|
The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Qualifications,
Priorities,
Judicial future,
Competing priorities,
Judicial independence
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
 |
1. What are your qualifications for office? (50 Word limit)
|
Answer from John H. Sieve:
As magistrate in Domestic Relations Court, I am the only candidate who has judicial experience in this court. This unique qualification, coupled with my business experience and over 30 years as an attorney, will allow me to work effectively as Judge.
Answer from Stephen L. "Steve" Black:
I have had 35 years of experience as a trial lawyer in the courts of Hamilton County, Ohio, and many other courts. I have also served four years as Mayor of Indian Hill, presiding over Mayor's Court regularly.
|
2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)
|
Answer from John H. Sieve:
The types of decisions made in domestic relations court are the most important in families from custody to division of property to protection orders, the gravity of these decisions will affect people the rest of their lives. I live my priorities every day by working to make certain all individuals have access to the system, are treated with respect and receive the highest possible level of professionalism. Instilling in court employees the values and education necessary to carry out our duties will be a priority.
Answer from Stephen L. "Steve" Black:
I would like to expand the use of law students to represent persons who need a divorce and cannot afford the legal fees needed to get one. We need to train student lawyers to represent the poor much the same way that medical students train in our hospitals under the supervision of doctors. If we expand the use of law students, our courts will be able to handle a much greater volume of cases. In the long run, this will help to reduce domestic violence.
|
3. What is your vision for the future of our judicial system? (150 word limit)
|
Answer from John H. Sieve:
The American judicial system is one that was carefully crafted to ensure that we have qualified, dedicated and diverse judges who work to make decisions that support the laws and Constitution.
Sometimes technology changes the way we conduct business, from closed circuit televised testimony for child victims to DNA evidence. The courts must always be willing to accept new technologies, but they must always maintain the rights outlined in the Constitution.
Answer from Stephen L. "Steve" Black:
I would like to see a system that dispenses justice fairly, without regard to the financial status of the parties. One of the problems our present system has is that it favors the wealthy. We need to serve all segments of our community without this bias. Equal access to the courts is fundamental to our government of laws, not of men.
|
4. The Courts have competing priorities with limited tax dollars -- keeping communities safe, multi-cultural judicial equality, and rehabilitation. What ideas or programs do you support that address a balanced Court System? (150 word limit)
|
Answer from John H. Sieve:
As a former business owner and employer of 30 years as well as an attorney for over 30 years, I understand doing more with less. In the last few months, my workload has increased as our court has functioned within a limited budget. Necessity is the mother of invention, and we will continue to be innovative.
One of my priorities is to make certain that all people have access to the system and that everyone who enters our court is treated with respect and dignity. Domestic Relations Court makes decisions that affect individuals and families for decades, and we must always educate ourselves and understand each case so that the best possible judgment is made.
Answer from Stephen L. "Steve" Black:
I support the idea that the court system should be accessible to all and that certain priorities should be maintained. Public safety and personal security are high priority goals. We need strong programs to assist both the victims of crime and the witnesses to crime so that perpetrators can be brought to justice. And we need to deal with convicted offenders in a way that will restore them to productive citizenship quickly and efficiently.
|
5. What programs do you support that maintain the independence of the Judiciary? (150 word limit)
|
Answer from Stephen L. "Steve" Black:
The judiciary in our state will be most independent when judges do not have to rely on private fundraising for campaign funds. I support public financing of all judicial races. Only if we limit judicial campaign finance to public sources will we have a reasonable expectation that our judges will not be influenced by the interests of those who contribute to their campaigns.
Answer from John H. Sieve:
First and foremost, I support the Constitution of the United States because that document outlines the fundamental understanding that there are three separate but equal branches of government. The Constitution of the State of Ohio also outlines this important distinction that maintains by law that the judicial branch is independent.
As for political independence, I support the continued election of judges over the appointment of judges at the local and state levels. The electoral system makes all officeholders in all branches of government accountable directly to the voters. In order to maintain judicial independence, elections of these positions are essential.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
| 
League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
