The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County, an Inter-League Organization (ILO). and asked of all candidates for this office.

See below for questions on Reason for Running, Personal Qualities

Click on a name for other candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

Answer from Lori Jones:

I believe our community needs judges who will maintain the highest ethical standards and treat all litigants with respect. As a judge, I will maintain these standards and I will not be swayed by race, religion, or economic, or political pressure. I will base my decisions on the merits of each case and I will follow the law. I believe our judges should reflect the diversity of our community and should have life experiences that mirror those of the parties before them.

Answer from Gus Gomez:

I look forward to continuing my record of public service as a superior court judge. I've served as a prosecutor and elected official; now, I believe I can do more as a public servant from the bench.

Answer from Jeffrey S. Gootman:

I have been a Deputy District Attorney for over 19 years. I am fortunate to have been able to serve the people of the State of California as a criminal prosecutor in the District Attorney's office and have found my public service to be very fulfilling. As a prosecutor, justice must be sought. A component of justice is using good old common sense. Over my 19 years as a prosecutor and 24 years as an attorney, I have always sought justice and learned a great deal about common sense. This common sense and wisdom can only be learned over the years. Over my career, I have matured as any person does. It is this maturity combined with my knowledge of the law and common sense that makes my becoming a judge the next step in the search for the truth. Throughout my 24 years as an attorney engaged in both civil and criminal litigation, I have learned that justice must be tempered with common sense. It is vital to know when to litigate, when to settle a case and how to fashion remedies that are fair to all including the victims. This insures that victims are protected and the guilty receive a fair and equitable punishment. Justice above all, is taking the extra step to be find the truth. After all, a courtroom and trial is supposed to be a search for the truth and where it lies. Above all, the courts must reach decisions as quickly as possible without sacrificing the truth. If this means working an hour later so be it. I have found a judge is in the best position to seek the truth and therefore after 19 years of seeking the truth the next logical step for me is the bench.

Answer from C. Edward Mack:

I am running for judge to make justice a reality for every litigant. To give everyone an opportunity to be heard and not prejudged. To quickly and fairly resolve civil and family matters and to adequately punish offenders and to provide restitution and a sense of protection for those offended. I want to address the prevention of gang killings. I want to restore the court to the point where it can function without the fear of budget cuts, courtroom closures and court personnel layoffs.

Answer from Larry H. Layton:

I want to work in a courtroom where I can provide justice and fairness to those who appear in the court, including victims, participants and staff. In other words, "justice for all".

Answer from Edward Nison:

I have dedicated my career to public service as a criminal prosecutor. As a prosecutor you are in a unique position to insure that every case is handled in a manner to achieve justice. And while I have gotten great satisfaction from my role as a deputy district attorney in the judicial system, I believe that as a judge I will be in a position to even better insure that judicial system treats everyone in fair and evenhanded manner.

The judicial system can have a more direct and lasting impact on members of our society than any other branch of government. Whether it is the result of receiving a traffic ticket, being accused of a crime, being a victim of a crime, being a party in a civil proceeding or simply being a juror, the judicial system impacts many people on a daily basis. This is in addition to the impact courts have on society as a whole, when the constitutionality of various governmental actions are ruled upon. It is essential that judges act in a manner that instills confidence in the judicial system. This can only be achieved by insuring that all parties receive a fair hearing, and that a judge's decisions are based upon the merits of the case and not some personal agenda. I am committed to insuring all parties before me will have a fair hearing, and that decisions will be based upon the law and not my personal opinions, or my feelings towards any of the parties.

Answer from Lori Jones:

I have been the lead prosecutor in over a hundred serious felony trials. In every case, I have strived to be fair and to treat everyone, including the defendants, with respect. I am an intelligent, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and experienced criminal prosecutor, and I will bring these same qualities to the bench.

Answer from C. Edward Mack:

I can communicate with all parties regardless of position, status or education. I have an excellent and respectful relationship with everyone in the courtroom, judges, attorneys in opposition, co-counsels and courtroom staff. When I served in the Municipal Court, I was exposed to judicial wisdom and temperament, while assisting presiding judges and resolving issues that were judicial in nature.

Answer from Edward Nison:

I believe that I have the necessary character and intellect for the position of Superior Court Judge. As a criminal prosecutor for eighteen years I have made critical decisions in an even-handed and unbiased manner. I have prosecuted violent gang crimes (eight years), environmental crimes (four years), and presently train prosecutors and police officers. I have always acted with honesty, integrity and fairness, and will bring those same qualities to the bench.

One of the problems that I see with the judicial system, and the criminal justice system in particular, is that some judges behave as if their actions can never be questioned. Their courtroom is their kingdom, and the public should not question their wisdom. I understand that while a judge cannot base decisions solely on public opinion, decisions made from the bench have practical consequences for the public,and those considerations must be taken in to account. Too often judges lose sight of the fact that their decisions impact people other than those appearing in court.

This is particularly true with regard to how the judicial system tends to treat victims of crimes and their families. Some judges act as if any recognition of the victim or victim's family will some how undermine a defendant's rights. There is something wrong with a system with fails to acknowledge those most directly affected by a defendant's conduct, the victims of the criminal acts. I am absolutely committed to insuring that the victims of crimes and their relatives are treated by the criminal justice system with dignity and fairness. This can be done without compromising any of the defendant's rights, it simply requires treating everyone who is impacted by a case with respect. Regardless of who it is, it is much easier for a person to accept a decision they do not agree with, when they know they were treated fairly.

I believe that one of my strengths, as a deputy district attorney, has been my ability to communicate with victims and/or their families. I have always done so in a manner that has allowed them to feel that regardless of the outcome in any given case, they were treated fairly by the District Attorney's Office. This has included everything from simply keeping the families informed of upcoming court dates, to insuring that they understand and have a realistic expectation of what will happen or has happened in a court proceeding. And while I have a reputation for being a strong and aggressive advocate, I also have a reputation for being honest and fair in dealing with the defense. I will bring that same level of commitment to the bench.

Answer from Jeffrey S. Gootman:

I have the breadth of experience and maturity that are required of a judical officer. I have been a prosecutor for over 19 years. During this time I have prosecuted just about every type of criminal case. I am the only individual running for this seat who has prosecuted criminal cases, including death penalty cases and sought to uphold the death penalty on appeal.

I have a long history as a prosecutor of upholding and arguing for victims rights. I have been specially trained in child abuse sexual assault and domestic violence cases to deal with sensitive and vulnerable victims. I will bring that sensitivity into my court room.

I have developed a criminal database that summarizes every Court of Appeal and Supreme Court decisions since 1985. I will use this data base to apply the correct law to each ruling and tell all concerned how and why I reached that result.

Answer from Larry H. Layton:

Having taught the law for many years, having practiced the law for many years, having operated the businesses of a law school and law practice coupled with my experience as a temporary judge best equip me to serve as a judge.

Answer from Gus Gomez:

I'm qualified to serve based on the breadth of my experience as both a civil and criminal prosecutor. In addition, as an elected official, I have significant quasi-judicial experience.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.