AUGUST 5, 2012 THE TIMES-UNION L-7

voter guide

Circuit Court Judge

group 29 group 34 most important issues in this campaign are the ability (or inability) of the newly elected judge to be completely fair to everyone and to optimally function in this very important office from day one. Because circuit judges handle a wide variety of cases in both civil and criminal disciplines of the legal profession, the next judge in line to take office should not just be willing but ready and, most importantly, fully capable of handling just about any type of case litigants seeking legal redress would present to the court. I courtroom, supervisory, and administrative experience of the two candidates in the Group 29 race. I have been making tough decisions as a prosecutor for a quarter century, and am ready to sit as a Circuit Judge from day one. I have earned the trust and respect of the people who know the candidates and the justice system the best, and that is why the overwhelming majority of leaders in the community who have endorsed in this race, are supporting me. Most important issues: I believe that we need judges who will be fair, but who understand that the role of the judiciary is to be impartial, and not with any sort of agenda. That a judges role is to protect and uphold the constitution, and to provide justice for all of our citizens. Circuit judges hold a great deal of power and responsibility in our system. They can take someones house, their children, and even their life. Thus, it is critical to put people in those positions who have earned the respect and trust of the citizens who know them the best. As a bottom line, the major issues as I see it are experience, trust, temperament, and character.

alvin Wellington BarloW, Sr.

Suzanne BaSS

Age: 51 Education: Raines High School; bachelors and J.D., University of Florida Family: Wife, Cassandra (24 years); children, Keisha, Alvin Jr., and Alanna Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: The strongest qualifications I have to hold and be very successful in this office are my 27 years of experience practicing law in two states in multiple disciplines of law, intelligence, mental toughness and moral conviction. I am also doggedly committed to providing equal justice under the law to every person subject to the courts jurisdiction. It is my view that only the facts and the applicable law should matter, not the litigants personal attributes, issues or characteristics unless they are a central factor in the matter before the bar of justice. I have consistently acted as a consensus builder in society, often serving as a mediator between warring factions of varying races, cultures and persuasions. Most important issues: The

Mark Borello

Age: 49 Family: Wife, Jacqueline (23 years), children: Michelle, Katherine, Matthew, Zachary Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: I have served the people of our community for over 25 years as an Assistant State Attorney, fighting for the rights of crime victims, and rising to become one of the top prosecutors in the state. I have been a Director in the office for 14 years, and most recently served as the Director of Circuit Court. I have the most

Age: 60 Education: B.A., Emory University; J.D., University of Richmond Family: Husband, Fred (19 years); daughter, Helen Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: My MartindaleHubble AV peer rating for highest ethical standards and legal ability; my 30+ years of state and federal court room experience as both a former prosecutor and criminal defense attorney; my Florida Supreme Court certification as a Circuit Family Mediator; my experience as an adjunct professor at Florida Coastal School of Law; and my 20+ years of owning and operating my own private practice. Most important issue: Did not respond

John Merrett

Age: 51 Education: Bishop Kenny High School; bachelors degree, Jacksonville University; Florida State University College of Law Family: Wife, Susan (29 years); sons, Elijah, Jacob Previous elected offices: Elected Circuit Court Judge in 2006. Qualifications: Presided over innumerable cases, including every kind of Circuit Court case. Hired by Ed Austin and worked over six years as an Assistant State Attorney. Conducted over 100 jury trials. Worked for 3 years in the Special Operations Unit, supervising electronic surveillance and prosecuting organized crime. Private practice for 13 years. Most important issue: After

more than 25 years in the justice system, including the last six as a judge, I knows what it takes. Whether it was my years working for Ed Austin or my 13 years in private practice or my last six as a judge, I have experience in every kind of Circuit Court case. You are electing a trial judge and the demands of justice require someone with the experience and dedication to perform that task. Every person who steps into the courtroom deserves to be on an equal footing and to be treated with the same dignity and respect. I understand the proper role of a judge and will always follow the law and Constitution. If elected, I will uphold the law as written and never legislate from the bench.

Duval County Judge group 12

ruth ann hepler
Age: 46 Education: Bachelors degree, University of Missouri; J.D., University of Florida Family: Wife, Carey (21 years); daughters Janie, Patti, Sally Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: I am the most experienced candidate in the race. My legal career includes 13-plus years at the Public Defenders Office (including almost eight years in county court); more than three years in my own solo practice handling criminal defense, family law, adoptions, juvenile delinquency and dependency, domestic violence injunctions, guardianships, and general civil litigation; and more than four years with my current law partner, Mike Sullivan, handling Social Security disability claims and criminal defense. I serve on the Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, to which I was appointed by the Supreme Court in 2009. Most important issues: With respect to issues that are likely to come before the court, judicial candidates are not permitted to make pledges, promises, or commitments that are inconsistent with the impartial performance of the adjudicative duties of the office. Judicial candidates also shall act in a manner consistent with the impartiality, integrity, and independence of the judiciary. These provisions of the Code of Judicial Conduct are interpreted broadly, and accordingly I do not believe that it would be appropriate to answer this question.

Michelle kalil

Duval Clerk of Circuit Court

DeMoCraT

Brenda a. prieStly JackSon

Age: 45 Education: Bachelors degree, Grambling State University; masters, University of North Florida, J.D., University of Florida College of Law Family: Husband, DeAndre (24 years); children, Imani, Malik, Kalif, Kya Previous elected office: Duval County School Board, 2002-2010 Qualifications: I believe that not only my experience as an attorney and a former teacher, but also my commitments to public service are my strongest qualifications. If elected the Clerk of the Circuit Court, I will ensure that we have a clerks office that is citizen/taxpayer centered and provides high quality services that are accessible, accountable and efficient. Most important issues: Increasing digital usability for the employees of the clerks office and the citizens in our community. Providing the public with expanded access to the clerks office and hands-on knowledge about the functions of the clerks office. Creating liaisons with schools to increase the civic engagement of or communitys young people. What management skills or experience will I bring to this office? I will bring my experience as an eightrepubliCan

year member of the Duval County School Board and twice chairman. In that role, I was one of seven members charged with the governance and management oversight of a $1.7 billion budget. Also, I will bring my most recent experience as special advisor and general counsel at a small private college. In that role, I was a member of the executive team and responsible for restructuring, realignment and management of a $2.6 million state grant, creating a senior staff executive review process, including both a mid-year and summative review, creating, in collaboration with members of senior staff, the college presidents five years goals as aligned with the colleges strategic plan, governmental relations work, and legal advising. Lastly, I maintained a private law practice for over 15 years.

Bill hodgeS

Age: 58 Education: Bachelors degree, American University; masters, Florida State University Family: Wife, Connie (24 years); sons, David, Mark Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: I have more than two decades of leadership experience serving the city of Jacksonville, including 17 years as Chief Administrative Officer of

the State Attorneys Office under Harry Shorstein. I have effectively and efficiently led organizations that serve the citizens of Duval County. My lifetime of public service even includes starting my career after graduating school in the Clerk of Courts office in Marion County, Florida. At the State Attorneys Office, I am most proud of my work leading juvenile diversion programs to help give our kids more opportunities and a brighter future. Most important issues: I would make the office the most technologically advanced in the State of Florida by immediately putting in place a much more user-friendly website where folks could find forms, ask for assistance and get the information they need in an easy-to-use and efficient manner. I also intend to do aggressive public outreach to explain the functions of the Clerks office to the public and educate our young people about civics and the court system. Finally, I would also research best practices from around the state and bring those to our Clerks office. What management skills or experience would you bring to the office? I was part of the management team at the State Attorneys office where I was Chief Administrative Officer in charge of leading a complex organization of more than 300 employees in three counties. I was also a key advisor to Mayor Alvin Browns transition team.

Age: 38 Education: Bachelors degree, J.D., University of Florida Family: Husband, Darin (6 years); son, Matthew Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: I am the most experienced candidate running for this office. I have spent the majority of my career in the courtroom. Ive participated in more than 50 jury trials, and tried almost every type of criminal case. I have had the opportunity to serve as a division chief with the Fourth Judicial Circuits Public Defenders Office which provided me the opportunity to serve as a mentor to many young attorneys. As a county judge, I would preside over cases often handled by young prosecutors and public defenders. My experience as a division chief, and well seasoned trial attorney have prepared me well for this role. Most important issues: One of the weaknesses I see with the current system is the inconsistency that often remains in terms of sentencing. I have spoken with many lawyers and judges who agree that what most attorneys desire most from our bench is predictable application of the law by our judges. In my experience with more than 50 jury trials I have seen that many times how justice is served depends on which judge you appear before. I think that, for the most part, we have a very strong judiciary. However, I believe our system could be improved with more consistency in terms of following the law and applicable sentences.

rhonda peopleSWaterS

JiM Fuller

Age: 62 Education: Bachelors degree, Aviation Management, Troy University Family: Wife, Barbara (40 years); daughters, Amy, Mandy; six grandsons Previous elected offices: State House of Representatives, 1992-2000. Clerk of Courts, 2000-present Qualifications: In the Navy and Legislature and now as Clerk Ive had lots of experience managing people and assets. In the Legislature, I was Appropriations Chairman over 13 agency budgets. Most important issues: To continue the seamless, paperless electronic process in the courthouse. Next I want to tie in the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, Public Defenders Office and the State Attorneys Office while continuing efficient customer service and cost management.

How would you deal with budget cuts? I have brought the Clerks Office from a DOS system in 2000 to a paperless court system today. We were the first of the large counties to go paperless in the courtroom. I have the lowest cost per case of all 67 counties in the state.

ronnie FuSSell

Age: 55 Education: Attended FCCJ Family: Wife, Rebecca; son, Chandler Previous elected offices: I served six years on the City Council At Large, Group 1 Qualifications: The experience I gained in customer-oriented private business coupled with the knowledge and experience of serving in both the legislative and executive branches of government makes me unique. I have a working knowledge of government and I understand

the importance of efficiency while caring for the customer. Most important issues: 1) I will work to improve our public service work environment, which will allow us as employees to better serve the citizens of Duval County. 2) I will work to improve efficiencies by working with other branches of government to create a more accessible streamlined process. 3) I will continue to enhance technology to increase speed and accessibility for customers, employees and jurors. What management skills or experience would you bring to the office? I bring my experience in both the public and private sectors will serve the community and the office of the Clerk of the Court well. This experience includes leading an organization with more than 800 members, running my own business and serving for six years on the City Council, including a term as City Council President.

Age: 38 Education: Bachelors degree, Fisk University/ Vanderbilt University; J.D., University of Florida Family: Single; daughter, Jasmine Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: I have a diverse legal background encompassing criminal and civil law. I served as a division chief for both Repeat Offender Courts during my tenure at the Public Defenders Office. I earned the Trial God award along with several other recognitions and had more than 45 jury trials. I am well-versed in the civil arena as well. In addition, to some outstanding work in a notable civil private firm, I have run my own law firm for several years. For years now, I have litigated and negotiated a significant number of personal injury cases. I have diligently handled hundreds of cases involving the civil practice of law. I also bring widespread experience in the areas of family, probate, small claims, and dependency law. The Fraternal Order of Polices endorsement of me, considering that I have been on the opposite side for thirteen years indicates that I am duly qualified and will follow the law. Most important issues: Proven leadership and a true heart for service are great factors in this campaign. I have exhibited immense leadership in the Jacksonville community. I served as a Jacksonville City Ethics Commissioner for years, where I recently chaired the Open Government and Transparency Committee. I am an alumnus of the Political Leadership Institute sponsored by the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. I served as the President of D.W. Perkins Bar Association which was honored to receive the state chapter award under my presidency.

St. Johns County State attorney

r.J. larizza
Age: 54 Education: n/a Family: Wife, Trish; two children, one grandchild Previous elected office: State attorney since 2008 No other information available; go to Jacksonville.com for update Age: 62 Education: n/a Family: Widow; six children, eight grandchildren Previous elected office: Volusia County judge, 1990-2012 No other information available; go to Jacksonville.com for update

StaSia Warren