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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.
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1. What are your qualifications for office? (50 word limit)
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Answer from Norma J. (Holt) Davis:
I bring substantial legal and life experiences to the bench. Years of practice experience in Ohio and federal courts honed my skills. A rich profile as small firm practioner, law clerk, clinical director, instructor and assistant public defender position me to interact with diverse populations and do equal justice.
Answer from Bernie Bouchard:
As an Assistant Prosecutor, I developed the legal knowledge, experience, and integrity required to be fair and impartial to every citizen. As a Magistrate, I demonstrated this ability and gained the confidence and respect of the legal community and citizens. These experiences combined with education prepared me for the bench.
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2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)
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Answer from Norma J. (Holt) Davis:
I will be sensitive to many litigants' belief that they are pre-judged and will be treated unfairly. I will guard the integrity of hearing processes by assuring that individual rights are protected and rule evenhandedly to avoid the appearance of alignment with either side. I plan to divert first-time offenders from criminal behavior by considering rehabilitative and restorative justice model, rather than punitive models. Repeat offenders will be incarcerated. Civil litigants will be encouraged to fashion remedies in alternative dispute resolution that may be preferred to judicial remedies. I will practice civility myself and insist that all others do likewise.
Answer from Bernie Bouchard:
I will follow through with my priorities by maintaining a high degree of honesty, fairness, and respect for every citizen who comes before me. I will strive to remain current with the many changes in the law and continue to efficiently manage a high volume case load.
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3. What specific changes would you like to see in the administration of justice in Hamilton County? (150 word limit)
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Answer from Norma J. (Holt) Davis:
I would like to see an unofficial or separate docket to handle minor matters so docket over-crowding is alleviated. I'd also like to see reversal of the trend of criminalizing mental illness and homelessness so that defendants get help rather than jail time. When arrested, these defendants would be handled on special expedited dockets so that they quickly get treatment and/or assistance rather than jail time.
Further, I'd like to see jail over-crowding relieved by substantially increasing the availability of electronic monitoring devices and staff so that only serious offenders and defendants who pose significant risk to re-offend or to flee are detained. Finally, I'd like to see a judicial task force formed that addresses ways for courts to effectively reduce crime in Hamilton County by addressing societal conditions that foster crime. Effectuating the three major recommendations of the task force should be a priority for the courts.
Answer from Bernie Bouchard:
Unfortunately, many criminals are being released early due to lack of jail space in Hamilton County. This lack of beds jeopardizes the safety of our community. Hamilton County also needs additional substance abuse programs, as the majority of the defendants commit crimes due to drug addictions.
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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League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
