Published: April 01, 2009 11:19 pm      

District judge seeks 4th term

HASTINGS — A veteran magistrate serving the northern part of Cambria County is seeking re-election to his fourth six-year term.

District Judge Michael Zungali, 56, of Patton, hopes to retain the post he has held for the past 17 years.

Zungali is asking voters to look at his record of service as proof of his dedication to those who reside in much of the northern half of the county.

“I took office in 1992, and we’re getting busier and busier every year,” he said. “This district has turned into a pretty busy district. Last year we had over 3,600 cases.”

During his time in office, Zungali said he has processed more than 37,000 cases, including murder, arson and rape. He also has decided hundreds of civil cases.

A lifelong county resident, he graduated in 1970 from Cambria Heights High School, Patton. He has an associate degree in computer technology and electronics.

As district judge, Zungali has received 19 certificates for completing continuing education courses in criminal and civil law, evidence, judicial procedures and adminstration.

He served the residents of Patton as a Borough Council member for 13 years, including seven years as president and three as mayor.

Zungali also served as chief of Patton Volunteer Fire Company for 12 years and is a member of the Patton and Hastings fire companies.

He is the father of three children.

The magisterial district encompasses Northern Cambria, Patton and Hastings boroughs and Barr, Susquehanna, Elder, Chest, Clearfield, White and West Carroll townships.