League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 2, 2010 Election
	John H. Sieve Answers Questions Candidate for Judge; Court of Common Pleas; Domestic Relations Division; 6 Year Term Starting 1/5/11

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What are your qualifications for office? (50 Word limit)

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.

2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)

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.

3. What is your vision for the future of our judicial system? (150 word limit)

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.

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)

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.

5. What programs do you support that maintain the independence of the Judiciary? (150 word limit)

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.

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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.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 7, 2010 16:13
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