VOTE411 Voter Guide

I have been a trial attorney for over 32 years and a district judge for more than 3 years. My years as a busy trial attorney prepared me to manage and significantly reduce full dockets across the 3 counties the 47th serves. I understand the importance of the rule of law and its application as written. I believe in giving people their day in court and patiently allow cases to be presented. I review all matters before hearing them so that I understand the contested issues and can narrow the scope of my questions to issues not addressed in briefing. This allows me to rule promptly and often from the bench. I endeavor to treat all parties and counsel with respect. I know that people want to feel heard and seen. If they feel they have received this respect, it seems to allow them peace with the result even when it is not the ruling they wanted. I strive to work well with other courts and my staff to assure that all cases move through our system efficiently. For instance, if a defendant and attorney have pleas in multiple matters, one of us will hear all of those pleas. This saves time and transport costs for everyone involved, especially taxpayers. I exceed continuing education requirements each year to assure that I stay up to date on all changes in the law. I am passionate about serving my community. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and pray that the voters will allow me to continue serving for years to come.

It is a district court's responsibility to protect the public while protecting constitutionally mandated rights in a manner that affords speedy justice. This requires a balancing which is best accomplished by taking the time to learn case facts and using applicable precedent (case law) to apply the law as written in the manner the legislature intended. District judges should not attempt to change the law to fit their values or achieve the result they prefer. We must show respect for the three branches of government. We can not seek to influence how laws are written, nor can we try to control behavior of our leaders without something actionable being filed in our court. Our goal is prompt justice for all.

Public safety, constitutionally protected rights and speedy justice are the three most important concerns. We face terrible overcrowding in our jails but it is not acceptable to put violent offenders on the streets. We must get cases on our docket requiring counsel and parties to appear frequently to discuss and explain case status. The goal is to press these matters with deadlines and trial settings. Plea negotiation conferences are held at the jail and the courthouse frequently. These conferences require the state and the defendant to discuss plea negotiations. As a 3 county court 12 criminal jury weeks per year in the two larger counties and 3 in the smaller one, to allow time to promptly address civil and family cases.

The cornerstone of my philosophy is respect. For me, this means respect for the law as written, respect for the parties before me and respect for their counsel. I strive to show this respect in my tone and patience. I take time to read pleadings and briefing. I ask questions and listen to responses. I allow case facts to be fully developed before applying the law to make a decision. I expect lawyers to zealously represent their clients and don't take offense at these efforts. Lawyers should be advocates, but they are considered officers of the court so I expect integrity and candor. I believe in the importance of balance so I carefully weigh the facts and the law when ruling. I seek to assure public safety and reach just results.