JUDICIAL CANDIDATES

 

QUESTIONS

 

  1. Why are you running for this specific court?

 2. What experience do you bring to this court?

                            3. What kinds of changes would you make to improve this court?

 

CANDIDATE RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS  BELOW 

 

 LISABETH HUGHES ABRAMSON, JUSTICE, KENTUCKY SUPREME COURT

 

Question 1:

 

 I am running to retain the seat on the Supreme Court which I have held since my appointment in September 2007 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the late Justice William E. McAnulty.  My work ethic, integrity and legal ability have earned me the endorsement of Citizens for Better Judges and recognition in the 2008 Louisville Bar Association poll as the most “Highly Qualified” candidate in the Supreme Court race. I have been and will continue to be a dedicated, hard-working and impartial Justice who cares deeply about the law and its impact on people.

 

Question 2:

 

I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Louisville Law School and practiced law for fifteen years before serving almost eight years as a Circuit Judge, three years as a Judge of the Court of Appeals and now as a Justice of the Supreme Court. Because the Supreme Court, like the Court of Appeals, is an appellate court and accomplishes its work through written opinions, my significant appellate experience as an attorney and later as a Court of Appeals Judge and Justice of the Supreme Court makes me particularly well-qualified for a seat on our Commonwealth’s highest court.

 

Question 3:

 

After eight months on the Supreme Court, I cannot identify any needed major changes but I can appreciate the importance of our court’s commitment to prompt and responsible disposition of the hundreds of cases that come before us each year. We must exercise discretionary review of civil cases to develop more fully our case law precedent and provide guidance to the trial courts, attorneys and litigants.  We must also carefully scrutinize criminal cases to assure adherence to due process and respect for all people involved in our criminal justice system. As the Commonwealth’s highest court, we must lead by example.

 

 

 Jim Shake     Kentucky Supreme Court Justice, 4th District

 

  1. Supreme Court Justice is the highest judicial seat in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  I believe we must have the most qualified and most experienced jurists occupying those seven seats.  I have served the Commonwealth as a trial judge for the past fifteen years and enjoyed a very diverse practice for twelve years prior to taking the bench.  I am now anxious to use the skills I have acquired through the years to decide, with the other justices, the most serious and important issues affecting the lives of the citizens of this Commonwealth.

 

  1. In fifteen years of service as a circuit judge I have heard and ruled on virtually every issue that could come before  a  trial or appellate court.  I have consistently received the highest ratings in the Louisville Bar Association’s judicial evaluations in all categories including legal ability, integrity, handling criminal cases, handling civil cases and culminating in a 99% overall approval rating in the most recent evaluation. I have been elected Chief Judge three times by my colleagues in the Jefferson Circuit and President of the Circuit Judges Association by my colleagues statewide.

 

  1. I believe the time the court takes to render decisions should always be scrutinized and reduced whenever possible.     Additionally, because the court is charged with adopting rules that govern attorneys and litigants in both the practice of law and ethics, I believe it must maintain an ongoing dialogue with members of all sections of the bar to insure our rules facilitate a user friendly system of justice. 

 

Denise G. Clayton, Kentucky Court of Appeals

 

Question 1.  Why are you running for this specific court?

 

I was appointed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, 4th Appellate District, Diviision 2  in October, 2007.  I have been serving as Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals since October 31, 2007.  I have @ 11 years experience as a trial judge. I am running unopposed.  My judicial experience and my 20 years of legal practice as a trial attorney have prepared me for this position.

 

Question 2.  What experience do you bring to this court?

 

Eleven years as a trial judge in Jefferson District, Family and Circuit Court as well as in Drug Court, asbestos adminstrative docket.  I continue to serve in Truancy Court.  I was Chief Circuit and Chief Regional Circuit Judge.  Twenty years as a practicing attorney.  I practiced at the Legal Aid Society, Student Legal Services at the University of Louisville, private law practice, Estate Tax  Attorney at IRS, and  instructor in the Paralegal Progam at University of Louisville .  I am chairperson of the Racial Fairness Commission for the Jefferson County Courts.  

 

Question 3.  What kinds of changes would you make to improve this court?

 

I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Court of Appeals to conduct oral arguments throughout the state in order for all citizens of Kentucky to have an opportunity to observe the work of the Court of Appeals.

 

 

  

Louie GUENTHNER   30th Judicial Circuit - 4th Division
 
1. Why are you running for this specific court?     I have the Knowledge, Experience and Service to improve the Justice System.  I spent 15 years in the Kentucky House of Representatives as Vice Chairman of the Judiciary Committee dealing with the operation of the states court system.  I was Chairman of the Judicial Reform Committee of the Jefferson County Delegation to the General Assembly in 1974 establishing the most far reaching overhaul of the Kentucky Court System in Kentucky history.  I now wish to serve the public enforcing the laws and interpreting the application of the law to ensure fairness to all parties in the court system.
 
 
2.  What experience do you bring to this court?    I have 37 years of experience in all levels of the court system, from the smallest District Court matters to the United States Supreme Court.  I have practiced in all Appellate Courts in both the State and Federal System. I have handled large Civil Cases from bad checks to capital murder.  I understand the role of the Judge in all matters is to ensure all litigants receive a fair trial free of errors and a timely resolution of all issues.  I have the judicial temperment needed to ensure justice for all with fairness and respect.
 
3.   What kind of changes would you make to improve this court?   I believe "justice delayed is justice denied".  I will make sure that cases move forward in a timely manner so that the people involved in the litigation can put the matter in question to rest and move on with their life.  I will also use my influence to improve the quality and fairness of the jury selection process.  I will work with my fellow judges to ask the legislature to pay jury members more for their service.  Citizens should not be penalized for serving on a jury.  Timeliness and justice will be the hallmark of my service.

 


Charlie Cunningham   Jefferson Circuit Court, Division 4

1.  I am running for circuit court because the vast majority of my experience has been in litigating cases in circuit court.  I have felt the call to public service and this is the spot my career has prepared me for and directed me toward.  I am also running because a number of attorneys and judges have encouraged me to do so and commented that they believe I would make a good circuit judge.

2.  I bring 25+ years of legal experience including litigating and trying a wide variety of cases.  I am the only candidate in this race rated AV (very high to preeminent in ability and very ethical) by my peers as set out in Louisville Magazine and this is for general practice.  I also have a degree in environmental engineering which will be very helpful as a trial judge.  As the current judge in Div. 4, I have actually served as a judge.  I have been endorsed by Citizens for Better Judges.

3.  The principal change I intend to make is to improve the efficiency of the court.  This must be done without sacrificing the individual treatment of each case which is a hallmark of American justice.  One example of how to do this, I believe, is to be more proactive.  The court generally responds to the litigants when they request action by the court.  I propose to do more to control the pace.  No case should be rushed to a resolution but neither should it grind away for years without progress.

 

W. Douglas Kemper

Division 4, Jefferson Circuit Court (30th Judicial District)

 

Why are you running for this specific court?

While I was in college I decided I would definitely pursue a career of public service.  Soon after I started practicing law, I decided that being a Circuit Court judge is how I could best pursue that calling, because I saw that judges are in a unique position to have a real and direct impact on people’s lives on a day to day basis.  

 

What experience do you bring to this court?

I have spent my entire professional career preparing myself for this job.  My first job out of law school was as anAssistant Commonwealth’s Attorney where I prosecuted felony criminal cases in Jefferson Circuit Court for over seven years.  I then joined a private law firm where my practice involves litigating complex civil matters in Circuit Courts throughout this state.  I also had the wonderful opportunity to live my professional dream by being a Circuit Court judge for nine months in 2006.  I am eager to return to serving the citizens ofJefferson County. 

 

What kinds of changes would you make to improve this court?

I can do my part to improve the administration of justice inJefferson County by running an effective and efficient courtroom and helping all citizens understand the judicial process.  I will continue to be a student of the law, so as to apply it correctly, fairly, and impartially without regard for my personal preferences of what the law ought to be. Also, as I did when I was on the Bench before, I will be a civics teacher for this community, helping to educate the citizens ofJefferson County about the courts and their role in our society.

 

ROBERT “BOB” SILVERTHORN

CANDIDATE, JUDGE, JEFFERSON CIRCUIT COURT

30th CIRCUIT, DIVISION 4 

  1. Why are you running for this specific court? 

I am an experienced trial lawyer of impeccable credentials and integrity, and who has demonstrated that I am capable of making fair and just rulings and decisions.  The 2008 Louisville Bar Association Judicial Candidate Poll rated me the most highly qualified/qualified candidate running to fill this judicial vacancy.  This attests to my legal experience, skill, temperament and integrity to serve as a trial judge.    

  1. What experience do you bring to this court? 

I have practiced law for 33 years, trying to jury verdict both criminal and complex civil cases.  I have practiced at all levels of both the state and federal court systems.  I have had an extensive appellate practice. The breadth and depth of my legal experience is a significant factor in my qualification for this position.  In addition I have served on the Advisory Boards of the Salvation Army and American Red Cross, the DePaul School, Wesley Manor Retirement Community, Inc., and Trustee of my Church.  I am a Legal Aid Society volunteer, former staff of the Louisville Jefferson County Crime Commission and past Chair of the Kentucky Bar Association, Civil Litigation Section.  

  1. What kinds of changes would you make to improve this court? 

I would encourage the Administrative Office of Courts to fund a pilot project in Division 4 to test electronic filing of all pleadings similar to the federal court system.  This would enhance the administration of the Court with considerable projected savings.  I would review the impact of the recent state budget reductions on the constitutionally mandated competent criminal defense counsel for indigent defendants on the constitutional right to a speedy trial.  I would support a regular settlement week for civil cases.

 

 LAURA PRATER RUSSELL

JEFFERSON DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, DIV. 16

 

1. Why are you running for this specific court?

 

I am running for Jefferson District Court Judge because I love the Louisville community. I have the commitment, compassion and objectivity that I believe the community deserves in a judge. The community is best served through a judge with a well rounded experience and that is what I bring to this race. I truly believe that every person has a right to his or her day in court, to have his or her case heard in a timely manner, and to have judges that remember that every decision affects real people and real lives.

                                                                                                       

2. What experience do you bring to this court?

My professional experiences qualify me to serve as Jefferson District Court Judge. As a practicing attorney, I prosecuted cases in district and family court and worked as an associate in private practice representing real people with real legal issues. I have a published Kentucky Court of Appeals opinion used in courts today.

Working with a judge afforded the opportunity to gain valuable insight into daily judicial decision making processes. I have two years of unique experience as a District Court Trial Commissioner. My work at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet provided valuable institutional knowledge that will assist me as a judge.

3.  What kinds of changes would you make to improve this Court?

I think that technology presents a tremendous opportunity for Jefferson County Courts to become more efficient. We need to examine the processes that underpin the Jefferson County Courts to better serve our citizens.  I want to leverage technology where appropriate to improve the ability of the District Court to handle increasing volumes of cases and make the judicial process more accessible to the people of Jefferson County.  By focusing on this issue, the District Court system can expedite our cases and judges can focus on what is really important and that is by making decisions that affect the entire community.

 

 

 

DAVID P. BOWLES

Jefferson District Court Judge

30th Judicial District, 16th Division

 

Why are you running for this specific court?

 

District Court is more than traffic tickets and misdemeanors - a District Court Judge presides over cases involving probate estates, civil disputes, disability cases, juvenile delinquency, as well as traffic and misdemeanors matters.  District Court is the gateway to our justice system, where most citizens will have contact with the court. I served our community for over twenty years as a police officer, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant from the Jefferson County Police Department.  As an experienced civil litigator, I have the necessary temperament, problem-solving skills and legal expertise for this position. 

 

What experience do you bring to this court?

 

I served for twenty years as a police officer in our community. I believe I am the only candidate in my race who has drafted search warrant affidavits, executed them, and presented matters to the grand jury as a prosecuting witness.  Additionally, in 2006, I was recognized as one of Kentucky Most Prolific Civil Trial Attorneys.  Judges need skill sets that enable them to understand the litigants in District Court, as well as the lawyers practicing there. As a highly experienced lawyer, a twenty-year public servant and the married father of two children, I have the experience and skill set best suited for this court.

 

What kind of changes would you make to improve this court?

 

Any changes to the justice system require the participation and engagement of all of the stakeholders, such as the Circuit Clerk's office, the Sheriff's office, and prosecutors.  I am interested in improving docket management and the flow of people through the Hall of Justice by expirementing with staggered dockets. I would also propose and work towards electronic document filing, which the federal courts have mastered in recent years. In addition to being more efficient for practicing lawyers and the court system, this would be an important move toward reducing unnecessary paper records, and would ensure the retention of records for as long as necessary.

 

 

SHEILA BERMAN

DISTRICT COURT JUDGE (30th Judicial District, Division 16)

 

1.  Why are you running for this specific court?

Most people who have contact with the judicial system have contact with District Court.  I want to become a District Court Judge because I want to show our citizens that the system works, that the system respects them, and that the rule of law exists for matters both big and small.

On a personal level, I want to return to public service.  I spent nearly a decade working as a prosecutor, representing "The People."  I miss the satisfaction that came from knowing that I was working on behalf of my community and serving the public. 

 

2.  What experience do you bring to this court?

For six years, I served at the nation's highest levels of criminal prosecution and successfully prosecuted one of the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted Criminals.  Prior to that, I worked for the D.C. Attorney General's Office in a fast-paced, high volume courtroom, similar to District Court.  As a private practitioner here in Louisville, I help individuals striving for a fair shake in their personal and family crises, business affairs, and criminal cases.  My experience is well-rounded.  I have worked at the state and federal levels, on criminal and civil cases, and as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. 

 

3.  What kind of changes would you make to improve this Court?

A lack of respect is paralyzing our judicial system. Citizens don't see that they're actually part of the justice system. They feel that the courts aren't treating them as fairly as they should. I will work to remedy this problem simply by treating everyone in the court -- plaintiffs, defendants, victims, jurors, attorneys, and court staff -- with respect, equality and dignity.  The system works best when participants fully understand what is happening with their case with clear, calm, direct interaction. 

As a District Court Judge I will run an efficient courtroom, manage my docket, and start court on time.

 

 

Ann Bailey Smith

30th District, District Court, 16th Division

 

1.  Why are you running for this specific court?

 

            As a lifelong resident of Louisville, mother of four teenagers and married for 21 years,  I am very interested in this community.  District Court is a very important court.  It is the court where citizens will most likely have contact.  Therefore, I believe it is crucial to have judges who have many years of experience and real courtroom experience.  My 25 years as an attorney and breadth of experience make me uniquely qualified to serve in District Court.  As a result I have been endorsed by Citizens For Better Judges (see www.citizensforbetterjudges.org).   

 

2.  What experience do you bring to this court?

 

            Twenty-five years of practicing law has provided me with a broad range of experience.  I have tried criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to those involving the death penalty.  As a prosecutor I tried by jury more than 30 DUI cases and as a defense attorney I tried more than 50 circuit court felony jury trials.  In civil practice, I have had diverse experience, ranging from the representation of those negligently injured to adoption.  My peers have given me the highest approval rating of any candidate in this race in the 2008 Louisville Bar Association Judicial Candidates Poll.

 

3.  What kinds of changes would you make to improve this court?

 

            I advocate the assignment of a variety of cases to each division of District Court.  This would eliminate the practice of rotating district judges from one docket to another every few months, thereby reducing delays and enhancing continuity and consistency in the oversight of cases and their disposition.  A system similar to that in Circuit Court would promote accountability and professionalism. I would also work to eliminate minority or socio-economic status from being a factor in pretrial release, jury selection, and sentencing, as well as the manner in which daily proceedings are conducted.

 

 

Shelley Santry

District 30, Division 16, Jefferson County District Court

 

1.                  Why are you running for this specific court?

 

I have devoted over 20 years to public service and have the experience, maturity and temperament to be a fair and compassionate Judge.  When you review my experience listed in question #2, you should realize that with my broad experience, I have been involved with (in some capacity or another) every docket at the district court level representing both sides of a case.  I urge you to compare me to my opponents and see that many of them have focused on one area of practice…..I have the varied experience necessary to be a balanced, well rounded and committed Judge.

           

2.                  What experience do you bring to this Court?

 

I taught high school students with special needs for 5 years.  Our students were involved in the juvenile court system and it was then that I realized I should attend law school.  When I graduated from law school, I spent over 8 years as a staff attorney for The Legal Aid Society representing low income folks in civil matters.  The last 7 years, I prosecuted domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault cases.  Please check out my website for more detail at www.santryforjudge.com.

 

3.                  What kinds of changes would you make to improve the court?

 

As a prosecutor for the last 7 years, I see the biggest challenge as being “docket control”.  For example, currently all police cases involving felonies and/or misdemeanors are set for 9AM.  That means you could have as many as 200 cases set for the same time.  Folks (victims, defense attorneys, police officers, defendants) are waiting for long periods of time with little finality in the case.  Why not stagger the dockets?  Set 100 cases for 9am and another 100 cases for 1PM – A docket of 100 is more manageable and thus allowing Justice to be swift!

 

 

Katie King

District Court, District 30, Division 16

 

1) As an Assistant County Attorney I have prosecuted thousands of cases in District Court involving theft, assault, drug and gun crimes. In this position, I see the need to put a stop to the revolving door which allows career criminals to continually get back out on the street to commit yet another serious criminal offense. I witness crime victims get lost in the shuffle of District Court. I have pledged to help put a stop to the revolving door and put crime victims over criminals. I want to help make this community a safe place to live and work.

 

2) Serving as an Assistant County Attorney, I have prosecuted thousands of cases in District Court involving all types of crime. Secondly, I have acted as a Warning Order Attorney in Civil Circuit Court. I prosecute daily in District Court working in Felony/Misdemeanor Court in the morning and Warrant Court in the afternoon. I understand how District Court operates and the roles Judges, Sheriffs and Court Personnel play. I have the temperament to be a fair and impartial Judge. I understand the importance of having an unbiased opinion on a case to case basis.  

 

3) My chief priorities will be putting crime victims before criminals, enforcing tough penalties against domestic violence, putting a stop to the revolving door, running an efficient yet effective courtroom and keeping our community safe.

 

 Allyson Cox

District Court Judge, 30th District, Division 16

1.      Why are you running for this specific court?

I am running for District Court Judge because it is a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people who come into the courthouse and to the community as a whole.  Most people who find themselves in court will be in District Court.

Having practiced before almost every District Judge currently sitting, I have learned from positive and negative experiences and will use that knowledge and my strengths to affect change.  I will apply the fairness, common sense, compassion, and work ethic I have shown as a prosecutor and to help people in a greater capacity. 

2.      What experience do you bring to this court?

I have practiced in District Court every day for almost 6 years as a Domestic Violence, Sex Crimes, and Child Abuse Prosecutor responsible for settling and presenting cases to the judge and jury. I am familiar with the procedures, staff, and legal community in every division. I am the only candidate trained to use both computer programs District Judges must use. On weekends, I review and approve MIW’s, EPO’s and warrants, all duties of a District Court Judge. I have worked hard for everything I have and I can relate to the people who come to Court needing help.  

3.      What kind of changes would you make to improve this court?

I will be fair regardless of age, race, socio-economic status or any other outside considerations. I will require respect for the court from those involved through their behavior, dress, and attitude. I will ensure docket control by refusing to allow cases to continue indefinitely and clog up the system. I will protect the rights of Defendants, Victims, and hold all parties to a case accountable. I will ensure access and the opportunity to be heard for all who come before the court. I will be a full time employee who is accessible and available to cover courts and address concerns.

AARON J. SILLETTO

JEFFERSON DISTRICT COURT, 30th Judicial District, 16th Division

 

1.           Why are you running for this specific court?

 

I am running for judge to bring back the people’s confidence in our judiciary. The Wall Street Journal reports that over 80% of the people have no confidence in our courts’ ability to render fair outcomes in their cases. Many litigants believe our judges fail to understand both the subject matter involved in the cases before them and the perspective of the litigants. District court is the court with which most people will have contact at some point, and it is therefore the court where a change in these perceptions will most immediately be felt by the public.

 

2.         What experience do you bring to this court?

 

District court is a trial court, so trial experience is important. I have experience trying both civil and criminal cases, in front of both juries and judges. District court handles a vast range of subjects – probate, criminal, civil, small claims, eviction, juvenile, traffic – and I have experience handling cases in all of these areas. Litigants in district court are also very diverse – both large and small businesses, and individuals of all races, incomes, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I have represented businesses of all sizes, poor people, wealthy people, and middle class working people in between.

 

3.         What kinds of changes would you make to improve this court?

 

The people expect their courts to be efficient, yet they wait for hours to have their cases heard. The people also expect their courts to strive to follow the law. I will work to make the courts more efficient and consumer-friendly by implementing staggered dockets, having judges work two half-day dockets each day instead of one, enforcing the time guidelines for case disposition in the local court rules, and permitting attorneys to file documents with the court electronically. I will put aside my own policy preferences and instead serve the people by being a servant of the law.

 

David Larry Holton, II, Jefferson District Court, Division 16

 

Question 1.  Why are you running for this specific court?

 

Answer:  I believe that we have a moral responsibility to give back to our community. I believe that this responsibility falls most heavily on those of us who have been most fortunate in life, which is certainly me. After losing my eyesight at age ten (10), my life could have been much different. However, due to the countless blessings, wonderful family, and the grace of God, I am here to give back to my community. My life experience and nineteen years as a criminal prosecutor make me the most uniquely qualified candidate for this position.

 

Question 2.  What experience do you bring to this court?

 

Answer:  I have been a criminal prosecutor for 19 years in Jefferson District Court where I have had countless hearings, and conducted numerous trials.  I also have had a private law practice concentrating in family law, probate and bankruptcy law.

 

Question 3.  What kinds of changes would you make to improve this court?

 

Answer:  I would take the courts to the citizens of this community by offering more court hearings at locations throughout Louisville/Jefferson County.  I also would provide for more court hearings at night for citizens who are busy working during the day.

 

I would ensure that every victim of domestic violence has an advocate to assist him/her through every aspect of the court case.  Finally, I would allow citizens to pay their fines and court costs on-line like many of their other routine or regular obligations.

 

Jan Firkins Brightwell

District Court, 30th District, 16th Division

 

1. Why are you running for this specific court?

The primary focus of District Court is criminal cases, and the majority of my experience as a lawyer has been practicing criminal law. Moreover, in my current position, I am responsible for determining whether serious felonies that are initiated in District Court should be handled on an expedited basis with an immediate plea offer to the defendant. Therefore, I feel that my experience can best be used in this court.

 

2. What experience do you bring to this court?

I have been at the Commonwealth Attorney's Office for over 20 years. I have prosecuted a large number of cases and last year my unit handled approximately 1400 cases. I have tried numerous cases, including murder cases. I deal with a large volume of people coming before the court, who are often angry, upset and/or confused about what is going on, and I deal with each one of them fairly and with dignity. I'm always trying to treat them with respect so that they feel like they are a person, not just a number in the system, and to address their concerns whenever possible, while at the same time (being firm if necessary) keeping the cases moving along. This is the same qualifications that would make a great District Court judge.
 

3. What kinds of changes would you make to improve this court?

District Court serves a large number of people everyday, most of whom do not have an attorney. Walking the hallways outside of District Court finds that many people feel herded around like cattle, and come away confused, upset, and with a negative impression of the justice system. The primary change I would bring to my courtroom would be take affirmative steps to try and explain to people what is going on at the outset, and to make sure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.