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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

of McLean County

Guide for
JUDICIAL
ELECTIONS
2008
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS’
GUIDE FOR JUDICIAL ELECTIONS 2008

The League of Women Voters of McLean County is proud to present


this Voters’ Guide for Judicial Elections. Traditionally, it is difficult
for voters to get helpful information on judicial candidates who are
on the ballot for election and retention. This guide is designed to
fill that void. We hope that you, the voter, will read the information
in this guide carefully and use it when you vote. The guide includes
biographical information about the three judges running for election
for Circuit Court and the three judges running for retention, which
requires a 60% majority. Also included are judges’ responses to two
questions, as well as the results from attorney surveys sent by both
the McLean County League of Women Voters and the Illinois Bar
Association.
The Illinois Court System
The Illinois Constitution guarantees every resident his or her day in court
“for injuries and wrongs which he may receive to his person, privacy,
property, or reputation.”

The judiciary in Illinois is composed of three levels: Circuit Courts, Appellate


Courts, Supreme Court.

Circuit Court is the “court of original The Supreme Court is the highest
jurisdiction” and is the trial court court in Illinois and the ultimate
in Illinois. McLean County is in the court of review with responsibility
eleventh judicial circuit. for the interpretation of state laws
and the Illinois Constitution. It has
The Circuit Court seven justices.
• can decide, with few exceptions,
any kind of case. The exceptions The Supreme Court
are redistricting of the general • has general administrative and
assembly and the ability of the supervisory authority over all
governor to serve or resume courts in the state.
office. • hears appeals from lower courts.
• is comprised of elected Circuit • may exercise original jurisdiction
Judges and appointed Associate in cases relating to revenue,
Judges. mandamus, prohibition or habeas
__________________________________ corpus.
__________________________________
Appellate Court hears appeals from
the Circuit Court. McLean County is
All elected Illinois Judges are
in the fourth district and has seven
• elected on an at-large basis in
Appellate Judges.
each of the counties of their
judicial circuit or are elected on
The Appellate Court
a resident basis in their respective
• reviews transcripts of the trial
county.
and briefs filed by interested
• placed on a regular election
parties, considers oral
ballot the first time; thereafter
arguments from lawyers, and
are placed on a retention ballot
determines if the law was
and must win by 60% to retain
correctly applied by the trial
their position.
court.
• sets precedent for the circuit
courts in their region on the
proper way to apply the law.
Judge Jennifer H. Bauknecht
Running for Election
Education
• John Marshall Law School, Juris Doctorate, 1994
• University of Illinois, Bachelor of Liberal Arts &
Sciences, 1990

Admitted to the Illinois Bar--October, 1994

Job History
• Associate Judge of the 11th Judicial Circuit, 2005-July 2008
• Blakeman, Schrock & Bauknecht, Ltd., Pontiac, IL.
Associate, 1996-2000; Partner, 2000-05
• Hinshaw & Culbertson, Chicago, IL
Associate, 1994-96
• Coregis, formerly Crum & Forster Managers Corp., Chicago, IL
Senior Claims Rep, 1992-94
• The Royal Insurance Company, Aurora, IL
Claims Rep, 1990-92

Civic and Community Activities


• Livingston County Youth Improvement Team, 2005-present
• Livingston County Commission on Child and Youth, 2005- present
• OSF St. James Medical Center, Community Advisory Board Member,
2001-present
• United Way of Pontiac Board Member, 1999-2002,
President 2002; Campaign Director-2001
League Questions & Judge’s Responses

1. In what ways do you think the justice system could be improved?

Throughout my life, in the various jobs and positions that I have held, I
have always tried to leave things a little bit better than when I came. Never
has that been more important to me than now as I look forward to this
new endeavor. Before me, I see a system that runs smoothly and works
well. Yet, there are always opportunities for improvement from systems
and procedures to assignments and scheduling and updating from old
technology to the new and latest technology. The challenge for all of us is to
identify those opportunities for improvement and work together to better
serve the public.

2. What professional, civic and other life experiences have you had that
you believe qualifies you for this elective office?

To me, serving as Resident Circuit Judge means more than rendering justice
fairly and impartially in the courtroom. It is a position that carries a unique
opportunity and responsibility to make our community a better place for
everyone, particularly the children and youth. Through my past and current
involvement with various civic organizations, I have seen that people
working together for the good of others can make a positive difference in the
quality of life we have here in Livingston County. As Resident Circuit Judge, I
will remain connected to our community’s needs and pledge to be a positive
influence on our citizens through my actions both inside and outside of the
courtroom.
Judge Robert Freitag
Running for Election
Education
• University of Illinois College of Law
Juris Doctorate, 1987
• Illinois State University
B.S. in Political Science, Magna cum Laude, 1984
• Moraine Valley Community College,
Associate Arts Degree, with Honors, 1981

Admitted to Illinois Bar--November 5, 1987

Job History
• State of Illinois, Eleventh Judicial Circuit
Associate Circuit Judge, 2000-present
• McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office
Assistant State’s Attorney, 1991-2000
• Woodford County State’s Attorney’s Office
Assistant State’s Attorney, 1990-91
• McLean County Public Defender’s Office
Assistant Public Defender, 1989-90
• Anthony Novak and Associates
Associate attorney, 1987-89

Civic and Community Activities


• United States Army Reserve Major, Judge Advocate General’s Corps
(Depolyed to Iraq 2005-2006)
• Volunteer Firefighter/EMT, Carlock Fire Protection District
• Illinois State University Alumni Association, Board of Directors
• Bloomington Kiwanis Club
• Pack Leader/Chairman, Carlock Cub Scout Pack 44
• Coach/Umpire, Carlock Youth Softball League
• Parent volunteer, St. Patrick Church of Merna Youth Ministry
League Questions & Judge’s Responses

1. In what ways do you think the justice system could be improved?

The justice system must be responsive to the societal conditions that cause
crowded court dockets, such as offenders who abuse drugs or have mental
health issues. To improve the system, we must continue to develop and
improve treatment courts in these areas. I am proud to have been involved
in the drug court movement in McLean County from the beginning, and am
currently involved in developing a mental health court. By addressing these
segments of the population, we can create avenues to remove appropriate
offenders from the traditional criminal courts and provide a more effective
deterrent by addressing their underlying drug or mental health issues.

2. What professional, civic and other life experiences have you had that
you believe qualifies you for this elective office?

I have had the privilege of serving the citizens of the Eleventh Circuit as
an associate judge for the past 7 ½ years, and I believe that experience is
indeed the best preparation for the additional responsibilities of serving as
a Circuit Judge. Throughout my adult life, I have striven to provide service
for my family, community, and my country. My military service, as well as
my civic volunteer activities, have been very personally fulfilling for me. I
believe that first and foremost, a judge is a public servant, and I believe that
my commitment to providing public service evidenced by my past activities
has prepared me well to continue that service in this elective office.
Judge Thomas M. Harris, Jr.
Running for Election
Education
• University of Colorado, J.D.-1988
• University of Illinois, BA.-1985

Admitted to the Bar--1988

Job History
• Associate Judge, 2007-present
• Jerome Mirza and Associates (civil trial practice), 1991-2007
• Logan Co. State’s Attorney’s Office (part time prosecutor), 1989-91
• Harris & Harris (general practice law firm), 1988-91

Civic and Community Activities


• Chester-East Lincoln School Board, 2004-07
• Illinois Bar Foundation Board of Directors
• Prairie State Legal Services, pro bono attorney
League Questions & Judge’s Responses

1. In what ways do you think the justice system could be improved?

Individuals brought into court sometimes distrust the legal system. This
is probably in part due to a lack of understanding as to the law and the
procedures that control their case. To address this problem, judges should
use greater care, especially where the party is not represented by a lawyer,
to explain the procedures and the law to the litigants. If a party does not
understand why a ruling was made, there is less of a chance that she will
respect it or even abide by it. However, if the judge goes out of his way to
explain the process, the law, and his ruling, in lay terms, there is a greater
chance that the litigant will leave the courthouse feeling that she has been
treated fairly.

2. What professional, civic and other life experiences have you had that
you believe qualifies you for this elective office?

I believe my work as a trial lawyer has given me both the knowledge and
experience to be a good trial judge. A trial judge must be familiar with the
rules of evidence and he must be capable of quickly ruling on objections. In
addition, I believe my work for charitable and civic groups has allowed me
greater empathy for individuals who are living on the margins in our society.
Judge G. Michael Prall
Running for Retention
Education
• Illinois College of Law, J.D.-1972
• University of Illinois, B.A.-1969

Admitted to the Bar--1972

Job History
• Circuit judge, 1996-present
• Associate Circuit Judge, 1991-96
• Private practice, Bloomington, Illinois, 1977-91
(practicing in civil and criminal courts)
• Logan County, Assistant State’s Attorney, 1976-77
• Fourth District Statewide Appellate Prosecutors Office, principal
attorney, 1975-76
• Circuit Attorney Project, staff attorney, attorney-in-charge, 1972-75

Civic and Community Activities


• Washington School PTO
• American Legion Baseball
• Prairie City Soccer League
• Youth Impact
• Eucharistic minister, St. Patrick’s Church of Merna
League Questions & Judge’s Responses

1. In what ways do you think the justice system could be improved?

I am a strong supporter of the many programs and initiatives of the Eleventh


Circuit Court which will serve to improve our court system for the benefit
of the citizens of the Circuit including: McLean County Drug Court; Family
Coordinating Council; Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiatives; Legal
Self-Help Center; Mental Health Court Initiative; Pre-Trial Services/Jail
Population Review; and Truancy Review Board.

2. What professional, civic and other life experiences have you had that
you believe qualifies you for this elective office?

I am a member of the McLean County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar


Association, Illinois Judges Association and the Robert C. Underwood Inn
of Court where I served as president in 2005-2006. I am currently the
presiding judge of the civil division of the McLean County Circuit Court.
I previously served as presiding judge in both the criminal and family
divisions of the court. I have served on numerous committees of the court
and am currently co-chair of the jury commission. I also served on the
judicial committee that developed the Judicial Pandemic Plan for McLean
County.

I published an article and was a faculty member for the Judicial Domestic
Violence Seminar of the Administrative Office of the Illinois courts. I have
also served as a presenter or faculty member for the following: Illinois
State Bar Association Law Ed. Series; Illinois Department of Alcoholism and
Substance Abuse, Judge’s DUI Training Program; Illinois State’s Attorney’s
Association.
Judge Charles Reynard
Running for Retention
Education
• Loyola University College of Law, J.D., 1974
• St. Joseph’s College, B.A., English, 1968

Admitted to the Bar--1974

Job History
• Circuit Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, 2002-present
• State’s Attorney of McLean County, 1987-2002
• Private general practice of law, 1978-1987
• McLean County Assistant Public Defender, 1978-1983
• Adjunct Professor of Legal Studies, Illinois State University, 1977-92
• McLean County Assistant State’s Attorney, 1975-1978
• Private general practice of law, 1974-1975

Civic and Community Activities


• Founding Chair and Member, McLean County Children’s Advocacy Center
Board of Directors
• Co-founder, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program
• Youth Impact
• Community Compact
• Co-founder, Domestic Violence Task Force
• Illinois Violence Prevention Authority
• Fight Crime: Invest in Kids Illinois, Co-chairman
• National Judicial Education Program (National Organization of Women)
• Domestic Violence Training & Curriculum Task Force for 2007 Ed., Model
Domestic Violence Protocol for Law Enforcement, Prosecution, and the
Judiciary
• Topic Editor, Ill. Judicial Benchbook on Domestic Violence Committee
(2007 Ed., Admin. Office of the Ill. Courts)
• Faculty, Judicial Educ. Division, Admin. Office of the Ill. Courts
• Workshop presenter to residents of juvenile detention centers in McLean
and Cook Counties
League Questions & Judge’s Responses

1. In what ways do you think the justice system could be improved?

Reducing delay in court proceedings is an important priority. “Justice


delayed is justice denied.” Judges, lawyers, and court staff can continue
to work together to improve the justice process. Technology and inter-
disciplinary collaboration have produced many improvements. More can
be done. We need additional community resources supporting alternative
dispute resolution, drug court and domestic violence court programs, victim-
offender conferencing programs, as well as to continue expanding judicial
outreach to schools and community organizations for community justice
education. We should continue to develop and implement evidence-based
practices, i.e., those practices that empirical research establish as effective
to reduce criminal recidivism, particularly by collaboration with community
organizations, local universities, and local agencies.

2. What professional, civic and other life experiences have you had that
you believe qualifies you for this elective office?

My professional experiences have given me a balanced approach to my


judicial responsibilities. Representing criminal defendants, as well as crime
victims, gave me a respect for both prosecution and defender roles in the
courtroom. Representing children, as victims and as offenders, sensitizes me
to the special needs of this population. My civic and community experiences,
including management experiences, have demonstrated what the justice
system can do in collaboration with community organizations. Examples
include: Domestic Violence Task Force; current resources for court diversion
programs; CASA program; local child support enforcement program;
internship programs; job shadowing programs; community child abuse
prevention efforts.
Judge James E. Souk
Running for Retention
Education
• University of Illinois College of Law, J.D. with honors,
1974
• West Virginia University, B.A. with high honors, 1966

Admitted to the Bar--1974

Job History
• Circuit Judge, 2002-present
• 11th Judicial Circuit, Associate Judge, 1997-2002
• McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office, Assistant State’s Attorney & Chief
Prosecutor, Felony Division, 1991-97
• Dobrovolny & Souk, partner, 1979-91
• Champaign County, Assistant State’s Attorney, 1976-79
• Jenner & Block, associate, 1975-76
• Illinois Supreme Court, law clerk for Chief Justice Robert C. Underwood,
1975-76
• Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office, law student intern, 1973

Civic and Community Activities


• Home Sweet Home Mission Board of Directors
• Youth Impact Board
• McLean County Child Protection Network Board
• Kiwanis
• Baby Fold Treatment Advisory Committee
• Workshop presenter to residents of juvenile detention centers in McLean
and Cook Counties
League Questions & Judge’s Responses

1. In what ways do you think the justice system could be improved?

The successful implementation of the McLean County Drug Court has been
encouraging. Such specialty courts may be useful for other types of cases,
such as domestic violence and mental health, so expanded use of specialized
courts should be fully explored. Electronic monitoring should be available
to enable judges to fashion the fairest possible sentences and to best utilize
our jail facilities. Jury service can prove burdensome and judges, lawyers and
court personnel should exercise greater diligence to insure that jurors are
utilized efficiently and that the sacrifices required of jurors are minimized.

The judicial process moves too slowly at times and judges must exercise
their authority to move cases to completion as soon as possible. The interest
of the public, as well as the litigants, is best served by the expeditious
resolution of cases.

2. What professional, civic and other life experiences have you had that
you believe qualifies you for this elective office?

Prior to becoming a judge, my legal career involved a wide range of


experiences, which were excellent preparation for my judicial career. Those
include: a year as law clerk for Chief Justice Robert C. Underwood of the
Illinois State Supreme Court; 12 years in private practice with extensive trial
court practice in all types of cases heard by circuit judges, criminal, family,
juvenile, adoption and civil; eight years as prosecutor trying 10 murder cases
and more than 60 felony jury trials. The five years before appointment as
an associate judge were spent as McLean County’s Chief Felony Prosecutor.
During 11 years as a judge, the last as a Circuit Judge, I have been assigned
to every division of the Circuit Court and now have significant experience
hearing every type of criminal, civil and family case.

My other life experience outside the law has been crucial in preparing me
for my judicial duties and include: four years service as an Air Force officer;
community service in many organizaions such as The Baby Fold, Home
Sweet Home Mission, Kiwanis and the McLean County Child Protection
Network; raising our large family of eight children.
MCLEAN COUNTY LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Judicial Advisory Survey 2008

The McLean County League of Women Voters sent an advisory poll


to all licensed attorneys practicing law within the Eleventh Judicial
Circuit. Attorneys were asked to respond only if they had been in front
of the judge running for election or retention. The following graphs
show the results of the survey. These results are based on a 1-5 scale
with 1 = poor, 2 = below average, 3 = average, 4 = above average, 5 =
excellent. Although there are clear differences in the ratings here, it
should be noted that ALL judges achieved evaluations in the HIGH to
VERY HIGH range in all areas.

Bauknecht Freitag Harris Prall Reynard Souk


MCLEAN COUNTY LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Judicial Advisory Survey 2008

Bauknecht Freitag Harris Prall Reynard Souk

Bauknecht Freitag Harris Prall Reynard Souk


MCLEAN COUNTY LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Judicial Advisory Survey 2008

Bauknecht Freitag Harris Prall Reynard Souk

Bauknecht Freitag Harris Prall Reynard Souk


MCLEAN COUNTY LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Judicial Advisory Survey 2008

Bauknecht Freitag Harris Prall Reynard Souk

Bauknecht Freitag Harris Prall Reynard Souk


Illinois State Bar Association
Judicial Advisory Polls 2008

This advisory poll was sent to all ISBA members in the


circuit or district from which a candidate seeks election.
Attorneys are asked to respond only if they have sufficient
knowledge about a candidate to give an informed opinion.
To be recommended, candidates must receive 65% or more
yes responses to the “Meets requirements of the office”
question.
ELECTION & VOTING INFORMATION

Voter Registration Information


Voter registration is a record of your qualification to vote. You must
be registered appropriately before you can vote, sign nomination
petitions, or sign petitions for questions of public policy.

Registration Requirements
You must be 18 years or older; a citizen of the United States; a resident
of the precinct for at least 30 days before any election. You must
present two forms of identification – one with name only and one with
proof of address. If you register by mail, you must vote in person the
first time and show identification.

Registration by Mail
Registration forms and instructions are available on line at becvote.
org and mcleancountyil.gov/CountyClerk.

Registration Deadlines
You may register year round, except during the 27 days before an
election and two days after an election.

Registration “Grace Period”


In 2006, a new law established “grace period” registration. Under this
law you may register, in person, from the 27th to the 14th day before
an election. If you register to vote using the “grace period” law, you
must then vote at the site where you registered or by absentee ballot.
You are not allowed to vote under the Early Voting law nor can you
vote at your polling place on Election Day.

Change of Name or Address


You are required to re-register if you move or change your name. If
you move within 28 days of an election but stay in the same precinct,
you may vote if you sign an affidavit.

Change of Address
If you have moved within McLean County, you must either transfer
your registration or re-register from your new address. This must be
done no later than 28 days before an election. You may do any of the
following:
• Complete the back of your voter registration card and mail it to
the Board of Election Commissioners.
• Complete a change of address form, available at the Board of
Election Commissioners web site, and mail it to the Board.
• Notify the Board of Election Commissioners, in writing, of your
address change.

Change of Name
If you change your name, you must cancel your former registration
and re-register with a new application and a new signature.

Polling Places
Your polling place is on your voter registration card, or you may
contact the Board of Election Commissioners, Normal City Hall, or the
McLean County Clerk to locate your polling place.

Absentee Voting
You may be eligible to vote by mail if you will be away from your
residence on Election Day. To vote absentee, you must be a registered
voter and meet one or more of the following criteria:
• You expect to be absent from McLean County on Election Day.
• You are a college student temporarily living away from your home
precinct.
• You have election-related duties outside your home precinct.
• You have jury duty on Election Day.
• You are in jail waiting trial and are not currently serving a jail
sentence.
• You are hospitalized or incapacitated.
• Your religious beliefs prevent you from voting on Election Day.

You must apply no less than 30 days before the next election.

Early Voting
Early voting allows you to vote early without a specific reason.
When you vote early, you must present a driver’s license or other
government documentation which has your photograph. If you vote
early, you may not vote on Election Day.
NOTES

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Contact Information

More information on voter registration


or elections is available at:

Board of Election Commissioners


115 E. Washington St., Rm. 403, Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 888-5136
becvote.org

Town of Normal, City Clerk


100 E. Phoenix Ave., Normal, IL 61761
(309) 454-0509 or 454-0508
normal.org/gov/clerk/voterregistration.asp

McLean County Clerk’s Office


115 E. Washington St., Rm. 102, Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 888-5932
mcleancountyil.gov/countyclerk

The League of Women Voters


of McLean County
lwvmclean.org

This voters’ guide is supported


by a grant from
The Program on Constitutional and Legal Policy
of the Open Society Institute
and
The League of Women Voters Education Fund

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