|
The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
See below for questions on
Pressing Issues,
Implementation,
Merit Selection,
Evaluation,
Mandatory sentencing
Click on a name for candidate information. See also more information about this contest.
 |
1. What are the two most pressing issues you will face if you are elected? (50 word limit)
|
Answer from Pat DeWine:
I will administer the law fairly and impartially, treating those who come before me with respect, and running an efficient courtroom. I will work to keep our neighborhoods safe and make sure criminals receive the sentences they deserve.
Answer from Norma J.H. Davis:
The two most pressing issues are:1) fair and efficient administration of justice; and 2)sentencing that protects community safety while guarding constitutional rights of defendants and avoiding jail overcrowding.
|
2. How will you address each of those issues? (100 word limit)
|
Answer from Pat DeWine:
As a member of Council and a County Commissioner, I've long made fiscal responsibility a priority so I believe I have the experience to run an efficient court. It's important to keep the docket moving and I'll do that by handling motions and trial work in an organized manner. My extensive experience as an attorney gives me the toughness to deal with violent criminals and the compassion to help bring a sense of justice to their victims.
Answer from Norma J.H. Davis:
I will fairly and efficienly administer justice by making sure that I thoroughly understand the Rules of Criminal and Civil Procedure and Evidence; making sure that I am familiar with precedent in docketed cases; listening carefully in bench and jury trials; and ruling promptly. I will move the docket along without ignoring fundamental rights. I will address the sentencing issue by using alternatives to jail, including electronic monitoring,in the cases of first time offenders and tough sentences for repeat offenders.
|
3. What is your position on merit selection of the judiciary? (100 word limit)
|
Answer from Norma J.H. Davis:
Although not defined here, I assume merit selection will be based on legal experience and achievement. Such selection would significantly improve the quality of the judiciary and address the public perception that some people cannot get justice in our courts. With the currect selection process, election outcomes are generally based on high name recognition and who has the most money (these are often synonymous). Generally the candidate with the most money wins whether s/he is the best candidate.
Even if a merit selection process is used, the selection may turn on which candidate is owed the most by the selector rather than on who is the best candidate.
Answer from Pat DeWine:
I believe the our government is based on representation of the people. Too often judges get comfortable in their surroundings and begin making decisions that run counter to established precedents. By electing our judiciary I believe we elect qualified individuals who remain accountable to the people they represent.
|
4. What would be a fair way to evaluate the performance of a sitting judge? (100 word limit)
|
Answer from Pat DeWine:
There are several ways to measure a judge's performance. I believe efficiency is one + how well they move cases through the system. Another benchmark + but one that has to be weighed within its context is whether or not a Judge gets overturned on appeal regularly. Finally, I believe evaluation should take into effect a Judge's willingness to consider each case as a unique event so that each defendant and/or plaintiff get the treatment before the court that they deserve.
Answer from Norma J.H. Davis:
A fair way to evaluate the performance of a sitting judge would be to have periodic reviews by a panel of administrative judges using an evaluation tool designed by court administrators with input from seasoned judges. A part of the evaluation tool should include anonymous feedback from attorneys who appear regularly before the sitting judge. Such feedback should be obtained by a firm obtained by the local or state bar associations.
Judges who perform well should be rewarded for that performance. Judges who consistently perform poorly should be given training designed to address deficiencies.
|
5. What is your opinion about mandatory sentencing? (100 word limit)
|
Answer from Pat DeWine:
Judges follow the law. I won't legislate from the bench. If a mandatory sentence is on the book in a case, I'll enforce that mandatory sentence. I believe that "innocent until proven guilty" isn't just a cliché + it's the right of every individual before the court. I'll give criminals the sentences they deserve + nothing more and nothing less.
Answer from Norma J.H. Davis:
Mandatory sentencing may result in miscarriage of justice. Judges should have sentencing discretion within the limits set by the legislature. Sentencing guidelines are more useful. Unless mandatory sentencing guidelines are carefully crafted so that no group gets favored treatment, such sentencing will result in harsher sentences for some populations. Perhaps the best known example is the harsher mandatory sentencing for crack cocaine as opposed to powder cocaine.
Responses to questions asked of each candidate
are reproduced as submitted to the League.
Candidates' statements are presented as submitted.
The answer must not exceed 100 words. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.
The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.
| 
League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
