Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you forthis position?
I am a practicing attorney of some 40 years. I have handled a wide variety of civil matters and have been in and out of courtrooms my entire life. I have been before good judges and some not so good judges, and I believe a good judge does not forget that they are public servants first. Litigants should be treated with respect, and they should be able to count on the fact that the judge is well educated in the law; willing to give the case his or her full attention and to give a ruling within a reasonable time. Litigants need resolution of their disputes in an impartial setting.
Initiatives
What initiatives will you implement to facilitate the resolution of small claims cases and landlord-tenant disputes, and what is your approach to eviction proceedings to ensure that the rights of all parties are fairly considered?
I believe fully in letting the parties work out a resolution that works for them. They know their situation better than anyone. I encourage discussion and mediation if necessary. At the end of the day, however, I believe in the rule of law and that both parties should be treated fairly and impartially by the court, applying the applicable law to the facts of the case. We have to remember that there are two sides to every landlord/tenant matter. On the tenant side, there is the need for housing. On the landlord side there is the need for the property to generate income because it is the landlord’s responsibility to pay taxes, insurance and fulfill certain duties to maintain the property.
