League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Los Angeles County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Judge of the Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 76

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 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 Helen Kim: I am uniquely qualified because I serve in a quasi-judicial role in my current job by independently evaluating hundreds of cases to determine whether to criminally prosecute an individual and if there is sufficient evidence to prove that individual guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Answer from Alison Matsumoto Estrada: My whole career has been about public service. While I have enjoyed being an advocate for victims and the People of the state of California for over 15 years, I would like to take the extensive knowledge I have developed through my trials and courtroom experience and apply it being a judge. I pride myself on being prepared, well organized and knowledgeable about the law. I am proud of my relationships with courtroom clerks, court reporters, bailiffs, defense attorneys and bench officers. Throughout my career I have been open minded and firm, but fair. My experience and temperament make me the right fit for judge. 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 Helen Kim: Alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders is a viable solution to reduce the chance that a non-violent criminal will continue in a life of crime; this type of solution means that a non-violent criminal is rehabilitated and becomes a productive member of society. Moreover, this allows the state to allocate resources more effectively on fighting violent crime. I have experienced the positive results of alternative sentencing with drug court. Individuals who complete the program are given a second chance to become productive members of society. However, self-motivation is the key to the success of any alternative sentencing. I believe that motivational programs in conjunction with alternative sentencing will produce a higher success rate. Judges who take the time to praise and support alternative sentencing instill a sense of pride to each individual who is part of this program. 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.