To the Editor:

Judge Rashid Santiago is the only candidate in the Lehigh County judge race who is already a judge.

Santiago has presided over thousands of cases as an elected magisterial district judge and has a track record of treating all who come before him with the utmost respect and dignity.

Born and raised in Allentown to teenage parents, growing up on public assistance and facing many of the challenges of the urban community, Santiago understands what it takes to overcome obstacles and is an example to many youth in our community facing similar situations.

He understands the value of hard work, determination and perseverance.

Rashid was the beneficiary of public servants in our community.

He would not be where he is today if it were not for the teachers, mentors and coaches in his life.

It is because of their impact that he has a passion and calling to public service.

The combination of judicial experience and life experience has distinguished the judge as a candidate in the Court of Common Pleas Judge race.

He is a beacon of hope and inspiration for youth; and most importantly, he has set an example for his children, my friends, and everyone in our community.

Judge Santiago is an exceptional candidate for the position of Lehigh County judge, and he is worthy of your support.

Please join me in voting for Judge Santiago on Nov. 2 and allow him to continue to serve our community.

After reading about the candidates and listening to them, I am convinced our bench and community would be improved with the addition of Maraleen D. Shields.

Maraleen’s credentials are impressive.

She graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio, working her way through school.

She earned a scholarship to attend the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, where she was an editor on Law Review, and graduated at the top of her class, a distinction recognized by the honor society, Order of the Coif.

For nearly two decades Maraleen has lived and worked in the community, practicing in diverse areas of law and serving on local boards, with a particular emphasis on education.

She has worked with attorneys and judges to better provide legal services to individuals with autism and improve the system to clear a backlog caused by the pandemic.

The state Bar Association also recognized her for mentoring young professionals in the practice of the law.

These are all things that you can read about Maraleen, and which undoubtedly make her an excellent candidate.

However, in addition to that, what I hear and see in Maraleen is someone who will reflect the diverse community that the judiciary serves, and thereby bolster the legitimacy of justice meted out by the courts. She will bring humility, diversity, and well-roundedness to the bench and will treat everyone with fairness, dignity, and respect.

Please vote for Marleen D. Shields as our next judge.

Mohammed Khaku

Upper Macungie

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Editor’s note: There are three open seats on the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.