VOTE411 Voter Guide

On the bench, I will apply the law as it is written – fairly, consistently, and without bias. I will work to ensure judicial efficiency – justice delayed is justice denied – and support specialty courts like Veterans Court and Mental Health Court, which provide alternatives that address underlying issues and reduce recidivism. Everyone deserves a fair process and timely resolution.

Off the bench, I will continue making the law more accessible through community outreach and public education. As an author and legal educator, I’ve spent years helping people understand their rights. I will also maintain my involvement with the Monroe County Bar Association – I’ve served on the Board for three years and currently serve as Vice President.

Access to justice means more than just getting into the courtroom – it means being heard, respected, and treated with dignity. That’s the kind of judge I will strive to be.

I will continue my active roles in the Monroe County Bar Association, Safe Monroe, NCNW, Monroe County Criminal Justice Advisory Board and similar organizations aimed at education and equal access to justice. I will continue to participate to the extent permitted by the Code of Judicial Ethics with such educational programs as the Mock Trial Competitions and the Law Day Fairy Tale Trials to introduce young people to the law in a way that is nonthreatening and entertaining while introducing them to the role of the courts. Supporting programs that allow law enforcement officers to improve community engagement with young people and citizens from all walks of life is another way the courts can improve the criminal justice system.

Monroe County is losing two of our most experienced judges. I am the only judge in this race. The only candidate with any judicial experience, and I’m ready to hit the ground running. I’ve made the tough calls as a district judge and treated everyone with fairness and respect—no matter who they are. As a Court of Common Pleas Judge, I’ll keep doing just that.

In court, I’ll make sure everyone is heard and understands the process—whether they have a lawyer or not. Outside the courtroom, I serve as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, working alongside our first responders. They’re some of the hardest-working folks you’ll ever meet. They step up when their neighbors need them most. That same spirit of service drives how I approach the law.

I’ll continue working with local groups to ensure everyone knows their rights and how the justice system can help—not hurt—them.

Justice should be about doing what’s right. That’s the kind of judge I am—and the kind Monroe County can count on.

Equality starts with fairness, transparency and respect for every person who enters the courtroom. But we can do more. As a prosecutor, I’ve seen how language barriers affect non-English speakers, and I support expanding free, high-quality translation services for attorneys and clients. While our Court does provide interpretation and translation services, many attorneys lack access to similar resources outside the Courtroom. These resources must be available to clients free of charge. In Orphans' Court, I represent older adults and people with disabilities for whom court appearances can be physically challenging or emotionally distressing. I will continue to support remote hearings and flexible scheduling to accommodate those with difficulty appearing in Court. I will also advocate for diversionary/restorative justice programs for youth and non-violent offenders (such as creating drug and mental health court) to reduce incarceration, promote accountability and support rehabilitation.

Equality starts with fairness, transparency and respect for every person who enters the courtroom. But we can do more. As a prosecutor, I’ve seen how language barriers affect non-English speakers, and I support expanding free, high-quality translation services for attorneys and clients. While our Court does provide interpretation and translation services, many attorneys lack access to similar resources outside the Courtroom. These resources must be available to clients free of charge. In Orphans' Court, I represent older adults and people with disabilities for whom court appearances can be physically challenging or emotionally distressing. I will continue to support remote hearings and flexible scheduling to accommodate those with difficulty appearing in Court. I will also advocate for diversionary/restorative justice programs for youth and non-violent offenders (such as creating drug and mental health court) to reduce incarceration, promote accountability and support rehabilitation.

In ensuring equal access to justice is a lead by example premise and the importance of impartiality of the courts cannot be emphasized enough. I will always maintain professional integrity. Ethical consistency is non-negotiable. I will be a judge who upholds moral principles, resists corruption, and maintains public trust by adhering to the rule of law, even when it’s unpopular or inconvenient. I will stand firm on principle, even under scrutiny or threat. I will uphold justice regardless of backlash or personal cost. And while being impartial, I will be a judge who can grasp the human stakes involved - understanding the impact of my rulings on people’s lives without letting it cloud my objectivity. By always upholding these core principles, I will not only always promote equal justice to all with my courtroom but also be a positive influence to the to the local bar to do the same.