League of Women Voters of Ohio
Ohio State Government November 7, 2000 Election
	Deborah Cook Answers Questions Candidate for Judge; Supreme Court; 6 Year Term Starting 1/1/01

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Ohio and asked of all candidates for this office.

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. Would you support public financing for judicial candidates? Why or why not?

I would favor a fair, constitutional public financing plan. That is my personal view on a subject that is in the province of legislators and the executive branch to initiate and implement. I suggest that voters avail themselves of newspaper editorial opinions around the state. This information is accessible through the Internet. Editorial staffs have the resources to evaluate a candidate's record and merit. By reviewing an assortment of newspapers, one is able to obtain a reliable editorial assessment.

2. Would you support a voluntary system in which the Governor would appoint Justices to fill vacancies from a pool of qualified applicants selected by a bipartisan group? Why or why not?

If the Governor were to initiate a lawful system for filling vacancies, of course I would support it.

3. What do you see as your role on the Supreme Court in reducing the backlogs on lower courts?

Increased and compulsory use of alternative dispute resolutions [also referred to as "complementary" dispute resolutions] procedures is an important available approach. The Courts Futures Commission, on which I serve, will issue proposals that will address the backlog issues.