Meet Stefanie
I'm a mom to two young children, a wife, a friend, and your neighbor.
I grew up in Linglestown: summers at Koons Pool, Holy Name of Jesus Elementary, and shopping at Karns when it was off Mountain Road. After college and law school in Pittsburgh, I came home to give my kids the same childhood I had. Today I coach softball and basketball and serve on my children's Parent-Teacher Organization.
I'm running to use my experience to serve our community and keep Lower Paxton Township a safe place for every family.
The Office
What a District Judge Does
Magisterial district courts are the first level of Pennsylvania's judicial system. They handle the matters that touch everyday life in our community.
Traffic & non-traffic citations
Landlord–tenant disputes
Small claims civil cases
Preliminary criminal arraignments
Preliminary criminal hearings
Setting bail
Issuing warrants
Emergency protection orders
Why I'm Running
Why Be a Judge?
“Every person that comes into a courtroom has a problem. My job as a judge is to help them solve that problem with fairness and respect.”
Stefanie
With 15 years in the legal profession, I've seen our justice system from nearly every perspective. That matters, because a District Judge is often the first, and sometimes the only, judge a person will ever meet.
01
From the judge's side
As law clerk to Judge Deborah E. Curcillo, I researched and wrote opinions in criminal and civil cases. Judging means listening carefully and staying impartial, even when the decision is hard.
02
In the courtroom
As a prosecutor in Dauphin and York Counties, I litigated the preliminary hearings District Judges preside over. Justice must hold people accountable while recognizing every case is different.
03
Making tough calls
As Assistant Counsel for the Department of Education, I handled hundreds of cases. No allegation could simply be accepted as true: I had to investigate, listen, and decide.
04
Serving people, not just cases
From helping families without lawyers to explaining wills and real estate in plain terms, I know how stressful court can be. Everyone deserves dignity and to be truly heard.
Why be a judge?
My whole career has prepared me to serve on day one. I know the law. I know the courtroom. I know the community. I will be fair, respectful, and committed to serving every person who comes before the court.
Qualifications
Legal Experience, Local Commitment
An Experienced Attorney
Admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in 2011
2022–NOW
Today
Attorney, Wills, Estates & Real Estate
Prime Transfer, Inc. & The Law Office of Ryan P. Mellinger
2017–2022
Assistant Counsel
Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Chief Counsel
About 500 cases brought to resolution
2014–2017
Deputy Trial Prosecutor
Dauphin County District Attorney's Office
Supervised the ARD Program
2014
Deputy Trial Prosecutor
York County District Attorney's Office
Supervised the Juvenile Drug Court Program
2011–2014
Judicial Law Clerk
Hon. Deborah E. Curcillo, Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas
Two opinions adopted in full by the Superior Court
A Trusted Community Leader
Vice President, Board of Directors
Bishop McDevitt High School
Board Secretary
Parent-Teacher Organization
Girls Basketball Coach
Raised about $45,000 for research through the AVON and Susan G. Komen walks
Breast Cancer Survivor
Raised about $45,000 for research through the AVON and Susan G. Komen walks
Proud Mother of Twins
Thomas and Rosalie
Pennsylvania Bar
Admitted 2011
Watch
A Message from Stefanie
Hear from Stefanie about why she's running and what she'll bring to the district court.
What I'll Bring
Fair. Local. Experienced.
For many residents, the district court is the only courtroom they will ever see. That experience should be fair, efficient, and respectful for everyone.
In the Community
On the Campaign Trail
“I understand that to the court, a case may be one among hundreds. To the person standing before the judge, it may be one of the most consequential days of his or her life.”
Stefanie
Register to Vote
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Get Involved
Join Our Neighbors for Stefanie
Local races are won by neighbors talking to neighbors. Here's how you can help.
1
REQUEST A YARD SIGN
Show your support and help spread the word across the township.
2
VOLUNTEER
Knock doors, drop door hangers, make calls, or help at events.
3
HOST A MEET & GREET
Invite friends and neighbors to meet Stefanie in your home.
4
Count Me In
Show Your Support
Contribute to the Campaign
Every contribution helps put yard signs, door hangers, and mailers in front of voters across Lower Paxton Township.
Contact
Let's Talk
Questions, ideas, or want to meet Stefanie? Reach out anytime.
[email@stefaniereisser.com]
Phone
[(717) 555-0000]
Follow
[Facebook / Instagram]