×

Williamsport attorney seeking open spot on county bench

Ryan Tira

A Williamsport attorney has announced his intent to seek an open judicial spot on the Lycoming County Court of Common Pleas.

Ryan Tira is running for the bench seat held by Judge Richard A. Gray, who is retiring.

Tira pointed to his experience and community involvement as qualifications.

“I feel called to do it as a role of service to the community,” he said. “I believe in our American judicial system. It requires people in it to be of a certain character and temperament. You do it not for yourself but to serve others.”

Tira has practiced law for 16 years.

Since joining the law firm of McNerney Page Vanderlin & Hall in 2002, he has developed a practice centered around serving public clients, including county and municipal government.

“A gratifying part of my career has been assisting local governments to meet the needs of their communities,” he said. “Through this work, I have overseen many hearings, all of which prepared me to handle court room proceedings as a judge.”

His legal practice has taken him before several judicial bodies, including: U.S. District Court, state Superior Court, state Commonwealth Court, Courts of Common Pleas, Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Unemployment Compensation Referees, and private arbitrators.

Tira noted he has donated his legal services through pro bono representation for the Greater Hope Care Center and for victims of domestic violence.

He said he tries to be open-minded and deliberative, important attributes for being a judge.

Tira has been involved in a number of community organizations including:

• Big Brother through Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Lycoming County.

• Director and coach of John Bower League Basketball teams.

• Coach, South Williamsport Area School District 8th Grade boys basketball.

• Montoursville Youth Football and Cheer League Board of Directors and League Commissioner.

• Committee Person, Lycoming County YoungLife Student Ministry.

• Board of Directors, K’s for Cancer.

• Montoursville Kiwanis.

• Leadership Lycoming Chair of Community Projects.

• Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

• Williamsport Regional Airport Authority Board, assistant director/treasurer.

• Committee Person, Lycoming County Republican Committee.

Tira is a member of Faith United Methodist Church where he has served in several leadership roles. He is lay representative for the church to the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church.

“My faith experiences have shaped the foundation of who I am and who I strive to be,” he said. “Keeping perspective on the big picture in life is crucial and I use my faith to help me keep that perspective.”

Tira and his wife, Andrea, have four children and make their home in Montoursville.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today