Standing With Jess

After 11 years of public service, I can finally endorse a political candidate and I wholeheartedly support Jessica Ellis for Magisterial Judge!

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jess as a friend, fellow Jaycee, an ADA, GAL/parent attorney, solicitor, and Court Administrator. Her diverse experience has given her a deep, well-rounded understanding of the justice system. Jess is fair, knowledgeable, and committed to serving our community with integrity.

Wayne County needs a judge who upholds the law while understanding the people it serves. With her experience, dedication, and unwavering sense of justice, Jess Ellis is the right choice.

-Rozalyn Burke, Past Director of Wayne County Children and Youth Services

I’ve had the privilege of knowing Jess for over 10 years, and she’s one of the most genuine, compassionate people I know. Jess lives to serve—whether it’s through her work, her community involvement, working with our youth, or her friendships, she always shows up with heart and purpose. She’s a true servant leader who leads by example, putting others first and doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy. Jess is thoughtful, fair, and deeply committed to making a positive difference. I’m proud to support her for Magistrate District Judge because I know she’ll bring that same integrity and dedication to the role. Wayne county needs someone who truly operates with the best interest of the community at the forefront of their decisions while upholding the law- and that’s what Jess will do. 

-Sara Novoa, Owner and Coach, CrossFit Honesdale at The Garage

I’m proud to support Jess Ellis for Magisterial District Judge. I’ve had the privilege of serving alongside her in the Honesdale Area Jaycees - both as general members and on the board - for over a decade. Jess is principled, direct, and fair-minded - qualities that, along with her unwavering dedication to our community, make her an ideal candidate for this role.

Jess actively listens and makes thoughtful decisions. She consistently demonstrates excellent leadership across her numerous volunteer roles, impacting citizens of Wayne County for the better in the process. I’m confident that her integrity, work ethic, and dedication will make her an outstanding judge - one who will serve Wayne County, her lifelong home, with honor and fairness.

-Chris Novoa, Owner and Coach, CrossFit Honesdale at The Garage

Why vote for Jess Ellis? Working alongside Jess, I see firsthand her integrity, and fair minded approach to ensure justice for victims affected by crimes. Her focus is not only to keep the community safe but also compassion for those whose life is traumatically changed. 

The Honest, and trustworthy choice is Jess Ellis. Her hard work and commitment to Wayne County will make a positive impact for all.

-Richelle Stephens, Wayne County Victim Witness Coordinator

Few of us will even have to go before the local magistrate. If we did, we would hope the person adjudicating our proceedings would hold certain qualities that we feel are essential in people of authority. For our family, those qualities are character, wisdom, and a solid commitment to fairness and justice. In our years in Wayne County, these always seemed to be the values of community as well. 

Having known Ms. Jessica Ellis for over 15 years, we can say that she exemplifies all the traits essential to being a magistrate in Wayne County.

Throughout these years, we have seen her grow in her knowledge of the law and establish her career in serving justice in Wayne County, all while living out the morals of her deep faith. To us, this demonstrates her commitment to what she values most: Community, family, justice, and faith.    To our belief, it is what the people of Wayne County value as well.

More than once, we have turned to Ms. Ellis for professional counsel, and each time, she has provided excellent counsel. She has been entrusted with essential leadership positions in her church. She has spent much time volunteering in community activities that especially impact the youngest in our community. She is a role model to young women, a leader held in high regard by her church, and is cherished because she chose to return to her home to serve the people of Wayne County. 

Our elected leaders reflect our values and priorities as a community. Who we elect not only represents what we hold dear currently but also what we hope to engender in the future. We believe Ms. Jessica Ellis has the character, wisdom, dedication, and training that would make her well-suited to any leadership position in the county, especially those that pertain to the critical role of upholding justice for the community. As she feels called to the position of magistrate, we remain confident in her character, wisdom, and commitment to serving the people of Wayne County well. 

Sincerely,

Mr. Robert J. and Mrs. Karyn F. Kazinski, Past Pastor, Central United Methodist Church, Honesdaleiption

I have known Jess personally and professionally for a number of years. Working in the Public Defender’s Office, we are often on opposing sides. 

However, I have great faith in her ability to serve as a Magisterial District Judge. I’ve seen firsthand how Jess handles herself in Court as she advocates for the victims of crimes and for the Commonwealth, while also being courteous and respectful of the Defendants and their rights. I’ve also served as a juror for her Mock Trial team and watched her interact with students sharing her legal knowledge with them. 

Jess has served admirably as a Court Administrator and as an Assistant District Attorney. All while raising her growing family, and being a role model for the community through numerous roles and volunteer work. 

Jess is the real deal and the total package and I hope you will consider voting for her on May 20th.

-John Langton, Chief Clerk, Wayne County Public Defender

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jess for the past five years, both indirectly and directly. First, when I was the Clerk/Office Manager for Magisterial District Court 22-3-01, and currently as the Chief Clerk in the District Attorney’s Office. Today, I’m here to strongly encourage you to vote for Jessica Ellis. I have complete confidence in her ability to preside over Magisterial District Court 22-3-02, and I hope you’ll share that confidence with me.

Jess has first-hand experience in legal/court proceedings. She served as the Court Administrator for Judge Shurtleff in Wyoming County, owns her own law office, Ellis Law Group, which she shares with her husband, Brendan, and is currently an Assistant District Attorney for Wayne County. Jess is ready to start presiding over court proceedings starting on day one. She is committed to ensuring fairness and applying and interpreting the law accurately.

Jess is passionate about building a better society, and she believes that starting with our youth is crucial. She serves as an advisor for the Mock Trial team at Wayne Highlands School District and coaches girls’ biddy basketball and girls’ high school softball. Jess is known for her kindness, compassion, loyalty, and fierce and unwavering commitment to truth. She actively listens to all perspectives to reach fair and reasonable conclusions and is an excellent communicator.

Jess is the perfect candidate for Judge of Magisterial District Court 22-3-02. She’s a well-rounded individual who excels as a mother, wife, attorney, and mentor/coach for young people in her community. These qualities make her the ideal candidate for this position.

Please vote for Jess for Judge!

-Lisa Rovinsky, Chief Clerk, Wayne County District Attorney’s Office

Jess is a dedicated member of our community. She truly cares about what is best for our town and is invested in our future. Jess volunteers with students at Honesdale High School, helping to lead a competitive mock trial team. She coaches and helps to mold young women on the HHS softball team. She was raised here, she lives here, and she is raising her two boys here.

I trust Jess's dedication; I trust Jess's discretion; I trust Jess's decisiveness. That's why I'm supporting Jess for judge."

-Michael Rosar, Honesdale High School

In this town, we know the weight of a good name. We know the kind of people who show up not just when the sun is shining, but when the storms come too. Jess Ellis is one of those people. I’ve known her not just as a neighbor, but as a friend. The kind you’re proud to know and lucky to have.

She was born here, raised here, and stayed here. Not because it was easy, but because it mattered. She could’ve gone anywhere after law school, but she came home. Not to rest, but to serve. To do the hard work. To stand for fairness, for justice, and for us.

Jess doesn’t speak to be heard. She listens to understand. I've seen it firsthand. In rooms where voices rise, she remains steady. In moments where others fold, she leans in. Jess is principled and plainspoken. There’s no flash, no false promises. Just grit, grace, and a sense of duty you can’t fake.

She knows the law not just from books, but from years in the courtroom. She knows people because she’s one of us. And she leads because it’s in her blood.

In a world that sometimes forgets what matters, Jess remembers. She’s the kind of judge who will wake up every morning thinking not about politics, but about people. About fairness. About doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.

I trust her with the kind of trust that doesn’t come from headlines or handshakes. It comes from years of showing up, staying true, and doing the work. That’s Jess Ellis.

And that’s why I’m proud to support her.

Morgen Hatton

Owner, Rentals NEPA

Wayne County Neighbor and Friend