Candidate for
Superior Court Judge; County of Alameda; Office 9

Throughout my career, I have had regular contact with victims, witnesses, juries and other members of the public who appear in court or have a stake in the outcome of a case. This experience has given me the insight needed to courteously and effectively interact with members of the public. It has also made me sensitive to the needs and vulnerabilities of victims and witnesses who must appear in court. In my experience, these individuals often experience trauma second only to the crime itself when they are required to appear in court. My experience will enable me to create a courtroom where such persons can feel comfortable and confident that they will be well treated.

As a prosecutor I have exercised the executive's discretion to determine whether or not to charge an individual with a crime and if so, the seriousness of the charges to be filed against that person. Long experience has taught me the value of restraint and moderation in the use of that power. The good judgment and compassion I have acquired and exercised as a litigator and representative of the state are qualifications that critically important to the proper exercise of judicial authority.

I have vigorously prosecuted cases where the evidence was compelling and accountability to the victim or the community was imperative. However, I have also sought to reduce or dismiss charges against an individual where a failure of proof or the interests of justice demanded it. I have always been keenly aware of the power vested in me as a prosecutor and have endeavored to wield I with restraint, impartiality and discretion.

The role of the judiciary is critically important in a diverse community where the often conflicting interests of our people can only be fairly settled in a court of law. Our courts afford citizens and non-citizens alike the right to be heard and to seek redress for real or perceived wrongs. Judges facilitate this process and the process itself is as important as any result that might be achieved. The public's perception that justice can be achieved largely depends upon the quality and dedication of those individuals who are responsible for making the justice system work. Strenuous advocacy by litigants and their attorneys ensures that each party to a dispute will be able to fully advance or defend their interests. But the fairness of the system ultimately depends upon the quality of those who represent and personify the power of the state. Judges personify that power and, by virtue of their position, function as its final arbiters. Capriciousness and bias can play no role in the exercise of judicial power. The integrity and compassion of the person occupying the role of Superior Court Judge is critical to our community's perception that its justice system will continue to function as intended by affording those who see redress in the courtroom a full and fair hearing followed by a just and thoughtful resolution.

I believe that the primary role of a judge is to create and maintain a court that is fair, unbiased and efficient. However, there also exists a vital role for a judge in creating unique programs in courtrooms as well as in outreach to society. As a judge, I will be proactive in reaching out to schools and school districts to teach students about the role of the judiciary and the legal process. I will play a leading role in persuading children to avoid becoming involved in gang and other high-risk activities. I will work closely with the 16 school districts in Alameda County to promote truancy programs that encourage children to attend school on a regular basis. I admire programs such as the County's elder abuse court, homeless court and drug courts. Judges who saw a need and acted upon that observation drove all these programs. When elected, I will strive always to create programs both inside and outside of my courtroom to better serve members of society whose needs may have long been ignored or overlooked.