Candidate for
Judge of the Superior Court; County of Santa Cruz; Office 4

Judicial Philosophy:

When you stand before a Judge, as many of us sooner or later must, the first concern we should have is that the Judge be competent in the field of concern. Then you want the judge to be fair, not biassed. And finally, you want to be treated with respect.

With my 31 years of experience in all areas of law -- criminal and civil, with an emphasis on Divorce and Probate, I can immediately handle every kind of case presented to the Superior Court. I will be a "full-service" Judge.

I will also declare a War on Petulance. No one will ever be rude in my court, if I have anything to say about it. I will also try to ensure that everyone who appears in court is not only treated fairly, and with respect, but is fully advised of their rights.

In my experience there have been quite a few judges in Santa Cruz County history who have met these high standards.

- Judge Chris Cottle was extremely hard-working. He was so fair that you rarely knew in advance how he would rule, but when he did, you felt he was right.

- Judges Charles Franich and Richard Kessell had such pleasant demeanors that you were left with a feeling that you had been treated fairly, even if you didn't get everything you wanted. That is an important element, without which our system tends to collapse. Judge Heather Morse is one of our current judges who are able to be "firm but fair".

- Judges Harry Brauer and Robert Atack were (and are) very strong in their knowledge of the law and their ability to run a jury trial.

- Judge Donald May was never heard to say an unkind thing of any person.

These are some of my "Judicial heroes".