Former State Representative Tim Seip has officially announced his candidacy for District Judge of Magisterial Court 21-03-04, located in Tremont.
The court serves a wide area, including the townships of Barry, Branch, Cass, Eldred, Foster, Frailey, Hegins, Hubley, Pine Grove, Porter, Reilly, Tremont, Upper Mahantongo, Washington, and Wayne, as well as the boroughs of Pine Grove, Tower City, and Tremont.
“During the four years I served in the state House of Representatives, it was an honor and a privilege to represent the people of Schuylkill and Berks counties,” Seip said in his announcement. “I believe my education and the professional positions I have held prepare me to carry out the duties of a magisterial district judge and to serve Schuylkill Countians once again.”
Seip, 55, has completed the Pennsylvania Minor Judiciary Education Board course for non-attorneys and is certified to take the bench if elected. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Mansfield University and a master’s degree from Marywood University.
Since 2011, Seip has worked in education as an instructor and director of field education at Kutztown University. He is certified as a substitute teacher by the state Department of Education and has taught in the Pine Grove Area and Tri-Valley school districts.
In addition to his work in education, Seip says he has a background in family services, mental health support, and corrections. He has served as a therapist working with families through Children and Youth Services, provided court testimony, and led programs on anger management and parenting. As Schuylkill County’s Child and Adolescent Service System Program coordinator, he worked to connect children and families with mental health, juvenile justice, and drug and alcohol resources.
Seip’s professional experience also includes work in landlord-tenant disputes through a family rental business, employment at the State Correctional Institution at Frackville, and loss prevention in retail settings, where he filed civil actions in shoplifting cases.
Beyond his professional career, serves as a board member and past president of Avenues Inc., an organization supporting individuals with disabilities. He is also a former youth basketball coach and previously served as treasurer of the now-defunct Mount Carbon Fire Company.
“My career has helped me to more fully understand the problems of society by working to improve and safeguard the lives of Pennsylvanians through front-line engagement, as well as making the law in the House chamber of the state Capitol,” Seip said. “I believe that level of involvement – as well as my education – has greatly prepared me to decide the criminal matters and business disputes that come before a Magisterial District Judge.”
A lifelong resident of Schuylkill County, Seip lives in Washington Township with his wife of 31 years, Starr, and their daughter, Elisa.