OCCUPATIONAL BACKGROUND: Jackson County Pro Tem Judge; President, Jackson County Bar
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: University of Michigan, University of California
PRIOR GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE: Medford Planning Commission, School Budget Committee, and Charter Review Committee
PERSONAL: Age: 44; Children: Mimi, 11; Malia, 8
Judges are, first and foremost, public servants elected to serve the people. I have dedicated my professional life to helping people solve legal problems efficiently. As judge, that will continue as my top priority. For more efficient justice, my proposals are:
* Mandatory settlement conferences in civil cases to free up judges for criminal cases. In Jackson County, three times as many eviction cases and twice as many divorces, on a percentage basis, go to trial as statewide. In Klamath County, where settlement conferences are mandatory, less than one percent of civil cases go to trial. In Jackson County, the percentage is three times higher.
* Support mediation and families. Parents must put their children first, even if they divorce. Divorcing parents need communication skills to work cooperatively raising their children after divorce. I have successfully mediated divorce and small claims cases.
* Convicted criminals must be held accountable. Justice is due both to the accused and the accuser. Victims of crime have the right to be informed about criminal prosecution, sentencing and release; to be protected from offenders; and to recover restitution.
* All citizens deserve dignity and respect. Many people appear in court without lawyers. Citizens who cannot afford lawyers should not be disadvantaged. I care about people and will listen. Judges have the responsibility and authority to curb abusive lawsuits and tactics.
Judges must be independent, free from influence by special interests, and apply the laws fairly and consistently. I will apply the law as written and not substitute my personal views for the will of the people. Jackson County needs a judge with the recent trial experience that I will bring to the court.
For more information, go to www.JoeforJudge.com.
(This information furnished by Charter Campaign.)
Nonpartisan Candidates