Superior Court Judge Gregory Haas Endorsement of Dan Proud

By Daniel B. Proud

Superior Court Judge Gregory Haas, in his website, http://www.eldoradojudges.com, endorses Dan Proud.

Electing a new judge (or judges) is an important, if not terribly exciting, business. It's important because once in place, judges tend to stay a while, whether good or bad. While every person undoubtedly has their own definition of what makes a good judge, there are certain qualities which are imperative. These would include honesty and integrity, a reasonably powerful intellect, and a basic understanding of the law gained from experience. It also doesn't hurt to have good judgment and some commonsense.

All of these traits are valuable. But for my money there is one quality that I consider paramount, a character trait so important that without it, no justice can be found. That quality is TEMPERAMENT!

The pressures on a modern judge are tremendous. A typical judge must often see dozens of people in a day. With overcrowded dockets and burgeoning caseloads, the temptation to become arrogant and intolerant is great. Good judges have the wisdom to recognize these pressures and manage them. In doing so they will be vigilant in avoiding the one trait characteristic of a poor judge........Impatience!

In January of 2003, after nearly 16 years, I will be retiring as a full-time judge. As I walk out the door on my last day, I would like to leave knowing that my successor is capable and wise, with an abiding commitment to justice and fair-play. This is the reason I support Dan Proud.

I have observed Dan's work for over 20 years. Immediately apparent is his self-assured composure and bearing, reflecting strength of intellect and quality of character. I have watched him under pressure in adversity, handling difficult and complex issues, and I have seen him in victory. I cannot recall a single occasion when I was not impressed with his skill and professionalism. He is by nature congenial, with a ready wit and pleasing demeanor. Most impressive, Dan has an innate ability to "envision" justice, an instinctive talent for seeing workable solutions for seemingly intractable problems. He can see fairness where others cannot.

Another plus is the breadth of Dan's legal expertise. It doesn't matter whether the subject is criminal, civil, family law or juvenile, Dan Proud is equally capable. In an environment where each judge is going to be called upon to handle a wider range of cases, Dan Proud is more than ready.

In summary, Dan Proud's time has come. He is the kind of man you'd like to be your neighbor, your best friend, your older brother, and, with any luck at all, our next judge. I encourage you to join me in supporting him.

Gregory F. Haas

El Dorado County Superior Court Judge, Office 5