League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Los Angeles County, CA November 4, 2014 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Judge of the Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 87

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Qualifications, Alternative Sentences for Non-Violent Offenders, Length of Sentences Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What specific personal qualities make you especially qualified to be a judge? Answer from Tom Griego: I am fair, independent and competent. I enjoy being present and engaged in both Civil and Criminal courtroom settings. I am confident and comfortable in the role of serving all members of the Public, Counsel, Litigants, Court House Staff and fellow Bench Officers. Answer from Andrew M. Stein: I possess the knowledge, experience, and judicial temperament to be an excellent judge. I am patient, courteous, a good listener, and can evaluate testimony in an efficient and evenhanded manner. I am intelligent, open-minded, and believe everyone deserves their day in court. 2. Do you favor alternative sentences for non-violent offenders in view of the current prisoner overcrowding problems, and if so, what options should be available? Answer from Tom Griego: Yes. For the non-violent offenders, due to limited resources, it's extremely important to consider other options such as Electronic Monitoring, Sober Living Homes, Educational Completion Opportunities, Tatto Removal, Diversion, Community Participation/Intervention, Mental Health Services and Employment Placement Services. Answer from Andrew M. Stein: Yes. The courts and society in whole are in need of additional funding for non-violent offenders. There should be more treatment programs both outpatient and inpatient made available to alcoholics, drug addicts and the mentally ill. There should be an additional component of teaching life skills and job training to prevent recidivism. 3. How much flexibility should judges have in determining the length of sentences? Answer from Tom Griego: Judges should sentence within the guidelines as promulgated by the State Legislature with due consideration to victims, probation reports, and other factors. Answer from Andrew M. Stein: The judges should have limited flexibility , allowing for individualized sentences, however there must be great deference to the suggested sentences. The reason for our sentencing scheme , was to prevent the wide disparities that had previously occurred. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' answers are presented as submitted. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.