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 138

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 Marc A. Gibbons: Because of my practice, I possess the experience, maturity, and knowledge to be a fair, impartial, and just judge. Numerous judges, Deputy District Attorneys, and private practitioners support me because I possess the integrity, character, and even temperament to be a judge. Answer from Donna Hollingsworth Armstrong: On election day, I will have been a lawyer for 14 years. I was hired by the Los Angeles County DA in 2000. I have tried over 100 trials, including 21 murders. I have earned a reputation of being a tenacious advocate, but am always fair and professional. I am committed to ensuring PUBLIC SAFETY. I will always UPHOLD THE LAW and treat those who enter the courtroom with DIGNITY AND RESPECT. After having been in court on a daily basis, I have had the opportunity to observe many judicial officers. I am exceptionally hard-working and enjoy being a public servant. 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 Marc A. Gibbons: I favor alternative sentencing, such as split sentencing, for non-violent offenders. Penal Code §1170(h)(5) provides a viable alternative because a convicted individual will receive some jail time and will receive supervised assistance reintegrating into society. For example, when mental health or drug addiction issues exist, both the prosecutorial interest in punishment is blended with the defense interest in rehabilitation. I am probably the only candidate for judge that has actually represented an individual that was sentenced pursuant to §1170(h)(5). Answer from Donna Hollingsworth Armstrong: Respectfully, I feel that I am unable to answer the League of Women Voter's question related to alternative sentencing due to prison overcrowding. Solutions for "prison overcrowding" is an issue which should be addressed by the voters, the California State Legislature and/or the Governor. Judges are required to UPHOLD THE LAW, and that is what I intend on doing if I have the opportunity to serve as a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge. If I am entrusted with the responsibility of punishing criminal offenders, I will always do my best to ensure PUBLIC SAFETY and at the same time issue a FAIR and APPROPRIATE SENTENCE in accordance with the law. 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.