Candidate for
Superior Court Judge, Dept. 6; County of Mendocino

As a community we must choose judges who approach their task with fidelity to the law, compassion for other people, and a realistic view of life informed by common sense and experience. My qualifications show that as a candidate for Mendocino County Superior Court Judge, I am that person.

I have extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system. I have worked both as a Deputy District Attorney and a criminal defense attorney. I have handled cases from as minor as speeding tickets to as serious as murder. I have also enjoyed an active civil practice, handling employment discrimination, personal injury, wrongful death other complex civil disputes. This combination of civil and criminal law experience has prepared me well to serve as a Superior Court judge.

Those who best know the qualifications of the candidates are overwhelmingly supporting me, including six of the sitting Superior Court Judges, six current and former Mendocino county Supervisors, three mayors, and former Sheriffs Tony Craver and Jim Tuso, plus hundreds of other community leaders across the political spectrum. I am proud to have the support and trust of such a diverse and community-oriented group of people. It is an acknowledgement that I will be fair and impartial to all who appear in my court, regardless of their race, gender, creed, political ideology, or social status. The law will be my guiding light.

Thank you for taking the time learn more about me. Please do not hesitate to contact me personally at (707) 462-3974 if there are any issues or concerns you would like to discuss. I am easily reached, and happy to talk. I am asking for your support and vote on June 6.

Sincerely,

Clay Brennan

__________________________________________________________

Dedicated to Public Safety: Clay's top priority is your safety. He will not hesitate to hold violent criminals accountable for their conduct, including sending them to jail or prison when necessary to protect the community.

Effective Treatment as an Alternative to Incarceration: Clay supports providing non-violent offenders effective treatment programs. In fact, as a Deputy District Attorney, Clay served on the founding board of Mendo-Lake Community Services, Inc., which established for the first time a community service program for low risk offenders in Mendocino County. The program diverts non-violent/low risk offenders from jail into constructive activities and continues to operate today. As Judge Clay will continue to energetically support restorative justice programs and other safe alternatives to incarceration. Clay is particulary concerned that people with underlying mental illness receive appropriate evaluation and treatment.

Fair and Evenhanded Justice: Clay is committed to making his courtroom a place where the parties know they will receive a full and fair opportunity to be heard. All parties will be treated with the utmost courtesy and respect, and can rest assured that their case will be decided by a clear application of the law to the facts.

Respect for Separation of Powers: Clay is committed to the idea that it is not a judge's role to push any particular ideological agenda. His guiding principle will be to uphold and apply all consitutionally valid law enacted by the people through their legislature.

Promote Efficient Use of Juries: Clay understands that the vast geography of Mendocino County creates unique hardship for citizens called to jury service. A juror living in Gualala or Covelo must travel hours every day if called to jury duty in Ukiah. The resultant loss of work, compounded by the fact that gasoline now costs over $3.00 per gallon, cannot be dismissed as just the incidental costs of fulfilling a civic duty. The court needs to do all in its power to eliminate needless appearance for jury duty caused by last minute settlements or plea bargains. Efficient case management, which encourages the timely resolution of cases, will avoid these problems.

Protection of Victims: Our legal system must respond to the special needs of women, children, and the elderly who may require restraining orders or other protection to ensure their safety and security.

A United Court: Our courts must be open and available to every part of Mendocino county. I will work closely with the other judges, law enforcement, the District Attorney's Office and local attorneys to make certain that courts are meeting the people's needs.