Candidate for
Judge-Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 28

I am sure after reviewing other candidates political positions, they refuse to comment because it would be in violation of the Code of Judicial ethics, which specifically states: A candidate for election or appointment to judicial office shall not (1) make statements to the electorate or the appointing authority that commit the candidate with respect to cases, controversies, or issues that could come before the courts, or (2) knowingly, or with reckless disregard for the truth, misrepresent the identity, qualifications, present position, or any other fact concerning the candidate or his or her opponent.

In staying in compliance with the Code of Judicial ethics I will uphold the law. As a judge I will not simply substitute my own opinion of what would be a better policy regarding civil issues, or a more appropriately calibrated system of punishment in place of that articulated by you, the People, from whom the judge's authority flows. It is up to the people to make changes in prison reform or civil laws and to pass new laws If the law grants me to exercise discretion, depending upon the facts of the case I will exercise discretion accordingly.

I am troubled by the increase expenditures in judicial races. For judicial candidates and judges, accepting contributions raises the appearance of bias and partiality to a party that appears before the judge. Judges ethical duties are to minimize the appearance of bias and to promote public confidence in the courts. Surveys conducted by the American Bar Association shows that 70% of the public is distrustful of judges.

The California Judicial Council commission for Impartial Courts has made recommendations recently, to currently address this problem until the law is changed and I support those recommendations: Disclosure of contributions of $100 or more by posting a list in the courtroom or online, so that a party to see it and make the appropriate disqualification, if the judge does not disqualify him or herself.

Mandatory disqualification by a judge, if a contribution of $1500 or more, from hearing a matter involving a party or counsel who has made a monetary contribution of the judge's campaign.

I will do my best to eliminate the appearance of bias and promote the public confidence in our judicial system.