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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund

Smart Voter
Los Angeles County, CA March 2, 2004 Election
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
Superior Court Judge; County of Los Angeles; Office 72


The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County, an Inter-League Organization (ILO). and asked of all candidates for this office.

See below for questions on Reason for Running, Personal Qualities

Click on a name for other candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.


1. Why are you running for Superior Court Judge?

Answer from David S. Wesley:

I have always believed in public service and protecting the citizens of LA County, and I:
- Am a dedicated Judge working long hours, evening and
weekends.
- Believe in swift, firm and fair justice.
- Coordinate teen courts and legal programs at local high
schools throughout LA County.
- Assist courts statewide in the area of criminal law.

Answer from Kevin Burke:

I am running for Superior Court Judge because I care about public safety, and as a police sergeant, I've seen how the courts sometimes fail to protect us. I believe in accountability, and that NO judge should recklessly cause the release of criminals into society. I will NEVER sacrific public safety in favor of bureaucractic convenience or to save a few dollars. You, and our justice system are entitled to a judge who will show up for work on time and keep working until the job is done.


2. What are the personal qualities which best equip you to serve as a judge?

Answer from David S. Wesley:

I have 30 years of legal/judicial experience. I have been a judicial officer since 1993 and currently supervise the 280 L.A. Criminal Trial Courts.

I love my job and that's why I am running for re-election to the Superior Court.

Answer from Kevin Burke:

I am committed to following the law and treating every person with dignity and respect. Each case to come before me would be important because it is important to the real lives involved. After law school, I chose public safety over money, leaving private practice to become a criminal prosecutor and remain a reserve police officer. I left courtroom criminal prosecuting, and a prosecutor's paycheck, to protect the community as a full-time LAPD officer and sergeant. After 18 years of law enforcement experience I know first hand the damage and pain crime causes. As a judge, I will take that knowledge into a court system that needs to hear it.


Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League. 

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.


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Created: May 4, 2004 14:41 PDT
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