My frustration with the lack of judicial temperament, characteristic of far too many judges, has continued to grow through my last 16 years of active practice before the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, Federal Courts and Municipal Courts throughout Ohio. This component was one of the compelling factors influencing my decision to seek the position of Judge on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. Another motivating factor is that the current composition of the court primarily encompasses former prosecutors. I firmly believe that members of the defense bar would offer additional insight toward solutions regarding such important issues as preventing recidivism and promoting rehabilitation. Although the general perception is that a former criminal defense attorney on the bench would likely impose a light sentence. Nothing could be further from the truth. No one knows who needs a term of incarceration, or who deserves the chance of rehabilitation more than those of us who practice in this area of law. The ultimate goal of sentencing should be both punishment and rehabilitation. We must, at the very least, attempt to set defendants up for success, without which, we are instead likely to set defendants up to re-offend.

As judge I will recognize my role as a guardian of equal justice for all persons. I will be fair and impartial and treat all who appear before me with the same dignity and respect I expect in return. This includes everyone involved in the court system, litigants, defendants, attorneys, probation officers, deputy sheriffs and mere observers of the proceedings.

It is not uncommon for people to wait years for their day in Court. In order to promote trust and value in the justice system everyone who appears in court must be given an opportunity to be heard in, what is often times, the most important of their affairs. I pledge to do exactly that in a fair and impartial manner, promoting true equal justice.