COUNTY CANDIDATES SPEAK
SENTINEL
Two Broward County judges challenged in Aug. 26 election
Topix: Sentinel Comments
Interviews by Tonya Alanez. Copyright 2008 Sun Sentinel.
I have a wealth more of legal experience, a wealth more of professional experience and a proven track record of strong community involvement for which I've been recognized. I feel I have much more to offer and contribute to the bench.
What is key to being a successful judge?
You have to have the experience, you have to have knowledge of the law, you have to be sensitive, compassionate and have the right temperament and be impartial. You have to be open minded and go in there knowing you're going to be listening to every side without predisposition.
What is needed to restore the public's declining confidence in the Broward judiciary?
The confidence in our judiciary now is at an all time low. It is imperative for the public's confidence in our system of justice to have judges with the demeanor and experience that will empower the people. ... The people need to feel when their case is over that they had their day in court and they were treated fairly with dignity and respect.
I'm in the trenches. I'm doing this each and every day. I have gotten a reputation in the courthouse of treating people fairly and with respect and rendering legal decisions based on a fair reading of the law and the merits of the case. Prior to taking the bench, I tried cases to verdict as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney.
What is key to being a successful judge?
First, you treat everybody with respect. Second, you have to listen well. Third, you have to care about people, because it's about the people. You also have to follow the law, but you have to temper it with compassion.
What is needed to restore the public's declining confidence in the Broward judiciary?
We judges have to do a better job of articulating to the community as to what we're doing each and every day for them. When we are able to give the community an insight as to what's actually going on, they themselves would assess that the judges here are all hardworking, dedicated and committed judges. This is not to say that some judges shouldn't be held accountable for some of their misjudgments, but I also believe a few bad apples do not represent the entire judiciary, which I am proud of and I believe in.
I have more experience both in years and types of cases. I've handled murder cases, sexual battery cases and serious felonies involving the use of firearms. I have both civil and criminal experience, not to mention that I've been doing this job for almost the past three years. I'm a proven product. My opinions have been published in the Florida Law Weekly, and I don't need on-the-job training.
What is key to being a successful judge?
Follow the law, listen and be impartial.
What is needed to restore the public's declining confidence in the Broward judiciary?
Our personal lives and our professional lives are reflective upon one another. Certainly the judges that are not living up to the expectations of the profession need to be looked at a little closer. I think one of the ways to improve the perception of the public is to have those judges who are working hard, which are the majority, to interact in the community so that the community as a whole is able to see that the majority of the judges are not the cause of the problem.
I actually sat in her courtroom, sometimes with a suit and tie and sometimes not, to see what her demeanor was. We met in a forum, and it's the same feeling that I got when I was in court ... basically: "I'm above you, how dare you?" If you walk into court, I don't care if you came from West Palm Beach or Brevard or Broward, whether you're wearing a badge or you're wearing a scruffy shirt, I'm going to look at you like you're a human being, and I'm going to treat you that way. The truth is, I already know I'm not going to raise as much money as she has. I don't know as many people as she does. Well, I don't care. I'm not part of the system, and I don't intend to be.
What is key to being a successful judge?
Organization, being able to move things along, set rules that everyone understands, sign orders timely.
What is needed to restore the public's declining confidence in the Broward judiciary?
Purge the system and let some new blood come in. Frankly, I think elections are cathartic. If you have to come up for election each and every time, and it's a real election, you're going to be on your P's and Q's and folks won't feel like they're entitled to the position. Some think you're appointed for life. I just don't agree with it.
Two Broward County judges challenged in Aug. 26 election
Topix: Sentinel Comments
Interviews by Tonya Alanez. Copyright 2008 Sun Sentinel.
Group 18 Ellen Feld
What sets you apart from your opponent?I have a wealth more of legal experience, a wealth more of professional experience and a proven track record of strong community involvement for which I've been recognized. I feel I have much more to offer and contribute to the bench.
What is key to being a successful judge?
You have to have the experience, you have to have knowledge of the law, you have to be sensitive, compassionate and have the right temperament and be impartial. You have to be open minded and go in there knowing you're going to be listening to every side without predisposition.
What is needed to restore the public's declining confidence in the Broward judiciary?
The confidence in our judiciary now is at an all time low. It is imperative for the public's confidence in our system of justice to have judges with the demeanor and experience that will empower the people. ... The people need to feel when their case is over that they had their day in court and they were treated fairly with dignity and respect.
Judge Julio Gonzalez Jr.
What sets you apart from your opponent?I'm in the trenches. I'm doing this each and every day. I have gotten a reputation in the courthouse of treating people fairly and with respect and rendering legal decisions based on a fair reading of the law and the merits of the case. Prior to taking the bench, I tried cases to verdict as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney.
What is key to being a successful judge?
First, you treat everybody with respect. Second, you have to listen well. Third, you have to care about people, because it's about the people. You also have to follow the law, but you have to temper it with compassion.
What is needed to restore the public's declining confidence in the Broward judiciary?
We judges have to do a better job of articulating to the community as to what we're doing each and every day for them. When we are able to give the community an insight as to what's actually going on, they themselves would assess that the judges here are all hardworking, dedicated and committed judges. This is not to say that some judges shouldn't be held accountable for some of their misjudgments, but I also believe a few bad apples do not represent the entire judiciary, which I am proud of and I believe in.
Group 27 Judge Catalina Avalos
What sets you apart from your opponent?I have more experience both in years and types of cases. I've handled murder cases, sexual battery cases and serious felonies involving the use of firearms. I have both civil and criminal experience, not to mention that I've been doing this job for almost the past three years. I'm a proven product. My opinions have been published in the Florida Law Weekly, and I don't need on-the-job training.
What is key to being a successful judge?
Follow the law, listen and be impartial.
What is needed to restore the public's declining confidence in the Broward judiciary?
Our personal lives and our professional lives are reflective upon one another. Certainly the judges that are not living up to the expectations of the profession need to be looked at a little closer. I think one of the ways to improve the perception of the public is to have those judges who are working hard, which are the majority, to interact in the community so that the community as a whole is able to see that the majority of the judges are not the cause of the problem.
Ian Richards
What sets you apart from your opponent?I actually sat in her courtroom, sometimes with a suit and tie and sometimes not, to see what her demeanor was. We met in a forum, and it's the same feeling that I got when I was in court ... basically: "I'm above you, how dare you?" If you walk into court, I don't care if you came from West Palm Beach or Brevard or Broward, whether you're wearing a badge or you're wearing a scruffy shirt, I'm going to look at you like you're a human being, and I'm going to treat you that way. The truth is, I already know I'm not going to raise as much money as she has. I don't know as many people as she does. Well, I don't care. I'm not part of the system, and I don't intend to be.
What is key to being a successful judge?
Organization, being able to move things along, set rules that everyone understands, sign orders timely.
What is needed to restore the public's declining confidence in the Broward judiciary?
Purge the system and let some new blood come in. Frankly, I think elections are cathartic. If you have to come up for election each and every time, and it's a real election, you're going to be on your P's and Q's and folks won't feel like they're entitled to the position. Some think you're appointed for life. I just don't agree with it.
Both current sitting Judges Avalos and Gonzalez, Jr., are fine people and do a great job. They have NOTHING to worry about, when it comes to being unseated.
Ellen Feld appears to be a nice person. But why all of a sudden, Ellen is seen quite regularly in and around the courthouse? I can't count on 1 hand the times I saw her face there prior to her candidacy. Ellen may think her legal experience exceeds Julio's, but hate to break the news to her, Julio is on the bench and has proven to be an outstanding Judge and example for Broward County.
Ian Richards? If he stood in front of me, I wouldn't know who he is. That tells a lot, doesn't it?
Rest easy, Catalina and Julio. You're here to stay!
Thought this one was interesting:
Coral Springs Voter
Join the community
Pompano Beach, FL 1 min ago
Why are you hiding from us Ian Richards??
And by us I mean every voter west of the Turnpike and North if I-595 in Broward County?
You've been invited to every Democractic Club meeting out in Western Broward but failed to show.
You go on radio and lie and say you weren't invited.
Why are you afraid to let the voters in the Western part of the County get to know who you are?
Oh, I know.....it's because you are a 32 year old with 5 years of experience as a lawyer, the BARE MINIMUM to even qualify to run for judge.
Maybe it's because you don't want people to know you've handled all of 15 cases in your entire career in the County you wish to serve as judge -- and many of those were traffic tickets.
Maybe it's because you are a MIAMI-DADE lawyer with a MIAMI-DADE office and have NO TIES WHATSOEVER to our community.
Just because you have a generic name (Ian Richards) you think you call fool the voters of Broward County into voting for an unexperienced state attorney washout with no real practice who is looking to upgrade his salary on the taxpayer's nickel.
Not gonna happen.
If I'm treated as a second-class citizen in your campaign, not worthy to know you or see your face, how would I be treated in your courtroom?
Enough said.
Go back to Miami and Miramar.
For me the jury is still out on Avalos. Richards has something when he says she's aloof. Very arrogant in my experience too, especially for someone with 8 years experience as it says in the paper. I'm sure she'll win but hopefully the election cycle will teach her something about humility and make her a good judge.
Q: What sets you apart from your opponent?
A: I have a Jewish last name and I can win against this Mexican or Dominican or whatever sounding fellow.
Jingleheimerschmidt!!!
Q: What sets you apart from your opponent?
A: I have a clean bar record. Does he? Oh wait, he does? Crap, that almost worked on my last opponent.
Avalos arrogant? I've been in her courtroom many times. I've seen her out in public many times. I've talked to her many times (and I am not an attorney).
Arrogant is the last thing I could classify Judge Avalos as.
Zack and Feiner; that's arrogant, to name a couple.
You are a young guy hip to the net I am sure you read this blog often.
So answer the question why do you refuse to campaign and attend forums in places where there are white voters and only actively campaign in the African American and Caribbean American communities?
Are you not practicing reverse racism and opportunism yourself yet you claim you are out for equality?
While you are at it, maybe you can explain why your handouts only have a picture of your daughter and not your pretty Asian wife? Guess you are hiding something from the communities you are trying to so hard to court?
Speak up Ian.
Q: What sets you apart from your opponent?
A: He scored about 60% points higher than me on the Bar Poll on average in every category. He must have paid people to vote for him. You know, theyre corrupt, those Mexicans or Dominicans or whatever.
Bober is better than any other candidate by far. Dejoils needs to learn allot. It's probably to late for him.
Everyone who wants Bernie to win should help by writing a check, not just making comments on the blog.
And he should win. Besides being a great candidate, he's the only one with a card game named after him. It's called Bernie's Game.
"I've seen her out in public many times"
Carrying a campaign sign at T Ball Championships I hope!
After he wins it will be called "The Bober's County"
so bernie plays in illegal poker games? interesting.
thanks for the tip
mardi
Ellen would make a good judge. She gets my vote. I wish a few other county court judges would worry more about losing their jobs. This may encourage all of them to do a better job. None of them should take their position for granted.
"so bernie plays in illegal poker games? interesting"
With other judges, I think
"PURGE THE SYSTEM" IS EXACTLY WHAT IS NEEDED TO RESTORE CONFIDIENCE IN THE JUDICIARY. You've got my vote Mr. Richards, because that's what we need!
spell much?
I doubt Bernie gets to play with the Judges anymore. I hear Bernie's Game is grabazz with Kevin and Brad. I hear they also enjoy doing the elephant walk from time to time as well.
I'm voting for Richards and so should you. This cruddy 8 year state atty made judge over how many more qualified applicants? Repent you political sinners and deliver us from the evil JNC of yore. Say no to all Scherer poltical tricks.
Poor Avalos. All upset because Princess Stacy starts downtown. Guess what. You don't deserve to be in the big leagues and Stacy does. No bullchit open pleas followed by jail time, no chaining people to chairs, no holier than thou loser routine. You won't make it downtown now that narcissistic insecure cruelty is no longer tolerated. And if you do you will be scrutinized and watched NO MORE FREE PASSES. We need latin judges but why do the Montero's and other Hispanic Bar Rossites keep sending us prosecutors in robes? We want good latin judges now who have more than 8 years experience and we demand it now.
".......This may encourage all of them to do a better job. None of them should take their position for granted."
Sitting Judge Julio E. Gonzalez, Jr. is doing an outstanding job. Have you looked at the ratings? #1 in every catagory.
I would say that is the result of a Judge WHO IS doing more than a "better" job and DOESN'T take it for granted, instead, SERIOUSLY.
Ellen will sit soon, but it won't be in Julio's seat. It will be her own behind the desk she has been accustomed to. That is nothing against Ellen. The reality she will have a tough time running against Julio.
You keep saying Avalos only has 8 years experience. She has 8 years as an ASA and THREE as a judge. Read the article, she received her law degree in 1996. If you want to vote for Ian, go right ahead. He will need your vote.
All interviewed concerning what they think about restoring confidence to the judiciary certainly have no qualms about admitting there is in deed a deep problem within our judiciary, one they seem to have opinions on without identifying who the problem judges are. It's not as if we don't have the politically incorrect judges remaining that put Spechler up to more mischief. I agree with Richards, a good purge of certain members of the judiciary, namely anyone remaining from Ross & Co. who have eaten the public trough dry should be given the heave hoe once and for all.
These judicial pranksters will never stop until they are removed permanently from the benches they have occupied for way too long and be make to see what it's like to get a real job where they have to be productive and account for their time.
Most of these losers were never any good at practicing law to begin with and that's the kind that gravitate unfortunately to political positions such as judge.
Its' sickening the lack of talent we have on the bench of this circuit. Although one by one some of the judges that continued to use their positions for personal gain are going down the tubes. It's to bad it takes so long to get rid of these hangers on.
Purge those certain memebers when their specific term comes up for re-election. Don't look to un-seat the good Judges.
Some of you really expell some nasty energy -----
"Some think they are appointed for life"? Sound like anybody we know?
Nasty energy is just what we have too much of on the bench. What's the problem with Broward County Judiciary? It's not this bad in Miami. I detest even having to come to Broward.
I have 37 years of financial industry background. That doesn't necessarily make me qualified to be a bank president.
Years as an attorney doesn't necessarily make you qualified to be a judge either.
Didn't know what Ian Richards was about before, but I like what he has to say. Go Ian -- at least you are doing thee right thing by not allowing her "highness" to feel entitled to her position. All it takes is one look to see how she answered the questions to see that she is NOT humble. We need more young attorneys challenging these self annointed incumbents.
here is the test of a good county court judge at the West Satellite:
1. send in a routine ex parte motion to Avalos;get it back in 10 days if you are lucky
2. same motion for Fishman: get it back in one day or two, depending on the mail
Avalos has been much worse in the past 3 or 4 months; she is too busy trying to keep her job
ex-judge jay spechler and judge tom lynch steal because they can......... BROOKE KENNERLY of the JQC protects dishonest, traitorous judges.
Let me get this right. Those are the best questions posed to judicial candidates that they could come up with?
I think Ellen Feld said it best.
I am not in the legal field. I am mearly an educated taxpayer. I am disgusted with the current workings of the broward county judiciary.
Gonzales may be a good judge, However, I have not seen him publicly promote the most useful of changes: Rotating Judges, so he does not get my vote as a tax paying citizen.
I WANT CHANGE!
I will be voting for Richards, Mollica, and Bober. Hopefully, there are others that feel the same way.
Either be a part of the solution (encourage Tobin to rotate judges) or you need to go!
Avalos?????? She is part of the Rae chorowski, Susan greenhawt, Jan Faust, Salis, Ciraldo, Revene, Satz, Scheinberg "I have favorites, I don't follow the law" committee. They are probably all entertwining as we read.
Who else should be added?
BY KASEY
As a 30 year plus resident of Broward County, I truly believe that everyone of these Broward Judges be subject to a psychological exam and have a civilian review board read the complaints of citizens who have been subject to the disrespect, condescending and sometimes illegal treatment of this group, both civil and criminal. I say everyone because it appears that the recent scrutiny and actions of some have left most people wondering about their competency and motives. It appears that a superficial review of the last 10 years alone would leave people to believe that there exists a need to review our Judges more closely and on a regular basis to ensure unbiased decisions
BY STEVE FULLER
I know this family! "Hi Judge Avalos." Her husband is former Navy, served in Grenada and Beirut Lebenon during the time when we lost 250 of my beloved Marines. Both Judge Avalos' brothers are US Army 82nd Airborn. One is a 2nd Lieutenant who served in Iraq. "Yes, Judge Avalos you have my vote"
BY MR TONY
I will vote for Ian Richards. I was in Avalos courtroom and I do not think she knows what she is doing. Jeb Bush put in the position over other lawyers that were way more qualified because his wife and Avalos are friends and both of them are Colombian. She is pro-prosecutor and pro-cop. There is nothing fair or unbiased about her.
BY MANNY
The funniest thing about all of these planted pro-Avalos comments is that they will only be read by the shills that are planting them.
The sad part is that the shills planting them are correct: she is the better choice.
Why has God forsaken Broward County and its Judiciary?
BY CASES NEVER HEARD
Make sure whoever you vote for understands that noone really wants their case to be heard here in Broward. They just want cancellation after cancellation, bogus hearings set up (woops didn't make the docket) and keep churning the client for as long as possible, as much paperwork as possible for max. billable hours.
BY MICHELLE OBAMA
All these puff pieces are from family members abd Alvelos herself. She is touted as the first Colombian judge in Broward County. So what. We have very little diversity on the bench while amny people appearing brfore these judges in county court and circuit court are black. Broward sneds to many black people toprison for non violent crimes such as drug possesion. We send more people to prison in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit than any other circuit. Mike satz is responsible for this incredible waist of resources both financial and human. Avalos was a Satz cloneShe is a prosecutor in a black dress. Always has been, always will be. Change !!!!!!!!!!
BY NOJUSTICE
I agree. A 5 year immigration attorney is not going to get the job done. Ask around about Ian Richards. You will hear that he doesn't know how to handle large case loads. He is just trying to get business for himself by running for judge. Go home Ian. Judge Avalos has our vote.
"Avalos has been much worse in the past 3 or 4 months; she is too busy trying to keep her job"
Try finding Dijols or Gonzalez these days too. Maybe they work 2-3 hrs per day.
This is a news story not stock questions and blah blah answers.
Angle: why other judges are allowed to neglect their own caseloads to cover for these judges day after day.
Is it legal or fair to the challengers?