Magisterial District Judge Candidate: Robert Wyda

Robert Wyda is running for a third term as Magisterial District Justice in Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair.

“I am running again because I love the opportunity to serve,” Wyda said.

Experience is Wyda’s strength.

“I have 12 years dealing with issues that have confronted the community,” Wyda said.

In recent years, narcotics and heroin have become more widespread in Upper St. Clair and in Bethel Park. Wyda said he deals with the addiction issues in a non-traditional way that keeps the cases in front of the local magistrate. It gives the accused drug user a chance to avoid a criminal conviction by getting clean and going through rehabilitation. It also keeps family members from going through some embarrassment.

Wyda said local public officials in Upper St. Clair and in Bethel Park support his ability to do the job and run the office.

“I’m not aware of a public official who doesn’t support my candidacy,” Wyda said.

In 2006, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court expanded Wyda’s jurisdiction to include Upper St. Clair.

“I am truly honored to be part of the Upper St. Clair community,” Wyda said. “Because of the decency of the citizens, their care for each other and the safety. Upper St. Clair is a safe community with a real good police department. It’s a pleasure to work with those folks. Some of the finest in the state.”

The experience Wyda is most proud of is his service to the country. Navy Commander Wyda has 26 years combined active duty and reserve service. He was recalled to serve in Afghanistan in 2003 and Iraq in 2007. The experiences, he said, help him as a judge.

“My military service is an example of the level of duty I cherish,” Wyda said.

Judge Wyda said his office is one of the lowest cost courts in Allegheny County. In other words, it’s the least expensive for the taxpayer.

“We value tax dollars,” Wyda said. “After my experience of being a prosecutor for Allegheny County and being an assistant court administrator, I know how to run an office.

And running the office is Wyda’s fulltime job.

 “I don’t do it to supplement a law practice,” Wyda said.

Wyda is a lifelong resident of Bethel Park. He’s been married to his wife, Shannon, for 22 years. Together they have two children.