FOR THOSE ABOUT TO DIE, WE SALUTE YOU!
Whatever happens today, we owe a debt to the challengers. With all the built-in advantages belonging to incumbent candidates, it's awfully hard for a challenger to prevail in a judicial race. For them to step forward despite the odds takes real courage.
Even if a challenger loses against an unpopular incumbent, their efforts will hopefully not have been in vain. The fact remains, in all but the most extreme instances (Aleman v. Malove), incumbents typically learn from their mistakes and become better judges after fighting to earn their jobs.
In fact, we've been told by supporters of Avalos, Goldenberg, and Dijols that they have taken criticisms of their pre-opponent performance to heart. We're told they will work to control behavior that was often viewed as arrogant, discourteous, and biased.
Of course, having indulged in perceived dysfunction in the first place calls into question whether or not any of them are qualified intellectually or emotionally to be judges at all. Similarly, these messages may be lip-service geared towards garnering votes. Still, we sincerely hope the message carried by their supporters is a true one, since some, if not all, will be returning to administer their sacred responsibilities. In the end, what other choice do we have?
Indeed, if "Black Robe Fever" is a diagnosable disease, then the challengers are the closest thing we have to doctors and a cure. Only time will tell, but it seems realistic that the physical, emotional and financial expense of a contested judicial race would open the eyes of the thickest of bricks. The challengers are the checks and the balances, not only on the judges facing opposition this time around, but on troubled judges everywhere in the post-Article 5 world. We owe them all our respect and gratitude.
VIVA DEMOCRACY!
JAAB, JAAB, JAAB, your bias is showing. Let's not forget thanking challengers Alex Arreaza and Gary Ostrow. I for one never thought they could beat Howard but, you know what they say, "Power corrrupts, absolte power corrupts absolutely." Howard Finkelstein had a little bit of that black robe arrogance and he too needed to be checked and balanced.
I would agree- except that the real reason they got opponents was because of their race. What a coincidence that these "brave" people challenged Hispanic judges they perceived to be weak! Please I have lost respect for all the challengers in the Avalos, Dijols and Gonzales races.
Gonzalez got one due to race. Avalos and Dijols got one because they are like prosecutors in robes. Goldenberg got one because she is a biatch. Finkelstein got one because he clipped Ross, Spechler and the rest. Get a clue.
How does the Fink analogy apply? Fink is not a judge. If he acts like an ass an employee has a bad day. Big deal. Or are you saying his lawyers stink? Because they don't.
On the the other hand, if a judge is not neutral or acts like an ass a miscarriage of justice ensues.
Try equating apples to apples. You folks have some lousy analytical skills for lawyers.
Great video
It appears that when you search for Emmanuel Simon's name on www.flabar.org and view his 10 year history - it reports he has been disbarred.
Anyone know of this???
complaint for simon:
http://www.floridabar.org/DIVADM/ME/MPDisAct.nsf/DisActFS?OpenFrameSet&Frame=DisActToC&Src=%2FDIVADM%2FME%2FMPDisAct.nsf%2FdaToc%3FOpenForm%26AutoFramed%26MFL%3DEmmanuel%2520Lorenzo%2520Simon%26ICN%3D200650747%26DAD%3DDisbarment
Sadly, there are many Emmanuel Simon's out there. Attorneys like Ian Richards, Mardi Cohen, Merrilee Ehrlich, Ellen Feld.
Most of the challengers running against sitting judges are weak at best. If they all lose they set back the movement to run against sitting judges for a few years. Do you think these Judges are going to get nicer for the next 6years. Maybe in Year five if they have to run again. They will have no fear of running again if they win here as they already know what it takes to run a successful campaign. If they all win nothing is going to change around here.
I disagree. The lawyers don't feel weak anymore since they are no longer overstuffed on SPDs. Judges want to keep their heads as low as possible from now on like in Miami.
kim mollica is the most brave. and goldenberg is the worst judge, a tyrant and egomaniac. goldenberg is a truly dangerous and corrupt judge. goldenberg appoints attorney are alper as GAL in way too many cases, that result in alper doing nothing except collecting fees. their deceitful relationship is scandalous.
Tobin has his hands full keeping judges and lawyers happy. In the past u could dump all the clunkers in criminal and not care about the lawyers griping. Not anymore it seems.
There are several judges with robe fever far worse then some think the 4 up for re-election have.
Lets see who kisses up to who on the next round......
kim mollica is the most brave. and goldenberg is the worst judge, a tyrant and egomaniac. goldenberg is a truly dangerous and corrupt judge. goldenberg appoints attorney are alper as GAL in way too many cases, that result in alper doing nothing except collecting fees. their deceitful relationship is scandalous.
is these guys win over seated judges they will be targets next elections.
it looks like the days of incompetent, undeserving judges in office for life may be dead. Now if the a-butts will just make sure a qualified black person replaces Andrews and stop being so 1956 in their thinking and ways....
Note early returns and Dijols already in trouble. A few political gurus might be eating their hats by 11:00. All that arrogance to pay for I guess. If this be the case by evenings close, no judge will be safe from here on out.
I am ashamed of my fellow Jews. I am ashamed of my fellow Jews who voted without knowing the qualifications or I should say lack there of, simply because they had a Jewish name. Secondly I am ashamed of my fellow Jews who ran fully taking advantage of this fact. Judge Gonzalez was fair to all and intelligent - he deserves to be on the bench this is horrible! Secondly the African American Bar should be mad at Ian Richards for the racists stunts he pulled. I even heard a rumor that condo commandos thought he was "a nice Jewish" boy. He only ran against Avalos because of her more "ethnic" name. Then he got pissed when she sent out the picture he submitted out. Gee I wonder why he never showed up to any election events- afraid your true experience as a fired SAO would come out? How many cases have you tried Ian Richards? Go back to Miami. Seriously I am disappointed in my fellow Jews as a minority we should not use reverse racism. This whole election is disgusting. I may have to call Ellen Feld, Ian Richards, and Mardi Levy Cohen Judge- but I will never say "your honor" because they have no honor.
Cry on A-Turd. Guess you were wrong again. Wait till it's Jack's turn, tubby.
Told you! He's been pissing off allot of people. Funny how all the incumbent judges just a few days ago were acting so sure of themselves. It's still close though.
Gardiner going to be watching her back now! How did it come to this? Aren't you sorry you played your part with Areazza?
Are you kidding me, this is disgusting, that a casino loser like Feld can beat a Great Judge Like Julio. I'm ashamed to be a part of the legal comunity.
Well all the real mensches should clean up the existing system in Broward. It's a sin the way they do it now.
It'll be good to put a few of these judges back to work as lawyers now. They've forgotten what it's like while they thought they couldn't be touched.
this isn't happening..........
reverse racism, like the piece that avalos sent out with her picture and his. for what reason except to exploit that Richards is black. I hope it costs that arrogant women the election!
Black Robe Fever is all wet tonight!
Dijols and Avalos up for grabs, A TRULY GOOD JUDGE LOOKS LIKE JULIO has real trouble
IF JUDGE JULIO GONZALEZ LOSES HE SHOULD BE REAPPOINTED BY CRIST FORTHWITH
Really like the link for later.
What you said, 10:01.
All I can say is thanks to all those that ran, win or lose. Broward looks like it's at last breaking the bonds of a judicial system of politics that has done its best to remain in the Dark Ages for way too long.
I do not know Gonzolez. However, I know Feld and she will make a great judge. I have always felt judges who think are not replaceable are dangerous. Judges need to treat everyone fairly or face the risk of opposition. We cannot rely on the Governor to select and retain all judges.
I doubt you're Jewish. Why don't you attack Bober as well? He ran against Pedro. You're nothing more then a Nazi Racist. Bober is Cuban. Why didn't you mention his name. You're not a Jew. You are nothing more then a Racist hiding behind anonymity just like the coward you are.
The above comment was in response to
8/26/2008 9:18PM
Speaking of Anna Panty... Has anyone any real knowledge of whether or not someone has filed a JQC comlplaint aginst her? I hear a lot of bluster but has anyone put pen to paper and asked for an investigation? Anyone? She will be a very vunerable target when she runs........ She can't cry spanish discrimination when she gets an oppenant. She will but it won't work. hahah BYE BYE Anna no more dishing out 30 yr sentences for residential burglary in your beloved ROC court. That was a bunch of crap. You need to go.............
Feld is a racist opportunist. That is not the type of people we need as judges. Feld- The hispanic community will not forget that you chose the highest ranking county judge to run against because you though he would be easy to beat because of his name. As more hispanics come into Broward- lets see if your seat is safe in 2012- start saving your pennies now. You will need it- you racist!!!
They are mostly illegal aliens and can not vote. So shove this crap up your ass. They don't speak or read english either.
It's ok the ballots come in spanish too- you ignorant fool. Get ready- we are moving to broward in record numbers and it will soon be like it is in Dade- so shove that up your ass if you dont like it.
are you kidding me-she is one of the most unscrupulous attorneys i have come across in 12 years of litigation - brave? shady at best.
My close experience with kim mollica in a family court hearing proved she will do and say anything for her client without moral regard. Her goal is to win her case at all costs without thought for the family's best interest. Kim Mollica IS the SCANDALOUS ONE!