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San Mateo County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
Smart Voter Full Biography for Stephanie Garratt

Candidate for
Superior Court Judge; County of San Mateo; Office 6

This information is provided by the candidate

My story is a simple one.

On a personal level, I currently reside in Foster City with my husband and two sons.

On a professional level, my adult life has been devoted to public service. Beginning as a Deputy District Attorney, I was entrusted to prosecute cases, including violent felonies, in the name of the People of San Mateo County. In 2004, at age 36, I was honored and humbled that the judges of San Mateo County unanimously selected me to serve as a Superior Court Commissioner. For 9 years, I served "on the bench" and presided over Criminal, Domestic Violence Protection, Traffic, Small Claims and Family Law cases. Each person appearing before me was treated with the dignity and respect they deserved.

Since 2009, the Judicial Branch's budget has been cut by over $1.1 billion. As a result, in San Mateo County, three Commissioner positions were eliminated on a seniority basis, including mine. I was immediately re-hired as a Deputy District Attorney, where I currently protect consumers and families in the Consumer Fraud and Environmental Protection Unit. On April 28, 2014, I will, once again, be reappointed as a Commissioner.

I am not a politician; however, I am interested in continuing to bring justice to our community with fairness and integrity as a judicial officer.

I have been an honest public servant for the past 15 years with a proven, successful track record, including 9 years as a Court Commissioner, which carries many of the same responsibilities as a Superior Court Judge.

With my 9 years of successful experience "on the bench," I have proven that I can handle the responsibilities of a Judge. I made a difference serving as a Commissioner and am seeking the position of Superior Court Judge in order to continue helping those seeking justice, and to keep our community safe.

I am proud to say that I am endorsed by many who work in the legal community- those in the courthouse on a daily basis, who are familiar with my performance in a judicial role. This includes former District Attorney James P. Fox, 24 of the 25 San Mateo County Judges, retired judges, all 52 Deputy District Attorneys, numerous police associations and many civil and criminal defense attorneys. I take great pride that these varied professional individuals appreciate and validate my 9 years as a Court Commissioner and have the confidence in me to be a Superior Court Judge.

For the position of Superior Court Judge, I am candidate with the knowledge, experience, and proven record.

As Former District Attorney James P. Fox said, "Never a politician, Stephanie has devoted her career to keeping our community safe. Whether as an accomplished and well-respected Court Commissioner or as a Deputy District Attorney, prosecuting violent felons and those who harm our environment, Stephanie has a proven track record of serving to protect our county and keeping our families safe."

This election is to replace retiring Judge Craig Parsons, who stated, "I am honored that I was able to serve my community as a Superior Court Judge for over 24 years. As I enjoy my retirement, I am confident that Stephanie will continue the legacy of my Department. Stephanie has earned my endorsement. With 9 years of experience on the bench, she has already proven herself to be a fair, hardworking and intelligent judicial officer, who will be a tremendous asset as a Superior Court Judge."

I thank you for your consideration and respectfully ask for your vote on June 3, 2014.

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: April 27, 2014 20:14
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