League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2011 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Judge; Hamilton County Municipal Court; District 4; 6 Year Term

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, Judicial Independence, Administration of justice 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 Martha H. Good: My extensive legal experience in state and federal courts and strong academic background will ensure that I will render decisions fairly and with the correct interpretation of the law. My work as a public defender has given me a perspective that will ensure equal justice for all. 2. What programs do you support to maintain the independence of the judiciary? (100 word limit) Answer from Martha H. Good: Contested elections are essential to an independent judiciary because voters have a choice. Ohio judicial elections are non-partisan, but judicial campaigns are often political. Voters are urged to select candidates because of party affiliation rather than their ability, knowledge, impartiality, and temperament. Municipal Court is the "people's court" where most people first encounter the judiciary. They need to feel that the judge is applying the law correctly while treating them fairly and impartially. To accomplish this and to ensure judicial independence, judges must decide each case strictly on its own merits rather than according to some political ideology or agenda. 3. What specific changes would you like to see in the administration of justice in Hamilton County? (100 word limit) Answer from Martha H. Good: Municipal Court can be intimidating and demeaning for people. Judges, often rushed with heavy case loads, sometimes forget that each case involves a unique individual and situation. Every day I'll observe the Golden Rule - treat everyone appearing before me as I would want to be treated. I'll hold longer court sessions - every case will have more time, and participants will understand the proceedings. I'll schedule cases throughout the day, not just mornings. This means less time waiting for cases to be called (less time off work, lower attorney's fees), and police will have more time to protect our streets. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits may apply. See individual questions for specific word limits. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. Please edit your work before submitting. We are unable to provide spell-check at this time. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.