Home > Primary motivations: A revised list of candidate profiles

Primary motivations: A revised list of candidate profiles

By DOUG McMURDO, Las Vegas Legal News — Voters during the June 8 primary cut the wheat from chaff, and only time will tell if they kept the chaff and threw away the wheat, or vice versa.

Below is a recalibrated list of candidate profiles provided by those who survived the primary and bothered to send Las Vegas Legal News answers to questions.

Good luck to those with races in November and a heartfelt thank you to those less fortunate who at least had the courage to get in the political ring.

Nancy Allf

Department 27

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?

I have financed the campaign thus far with a personal contribution and fundraising efforts from donors.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

Yes, I am accepting contributions from attorneys, including trial attorneys.

3. Will you recuse yourself from cases in which the litigants contributed to your campaign, or to your opponent’s campaign? If not, will you disclose these relationships at the soonest possible moment in the litigation process?

The U.S. Supreme Court has made a ruling on this matter which is precedent which Judges must follow. If the amount of the contribution is significant; or if you think your judgment may be affected by the donor having a case in front of you, there is a requirement to recuse. I intend to strictly follow not only the ethical rules that apply to Judges in Nevada, but also the mandates of the U.S. Supreme Court. I also feel it important to disclose when campaign donors have cases before me, should I be successful in this election, even though this information is readily available on the Secretary of State’s Web site, or on my campaign Web site.

I have not refused any attorney contributions based upon the possibility that the attorney may have a case against me in the future. However, as discussed above I do believe it important to disclose when campaign donors may have cases in my courtroom.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

Yes, I believe the ethical rules in effect require all attorneys to report ethics violations to the State Bar. I am also aware that a great number of attorney grievances are currently reported by judges.

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

In my personal life, I always try to be punctual but I am not perfect. In my professional life, I place great importance on punctuality. As a judge, I realize that public service requires punctuality.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

Although the ethical rules which govern attorneys require zealous advocacy, this can always be accomplished with civility. There would be a culture of civility in my courtroom.

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

Yes.

9. What is your judicial philosophy?

It is the job of the trial courts to enforce the law, by enforcing the plain language of the Constitution, laws and precedents, and not to make law. It is the job of trial courts to serve the needs of the community by dispensing justice evenhandedly, by applying the law evenly and fairly to everyone, for judges to work hard to do this, and for judges to treat all litigants with respect.

10. What are your qualifications?

I have been practicing law in Las Vegas since 1983, and have experience trying civil cases in state court, federal court and bankruptcy court. The seat I’m running for is intended to be assigned civil cases only. I have served as an appointed judge in each level of the state court system, by being a pro tem judge in Municipal Court, serving as a referee in small claims court (Justice Court), serving as a Short Trial judge in District Court, and by previously being a Settlement Judge for the Nevada Supreme Court, so I also have judicial experience. I am a small business owner, and have my own small law firm, although I have practiced with medium and large law firms. I have applied for judicial vacancies in the past three times, and been named a finalist for appointment three times, so I have been vetted before.

Also, I have run for office previously, so I have been exposed to the rigors of campaigning. Additionally, I have served my profession by volunteering both for the Clark County Bar Association and the State Bar of Nevada, which includes serving as president of these organizations in 1999 and 2007-2008. I have lived in Las Vegas since 1982 and have been active in the community. My family lives in Las Vegas, and I have a strong personal support base, including a loving, stable marriage. Lastly, I have the right work ethic, knowledge of the law and moral compass to do the job well. I know I can use my personal and professional life experience to assist in providing justice to the community.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

Yes, under the current proposal, three judges can be added to a court of appeals without increasing the budget, based upon use of current facilities and current staff. The Nevada Supreme Court has the highest caseload of any supreme court in the nation. I believe that some matters (including error correction and things like driver’s license revocation appeals) can be done more efficiently by a court of appeals, thus freeing up the Supreme Court to build the body of common law in Nevada. This will assist by making outcomes more predictable for litigants and attorneys. I hope the implementation of a court of appeals will result in less expense in time and money for litigants.

12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

No, although it’s a close call for me. The goal, of course, is to remove politics from the selection of judges. And I know we get good judges through the appointment process. However, I am not ready to give up my vote, and I believe judges must be responsible to the community they serve.

13. If you were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, would you vote more often with Justice Antonin Scalia or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

Probably neither, as I see myself as a moderate.

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Jack Howard

Department 28

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?

I have a large network of friends and legal associates which I’ve built up over my last 36 years as a community volunteer, practicing attorney, and advocate. I’m counting on them.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

Yes. I’m not going to discriminate against any group. Instead, I hope to build a campaign fund based on a wide variety of people and interests.

No. Judges are required by a Nevada State Supreme Court decision to hear every case and to treat every person equally, and to recuse only if actual bias or prejudice for or against a party exists. I’ve served as a Mediator, Arbitrator and as Judge Pro Tem in six different types of court without a single challenge or complaint that I favored one party over another. I certainly believe in transparency, and I will make a point to fully disclose if any party to a dispute questions my neutrality by virtue of donations to my campaign or to my opponent’s.

No. In my extensive experience as an Arbitrator and a Judge Pro Tem I have not accepted gifts and I certainly will not start. I will follow all judicial canons without exception or deviation.

Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

Absolutely. Cases sometimes get heated, but my long experience as an Arbitrator and as a Judge Pro Tem gives me the experience and ability to calm things down before someone does something rash. In those rare instances where unethical behavior is engaged in, I will be swift and decisive in my report to the State Bar to investigate, discipline and possibly disbar.

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

Yes. I’ve worked in many capacities as an attorney for 35 years—prosecutor, public defender, member of a large law firm, owner of my own law firm, arbitrator and Judge Pro Tem. In each of these settings I’ve understood my obligation to my clients and litigants to be prompt, prepared, and ready to work. That’s my established work ethic and I will continue as always and expect of court staff to do the same.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

Yes. As I mentioned in Question 5, issues can become heated between advocates, but my job as a judge is to keep the discussion focused on the facts of the case and the rule of law. And, I believe a judge must always set the ultimate example for civility and professional behavior. I always have, and I will certainly do so as judge in Department 28.

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

My first interest is in ensuring a fair trial. As long as there are no pronounced reasons against and no avoidable distractions to the trial because cameras are in the courtroom, my interest in transparency and openness makes me strongly in favor of allowing them there.

9. What is your judicial philosophy?

To understand a judicial philosophy, it is important to understand the candidate.

I’ve practiced law here in Clark County for the past 36 years. During that time I’ve been a prosecutor, a partner in a major law firm, owner of my own law firm, a long-time practitioner of civil, criminal, and family law. I currently serve as Judge Pro Tem in the Boulder City Municipal Court, and I have extensive experience as a Judge Pro Tem in six different jurisdictions. I’m also a skilled arbitrator and mediator, with thousands of decisions made.

My overall judicial philosophy is to afford people their actual day in court, in the most efficient and expedient way as possible. People, whether they can afford counsel or not, have a right to appear in court before the judge who will make a decision on their matter rather than merely receiving the decision based upon cold point and authorities. Justice means timely and decisively following the rule of law while also being aware of the ever changing economic and social realities and using wisdom, experience and compassion in reaching a fair and equitable result.

A judge in a civil law court such as the District Court, Department 28 seat I am seeking, has to have a strong work ethic and understand civil law and business to make an informed decision using the rule of law. I believe I have more experience in both categories than either of my opponents.

10. What are your qualifications?

I’ve touched on this throughout the questionnaire, but let me put it more succinctly:

I’ve practiced law longer, and in more areas and more settings, than my opponents.
I have far greater experience serving as a Judge Pro Tem than my opponents.
I am a skilled arbitrator and mediator, able to get to the crux of the matter which is essential for a judge in civil court, which is what Department 28 is.
As an author and lecturer on legal issues and procedures, I’ve sharpened my legal skills and been recognized for it.
I am the candidate with the longest, most varied experience in community volunteer service and, as a result, I believe I better understand our community.
As the endorsed candidate of police and veterans’ organizations, I’ve been recognized as the best choice by those who serve, and have served, our community and nation.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?
Ultimately I would support an intermediate Court of Appeals. Almost every other state has such courts to expedite the resolution of cases and weed out frivolous appeals. However, in these tough economic times, this should be delayed for cost reasons.

12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

Although the appointed process is a good concept it is, unfortunately, still highly political in nature. The election process has traditionally proven effective and rightfully gives voters the choice.

13. If you were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, would you vote more often with Justice Antonin Scalia or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

I agree both with Justice Scalia’s strict constitutional interpretations and sometimes with Justice Ginsburg’s broader modern social consciousness. Justice Anthony Kennedy who is a moderate conservative is consistently more to my liking.

Bio of Jack Howard

Jack Howard has the credentials to be the judge Southern Nevadans want. With 35 years of legal experience, Jack knows the law. As the owner of his own law firm for 26 years, Jack understands the perspective of a small business owner. As a parent and expert on adoption and children’s issues, he understands the viewpoint of the average family. As a long-time volunteer in the community and his profession, Jack knows the issues.

Jack Howard’s extensive legal experience began here in Southern Nevada in 1974. An Army veteran, Jack graduated from Occidental College and earned his juries doctorate from California Western School of Law. After clerking in District Court here in Southern Nevada, Jack passed the Nevada Bar and began in the Public Defender’s office in 1975. Several years later, he became a Deputy City Attorney and prosecutor for Las Vegas. For the last 10 years, Jack has served as a Special Prosecutor for the City of Las Vegas. Since 1981 Jack has been in private practice, handling criminal, civil and domestic law cases.

Jack Howard has been trusted to sit as Judge Pro Tem since the ‘80s, sitting in as a substitute judge in a variety of court settings. He served in the capacity of Judge Pro Tem in Juvenile Court; Child Support Court; Temporary Protective Orders Court; Guardianship Court and Boulder City Municipal Court. As an arbitrator Jack has decided hundreds of cases.

Jack Howard is an active volunteer in our community. He has provided hundreds of hours of pro bono legal work, been involved in numerous organizations, and has frequently been asked to lead charitable or public interest groups.

Jack Howard is a devoted father of three children. He is a past president Aid to Adoption of Special Kids, a past foster parent, a former coach of his children’s sports teams and much more. Learn more about Jack Howard at www.jackhowardonline.com.

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Michael D. Davidson

Michael Davidson

Department 30

1. How have/will you finance your campaign? 2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys? 3. Will you recuse yourself from cases in which the litigants contributed to your campaign, or to your opponent’s campaign? If not, will you at least disclose these relationships at the soonest possible moment in the litigation process? 4. Will you accept gifts from attorneys who could possibly have a case before you at anytime during your term? If so, will you disclose the acceptance of this gift at the soonest possible moment in the litigation process?

ANSWERS 1-4: I have initially funded my campaign with a personal loan. Campaign contributions will be solicited from a variety of businesses and individual supporters. It is true that attorneys who appear in court have a significant interest in seeing that only the most qualified candidates become judges and therefore express their preferences through campaign contributions. At the same time, every judge has the obligation to maintain independence from both actual and perceived bias. The canons of judicial ethics direct us to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Judges have the duty to hear all cases brought before the court unless recusal is warranted. There is no bright line rule as to when a campaign contribution is so large as to suggest the appearance of improper bias. Most experienced trial lawyers know that a modest contribution will not influence a judge, and all contributions of over $100 must be reported on public campaign disclosures. Contributions in excess of $1,000., however, might cause a litigant concern, and I will disclose that information to both parties as soon as possible. If an objection is made, I will recuse.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

I will not hesitate to report to the State Bar any attorney conduct which I find to be so unethical as to warrant some form of discipline. Minor, isolated, transgressions can best be handled through counseling or sanctions.

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

Punctuality is a courtesy deserved by all litigants.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

I will not only encourage civility, I will demand it.

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

Throughout my career, I have operated with a network pool camera in the courtroom for cases of media interest such as coroner’s inquests. The media should have access except in very unusual circumstances.

9. What is your judicial philosophy?

I am a judicial conservative. Judges are elected to interpret and apply the law as it is written by legislators. They should avoid making personal judgments as to the wisdom of any law.

10. What are your qualifications?

For over 20 years I was a top rated “AV” trial lawyer as a partner of law firms. My practice included criminal defense, civil, domestic, probate and other litigation in both state and federal courts. For 5 years I served as Clark County Assistant District Attorney in charge of the civil and family support divisions; also doing death penalty assessments and coroner’s inquests. For the past 5 years I have been the Chief Deputy City Attorney, Criminal in North Las Vegas. I was one of the original Nevada Supreme Court Settlement Judges and also served as a Juvenile Court Hearing Master pro-tem and a Small Claims Referee. I was on the Supreme Court Jury Improvement Commission; Children’s Justice Task Force; State Bar Board of Governors and am currently on the Board of the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, State Bar Law Related Education and Project REAL. Nevada Business Journal recently named me an “Elite Attorney” and I have received several “pro bono” and other awards.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

It is time for Nevada to join the vast majority of other states and create an intermediate court of appeals.

12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

The question of elected vs. appointed judges is a difficult one for me. Judges are charged with making life-altering decisions on a daily basis. It is frightening when an unqualified judge is given that responsibility. Citizens are provided a dearth of helpful information they can use to make ballot decisions and are often disinterested in down ticket races. On the other hand, I am a strong believer in the electoral process and am reluctant to see the judicial selection process become politicized. I think it unlikely Nevadans will give up the right to select our judges.

13. If you were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, would you vote more often with Justice Antonin Scalia or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

I reject any attempt at easy categorization. There are times I agree, or disagree, with the opinions of any particular Justice and will jealously guard the right to make my own judgments.

Bio of Michael D. Davidson

Michael D. Davidson has been practicing law in Southern Nevada since 1979 after receiving his Juris Doctor, with distinction, from the University of Arizona College of Law, where he served as Executive Editor of the Arizona Law Review.

Following 20 years as a private practice civil and criminal trial lawyer, Mike joined the Clark County District Attorney’s Office as Assistant District Attorney from 1998-2003. After a brief return to private practice, Mike was named Chief Deputy City Attorney, Criminal Division for North Las Vegas in December 2004.

Mike is a member of the State Bars of Nevada and Arizona and is admitted to practice in all Federal Courts including the United States Supreme Court. He has served as a Juvenile Court Alternate Referee; Small Claims Hearing Master; and as a Nevada Supreme Court Settlement Judge. Other service to the legal community includes two terms as a Nevada State Bar Governor; State Chair of the Fee Dispute Committee; Supreme Court Jury Improvement Commissioner; Nevada Children’s Justice Task Force; Nevada Center For Law Related Education Board of Governors.

Recognized with the highest “AV” legal and ethical rating by his peers, Mike has also received the Clark County Pro Bono Outstanding Domestic Relations Attorney Award; CASA Guardian Ad Litem Award and the Pro Bono Access to Justice Award as well as appearing in the Who’s Who in Practicing Attorneys; Who’s Who in Southern Nevada Business, and Nevada Business Journal’s “Elite Attorneys.”

Community activities include the Las Vegas Natural History Museum Board of Directors; Nevada High School Mock Trial Competition Judge; and Advisor to the Relevant Education About The Law Project.

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Joanna Kishner

Department 31

1. How will you finance your campaign? Judicial independence is the cornerstone of our legal system. As a judicial candidate, I will demonstrate impeccable ethics. I will not conduct my campaign in any manner that would potentially compromise my independence and impartiality if elected. I have been fortunate that my record of hard work and dedication has resulted in broad-based grassroots support from our community, which is assisting me in communicating my skills and qualifications to Southern Nevada residents. Financial contributions to my campaign will be recorded and filed in accordance with the applicable campaign contribution requirements.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

As noted above, I will ensure that my campaign is conducted in a manner that ensures my judicial independence and impartiality. If elected, I will always be impartial and never allow myself to be swayed by a particular interest or party. Any financial contribution that I receive will be recorded and reported in an appropriate and timely manner.

Our legal system is founded on the premise that each member of the judiciary will demonstrate integrity and independence. As a Judge, I will make sure that the public has confidence in how I conduct myself. My rulings will be fully researched, clearly articulated, and applied consistently in accordance with the law. Throughout my private practice, as well as during the numerous times that I have been fortunate to serve in various pro tem judicial capacities, and as an Arbitrator, I have ensured that I fully and timely disclose appropriate information and/or recuse myself as necessary so as to protect judicial independence. If elected as the District Court Judge in Department 31, I will continue this practice and will demonstrate the highest level of integrity.

as the District Court Judge in Department 31, I will continue to demonstrate unquestionable ethics and ensure that I do not do anything that could be perceived to impair my ability to rule fairly and impartially.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

Lawyers are responsible for knowing the law and advocating for their clients in an ethical and professional manner. In accordance with applicable law and sound practice, I will provide the necessary information to the appropriate entity.

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

Throughout my legal career, I have ensured that I arrive early to court appearances, meetings and appointments, since I consider being punctual is a sign of respect to others. If elected to the Judiciary I will continue to make sure that I am fully prepared and ready to hear any matters in a timely manner. I will also manage the courtroom effectively and efficiently. Absent extenuating circumstances, I would expect the same from those attorneys, litigants and courthouse staff who work with me or appear in court.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

In his 1961 inaugural address, John F. Kennedy stated that “civility is not a sign a weakness”, and those words are still true today. Attorneys, such as me, who treat our colleagues and others in the community with civility and respect, are demonstrating one of the positive attributes of the legal profession. I am fortunate as a judicial candidate to have the support of many of the attorneys with whom I have litigated. I am honored that when many of these attorneys expressed their support for my candidacy, they have stated that I have handled cases in which they were involved in a professional and ethical manner, which is what earned me their respect and support.

Further, during the last several years during the times that I have performed in pro tem judicial capacities and as an Arbitrator, I have encouraged positive professionalism of everyone who has appeared before me. As a full time Judge, I will continue to promote professionalism and civility not only among attorneys but also by courtroom staff, litigants, witnesses, and members of the public.

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

The role of the judiciary is to ensure that there is fairness, sound reasoning, and impartiality. I would ensure that these attributes are maintained in a manner that also enables the community to be informed on issues. Any request to allow a judicial proceeding to be video recorded will be considered fully and fairly in accordance with the law.9. What is your judicial philosophy?

Our community needs someone such as me who has the integrity, respect, experience, and hard work ethic that is necessary to be an effective and capable judge. If elected, I would be honored to be a public servant and would demonstrate that I have the skills and experience to be an effective, ethical, and well-reasoned resolver of disputes. I not only have the breadth and depth of legal experience but I also have the necessary temperament to ensure that the law is applied fairly, properly and consistently. As a member of the Judiciary, I would ensure that the community has confidence that the decisions I render are well reasoned in accordance with applicable law. I would demonstrate integrity and professionalism not only in the courtroom but also in the community at large.

10. What are your qualifications?

To be a member of the judiciary, an attorney should not only have a breadth and depth of experience and be well regarded among the current judiciary and her peers, but also the individual has to have demonstrated that she is intelligent, fair, and has integrity. She should also have a record of public service. I believe that I have all of these qualifications.

Since graduating from UCLA School of Law, over 20 years ago, I have litigated, mediated, and arbitrated a wide-range of cases, including complex litigation matters and class actions in various state and federal courts, as well as other forums. Given my cases have encompassed not only the state and federal court systems, but also administrative forums and alternative dispute arenas, I am able to understand and find creative solutions to try and resolve various cases effectively. As a result of my efforts, I have been recognized by several publications for my legal work including Chambers, Super Lawyers, and Best Lawyers.

In addition to my legal practice, I have judicial experience. I have had the honor of working in our court systems as a Justice of the Peace Pro Tem, a Pro Tem Small Claims Referee, a Pro Tem Traffic Court Referee, and as an Arbitrator for a number of years. In these roles, I have handled a wide variety of civil and criminal matters involving both pro se litigants and those represented by counsel. These real life experiences have helped me hone my skills so that I will be a dedicated and capable member of the judiciary. I know what it takes to run an efficient and effective courtroom, where not only are the needs of the litigants met, but also those of the attorneys and the community at large.

My commitment to the Southern Nevada community and public service is unparalleled. Since I was a youth in Las Vegas, I have contributed my time, skills, and resources to help numerous charitable and non-profit organizations. I have continued this commitment throughout my legal practice by donating significant time and resources to various pro bono projects including working with abused and neglected children and others less fortunate in Clark County. I also donate my time to various schools in Southern Nevada.

Through this combination of legal expertise, dedication to the community, and real life experiences, I can bring to the Judiciary the breadth and depth of skills necessary to make well-reasoned decisions that are not only fully researched, but also applied fairly and consistently.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

The most important issue here is protecting and preserving Nevada’s justice system so that each case can be handled in an effective and efficient manner so as to give the parties to the litigation, as well as the community as a whole, a well-reasoned determination of each matter in accordance with applicable law. As Nevada’s population has grown over the past number of years, there has been a resultant increase in both civil and criminal matters that have come before the trial courts. As a result, our Nevada Supreme Court’s caseload has also increased significantly. Other states have effectively established an appellate court system. Whether Nevadans determine that they wish to maintain the status quo or similarly seek an intermediary court, is best left for the voters to decide. Regardless of the outcome, it is imperative that we have a justice system that adequately serves every Nevadan. -

12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

I firmly believe in the need for judicial independence. No judge should be beholden to any special interest. Exactly how best to achieve that independence is a long-term debate. Whatever solution Nevadans determine best, it is always critical that judges be impartial and has the right legal and practical experience to serve on the bench. If I am elected, I will always be honest and transparent and never allow myself to be swayed by a particular interest or party.

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Rob Bare

Department 32

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?

Fifty percent self-funding and fifty percent fundraising.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

Yes, within the limits allowed by law.

I would not recuse myself from cases in which litigants contributed to my or my

opponent’s campaign, as a matter of course. If a conflict otherwise arises, I will keep an open mind and will recuse myself or disclose information as warranted in those instances. Nominal donations are such that no there is no practical need to disclose those. It would be appropriate to disclose donations that are more than nominal in nature. (This is public information pursuant to reporting statutes).

If “gifts” are being defined as a non-donation that is not a contribution of money or in kind to my campaign, then I will not accept it.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

Yes, especially in light of the fact that for the past 17 years I worked as bar counsel for the State Bar of Nevada prosecuting attorney discipline. As bar counsel, I encouraged judges to report unethical conduct that appeared in their courtroom to the State Bar for investigation.

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

Yes. When I was Municipal Court judge, I was there from the beginning of the workday until the end of the day. I was extremely motivated, honored and proud to be a judge. I wanted to be accessible and I was.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

Yes. As bar counsel, I taught Continuing Legal Education seminars on professionalism. Lawyers, judges and Supreme Court Justices view me as an expert in the area. I have also been asked to participate in the Professionalism Summit every year. The Professionalism Summit is the brainchild of Justice Nancy Saitta that is used to bring awareness to the bar of ethics and civility in and out of the courtroom, in dealing with legal professionals and the public.

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

Yes, I more than likely would allow cameras in the courtroom. I believe that it enhances the public’s ability to have confidence in the judicial system and knowledge of what happens during the judicial process.

9. What is your judicial philosophy?

As a judge, I want all who come into my courtroom, including litigants, members of the public, attorneys, and judicial staff to leave feeling that justice was fairly and openly served, the safety of the community was paramount, and individual rights were respected. For many, appearing in my court may be their only exposure to a live judge and court. With this in mind, I always respect the importance of the proceedings. I quickly learned that the judge has the primary responsibility to set the tone and control of what happens in the courtroom. For it is the judge, the only one who always physically faces everyone, who must ensure the court is a safe, fair place where all parties will be treated with dignity and respect, and have an opportunity to be heard.

The judge must be the leader in the courtroom. As a judge I learned that children, whether observers or witnesses, must be noticed and treated appropriately with care.

Those with special needs might need to be given priority along with disabled or elderly members of our community.

I would like to briefly address judicial energy and competence. As a judge, I gave every ounce of my energy every day. I was proud to be a judge. I prepared before court. I brought with me many years of experience in trials and hearings such that I comfortably addressed all procedural and evidentiary issues. I took notes. At trial I took time to impartially weigh all the evidence before rendering a decision. I made sure to clearly explain my findings to all. At sentencing, I deliberated, thought and considered aggravating and mitigating factors. When I delivered a sentence, the defendant, his or her family or friends in attendance, and counsel left knowing the reasons I made my decision.

Respectfully, consideration of judicial ethics is important in an appointment to the

bench. This is especially important now, in this time where, due to the well-publicized unprofessional acts of a few removed judges, the public’s view or perception of the judiciary may be at an all time low.

Please know that integrity and professionalism are everything to me. My career as an Army officer, Bar Counsel, and full-time judge is a reflection of these ideals. As Bar Counsel, I now and for over fifteen years have enjoyed a special trust from the Supreme Court and State Bar to be the primary enforcement officer of the ethical rules of professional conduct that attorneys swear to uphold when they raise a hand and take the attorney’s oath.

If I am fortunate enough to be given the confidence and honor of being elected, I will devote the rest of my life to being a judge. I vow to give all my blood, sweat and tears in making you proud of me.

10. What are your qualifications?

The first four years of my legal career, I was a commissioned officer in the United States Army where I served in the Judge Advocate General Corps practicing in the area of criminal law. For the past 17 years, I have been employed as bar counsel by the State Bar of Nevada, where I am entrusted by the Supreme Court of Nevada to represent the State Bar in disciplinary proceedings concerning the enforcement of the ethical standards attorneys swear to uphold. This area of law is unique and akin to complex civil litigation. By virtue of my position as bar counsel, I must deal with all areas of law to some extent in thoroughly and competently addressing allegations of professional misconduct in any type of legal matter.

I have also served as a full-time judge and that experience was special. Specifically, I served as the full-time presiding judge in the City of Las Vegas, Municipal Court, Department 6 from January 1, 2007 until July 1, 2007, after being unanimously appointed by the Las Vegas City Council. For those six months, the State Bar of Nevada graciously offered me a leave of absence to allow me to serve as a judge.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an

intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

I absolutely support the creation of an intermediate appellate court as it is a necessity. I personally have been present at lengthy presentations where members of the Supreme Court, including various Chief Justices, have shown the need for an intermediate appellate court. I have taken from the discussions that the current Supreme Court Justices have more cases per Justice than any other Supreme Court in the United States. Efficiency of law is extremely important. For the litigants, their legal matter may be the most important thing in their lives and they should not have to unduly wait to learn the outcome of their case.

In addition, with an intermediate appellate court, the cases that make it through to the Supreme Court are the most serious cases that the Justices should devote their full attention and energy to.

12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

As a first time candidate, it was refreshing to see so many entities interested in the election process including governmental and civic organizations that endorse candidates. For the past six months, I have been humbled to see the amount of interest taken by the public to make an effort to educate themselves on the qualifications of the candidates to better cast an informed vote for the best qualified judge. It gave me a renewed respect for the election process. With that said, I also respect the general proposal and philosophy of SJR2, as one area of practical concern as a candidate that I find distasteful, is the idea of fundraising, even as necessary as it is in this process.

However, overall, I support the election process which allows the public to vote for the best judge.

13. If you were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, would you vote more often with Justice Antonin Scalia or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

Given the parameters of the question, most likely with Antonin Scalia.

Bio of Rob Bare

ADMISSIONS TO PRACTICE LAW

Pennsylvania, 1989

United States Army Court of Military Review, 1989

Nevada, 1993

United States District Court, District of Nevada, 1996

United States Supreme Court, 1997

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 1998

EDUCATION

Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, B.A., Pre-Law, 1985

University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Pittsburgh, PA, J.D., 1988

The Judge Advocate General’s School, Charlottesville, VA, 1989

National Judicial College, Special Court Jurisdiction: Advanced, Reno, Nevada 2007

LEGAL EXPERIENCE

Judge. Las Vegas Municipal Court, Department 6 (January 1, 2007 to July 1, 2007). Criminal Court.

Unanimously appointed by Mayor Oscar Goodman and Las Vegas City Council to fill the unexpired term of Judge Abbi Silver until the general election.

Bar Counsel. State Bar of Nevada (August 1993 to present, with the exception of the Judicial term).

Chief attorney for the State Bar of Nevada. Responsibilities include prosecution of all aspects of the attorney professional discipline process in the state of Nevada for both the northern and southern regions; hearings from the informal to the formal level; Continuing Legal Education speaker; and supervisory duties over a ten-member staff, including three (3) attorneys and four (4) Certified Legal Assistants.

· Tried to conclusion approximately 870 hearings on behalf of the State Bar before either the Southern or Northern Nevada Disciplinary Boards.

· Argued two (2) appellate hearings before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

· Presented a total of fifteen (15) matters to the en banc Nevada Supreme Court, including disciplinary cases and administrative docket hearings.

· Reporter for the Supreme Court Lawyer Advertising Committee.

· Reporter for the State Bar of Nevada Ethics 2000 Committee.

Senior Defense Trial Lawyer. (Captain) U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Trial Defense

Service, Fort Irwin, California (May 1991 to August 1993).

Attorney Responsible for managing all defense functions for clients stationed at Fort Irwin and all of Southern California, including:

Criminal Accused Trial Representation. Represented as the trial attorney and assigned other

lawyers to represent soldiers accused of criminal offenses at Court-Martial proceedings. This included all stages of the Court-Martial process: formal preliminary investigation, extensive motion practice (including written briefs) in front of the military judge, and in-court trial advocacy before military juries.

Supervisor, Trainer, Rater. Supervised two (2) criminal defense lawyers and two (2) paralegals.

Supervisory duties included primary responsibility for staff training in all aspects of client representation. Prepared written ratings (Officer Evaluation Reports) for the two (2) other attorneys in the office.

* Selected for Senior Defense Lawyer position in first tour of duty.

(This position is usually given to a Major or senior Captain).

Trial Defense Lawyer. U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, Trial Defense Service, Fort Ord,

California (October 1989 to May 1991).

Represented clients accused of criminal offenses and facing trial by Court-Martial. Carried an average caseload of 25 concurrent Court-Martial clients. Deployed with units from Fort Ord to Panama from December 19, 1989 to February 6, 1990, in removal of General Noriega from Panama; advised commanders of various legal aspects of armed conflict scenario.

As a lawyer in the Judge Advocate General Corps, I have:

· Tried approximately 150 jury and bench trials representing clients accused of murder, attempted murder, rape, larceny, aggravated assault, and various other serious alleged felony cases.

· Litigated approximately 100 hearings concerning the command’s attempts to discharge a soldier for alleged administrative misconduct.

PUBLICATIONS

Nevada Lawyer. November 2008. “Operational Law.”

Nevada Lawyer. November 2006. “Civilian Lawyers Defending Military Personnel at a Trial by Court-Martial.”

Nevada Lawyer. January 2006. “The Professional Independence of a Lawyer.”

Nevada Lawyer. November 2005. “State Bar Counsel Reflects on JAG Career.”

Nevada Lawyer. June 2005. “Top 10 Bar Complaints and How to Avoid Them.”

Nevada Lawyer. January 2002. “Lawyers who Serve their Country.”

Nevada Lawyer. September 1996. “Some Thoughts on Ethics and Lawyer Advertising.”

Nevada Lawyer. December 1995. “Avoid Business Transactions with Clients…But if you must, Know the Rules.”

Nevada Lawyer. November 1995. “Look at the Less Serious Side of Bar Discipline: The Names have Been Changed.”

TEACHING AND LECTURING EXPERIENCE

· Adjunct Professor at College of Southern Nevada teaching Legal Research from 2001-2009.

· 70 Hours a year lecturing for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses for the State Bar of Nevada, county/local bars, and various other organizations.

PERSONAL

Born November 1963

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Ellen Stoebling

Department 32

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?

Ellen will finance her campaign by reaching out to legal and business members of the community via telephone calls and meetings.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

Ellen will accept contributions from trial attorneys.

Ellen will not excuse herself from cases in which the litigants contributed to her or her opponent’s campaign, however, she will disclose these relationships as soon as

possible.

Ellen will not accept gifts from attorneys who hold the possibility of having a case before her during her term.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an

unethical fashion in your courtroom?

Ellen plans to report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who are behaving unethically in her courtroom.

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

To Ellen, punctuality is extremely important. Ellen and her staff will uphold punctuality standards.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

Ellen will require that attorneys be civil with one another while in her courtroom.

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

In most instances Ellen would allow cameras in the courtroom.

9. What is your judicial philosophy?

Ellen plans to be a tough but compassionate Judge. She will bring both integrity and justice to Department 32.

10. What are your qualifications?

Ellen has been serving the public of Clark County for the past 23 years protecting their legal rights. She has solid civil experience and a commitment to being available to and for her clients. Ellen as served as a small claims court Judge, and is a huge proponent of conflict resolution. She has been an arbitrator for over 10 years and is trained as a mediator by the Neighborhood Justice Center.

11. Do you support this yearʼs ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

Ellen supports this ballot question.

12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

Ellen supports this ballot question.

13. If you were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, would you vote more often with Justice Antonin Scalia or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

If Ellen were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, she would see herself voting more often with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

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Steve Jones

Family Division, Department C

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?

I will finance my campaign through contributions and my own resources.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

Yes, I will accept contributions from trial attorneys (however all of our cases involve non-jury trials and family cases do not have contingency fee agreements)

I will not recuse from cases in which the parties have contributed to my campaign or to my opponents campaign. All contributions will be properly reported and disclosed.

Yes. If I receive gifts I will certainly comply with the reporting requirements imposed on all judicial officers.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

Yes, I will report attorney’s who behave in an unethical manner in my courtroom.

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

Yes, I am punctual and I demand and expect punctuality from my staff.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

I strongly encourage attorneys to observe all rules of decorum and decency in my courtroom.

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

The allowing of cameras in the courtroom is an exercise of attaining a balance between the protection of privacy afforded to a litigant and the right of the public to access court proceedings. I strongly favor an open forum to both the public and the press.

9. What is your judicial philosophy?

My judicial philosophy is simple: to apply the applicable and prevailing law to the facts and circumstances of the given case in a timely fashion.

What are your qualifications?

Graduated Magna Cum Laude from California Western School of Law; Law clerk for Nevada Supreme Court Justice Thomas Steffen; In private practice and Partner with Bell, Davidson and Jones; appointed as one of only three domestic relations referee; Elected to Family Court when family court was created in 1992 and reelected continuously since; nineteen (19) years of judicial experience; presided over every division of family court; 1^st chief judge of family court.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

Yes, I support the creation of an intermediate court in Nevada.

12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

I believe that judges should be appointed and that the selection should be predicated upon merit and not politics.

13. If you were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, would you vote more often with Justice Antonin Scalia or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

If I were on the US Supreme Court, I would not vote either with Justice Scalia or Justice Ginsburg.

Bio of Steve Jones

Graduated from California Western School of Law Magna Cum Laude

¨ American Jurisprudence Award – Contracts

¨ American Jurisprudence Award – Torts

¨ Faculty Award – Juvenile Law

Law Clerk for Nevada Supreme Court Justice Tom Steffen (1984 -1985)

Private Practice and Partner with Bell, Davidson and JONES (1985 -1991)

¨ Stewart Bell, Michael Davidson, Steve Jones

Appointed Domestic Relations Referee (1 of 3) (1991-1992)

¨ Terrance Marren, Gloria Sanchez and Steve Jones – handling all Domestic Relations matters before the creation of Family Court

Elected to Family Court once created (1993 – present)

¨ Family Court’s first Presiding (Chief) Judge

¨ Served two more additional terms as Presiding Judge

¨ Assigned to every division of Family Court

Juvenile Delinquency
Abuse & Neglect
Guardianship
Domestic Violence/Temporary Protective Orders
Domestic Case Load

¨ Served on Urban Workload Assessment Commission (Rose Commission)Community Service:

¨ Former Member, Clark County Health District, Air Pollution Control Board

¨ Former Member, Clark County Clean Air Task Force

¨ Former Board Member, Boys and Girls Club

¨ Former Board of Directors, Boy Scouts of America

¨ Former Board Member, Family and Youth Services

Memberships/Affiliations:

¨ Former President, Nevada Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

¨ Former Member Board of Governors, State Bar of Nevada

¨ Former Member, Audit Committee, State Bar of Nevada

¨ Former Editor, Family Law Practice Manual

¨ Former Trustee, Nevada District Judges’ Association

¨ Member, Nevada State-Federal Judicial Council

¨ Member, Family Court Committee

¨ Member, American Bar Association (1985-Present)

¨ Member, Nevada Bar Association (1985-Present)

¨ Member, Clark County Bar Association (1985-Present)

¨ Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America (1988-Present)

¨ Member, American Judges’ Association

¨ Member, Nevada District Judges’ Association

Honors/Awards:

¨ Nevada Supreme Court Scholarship

¨ California Western Top 40 Scholarship

¨ American Jurisprudence Award

Highest Academic Achievement – Torts

¨ American Jurisprudence Award

Highest Academic Achievement – Contracts

¨ California Western School of Law

Faculty Award for Juvenile Law

¨ Special Commendation for Superior Achievement in Legal Skills

¨ Recommended as Sophister – One of Top Oralists

¨ Academic Dean’s List

¨ Outstanding Young Men of America – 1985, 1989

¨ Who’s Who in Practicing Attorneys – 1989

¨ Who’s Who in American Law – 1991 -1992, 1993 -1994, 1994 -1995

¨ Who’s Who Among Rising Young Americans – 1992

¨ 2000 Notable Americans – 1992

¨ Men of Achievement, Sixteenth Ed., Nov. 1992

¨ Distinguished Men in Southern Nevada

¨ Lecturer State Bar of Nevada, Continuing Education, Family Law

¨ Lecturer American Bar Association, Continuing Education, Family Law

¨ Keynote Speaker, Peacemaker of the Year, Mediators of Southern Nevada

¨ Nevada Supreme Court Judicial Education Department

Basic Certificate (1999)

¨ Nevada Supreme Court Judicial Education Department

Advanced Certificate (2005)

Endorsements:

¨ Teamsters Local No. 14 ( General Sales Drivers, Delivery Drivers and Helpers & Representing the Public Sector)

¨ Las Vegas Police Protective Association Metro, Inc. (LVPPA)

¨ Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada

¨ Clark County District Attorney Investigator Association (DAIA)

¨ Veterans in Politics

¨ Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Managers and Supervisors Association (PMSA)

¨ Clark County Courts Deputy Marshals Association

¨ North Las Vegas Police Officers Association (NLVPOA)

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Maria Maskall

Family Division, Department C

1. How have/will you financed your campaign?

At this time, I plan to fund my own campaign.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

I will not be soliciting campaign contributions from lawyers, but will accept contributions from lawyers if they elect to donate to my campaign.

3. Will you recuse yourself from cases in which the litigants contributed to your campaign, or to your opponent’s campaign? If not, will you disclose these relationships at the soonest possible moment in the litigation process?
Yes, I will recuse myself from cases in which litigants contributed to my campaign, and will disclose any relationship at the soonest possible moment in the litigation process.

4. Will you accept gifts from attorneys who could possibly have a case before you at anytime during your term? If so, will you disclose the acceptance of this gift at the soonest possible moment in the litigation process?
No, I will not accept gifts from lawyers who could possibly have a case before me at any time during my term.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?
Yes

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?
Yes. I will be punctual while serving the community and will strongly encourage my staff to be punctual as well.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?
Yes
8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?
Yes

9. What is your judicial philosophy?

* Be well prepared for each case which comes before the court

* Render concise, thoughtful decisions, based upon the facts and the law pertaining to each case

* Treat each person who appears in the court with compassion and dignity

10. What are your qualifications?
My qualifications include my 20 years of legal experience, my experience on the bench as a Judge Pro Tem on the North Las Vegas Justice Court, as well as my strong work ethic, dedication to our community, and to the children of our community. Moreover, my temperament, demeanor, and character also make me well-suited for the position of judge.

Bio of Maria Maskall

I was born in the United States, but raised in a small town in British Columbia. I returned to the U.S. in 1988 to attend law school. The only individual in my family to have United States citizenship, I considered myself very lucky and very blessed to have the opportunity to live in the “land of the free.”

During law school I obtained an externship with the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C., where I commenced my legal career. After seven years in D.D., where I practiced telecommunications and criminal law, I accepted a position in Las Vegas as a law clerk for a Family Court judge so that I would be closer to my family. I am thrilled I made the move. Not only did I see my family more often, but I love Las Vegas. I love the people here and I love the opportunities Las Vegas has offered me.

During the past 13 years I have lived in Las Vegas, I have practiced primarily in the area of family law, including complex divorce litigation, child custody and visitation, relocation, child and spousal support proceedings, enforcement and modification proceedings, juvenile court, paternity, domestic violence and interstate, as well as international, child abduction and custody matters both through the law firm of Dickerson, Dickerson, Consul & Proctor and the law firm of Lee Hernandez Brooks Garofalo & Blake.

I understand how difficult family law situations can be. Divorce is a major crisis for a family. The people of Clark County desire and deserve a judge who can apply the law without bias and who has compassion for the situation that they are going through.

I have some experience on the bench already as I have been a judge pro tem on the North Las Vegas Justice Court since 2007. I will work diligently to earn the respect of the citizens of Clark County as the next Family Court judge in Department C.

Throughout my years in private practice in Nevada I have been, and continue to be, actively involved with the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada’s Pro Bono Project and have won numerous awards for my representation of low-income clients in all areas of family law.

I have also mentored law school students in family law cases through the Pro Bono Project and assisted the Pre Se Council Committee in the creation of family law forms which are now available online and through the Self-Help Center located at the Family Court. I will bring with me to the bench this dedication to access to justice for the citizens of Clark County.

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John Eccles

Family Division, Department F

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?
Because I am running against an incumbent, it has naturally been difficult to raise campaign contributions. Therefore, a large portion – more than 80% to this point – of my campaign has been self-funded. Much of the remainder of my campaign contributions have been from friends and family. I would be surprised if this changed.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?
I have and I will accept contributions from trial attorneys, although as noted above, those contributions are few and far between. My largest contribution to date from a trial attorney who might appear in front of me once I am elected is $300.00. Frankly, the most any trial attorney could contribute is $5,000.00 for the primary, and $5,000.00 for the general election after that. If any of the contributing trial attorneys thought my decisions could be swayed by such contributions, I would disabuse them of that notion and/or decline to accept the contribution.

3. Will you recuse yourself from cases in which the litigants contributed to your campaign, or to your opponent’s campaign? If not, will you disclose these relationships at the soonest possible moment in the litigation process?
While I am careful to avoid accepting campaign contributions from individuals who may become litigants in my courtroom once elected, it is entirely plausible such a scenario could occur. Because even attorneys get divorced, it is quite likely a trial attorney who contributes to my campaign might appear before me as a litigant. In all instances where a contribution was made to my campaign by an individual before me, I would disclose the contribution amount and from whom the contribution was obtained so the litigants and/or their counsel could decide how best to proceed. Family Court has a very limited authority for self-recusal by a Judge which would minimize my ability to simply recuse myself, but in order to avoid any appearance of impropriety, I believe full disclosure as early on in the process is required under such circumstances. As to individuals who contribute to my opponents, I have no intention of discovering such information, which I readily admit is available. Still, you have to go looking for it, and I am not interested in engaging in the kind of pettiness which would be required to hold it against a litigant if they contributed to my opponents, so I would choose not to seek out that information.

4. Will you accept gifts from attorneys who could possibly have a case before you at anytime during your term? If so, will you disclose the acceptance of this gift at the soonest possible moment in the litigation process?
Although it is my understanding that nominal gifts (i.e., gifts with a fair market value of less than $10.00) can be accepted by a sitting judge, I would refrain from accepting any such gifts. Some of the trial lawyers have figured this out and send such gifts (some of which are significantly more valuable than $10.00) anonymously, and in those instances where returning the gifts is not possible, they would be disposed of or donated to some charity, as circumstances warranted.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?
Judges are obliged to report attorneys who act unethically before them, or in their filings. While what constitutes unethical behavior is left to the State Bar of Nevada to determine, if it is pretty obvious (most reasonable people could not conclude other than the actions of the attorney were unethical), then I would make the report to the State Bar of Nevada. Interestingly, attorneys are similarly obliged to report attorneys who act unethically, so there is some form of double safeguard in place which, candidly, is not utilized as frequently as it should be.

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?
I am punctual to a fault. My wife, who is less punctual than I, has posed a challenge in my life, since I would prefer to be a half hour early to some function than 5 minutes late. I will expect my staff to have similar punctuality to mine. Thus, you can be assured my wife will not be working for me.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?
Absolutely. My time on the bench as a pro tem hearing master afforded me an opportunity to deal with this specific issue on a number of occasions. It is through civility that the judicial system functions, and petty behavior and incivility will not be tolerated in my courtroom when I am elected.

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?
Yes, as the question was asked. There are instances – more likely related to protecting children than their parents – that cameras would not be permitted in my courtroom, but the law is pretty unequivocal in Nevada that absent compelling reasons, Family Court matters are open to public inspection, which would include cameras in the courtroom.

9. What is your judicial philosophy?
Doctrinally, I think I am most closely aligned with strict constructionists, rather than judicial activists. There are facts, and there are laws to be applied to those facts with which to render a decision. If I don’t care for the laws as written, it is nonetheless my duty as judge to enforce the law. The District Court is not the venue in which to change laws. If the law is flawed and needs to be changed, it should be taken up with either the Nevada Legislature or the Nevada Supreme Court.

10. What are your qualifications?
I have been practicing almost exclusively in Family Court for nearly all of my eleven years of practice in Nevada – something approximating 85-90% of my work takes me to Family Court, with much of the remainder being criminal cases related to a Family Court case, civil litigation involving individuals who would otherwise be in Family Court (brothers who hold title to property together, for example) or appellate work related to any of the foregoing. While in law school, all but one of my electives was either directly or indirectly tied to family law, and I knew before I graduated that family law would be my area of concentration. I have a true passion for family law which is lost on the vast majority of attorneys. For me, becoming a Family Court Judge will be a destination, not one is a series of stepping stones toward any greater aspiration. This, combined with the knowledge and experience gleaned over the past eleven years, I believe, makes me amply qualified to serve as Family Court Judge.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?
I don’t have a particular position on an intermediate court. If the ballot initiative passes, that would be fine. If it doesn’t pass, that would be fine also. I don’t expect it will impact my work on the bench one way or the other.

12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?
Given the number of candidates and initiatives on the upcoming ballot, it is not terribly surprising that the electorate has a difficult time making informed decisions on each and every candidate and/or initiative. This has, in the past, led to some questionable individuals taking the bench. On the other hand, any appointment process can be (is) highly political, and does not (has not) necessarily result in better appointed judges than elected judges. Frankly, from a personal perspective, I think the decision should be left to the electorate. I am also of the opinion that there is no legitimate possibility the ballot question will pass because of the “rugged individualist” attitude that draws so many people to Nevada in the first place. Of course, any elected judge worth keeping would prefer the retention system, but the bottom line is that the people of Nevada will not relinquish their right to vote for judges, and I don’t think they should. With that said, I am hopeful the electorate will try their very level best to make informed decisions in these elections, given some of the decisions made in prior elections.

13. If you were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, would you vote more often with Justice Antonin Scalia or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?
Since I align closer to strict constructionists as opposed to judicial activists (as noted above), I would have to say I align more closely with Justice Scalia (which, as I also noted above, is not a bad thing at the District Court level).

Bio of John Eccles

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1965.
I have lived on four (4) continents, having lived in Michigan, Ohio and Nevada while in the United States, as well as Argentina, South Africa and Germany.
I graduated from the University of Toledo with a BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations in 1996.
I graduated (in 2 1/2 years) from the University of Toledo College of Law with a JD in 1998.
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Bill Gonzalez

Family Division, Department F

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?

My campaign will be financed through my personal funds and campaign contributions.
2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

Yes

I would not recuse myself. Under the judicial canons, there are very few legitimate reasons for judges to recuse themselves. There must be an appearance of bias in order for judges to recuse themselves. Campaign contributions within the allowable limits do not create an appearance of bias. Further, there are no ethical laws or canons which require the disclosure of contributions inside the courtroom. Campaign contributions are required to be disclosed by candidates and are public records. I will comply with all campaign disclosures and reporting required by the law.

I will not accept gifts from attorneys who could possibly have a case before me. However, I do not return gifts that are sent to my department during the holidays. These gifts tend to be fruit, candies, and other snack type items of miniscule value. Further, these gifts are shared with departmental staff and visitors.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

Yes. I will report attorneys who clearly commit unethical behavior.6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

I am extremely punctual. I generally arrive to the courthouse at six o’clock in the morning. My calendars start on time and in most cases they end on time. Yes, I strongly encourage my staff to be punctual.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

Yes. There is no room for incivility in the courtroom. If an attorney or litigant begins to get out of hand, I immediately put a stop to that type of behavior. It is difficult enough for litigants to appear in family court; showing disrespect, yelling, and name-calling does not help.8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

Yes. In most instances, the court hearings are open to the public.
9. What is your judicial philosophy?

Judges should follow the law not create law. Judges should be prepared to hear each case and administer their calendars in an effective and efficient manner. Finally, Judges should treat all people fairly with dignity and respect.10. What are your qualifications?

Prior to taking the bench, I was an attorney for twelve and a half years. I spent ten years in the Clark County Public Defender’s Office where I appeared in court on a near daily basis. My last five years as a deputy public defender were spent in family court. During those years, I represented thousands of children in the juvenile justice system. Many of these children had been victims of abuse and neglect. I learned firsthand many of the struggles and challenges that children in our community face on a day-to-day basis. My close work with probation officers, social workers, and treatment providers has given me the critical experience and knowledge necessary to make decisions that matter most to children and their families.

I currently preside over family court matters in District Court, Department F. As a family court judge, I have presided over thousands of divorce, custody, and other family related hearings and trials. This extensive experience has come from hard work and dedication to the practice of law inside of the courtroom.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

Yes. Since there is no intermediate appeals court, the Supreme Court Justices must hear many appeals and matters which could be easily resolved at a lower level. This would enable the Supreme Court to decrease its current backlog and make decisions on matters of greater importance in a more expeditious manner.

12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

Both the appointment and election processes for selecting judges have their pros and cons. Notwithstanding, one the greatest rights afforded under the U.S. Constitution is the right to vote. Any relinquishment or curtailment of the people’s right to select judges should be determined by the voters at the ballot box.

If you were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, would you vote more often with Justice Antonin Scalia or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

If I were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, I would have to look at each case individually. I would also consider the precedent of prior rulings of the Court. Additionally, as stated in my response to question number 9, I believe jurists should apply and follow the law and not create it.

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Carl Piazza

Family Division, Department T

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?

I will use my own funds as well as accept donations from the general public.
2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

I have and will accept donations from trial attorneys on the premise that I am the best candidate for the position. However, I will not allow any contribution to affect my judgment or orders.

I will not automatically recuse myself regardless of who may have contributed to my campaign or my opponents’. However, I will advise the litigants at the first court hearing of such contributions and will leave it to each as to whether I can be fair and objective. Should either party raise a concern, I will recuse myself and avoid any appearance of impropriety.
4. Will you accept gifts from attorneys who could possibly have a case before you at anytime during your term? If so, will you disclose the acceptance of this gift at the soonest possible moment in the litigation process?

I will not accept gifts, again, to avoid any hint of impropriety.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

I will not hesitate to report unethical behavior. Attorneys are officers of the Court and, as such, not only take an oath to support the laws and both the Federal and State Constitutions, but are held to an ethical standard that I strongly and wholeheartedly believe in.
6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

I will run an on-time courtroom. Both attorneys and litigants have somewhere else to be. Punctuality equates to efficiency.
7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

I will be in charge of my courtroom and will demand attorneys comply with professional and ethical standards as well as display professional decorum.
8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?
I believe cameras in the courtroom should be decided on a case-by-case basis. As such, I do not harbor any preconceived philosophies on this subject.
9. What is your judicial philosophy?

My judicial philosophy is rather uncomplicated. Read the pleadings, be prepared. Treat litigants and attorneys alike with courtesy and respect. Listen to both sides. Apply the law while not excluding common sense. Issue prompt and decisive decisions while enforcing the Court’s orders. I would also encourage the litigants to resolve as many issues as possible rather than having a stranger (me) make decisions that will affect the litigants and their children for years to come.
What are your qualifications?

I have practiced law for 38 years, 31 years in Las Vegas. I sit as an alternate hearing master in child support, truancy and discovery courts. My experiences have given me an intimate glimpse into the lives, problems, emotions and issues encountered in the divorce process. Coupled with my knowledge of the law, my decision-making skills, demeanor and common sense, I will make prompt, decisive orders while trying to provide direction in hopes of resolving issues, reducing the turmoil of divorces, saving time and money and allowing the parties to get on with the rest of their lives. I know I can make a difference in this difficult process.
11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

I do support an intermediate appeals court. Like most systems in the public sector, the system is overburdened and understaffed. An appeals court would reduce some of this burden and allow for more timely decisions thus resolving cases much quicker, reducing case loads ( especially in our Supreme Court), while saving time, money and the anxiety that comes with awaiting the outcome of an appeal.
12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

The issue of appointing or electing judges is a difficult one. Each has its pros and cons. Appointment would negate the need to seek monetary contributions. It should eliminate the appointment of an individual who simply is not qualified to sit on the bench. But can politics be removed from such a process?

Electing judges maintains the voting public’s right to choose. And, if the choice turns out to be a bad one, gives the voters the opportunity to correct their mistake.
However, because the majority of voters are not involved with the various court systems (family, criminal, civil); it is much more difficult for them to decide who should receive their vote, confidence and trust. As such, I support the appointment process.

Bio of Carl Piazza

Carl Piazza was raised in the Chicago area. He attended DePaul University receiving a Bachelor of Philosophy degree and a Juris Doctor degree from Illinois Institute of Technology – Chicago – Kent College of Law.

Carl passed the Illinois Bar in 1972 and worked for the Cook County State’s District Attorney’s Office both prior and subsequent to passing the bar, for a total of approximately six (6) years. During that period, he worked in almost every criminal court in the system and for eighteen (18) months he supervised the largest municipal district in Cook County which was comprised of twenty (20) cities and twenty-two (22) police forces.

He passed the Nevada Bar in 1979. He was a partner in the firm of Bernstein & Piazza for over five (5) years before starting his current practice in 1985. Thirty-one (31) of his thirty-eight (38) years of practice has been in Las Vegas. While his main focus of practice has been family law, personal injury and criminal law, he has practiced in other various areas of the law.

Carl believes that his thirty-eight (38) years as a trial attorney has afforded him an intimate view of the issues most often associated with divorce, custody and financial considerations related to such cases. He believes he has been very effective in the lives of his clients and wants to bring that effectiveness to his community as well.

Carl has also been selected as an Alternate Hearing Master in child support court, as well as in truancy and discovery courts.

Carl’s professional conduct has been consistently free from impropriety. He is a devoted husband and father of two teenagers. Carl is committed to putting the best interests of children first; to treating all fairly; to performing his duties in a manner fair to taxpayers and other judges alike; and to doing the very best job he can.

Carl would appreciate your support and vote in the general election for Family Court Judge, Department T.

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Tony Abbatangelo

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace, Department 3

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?

In the past, Tony has financed his campaign through contributions from attorneys, local businesses and everyday citizens in the Las Vegas Community. Tony will continue this method of financing.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

Tony will accept these contributions.

Judge Abbatangelo will recuse himself from cases as he is required by the Judicial Canon of Ethics as well as the Nevada Supreme Court case law. Tony has always and will always disclose any relationships he holds with attorneys or litigants appearing in front of him.

Tony will accept gifts from attorneys, however he will disclose this information if the attorney is appearing in front of him.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

Judge Abbatangelo has and will report any unethical behavior in his courtroom.

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

Punctuality is extremely important to Tony. He and his current staff are always on time and he will continue to require these punctuality standards if re-elected.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

Absolutely. Treating people with respect and acting in a polite civil manner is important to Tony. His Judicial survey scores regarding courtesy have always been the highest in the Judiciary.

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

Tony almost always approves media requests. Instances he has placed limitations on the media generally occur when a minor is involved.

9. What is your judicial philosophy?

Judge Abbatangelo’s judicial philosophy consists of being courteous, efficient and fair.

A judge does not need to be mean and unfair in order to be tough. Each case Tony reviews is on an individual basis.

10. What are your qualifications?

Tony has been a member of the Nevada State Bar since 1990. He worked in a private practice from 1990-1993. In 1993, he was elected to the Las Vegas Municipal Court to serve as a Judge. In 1996, Tony was elected to Las Vegas Justice Court Department 3 and has served there since. Judge Abbatangelo has more than 500 hours of judicial education. He serves as a faculty member to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. He loves his job as Justice of the Peace, and is dedicated to serving the Las Vegas community.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

Judge Abbatangelo supports the Intermediate Appeals Court. This court is within the Administrative Office of Courts budget, and it will help assist expediting the resolution of cases. The Nevada Supreme Court returned more than two million dollars to the State Legislature. The Intermediate Appeals court will cost less than that to operate.

12. Do you support this yearʼs ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

Tony supports this question appearing on the ballot, however, he believes in free elections. Tony feels it is important that the power of electing judges lay in the citizens of the community.

13. If you were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, would you vote more often with Justice Antonin Scalia or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

Judge Abbatangelo would have to hear the specific case in order to decide who he would side with. There are times that he agrees with and disagrees with both Justice Scalia and Justice Ginsburg.

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Janiece Marshall

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace, Department 3

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?

I have and will continue to finance my campaign with properly disclosed contributions from family, friends and colleagues that are within Nevada law and ethical rules.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

I will only accept contributions that fully comply with Nevada laws and ethical rules and will not accept contributions that seek to improperly influence my decisions.

I will faithfully and fully follow Nevada law, recusing myself and fully disclosing where Nevada law so requires. It is a judge’s responsibility to make such determination.

Where an ethical violation would result, I will not accept a contribution or gift from a person/entity appearing before me.5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

Yes

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

Yes. Parties, witnesses and attorneys are required to timely appear before the Court and a judge should do the same. As an attorney licensed in Nevada since 1992 and in California since 1990, I appreciate the incredible waste of time and resources when a juror, party or witness has to wait for a judgment to call a case.7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

Yes, I will treat attorneys, witnesses, parties with respect and will require the same of individuals appearing before me.

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

More likely. The public has the right to know what occurs in the courtroom so long as it does not unfairly prejudice the proceeding or violate a right of privacy of a witness.

9. What is your judicial philosophy?

To impartially enforce the laws of Nevada law based upon the specific evidence presented in each case. I do not believe that judicial activism or strict constructionism should be determinative in a ruling upon a case, but that each case should be decided on its merits and in accordance with the existing, constitutional law.

10. What are your qualifications?

Integrity and the determination to do the right thing even when it hurts. I am attorney in good standing, practicing in Nevada (1992) and California (1990). I was the first death penalty law clerk for the United States District Court and I am an experienced litigator in both state and federal court. I am a member of the Standing Committee on Judicial Ethics and Campaign Practices, appointed by the Nevada Supreme Court, as well as the Nevada State Bar Southern Nevada Disciplinary Committee. I am the outgoing President of the Federal Bar Association, Nevada Chapter. I have practiced law in Nevada since 1992, representing clients in all courts in Nevada, jury and bench trials representing plaintiffs and defendants. I successfully defended at jury trial two Metro officers in a wrongful death case and obtained a dismissal for Clark County Fire Department in the AeroTech Fire Litigation.

I worked my way through law school (graduating Order of the Coif from McGeorge School of Law and through UC Davis (majoring in economics and international relations) as a school crossing guard, a cable TV receptionist, a waitress and a library clerk. Following college, I attended Taiwan University, graduate language study of Mandarin Chinese, supporting myself by teaching English. After law school, I worked for Cheng & Cheng law firm in Taipei, Taiwan, until I moved to Nevada. My family still lives in Northern California, my mom a retired teacher of 42 years still resides on the family ranch, but without the cows and pigs and my goat, Shenandoah, that I took care of everyday before and after school.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

Not at this time given the economy, the high unemployment and the budget deficit. We need to put people back to work rather than incurring additional government costs.

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Karen Bennett

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace, Department 7

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?

My campaign will be financed by personal finances and contributions from friends, family and associates.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

Yes

3. Will you recuse yourself from cases in which the litigants contributed to your campaign, or to your opponent’s campaign? If not, will you disclose these relationships at the soonest possible moment in the litigation process? I will make determinations concerning recusal in accordance with the Code of Judicial Conduct.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

Yes

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

I make a concerted effort to be punctual and encourage my staff to do the same.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

Yes
8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

Yes

9. What is your judicial philosophy?

To be impartial, fair and diligent

10. What are your qualifications?

I have been licensed to practice law in the State of Nevada for more than 20 years. I have worked as an Assistant Federal Public Defender, Assistant Bond Counsel and General Counsel to the Las Vegas Housing Authority. My criminal and civil law experience provides me with the insight to be a fair and practical jurist.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

Yes

12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

Yes

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Suzan Baucum

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace, Department 13

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?

Campaign financing goes on throughout a campaign. I raise contributions from a wide variety of sources including those with whom I attended high school, college or law school; those active in the Nevada Law Foundation; parents whose children I’ve taught dance to over the years; attorneys; and those many organizations and businesses which interview, endorse and contribute to judicial races.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

I will accept contributions from all attorneys. They are often the ones who know me best, know my work ethic, and have seen my work as a Judge Pro Tem[i]. Because I seek support from a large cross section of our community, I am not dependent on any segment. (Note: pro tem judges are temporary jurists.)

The Nevada Supreme Court ruled on this issue saying judges have an obligation to hear and judge cases regardless of whom the parties donated to or did not donate to. That is the rule under which all judges must operate. There are three things to consider: the contributions I receive are generally relatively small; all contributions are a matter of public record available to everyone; and, yes, in the interest of transparency I will disclose when a party to a case in my court has made a donation during the campaign.

I do not and will not accept gifts.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?
Yes, of course. As a judge I would be legally and ethically required to do so.
6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

I believe in punctuality, and I’m sure my staff will be ready to go to work when I am — which will be on time. In addition to being an attorney, I served as the Executive Director of the Nevada Law Foundation, an organization founded by the Nevada Supreme Court. My management experience will help me run a more efficient courtroom which starts on time and gets work done on time.

7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

In my service now as a Judge Pro Tem I make it a point to treat everyone in my courtroom in a courteous and civil way. I set the standard, and I expect everyone in the courtroom to behave in a similar fashion.

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

As I said before, I believe in transparency. As long as a camera — or a camera operator — behaves in a courteous manner and does not distract or impede court business, they will be welcome.

9. What is your judicial philosophy?

Apply the law as it is written — I have experience in criminal law and civil law, and I am confident I can apply the law based on how it is written and any firmly established legal precedents.
Apply the law fairly — my experience in representing people ranging from nearly homeless to very wealthy, and from working in both criminal and civil settings has prepared me to be evenhanded and fair.
Administer the court — as the former executive director of the Nevada Law Foundation, created by the Nevada Supreme Court, I’ve honed my skills as an administrator. As a Judge Pro Tem in Las Vegas Justice Court, North Las Vegas Justice Court, and Las Vegas Municipal Court, I put those skills into action. A judge must be able to provide purposeful resolution and efficient operation.
Conduct the court with dignity — As an active member of our community, involved in many public service groups, I have made respect for others and courtesy to all the touchstones of my public life. I will continue that emphasis as a judge.

10. What are your qualifications?

Legal: I’ve practiced law mostly in the Las Vegas-Clark County area since passing the Nevada Bar in 1992. I received a special license to practice law as a prosecutor in Idaho in 1987 and 1988 during my internship with the Ada County Prosecutors Office. From 1988 to 1990 I worked with private firms in Reno Nevada. In 1990 I served as a State Training Specialist for the National council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges where I conducted training programs across the United States for attorneys and judges. I am also admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, and have been since 1992. Much of my time now involves serving as a Judge Pro Tem in the Las Vegas Justice Court, the Las Vegas Municipal Court, and in the North Las Vegas Justice Court.
Administrative: As the former executive director of the Nevada Law Foundation, created by the Nevada Supreme Court, I’ve honed my skills as an administrator. As a Judge Pro Tem in Las Vegas Justice Court, North Las Vegas Justice Court, and Las Vegas Municipal Court, I put those skills into action. A judge must be able to provide purposeful resolution and efficient operation.
Civic: I believe a judge should be an active part of the community which she or he serves. I am active in both my profession and the community. I am a Fellow of the American Bar Association, a member of the Clark County Bar Association, the Washoe County Bar Association, the State Bar of Nevada, the Nevada Justice Association, and a Colleague of the Nevada Law Foundation. I’ve served on the Board of Directors for the Child Assault Prevention Project, and the Eighth Judicial District Pro Bono Foundation.

Additionally, I’ve volunteered for the Red Cross, Jerry Lewis telethons, United Blood Services, the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. I also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in need of protection by the courts, and as a Counselor at Lincoln House, a home for unwed mothers in St. Paul, Minnesota. I am a room mother at my daughters’ school and I help direct the annual school pageant.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

I recognize the financial problems our state is facing, and the addition of an appeals court is a costly item. That has to be balanced against a growing number of civil cases which are under appeal. These appeals often slow the ability of companies to do business and keep them from contributing to our economy. So, weighing that balance, I am in favor of an appeals court.
12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

While I appreciate the desire to elevate the skills and professional level of the court, I have a stronger appreciation of the right of the electorate to select those who serve in public office. If we trust voters to select the president, I’m comfortable with those same voters selecting a judge for Justice Court.

13. If you were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, would you vote more often with Justice Antonin Scalia or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

Well, of course I’m not a member of the Supreme Court where law is interpreted. I am running for Justice Court where my obligation is to understand the law and apply the law as it is written. As a member of the Supreme Court, I would vote with the justice who based a decision on a careful reading of the law over a brilliant, but ideological, brief.

Bio of Suzan Baucum

Suzan Baucum has deep roots here in Las Vegas

Suzan Baucum is a native Nevadan. She was born in Henderson and raised in Las Vegas. Her father, L.J. Baucum, moved to Las Vegas in 1937 to work for Union Pacific Railroad as a train conductor. Her mother, Helen McDoniel, is the sister of former Henderson Mayor Estes McDoniel. Suzan is the youngest of five children. Her brother and sisters are Robert, Aleta, Charlotte and Kimberly.

Suzan attended E.W. Griffith Elementary School, Hyde Park Junior High School and Western High School. She played school sports, volleyball and track, participated in student government and focused on her studies. Suzan was an academic scholar and finished high school a year and a half early.

Suzan has the right education

Inspired by her Uncle Estes, who served as Mayor of Henderson, and fascinated by law and policy, Suzan chose to study and earn her degree in political science from Macalister College.

Suzan knew she wanted to pursue a law degree. After graduation from college, she could not immediately afford tuition for law school. She worked full time as a dance instructor and earned scholarships and financial aid to pay for law school. In 1985, Suzan began law school at the University of Idaho Law School.

Suzan flourished during law school. She served as Notes and Comments Editor of the Idaho Law Review and was selected for a competitive internship opportunity to serve as a prosecutor for the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office. Here, she prosecuted civil and criminal cases to jury trial verdict.

Suzan has proved her legal skills

After law school, Suzan returned home to Nevada to begin her professional law career. She joined a private practice where she handled criminal, personal injury, real estate and general business law.

In addition to her work in private practice, Suzan also served as a State Training Specialist, Staff Attorney, and faculty member for the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges from 1989 to 1991. In this role, Suzan administered national training programs and continuing education for juvenile and family court judges and appellate and state Supreme Court justices on how to handle child and spousal abuse and neglect cases.

She also developed a video series to train judges, social workers and lawyers on how to implement the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act and monitored 12 ongoing model court programs. From 1989-91 she served on the faculty for the National College of Juvenile and Family Law where she provided training programs for juvenile and family court judges in conjunction with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges.

Suzan has proved her administrative skills

The Nevada State Supreme Court created the Nevada Law Foundation (NLF) in 1983 as a non-profit organization designed to provide a means for legal representation to those victims who are legally disadvantaged, victims of domestic violence, children in need of protection and senior citizens.

After nearly a decade in existence, the Nevada Law Foundation (NLF) was underfunded and unable to accomplish the mission set by the Supreme Court. In 1991, Suzan was offered and accepted the position of Executive Director and the challenge to reform the NLF.

Suzan understands the legal community, has the ability to raise funds, and develops strong relationships. Her success is evident by the amount of grants distributed and the thousands citizens served by NLF. By 2007 and 2008, the NLF was able to distribute over $900,000 in grants – 37 times what it was able to do its first year. In 2009 over $1,000,000 in grants were raised and distributed which helped thousands of persons in need.

Suzan gets the job done

After achieving her objectives at the Nevada Law Foundation, Suzan wanted a new challenge. She found it through her service as Judge Pro Tem for the Las Vegas Justice Court. She is also an active Judge Pro Tem for the Las Vegas Municipal Court and North Las Vegas Justice Court.

Suzan has built experience in courtrooms throughout the valley, where she judges anywhere between 50 to 75 court cases per day. She issues search warrants and arrest warrants, presides over arraignments and bench trials for misdemeanor cases, and presides over felony and gross misdemeanor cases.

Her on the job experience and the frequent requests for her service are proof of her abilities.

Suzan has the family and service values we need on the bench

Suzan’s passion for service goes far beyond her impressive work within the legal community and is fueled by her own love for her family. Suzan’s commitment to public service and charitable work started early. As an undergraduate student she served as a Counselor at Lincoln House, a home for unwed mothers in St. Paul, Minnesota. That same compassion and concern stays with her today.

Suzan and her husband Tod are parents of three children. She serves as a room mother and program volunteer at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic School. She continues her life-long love of dance by teaching dance to children and teens.

She volunteers countless hours to aid abused women and children and has served on the Board of Directors for the Child Assault Prevention Project, the Eighth Judicial District Pro Bono Foundation, volunteered for the Red Cross, Jerry Lewis Telethons, United Blood Services, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society.

Suzan has also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in need of protection by the courts. She has worked with other legal professionals tirelessly for Nevada’s homeless youth.

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James Leslie Gubler

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace, Department 13

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?
My campaign is primarily funded by me. I am lucky enough to be in a position to do that. I have not solicited any funds. I contemplate spending approximately one hundred thousand dollars.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys? 3. Will you recuse yourself from cases in which the litigants contributed to your campaign, or to your opponent’s campaign? If not, will you disclose these relationships at the soonest possible moment in the litigation process? 4. Will you accept gifts from attorneys who could possibly have a case before you at anytime during your term? If so, will you disclose the acceptance of this gift at the soonest possible moment in the litigation process?

If I receive any unsolicited donations from attorneys, I will keep a record of that. If an attorney who has donated appears in my courtroom, I will let the parties know of that donation. If they then ask me to recuse myself, I will. Since I am not asking for donations, I don’t think that situation will come up often. Gifts to judges are not appropriate.

5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

Attorneys are officers of the court as defined in the Professional Code of Responsibility. They need to act accordingly. As a judge, I have an ethical obligation to report to the Bar attorneys who do not act in an ethical manner. I would do that.

6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

As I have demonstrated as a Pro Tem, I start court on time. When attorneys realize that, you get a lot more done. I give the litigants an opportunity to present their case. I don’t allow them to personalize their argument. I believe I am polite yet control the courtroom. I am able to make a ruling on objections. Likewise, I can make a final decision. My courtroom would be in use five days a week from 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

I believe cameras should be allowed in the courtroom. That is what I have done as a Pro Tem. There are exceptions where young victims and/or witnesses are involved.

9. What is your judicial philosophy?

I believe a judge should follow the law. That is why there is such a thing as case law. Stare decisis provides consistency in the law. Judges should not legislate. My judicial philosophy would be in line with Justice Antonin Scalia, viz. an originalist believing in strict construction and states rights.

10. What are your qualifications?
I believe voters are often confused as to what a Justice of the Peace even does. In Clark County ninety percent of the cases a Justice of the Peace handles are felonies. The court decides such issues as bail, extradition, search and seizure, probable cause for arrest, probable cause to bind over for trial, and the list goes on. Because of these complexities, voters need J.P.’s who have experience. I have that experience.

Bio of James Leslie Gubler

I am a lifetime resident of Las Vegas. My parents, V. Gray and Rita Gubler, raised four sons here after their arrival in 1929. Similarly, my wife, Julie and I, have brought up four children here. We think Las Vegas is a great place to live.

I received a BA in Economics from BYU and a J.D. from the College of Law at the University of Utah. After graduation I went to work for the Clark County Public Defender. I was a Chief Deputy for twenty-six years and handled hundreds of felony preliminary hearings. In District Court I have had over thirty felony trials, including capital murder cases. Since 2002, I have sat as a Pro Tem Justice of the Peace. My wife, Julie, and I have raised four children. Las Vegas is our home.

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Conrad Hafen

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace, Department 14

How have/will you finance your campaign?

I am financing my campaign through donations and use of my own money. I do not accept any donations from attorneys.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

I will follow the rules as outlined in the judicial rules of conduct.

No
5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

Yes
6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

Yes
7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?
Yes

8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?
Yes

9. What is your judicial philosophy?
A judge’s role is to interpret and apply the law not make the law.

10. What are your qualifications?
See biography.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?
In light of the State’s economic downturn, it would not be prudent to create an intermediate court at this time.

12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?
I believe that Nevadans should be given the opportunity to vote for their judges.

13. If you were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, would you vote more often with Justice Antonin Scalia or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

As judge I will look at each case on its own merits and apply Nevada law.

Bio of Conrad Hafen

I am married with 4 children. I have been an attorney for 21 years and a career prosecutor for 17 years.

I was the Chief Deputy District Attorney for Humboldt County for 10 years. I joined the Nevada Attorney General’s office in 2003 as a Senior Deputy Attorney General and was responsible for creating and organizing the office’s first political corruption unit.

In 2005, I was promoted to be the Chief Deputy Attorney General – Criminal Bureau. As Chief Deputy, I supervise 21 prosecutors, 4 offices: Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City and Ely and 5 prosecution units: special prosecutions, political corruption, securities fraud, workers compensation fraud and insurance fraud.

I have prosecuted cases ranging from first-degree murder, trafficking in controlled substances, sexual assaults, misconduct of a public officer, securities fraud and mortgage lending fraud.

I am the only candidate in my race to successfully argue cases before the United States Supreme Court, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and Nevada Supreme Court. The United States Supreme Court case, Hiibel v. State of Nevada, is a landmark case in the area of 4th and 5th amendment jurisprudence.

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Bernie Zadrowski

Las Vegas Justice of the Peace, Department 14

1. How have/will you finance your campaign?

100% through campaign donations. While my family is wealthy in terms of our zest for life, education, and the betterment of the community, such is not the case from an economic standpoint. Thus, I will rely on the traditional method of financing my judicial campaign.

2. Have you or will you accept contributions from trial attorneys?

Yes. I am confident in my ethical beliefs and responsibilities, and therefore I would not be swayed one iota, for or against by a lawyer who contributed or did not contribute to my campaign. No campaign contribution will compromise my ethical responsibility towards making the correct decisions in a case, regardless of which attorneys are present before the court. I act in this responsible fashion now, as a district attorney, in that I take my ethical responsibility to heart where I may have to negotiate a case with an attorney that has contributed to my campaign. Frankly, it suggests to me a lack of confidence in one’s ability not to be ethically compromised by a campaign donation, to not take contributions from attorneys. What does that say about one’s own belief in their inability to be ethically compromised if they feel that the temptation needs to be removed? By saying that you will not take contributions from attorneys, aren’t you suggesting that you are not strong enough, ethically, to say “no” to the attorney when they appear before you on an issue?

I will not recuse myself in such situations. I will follow the law as deemed appropriate by the judicial ethics commission and the Supreme Court of the State of Nevada. Rule 2.4(b) of the judicial canons states that “A judge shall not permit family, social, political, financial, or other interests or relationships to influence the judge’s judicial conduct or judgment.” I agree and will abide by that rule. Furthermore, rule 4.2 permits a judge and/or judicial candidate to “seek, accept, or use endorsements or publicly stated support from any source except partisan political organizations.” Thus, the judicial canons do not require a judge to recuse themselves in such situations.

While I see no possibility that such a situation would ever occur if I were elected to office, I will nevertheless abide by Rule 3.13 of the Judicial Canons, and 3.15 with regard to reporting requirements.
5. Will you report to the Nevada State Bar any attorneys who behave in an unethical fashion in your courtroom?

I will, if the situation and the law require it. Having served as the vice chairman of the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board (Ethics Panel), I believe it is important for the judiciary to alert the State Bar Disciplinary Counsel of lawyer infractions, since it is the duty of bar counsel to “handle” these types of situations.
6. Are you punctual? Will you strongly encourage your staff to be punctual?

Yes and yes.
7. Will you strongly encourage attorneys who practice in your courtroom to be civil with one another?

Yes, but more importantly I will encourage lawyers to be zealous in their advocacy of/for their clients, which is required by the law. Thus, I will encourage prosecutors to abide by their number 1 ethical responsibility which means they should always seek justice, regardless of the outcome of the case(s), and encourage defense counsel to zealously advocate on behalf of their client(s).
8. Are you more likely than not to allow cameras in the courtroom in most instances?

More likely to than not. I will utilize the JAVS system and keep the camera on in court, unless such a use runs counter to the policy of the court.
9. What is your judicial philosophy?

I subscribe to the doctrine of original intent. That is, that the judiciary should interpret the law by carrying out the intent of the framers/lawmakers by reading the language of the law in light of the understanding of that language at the time it was written. I do not believe that the constitution is a “living document.” As Justice Scalia appropriately stated, it is an “enduring document.”

10. What are your qualifications?

From a recent bio . . .

Bernard B. Zadrowski was born in Pittsburgh, Pa, and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was appointed to and briefly attended the United States Air Force Academy, going on to graduate from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1988, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. In 1988, Bernie moved to New York, New York where he studied theater at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He graduated in 1991, earning a spot with the AADA Acting Company. During the next few years, Bernie lived and worked in the Big Apple. Turning his attention towards the law in 1994, Bernie left New York City and began his legal studies at the University of Denver College of Law. He graduated in 1997 in the top 11% of his class. Upon graduation he headed west to Las Vegas to begin his career as a prosecutor.

Since making Las Vegas his home, Mr. Zadrowski has been very active in the legal community. He was appointed to the Southern Nevada Disciplinary Board in 2001, and currently serves as Vice Chairman of that board. In 2002, he was appointed by the State Bar to the Judicial Selection Commission. In that capacity, Bernie was instrumental in helping to fill judicial vacancies by nominating judge-candidates whom would later go on to be appointed to the bench by the governor. He was appointed by the State Bar to the Judicial Ethics and Election Practices Commission in 2007 as a permanent lawyer commissioner. His term will expire in December 2010. Additionally, Bernie has previously been elected and served as President of the Latino Bar Association of Southern Nevada, and Vice President of the Clark County Prosecutor’s Association. Bernie is an active member of the Las Vegas South Sunset Rotary Club. He also enjoys his part-time job as an adjunct professor of criminal law at the College of Southern Nevada, where he has been educating students for the last twelve years in the areas of Nevada criminal law, juvenile law, and criminal procedure. Bernie is a student (again) himself. Recently he went back to school to earn his Masters Degree in Catholic Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. This degree is a work in progress.

Bernie is a Chief Deputy D.A. in the criminal division of the Clark County District Attorney’s Office. Since 2005, he has been chief prosecutor and supervisor of the Check Fraud Division, where he is in charge of prosecuting bad check and fraud offenders in the community. He has gained national recognition in this capacity and frequently lectures at conferences regarding the prosecution of identity theft and check fraud.

11. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding the creation of an intermediate appeals court in Nevada?

I have taken no position, for or against the ballot question.
12. Do you support this year’s ballot question regarding whether judges should be appointed or elected?

Yes. In fact I have publicly advocated for the change.
13. If you were a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, would you vote more often with Justice Antonin Scalia or Ruth Bader Ginsburg?

I cannot answer such a general question. However, I can tell you that my judicial philosophy is far more consistent with Justice Scalia’s judicial philosophy than with Justice Ginsburg’s.

Bio of Bernie Zadrowski

Bernie has been married to Shannan Shaw Zadrowski. They have two children, Maddie, age 8, and William, age 6. To learn more about Bernie Zadrowski and his campaign for Las Vegas Justice of the Peace, Dept. 14, please visit him on Facebook, or at www.Zadrowski4judge.com.

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Primary motivations: A revised list of candidate profiles

Jack Howard

Michael D. Davidson

Joanna Kishner

Rob Bare

Ellen Stoebling

Steve Jones

Maria Maskall

John Eccles

Bill Gonzalez

Carl Piazza

Tony Abbatangelo

Janiece Marshall

Karen Bennett

Suzan Baucum

James Leslie Gubler

Conrad Hafen

Bernie Zadrowski

Bio of Bernie Zadrowski

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Jeff German

Full Court Press
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Primary motivations: A revised list of candidate profiles

Jack Howard

Michael D. Davidson

Joanna Kishner

Rob Bare

Ellen Stoebling

Steve Jones

Maria Maskall

John Eccles

Bill Gonzalez

Carl Piazza

Tony Abbatangelo

Janiece Marshall

Karen Bennett

Suzan Baucum

James Leslie Gubler

Conrad Hafen

Bernie Zadrowski

Bio of Bernie Zadrowski

Courtside with Jeff German

Full Court Pressby Doug McMurdo

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Courtside
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