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LWV League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund

Smart Voter
Hamilton County, OH November 6, 2007 Election
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
Judge; Hamilton County Municipal Court; District 2


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 Qualifications, Addressing priorities, Adminstration

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


1. What are your qualifications for office? (50 word limit)

Answer from Rosalind C. Florez:

As a magistrate, I have the experience of hearing and weighing evidence daily. I have to have a broad basis of legal knowledge in order to evaluate cases. I hear parties, receive evidence and make decisions on licensure. With my experience, I am a strong, active listener which I feel is vital to make sound decisions.

Answer from Nadine Allen:

I am Senior Judge, 21 years on bench; successfully spearheaded: the License Intervention Program, improved the Expungement process, Cincinnati Diversion Program, a new alcohol/drug treatment program; purged old petty offenses, amnesty, and Operation Alternative Dispute Resolutions.


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

Answer from Rosalind C. Florez:

Firm yet fair: This is my philosophy in life. Once I would receive the facts into evidence, I will apply the law in a firm yet fair manner. High bonds and mandatory sentencing: People are upset that criminals do not stay in jail and make bond too easily. Having and efficient docket: It is important to start court promptly, not waste taxpayers' money and not waste police time with court delays.

Answer from Nadine Allen:

1. Via alternatives to jail and diversion programs. The current programs have saved 1000s of jail beds and eliminated wasteful spending.
2. By purging 7+ year old petty offenses, it would eliminate the jail bill of $55-80 per day, per defendant on old city charges, plus lab fees, police overtime; create a Domestic Violence Intervention Program to address the 60-75% dismissal rate; utilize other diversions available to Judges by law; i.e. Motions for Treatment in Lieu of Conviction, and Dismissal of Disorderly Conduct While Intoxicated option.
3. Most alternatives proposed are policy changes, or a new form. Cost is none or nominal.


3. What specific changes would you like to see in the administration of justice in Hamilton County? (150 word limit)

Answer from Rosalind C. Florez:

I would maintain a minimum sentence policy in keeping with the laws of Ohio. I would promote early intervention programs with a tracking system to ensure people are following their commitments to being law abiding citizens. We need to have work programs for lesser crimes and more jail space.

Answer from Nadine Allen:

Implement Policies and Training to eliminate racial, economic, sexual and other barriers to fairness throughout the Ohio legal system, remove disparities in bonds, sentencing, plea-bargaining, access to alternatives to jail and diversions. Stop wasteful delays and continuances at Trial. Promote user-friendly court processes. Promote Support and improve the Public Defender system. Uphold the U.S. Constitution and Ohio Constitution in all court processes.


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. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.


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Created: December 19, 2007 17:42 PST
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