My education, my experiences, and my jobs qualify me to hold such a position of responsibility.

Some of you who know me may think my youth was a series of adventurous jobs filled with fun and games. Although I believe everyone should have some fun at their job, I took my positions very seriously.

Early in my youth, my paper route taught me responsibility . . . dependability . . . accountability. Later, I became a lifeguard at a YMCA pool watching over children during youth swimming hours.

At age 16, I became a whitewater river rafting guide, guiding eight lives in my boat down the rapids. That very first summer during flood stage waters, a customer from another boat died from drowning. I learned to guide smart, guide well, and guide safe.

At age 21, I became a professional ski patrolman where a day's work often involved throwing dynamite for avalanche control in the morning and safely removing injured guests off the side of a mountain throughout the day. I was trusted with life or death responsibility, not just fun and games.

I started my professional career fighting crime as a Criminal Prosecutor in Ventura County. It was there that I established my continuing reputation for being tough, but fair, and just.

I relocated to Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, where I worked in the Family Support Division. A very difficult position. I had to talk about two of the most precious things in life to people: their children, and their money. I learned a lot about balancing humanitarian compassion with professional and legal obligation.

I transferred to Criminal Prosecution for the Los Angeles County DA's office, where I now work for an elite division, specializing in Sexual Assault crimes against adults and children, as well as family violence, child abuse, stalking, and elder abuse. Serious cases with serious consequences. A position the office trusts to only the most experienced of prosecutors.

I have recently received an endorsement from my boss, the District Attorney for the County of Los Angeles, Mr. Steve Cooley. In addition, I have received endorsements from judges, commissioners, colleagues, defense counsel, law enforcement, and community labor organizations. All agree, I have the right temperament, experience, and integrity to be a judge.