"Protecting the Constitution, Protecting Jefferson County"
The theme of my campaign is the idea of “Protecting the Constitution, Protecting Jefferson County.” Judges in Missouri take an oath to support and uphold the Missouri and United States Constitutions, and that is a responsibility I will take very seriously. Judges must work to ensure not only that justice is done through enforcement of our local and state laws, but that the liberties of our citizens are not sacrificed when doing so.
Protecting the Constitution
The Founding Fathers of our country drafted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to create a system where a limited federal government would exist primarily to protect the natural rights and liberties of its citizens. This foundation enabled the people of this country to build the greatest and most prosperous nation in history. In recent years, though, those rights and liberties have eroded as some judges have decided they have the power to substitute their beliefs for the will of the people. I firmly believe that the role of a judge is to apply the language of the Constitution, not change it to what they think it should say. If a right needs to be protected by the constitution it should be changed by the people through the amendment process.
The Founding Fathers of our country drafted the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to create a system where a limited federal government would exist primarily to protect the natural rights and liberties of its citizens. This foundation enabled the people of this country to build the greatest and most prosperous nation in history. In recent years, though, those rights and liberties have eroded as some judges have decided they have the power to substitute their beliefs for the will of the people. I firmly believe that the role of a judge is to apply the language of the Constitution, not change it to what they think it should say. If a right needs to be protected by the constitution it should be changed by the people through the amendment process.
Protecting Jefferson County
I have spent my career working to ensure the safety of Missouri citizens. From arguing felony sexual abuse cases in the Missouri Supreme Court to dog bites in Municipal Court, I have prosecuted cases at all levels of seriousness. I've seen first-hand how effective law enforcement and prosecution can improve the day to day lives of Jefferson County's citizens.
In January 2011, I was appointed Municipal Prosecutor for the Jefferson County Municipal Court. In the 4 years since I accepted that position (2011-2015), I have prosecuted approximately 2,000 charges of Driving while Intoxicated. If you compare those years to the 4 prior years (2007-2010), you can see the progress that Jefferson County is making. (And just to be clear, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department certainly deserves a lot of credit as well. These improvements are a team effort!)
I have spent my career working to ensure the safety of Missouri citizens. From arguing felony sexual abuse cases in the Missouri Supreme Court to dog bites in Municipal Court, I have prosecuted cases at all levels of seriousness. I've seen first-hand how effective law enforcement and prosecution can improve the day to day lives of Jefferson County's citizens.
In January 2011, I was appointed Municipal Prosecutor for the Jefferson County Municipal Court. In the 4 years since I accepted that position (2011-2015), I have prosecuted approximately 2,000 charges of Driving while Intoxicated. If you compare those years to the 4 prior years (2007-2010), you can see the progress that Jefferson County is making. (And just to be clear, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department certainly deserves a lot of credit as well. These improvements are a team effort!)
- Between 2007 and 2010, Jefferson County experienced an average of 310 alcohol-related traffic crashes per year. In the 4 years since then, though, that number has dropped to 260 per year, a 20% improvement!
- Even more importantly, if you look at alcohol-related traffic fatalities, Jefferson County was averaging 14.5 per year. That number has seen an even more significant drop, to 10 per year, which is a 45% improvement!
Judicial Qualities
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Integrity.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated fair and independent judgment, honesty and trustworthiness, and a commitment to equal justice under the law. I have never, and would never, tolerate bias or prejudice with regard to the identity, race, gender, political status, or wealth of the parties before me. I possess the willingness to do what the law requires even though that course may not be the popular one. In my personal life I have demonstrated financial responsibility and have never engaged in the sorts of immorality or indiscretions which could compromise my impartiality. I would freely waive any confidentiality privileges with regard to attorney disciplinary matters, should anyone wish to review my record. |
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Competence.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong legal knowledge and analytical ability, as well as the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. My extensive trial and courtroom experience has left me well-equipped to handle the pressures of the judiciary. |
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Diligence.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated that I recognize my time is no more valuable than anyone else's. A hard-working judge who is reliable, punctual, and well-prepared, ensures that everyone has access to the efficient administration of justice without wasting time and money. |
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Temperament.
Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a dignified and even-tempered demeanor to attorneys, judges, crime victims, and defendants (whether represented or not). I always strive to be courteous, patient, open-minded, and compassionate. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect under the law, even if their conduct requires punishment. |
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