VOTE411 Voter Guide

I would work with prosecutors and public defenders to reduce the time that criminal cases are pending in the courts, to alleviate our problem of chronic jail overcrowding. As the judicial officer handling one of the state's highest caseloads, I have worked to achieve efficiencies in the judicial system, such as by obtaining grants to pay for cases to be expedited through mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution; expanding the use of informal procedures through juvenile probation to defer youth involvement in the juvenile justice system; and starting and overseeing one of the state's first problem-solving courts for juvenile substance offenders to get them into intensive treatment while they are young. I would also like to use the insights I have gained in dealing with addiction and mental health issues in our Child In Need of Services cases to deal proactively with these issues which plague our community and offer a mix of services backed by sanctions.

While I believe that incarceration is often necessary for violent criminals and repeat offenders, I believe that we need more programs to deal with addiction and mental health. Although there are programs in existence now, I would search for the most effective, evidence-based programs available so that our jail is not filled with non-violent addicts and the mentally ill. However, if criminal addicts do not cooperate with court-ordered treatment, incarceration of some period may be necessary to enforce compliance by defendants who may not be ready to change voluntarily. I also favor, where practical, utilizing Community Corrections programs that allow defendants to keep their jobs while awaiting trial.

Many years ago, when I served a term as president of the Terre Haute Bar Association, I initiated a pro bono legal referral program and recruited attorneys to devote a certain number of hours each year to provide free legal services to indigent clients. Considering the economic challenges of a significant segment of our population, I believe that more needs to be done. I would also expand access to fillable forms for unrepresented parties, so that they do not need to hire an attorney to get a simple and straightforward case heard. We could also provide links to instructional videos that would further assist unrepresented parties by explaining basic procedural rules and court requirements.

I have been a magistrate for 14 years, appointed by the elected judges of both parties and serving at their pleasure. I am confident litigants would report that I am very patient and respectful to all who appear before me, and have been told by courtroom deputies that that is the characteristic that they appreciate most about how I handle my duties. It does not require a conscious effort on my part to do this. I was raised with values to recognize the common humanity in all of my fellow citizens, regardless of their background or difficulties. I always strive to treat all parties fairly, but also to ensure that the entire court process makes it clear that fairness is fundamental and foundational to any court I am involved with. I also make sure that court staff is instructed that they are an extension of the court itself and are always to remember that we are public servants, first and foremost, and to treat all in a manner reflective of that fact.

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