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LWV League of Women Voters of Ohio Education Fund

Smart Voter
Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2005 Election
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
Judge; Hamilton County Municipal Court; District 3; 6 Year Term


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

See below for questions on Qualification, Priorities

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


1. What are your Qualifications for Office? (50 word limit)

Answer from Fanon A. Rucker:

I have extensive trial experience in municipal court, including hundreds of criminal and civil cases. My life experiences and my professional experiences have taught me to see both sides of issues and arrive at a well-reasoned conclusion. I understand the Legal System; I know the law very well.

Answer from David C. Stockdale:

I came to the bench with 18 years' experience as a practicing attorney in State and Federal courts and 4 years as an administrative law judge. I have served as a Municipal Court Judge for more than 10 years. During that time I have presided over more than 2,200 trials.


2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)

Answer from Fanon A. Rucker:

I will, as much as I am able to, provide written decisions on motions and unique or close cases. By providing written decisions, the public will be able to actually see the process, and, hopefully, gain more trust in the System. I will utilize alternative methods of discipline for nonviolent offenders. I will allow high school, college and law students to clerk with the Court. I will continue to serve, as I have my entire legal career, on Boards and Commissions that seek to improve the administration of justice.

Answer from David C. Stockdale:

1. I am diligent in deciding the cases that come before me. I have handled over 41,000 cases since becoming a judge. I base my decisions strictly on the law and the evidence presented in court.
2.I treat every party and witness with respect. I insure that every defendant's right to a fair trial and every victim's right to be heard is protected.
3. In sentencing offenders, I make use of available drug and alcohol treatment and corrective thinking programs. Jail is usually part of the sentence for violent or repeat offenders, with maximum jail terms for the worst offenders.


Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily.


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Created: January 28, 2006 14:51 PST
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