Seidle-Patton’s inauguration as judge is ‘historic’ day

Clarion County Senior Judge called it “truly an historic occasion,” on Friday as Sara Seidle-Patton became the first woman to serve as judge in Clarion County.

“This is certainly a moment I hoped would come to fruition a year ago when we started this process of running for the position of judge,” Seidle-Patton said during her inauguration ceremony at the Clarion County Courthouse.

“It was quite an experience, one that taught me many lessons about myself. I look forward to the position and the challenges that it has to offer.”

In considering her remarks for the inauguration, Seidle-Patton said one phrase – “quality of life” – came to mind.

“In thinking about what this position means to me and what I think it means to the people of Clarion County is that we have the responsibility and the ability to promote the quality of life of this place we call home,” she said.

Seidle-Patton said she witnessed that at a session of treatment court and behavioral health court.

“It gives people the chance to be placed in a comprehensive program rather than be placed in jail,” she said. “It gives them a chance to better themselves with the help of a very dedicated team of individuals.

“I don’t know if it was a good day when I observed that session of court, but all of the individuals in behavioral health had positive things to say about the court system, and the team that was working to help them. We also got to see graduation from treatment court that day.”

Seidle-Patton said watching that and reflecting on the job she had ahead of gave her a lot of “positivity” and “lets me know that the work that we do here really does “impact the quality of life” of county residents.

She said her goal is to see more programs like behavioral health court and treatment court, and that a division of the court system that has been important to her is the county’s Children and Youth Services, which has had “challenges” in recent years.

“It is my goal to see some of those positive reactions, especially with the children and families involved with our court system in all facets,” Seidle-Patton said.

“I am hoping to bring that positivity and improving that quality of life to individuals in different areas. I look forward to the challenges that are coming.”

As she sat behind the bench for the first time, she said, “My biggest concern was that this chair was going to be too big for me. I think it will be OK.”