LEWISBURG — Except for citing differences in their legal and administrative backgrounds, the three candidates vying for Union-Snyder judge in Tuesday’s primary election answered similarly every question they heard from an audience Wednesday night at a candidates’ forum.

Asked what characteristics are most important for a judge to have, Martin R. Wilson and Brian L. Kerstetter, both of Lewisburg, and Michael H. Sholley, of Middleburg, all said professionalism, integrity and knowledge of the law.

“Life experience is important too,” Sholley said. “Plus, a judge needs to be committed to his community, to seniors, to youths.”

Sholley, 52, touted that he has been Snyder County district attorney for 10 years.

Length of experience is important, said Wilson, 55, citing his 30 years as a lawyer in Lewisburg.

Kerstetter, 35, emphasized his 10 years of work as an attorney and solicitor for various Valley townships, including Gregg and Limestone.

The candidates said having an even, focused judicial temperament is important in providing all parties involved in disputes with the opportunity to advance their position fairly.

“The court should not dictate how each side presents their cases,” Sholley said.

Judges must not fly off the handle when sitting on the bench, Kerstetter said.

“You have to cut through your emotion and listen to the facts,” he said.

They also advocated the use of alternatives to incarceration, such as drug treatment courts.

“It works,” Sholley said. “If we treat the problem, we can be successful and save the taxpayers money.”

Wilson and Kerstetter said it was appropriate to use alternatives, but it was important for judges to make sure that if someone is not sent to jail, the public is still safe.

A questioner in the audience asked what the candidates thought about plea bargaining.

“Whether you like it or not, it’s necessary or the courts would be overcrowded,” Kerstetter said.