Question 1) State the qualifications and experiences that make you qualified to serve on the bench in Illinois. My most important qualification is I am a Judge. For the past 12 years, I have served the people of the 20 th Judicial Circuit as an Associate Circuit Judge. The Circuit Judges of the 20 th Judicial Circuit have reappointed me three times as an Associate Circuit Judge. I have presided over a wide range of legal proceedings in both the civil and the criminal courts comprising thousands of cases, hundreds of bench trials and dozens of jury trials. My judicial experience covers the entire spectrum of legal proceedings including major civil, criminal, chancery, arbitration, domestic violence, family, juvenile delinquency, DUI, traffic and small claims. Over the course of my judicial career, I have received some of the highest ratings in the Illinois State Bar Association's Judicial Advisory poll. Prior to becoming a Judge, I had extensive experience handling legal matters in the courtrooms of the 20 th Judicial Circuit. My practice included prosecuting criminals as an Assistant State s Attorney and defending the poor as an Assistant Public Defender. In private practice, I represented a wide range of clients including municipalities, firemen, policemen; as well as businesses, both large and small. My educational background has served me well throughout my legal career as both a Judge and a lawyer. I hold Bachelor s Degrees in Political Science and Psychology; a Master s Degree in Public Administration and a Law Degree from St. Louis University. While working as a prosecutor, I went to night school to obtain my Ph.D. in Public Administration from St. Louis University. Additionally, I hold a Fellowship in Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication Resources which assist judges with scientific/technology in legal proceedings. I am a lifelong resident of St. Clair County where I live with my wife and two daughters. I am active in my community. I have served on the Children First Foundation for the past 10 years and I currently teach criminal law as an Adjunct Professor at Lindenwood University in Belleville. Prior to my tenure as a Judge, I was elected by the residents of West Belleville to serve on the St. Clair County Board. I am an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville, Illinois.
Question 2) One prominent Illinois Judicial evaluation survey asks attorneys to evaluate candidates on Integrity, Impartiality, Legal Ability and Temperament. Critique yourself in these 4 areas as to how they make you qualified to serve on the bench. Integrity, impartiality and temperament are hallmarks of a Judge. As a Judge I am first and foremost faithful to the law. Every person walking into my courtroom deserves a fair hearing according to the law and the merits of their case. I base my rulings on the law rather than being swayed by who the litigant is or the attorney representing them. Additionally, every person is entitled to dignified and courteous treatment while in court. I strive to ensure the patient, efficient and professional administration of justice in my courtroom. Furthermore, I expect lawyers, staff, and court officials conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times to ensure the public s confidence in our legal system. Legal ability is crucial for a Judge. It starts with a sound educational background. I hold a Bachelor s, Master s, Law Degree and Ph.D. in Public Administration from St. Louis University. As a Judge, I continued my educational training by becoming a Fellow in Advanced Science and Technology Adjudication Resources which assist judges with scientific/technology in legal proceedings. My legal ability has been recognized by the Illinois Supreme Court which appointed me to teach other judges at judicial conferences. Experience should not be overlooked when discussing legal ability. As a Judge and lawyer, I have over 20 years of extensive, legal experience in a wide range of proceedings in the courtrooms of the 20 th Judicial Circuit. I have presided over thousands of cases, hundreds of bench trials and dozens of jury trials while garnering high judicial ratings from area lawyers. As a lawyer, I practiced law in the 20 th Judicial Circuit for over 10 years. In criminal proceedings, I prosecuted criminals and defended the poor. In civil proceedings, I represented local governments, policemen, firemen and small business. My 20 years of service as a Judge and a lawyer in the 20 th Judicial Circuit along with my integrity, impartiality, legal ability and temperament make me uniquely qualified as a candidate for Circuit Judge.
Question 3) Describe the case in which you are most proud of your work as a lawyer. Over the course of my 20 year legal career, I have had the opportunity to represent clients from all walks of life including individuals, policemen, firemen, municipalities, and small businesses. One of my most memorable representations was assisting Monroe County to establish new police pursuit policies in the wake of a string of criminal incidents. I worked closely with police and local governmental leaders to create new pursuit policies that protected the public and the police while safeguarding taxpayers money from future legal liability. 4) Name one change you would make in the Illinois court system. Access to the Courts for all citizens should continue to be an area of focus. The Illinois Supreme Court has made great strides in the past few years to ensure each person has equal access to the courts regardless of his or her station in life. Legal self help centers like the one in St. Clair County are vital to assisting the people of the 20 th Judicial Circuit with their legal matters. These self help centers provide access and documents on Illinois law that may assist many folks with their pending legal matters. I encourage the Illinois Supreme Court and local governmental entities to continue to promote self help legal services in our communities.
Question 5) Are there civil litigation reforms that you would like to see enacted to remedy particular problems that you have detected, either as a practicing lawyer or as a sitting judge? Are there reforms that would benefit the civil justice system? What needs to be changed? Should the enactment of any such changes be the province of the legislature, the Supreme Court or by Constitutional amendment? I support any legal reforms facilitating the efficient administration of justice. As a Circuit Judge, I can best serve my community by resolving peoples disputes in a fair and timely manner. A key reform to the local rules of the 20 th Judicial Circuit will dramatically improve courtroom efficiency. This recent reform encourages Judges to render their decisions in a timely manner. Legal disputes often create unwanted stress in peoples lives. For this reason, I always strive to promptly and thoroughly review my case files so I can render timely decisions allowing people to bring closure to their legal disputes. Question 6) Do you believe that our judicial system adequately deters and penalizes frivolous litigation? If not, what reforms would you like to see? The efficient administration of justice to address frivolous lawsuits requires a strong, experienced judiciary. An experienced Judge has the tools to identify frivolous litigation. The key is making sure we choose Judges who have the proper experience and knowledge to properly use these tools. I have the knowledge, experience and legal ability to recognize and address frivolous lawsuits. Electing Judges that have the legal ability and experience to know the difference between a legitimate versus a frivolous claim is vital to the efficient administration of justice in our community. I have served as a Judge for the past 12 years. I have presided over thousands of cases, hundreds of bench trials and dozens of jury trials. My judicial experience gives me the tools to recognize frivolous claims and handle them accordingly.
Question 7) Do you believe the Illinois Constitution precludes legislative establishment of limitations on civil damages? Are there or should there be distinctions among economic, non-economic and punitive damages? A Circuit Judge is a trial court judge not a legislator. The role of a Circuit Judge is to provide everyone with fair, impartial proceedings based on the rule of law as written by the legislature and as interpreted by the reviewing courts such as the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Appellate Court. A Circuit Judge is not an activist nor is he/she an advocate for one party or another. Instead, a Circuit Judge is fair and impartial; faithful to the law as written; maintains order and decorum in the courtroom; and, accords every person the right to be heard.