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.

Answer from Marc Debbaudt:

When the the judiciary declines to investigate itself, then the only way to hold a judge accountable is to run for office. The Federal Bench has life tenure, but they also have Congressional and Senate scrutiny prior to confirmation of the appointment. County Judges who serve for 6 year terms may think they are entitled never to be challenged, and most deserve to keep their office. It's rare they are challenged. But on occasion, it's necessary!

Answer from Dan Thomas Oki:

I have been honored to serve the residents of Los Angeles County as a Judge since 1992, when I was appointed by Governor Wilson to serve on the Citrus Municipal Court. I served as the Presiding Judge of that court in 1993 and 1994, and established and presided over one of the first Domestic Violence Courts in the State of California.

In 1997 Governor Wilson elevated me to Judge of the Superior Court, where I have served ever since. I have experience as the Supervising Judge of the East District from 1998 to 2001, and as the Supervising Judge of the county's Criminal Division from 2001 to 2003. In my nearly 12 years as a Judge, I have successfully presided over assignments hearing criminal, civil, family law, juvenile, and probate cases. I have served on the Court's Executive Committee, Supervising Judges Committee, Operations Committee, and am the Chair of the Personnel & Budget Committee with responsibility for overseeing the Court's budget of over $600 million.

On a statewide basis, I am active in Judicial Education and since 1997 have taught at the statewide New Judge Orientation program. I have dedicated my career to serving all of the residents of Los Angeles County to the very best of my ability, and would be honored to continue to serve them as a Judge of the Superior Court.

Answer from Hilary Anne Rhonan:

I believe that a judge's primary and most important responsibility is that of public safety. If there are budgetary issues, then they must be resolved without permitting the release of a felon back into an unsuspecting community. Judges should always be held accountable for their actions. If not, then justice has been replaced by the will of a single judge. That is not only inappropriate, it can and did have fatal consequences, horrific consequences that never needed to happen in the first place. In my job as a prosecutor as well as with this election I am trying to do the right thing. I could not sit idly by while the citizens of Los Angeles County were so abused on May 28, 2003. This is why I am running. Thank you for your support.

Answer from Marc Debbaudt:

I listen because I find people fascinating! When I make decisions that affect others, I take that very seriously because I have to live with myself and they have to live with my decision. I was a former Deputy Public Defender and for the past 14 years have served as a Deputy District Attorney. I've enthusiastically worked both sides and believe that my experience will serve to balance the courtroom to better achieve justice. I believe justice is the search for the truth, and that the greatest therapy is accountability.

Answer from Hilary Anne Rhonan:

Life experiences have taught me the difference between right and wrong. After college, I wasn't sure of my career path, so I've had several different types of jobs. I have driven an 18 wheeler because I wanted to see the county. I got to see places that I never hope to see again. I have been a counselor at a methadone clinic while I was getting my Master's Degree in Psychology. I have worked in numerous hospitals as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist because I discovered that I enjoyed serving people and providing them a moment of human contact while they faced the ravages of cancer. But always in the back of my mind was a career in law. I attended law school at night while working full time. It was hard, but it was the right thing to do. I had found my niche. I have been a Deputy District Attorney for nearly ten years, and it is a job that I love. I get to do the right thing everyday. I try to protect the public everyday by sending dangerous criminals to prison. I believe that I am a fair person, that I can see both sides. I have a sense of humor, and when I make up my mind to do something, I always follow through. My integrity is very important to me, something which I believe is essential to be an effective, hard-working judge. I know that I would be a terific judge because I am not asking the citizens of Los Angeles County to vote for me for personal gain, but to see that justice is restored to the people I would be honored to serve.

Answer from Dan Thomas Oki:

After graduating from Stanford University and Loyola Law School, I was in the private practice of law for fifteen years, successfully running the business aspect of the practice while gaining valuable experience in cases involving criminal, civil, business, corporate, real estate, family, and juvenile law. This broad range of legal experience has served me well in the many different assignments I have held in nearly 12 years as a Judge.

As a Judge, I am known for being punctual, courteous, experienced, dedicated, patient, fair, efficient, knowledgeable, and hard working. I have never used my full allotment of vacation time, and I have never taken a sick day from work since becoming a Judge. I am very grateful to the voters of Los Angeles County for having allowed me to serve as a Judge since 1992, and would be privileged to continue to serve them.

I have been rated "Well Qualified" for the position of Superior Court Judge by the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.