The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County, an Inter-League Organization (ILO). and asked of all candidates for this office.

See below for questions on Reason for Running, Personal Qualities

Click on a name for other candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.

Answer from Bob Henry:

To continue Judge Shumsky's service of fair, impartial and balanced administration of the laws. I am proud to receive the ONE endorsement that counts, that of the judge who occupies this seat. There are six candidates for this job and obviously Judge Shumsky knows who is best suited to follow her.

Answer from Michael D. Shook:

AS AN ATTORNEY, I HAVE RUN A SUCCESSFUL LAW PRACTICE, EMPLOYING A STAFF FOR OVER 10 YEARS. RESPRESENTING THOUSANDS OF CLIENTS IN THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY COURT SYSTEM HAS GIVEN ME BROAD EXPERIENCE IN CRIMINAL LAW, CIVIL LAW, FAMILY LAW AND CHILDREN'S COURT CASES. BASED UPON MY BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE, I FEEL THAT I WILL BE AN ASSET TO THE JUDICIARY. FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS I HAVE VOLUNTEERED MY SERVICES THROUGHOUT LOS ANGELES COUNTY AS A MEMBER OF THE TEMPORARY JUDGE PROGRAM.

Answer from Craig Jordan Mitchell:

Judges, in the rulings they make, and the manner in which they treat all those who participate in the criminal justice system, greatly influence whether or not the victims of crime receive justice - namely, that those who commit crimes are held accountable for their conduct. Like wise, the Constitutional rights that Americans enjoy, if they are to exist in real life, judges must issue rulings consistent with these Constituional guarantees. I am committed to both securing justice for the victims of crime and protecting the Constitutional rights of the accused. This two-fold commitment is the hallmark of good and fair judges.

Answer from David Lopez:

I believe my background and experience make me uniquely qualified to serve as a judicial officer. I have been an attorney for eighteen years and fortunate to have had the opportunity to work both as a defense lawyer for the first part of my career, and as a prosecutor during the past fourteen years.

Answer from Daniel Zeke Zeidler:

I believe that judicial officers can have an incredible impact on people's lives, as decision-makers in positions of authority, providing guidance, direction, and serving as role models. I have been lucky to observe many judicial officers whom I admire and respect. I have used them as role models and have worked to incorporate and integrate what I have learned from them--both style and substance--into my own actions.

I do not seek a judicial position with an idealized view. My work as a Superior Court judicial officer for the past five years has taught me that being on the bench can, at times, be isolating; the decisions are often difficult; and the pressures can be daunting. I understand the need to constantly be juggling many responsibilities, moving a heavy calendar, for example, while always being aware of the record being made, and, at the same time, managing court staff, attorneys, and parties.

Becoming a judge would allow me to expand my judicial experience into many additional areas of law and to increase my involvement in the administration of the courts.

Answer from Craig Allen Renetzky:

In order for our system of justice to work, it must be fair to all sides. The outcome is important for the parties, but the process itself is also important. I would like to be a judge to help ensure that all members of our society, not just attorney's, are treated fairly and justly. The matter may only involve a few dollars such as a small claims case, however for the parties involved it involves their trust in our system. I am running for judge due to ensure that our system work for all members of our society.

Answer from Daniel Zeke Zeidler:

A number of my past involvements have prepared me for this position. My experience as a public interest attorney representing abused children, has provided me with an understanding of how foreign and frightening the judicial system can be for the parties. As a daily courtroom litigator and presently as a judicial officer, I have gained practical skills and a working understanding of the legal processes in high volume courtrooms.

As a human relations facilitator, I have honed my skills in bringing people together to understand their commonalities and their differences, improving communication and often making consensus possible. As a school board member for five years, I obtained the experience of being held accountable for my actions and decisions in the public arena.

I am gratified by the impact I have made as a referee. Administratively, I cleaned up a congested courtroom calendar which was impacted prior to my arrival. I have worked hard to ensure that my decisions have been carefully and thoughtfully reasoned and supported by the law. And I have also strived to gain the respect of the attorneys, parties and court staff.

I was honored by the Juvenile Courts Bar Association as the 2002 Outstanding Juvenile Court Judicial Officer, and I am proud to have been endorsed by many Court of Appeal Justices who review my transcipts on a regular basis.

Answer from Bob Henry:

Patience and an unwillingness to see anyone who deserves to win lose because of unpopularity of either themselves or their cause.

Answer from Craig Jordan Mitchell:

First, I possess a deep commitment to decide legal issues based on the law - law set forth in statutes, or law set forth in cases. Second, I treat all people with consideration and respect. This includes jurors, victims of crime and their families, the accused, law enforcement - all those who are involved in the criminal justice process. Third, I possess the life experience needed to insure that common sense underpins every decision I make.

Answer from Michael D. Shook:

I GREW UP IN A FAMILY OF LEGAL PROFESSIONALS, MY MOTHER IS AN ATTORNEY, AND MY FATHER IS A LOS ANGELES SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE. MY WIFE KERE AND I MET WHILE ATTENDING LAW SCHOOL. IF ELECTED, I WILL BRING A UNIQUELY STRONG LEGAL BACKGROUND AND A WEALTH OF PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE TO THE SUPERIOR COURT.

Answer from Craig Allen Renetzky:

I have prosecuted close to 100 jury trials. I have also prosecuted well over 100 court trials. This experience has provided me with the practical experience that will serve the public well. In addition I have the ability to explain the justice system in a way that people can understand without the need for a legal degree. (I often lecture to local college students about the legal system. Attorney that work with me describe me as patient, and understanding. These qualities will ensure a fair trial for all parties within my court.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.