Tonkin declines run for Superior Court

MILFORD — Pike County District Attorney Ray Tonkin has announced his decision not to run for Pennsylvania Superior Court "despite a strong showing in the straw poll tallies conducted by Republican State Committee members in the eastern part of the state."
In declining to run, Tonkin cited his responsibility to the citizens of Pike County, recent moves toward implementing a drug court and central court programs, and discussions with those who supported his re-election campaign in 2015.
"While it is a great honor to be considered as a potential candidate for Pennsylvania Superior Court, my focus is to serve the citizens of Pike County as their district attorney," Tonkin said in a statement. "Currently there are major criminal prosecutions pending, the establishment of a Children's Advocacy Center, and work on the opioid issue that need my experience, as well as the recent engagement of the Pike County Court of Common Pleas to move toward establishing a drug court and central court. Also, an integral part in my decision are my supporters who stood by my side during our hard-fought re-election campaign. Their desire to see me remain as their district attorney was important to me.”
He said Pike County is "a place my family, friends and colleagues call home, and is where I belong.”
Among several open seats on Pennsylvania's higher courts this year are four on the Superior Court. Tonkin said he began to explore a run after receiving encouragement to do so. The straw polls in the east showed Tonkin among the top four candidates.