The upcoming Delphi city election has been heating up with contested races in most city council seats, clerk-treasurer and for the mayoral position. The city court judge's election however is one uncontested race which has gotten practically no attention. But it is an office that deserves some attention. The city court is sometimes the first place a youth or city resident gains experience with that level of the justice system.

Weckerly Incumbent Judge David Weckerly has been city court judge for four years and will serve another four if there is no upset on election night.

"There's always the possibility of a write-in!" Weckerly told the Comet Monday afternoon.

Weckerly is a retired middle school social studies teacher. He served as a Delphi police officer for 21 years as well. He is married to Lorraine, has two grown children and lives at 509 E. Monroe St.

"I have been familiar with the court concept for some time," Weckerly explained. "I enjoy working in the avenue I'm involved in now. It's my service to the community."

City court meets the first and third Tuesdays of each week at 4 p.m. in the city council meeting room in the city building. It handles non-criminal city ordinance violations such as traffic issues, skateboarding and tobacco violations involving juveniles. Weckerly said he would welcome additional cases stemming from increased ordinance enforcement.

Because Weckerly does not have a law degree, he must transfer all contested cases to Carroll County Superior Court. City court clerk DonnaMc- Cain provides administrative support for the court which handles between 300 and 400 cases each year according to the judge.

"I get the tobacco cases from the schools and parents must come to court with the juvenile offenders,"Weckerly said. "We consider tobacco a gateway drug and parental involvement is important at that stage."

Weckerly orders youth offenders to write a 10-page essay about their crime. He described one instance when a youth was cited for disregarding a railroad signal and sentenced to write a paper about the need for pedestrian crossings. It was discovered from that essay that Delphi does not have a pedestrian crossing near McDonald's, which presents a hazard for those on foot.Weckerly said he encouraged the city to build the pedestrian sidewalk.

"I enjoy working with kids when they come to court," Weckerly concluded. "I enjoy helping them get turned around."