire Franklin County government operation as efficient as possible. He stated an expansion would cost 'millions and millions' of dollars.

Walsh was gratified for the support.

With all present in favor of moving forward, Nelson asked that the process be put on the fast track. "You can only get so much out of this building. Something must be done."