Candidate for
Superior Court Judge; County of Monterey; Seat 2

Why am I the Best choice for Judge?

I have decided to seek election because, simply put, I feel I am the best candidate for the position. I am the only candidate to have practiced law in Monterey County. After 17 years as a public prosecutor, protecting public safety, ensuring victim's rights, and fighting to uphold the law I believe I have the skills, experience and enthusiasm to serve this community as a Superior Court Judge. My exceptional critical and analytical skills help me to find the root of a problem or dispute, consider a wide variety of alternatives and negotiate fair and reasonable solutions. I have been a part of the local justice system since the day I arrived in Monterey County. I know the courts, I know the people, I know the system and I know our community. This campaign is an opportunity for the public to become involved in their courts, to have their say and to reflect on what sort of a judicial officer they want for themselves.

Attorneys and judges need to promote civility through respect for the law and its functions. As a representative of the People, my professional responsibility extends beyond any single case and towards the greater good of society in promoting tolerance among our citizenry and deference to the rule of law.

The foremost approach to these goals is to conduct one's personal and public life as an example of these qualities. Leading quietly, by example, has been my philosophical and spiritual approach for as long as I can remember and I have always tried to conduct myself with dignity and the respect for others that would deserve the designation 'honorable.' I know that equal respect is due towards the citizens who appear before the court, whether they come in as litigants, witnesses, victims or defendants. I hope to bring the qualities of honor, respect, reflection and understanding to the bench.

What do I bring to the Position of Judge?

Personally, my most important role is as a member of my family. My wife Donna and I have been together since the day we met. Her strength, love and support have guided me through our fourteen years together and will continue to be the foundation of my life. My children, now nine and four years old, provide me with the reason to strive constantly towards improving myself, my surroundings and my community. The world I help to create is the one they will inherit. Whether volunteering at school or simply picking up trash on the beach, they see the example by which their mother and I live our lives in connection to the surrounding community.

Professionally, I use my skills and knowledge of the law to promote justice. My ability to thoughtfully reflect upon the impact and intent of the law in relation to a particular case is the heart of the judicial function. As an advocate for the People, I endeavor to achieve results consistent with the letter and, most importantly, the spirit of the laws that I have sworn to uphold and enforce.

I have been fortunate to enhance my professional career through teaching. Instilling respect for the goals of civility and tolerance, I know the peace officers I've taught respect the importance of their position in the justice system. They are not simply enforcers of the law, but individuals who can strengthen community bonds.

What do I hope to Accomplish?

As a member of the Superior Court, I hope to raise awareness in the community of the functions and responsibilities of the legal system. I intend to speak out about what the laws were designed to encompass; public safety, rehabilitation, education, treatment and opportunity.

In conversations with victims, their parents and families I have learned the far reaching impacts of law violations. I have met with young victims of horrible sexual offenses and discussed sentencing options and outcomes with adult victims of violent assaults and calmed the fears of law-abiding citizens who have been dragged into the system through no fault of their own. My efforts on behalf of the community to ease the burden on those victims, obtain restitution and redress and bring justice to those who would violate their freedoms are the most rewarding parts of being a Monterey County prosecutor. These experiences will guide my decisions in the service of the people of Monterey County as their newly elected member of the Superior Court.

I am a passionate defender of individual rights and a staunch supporter of the laws and ideals that have made this society great. I take great pride in making difficult decisions on my own, keeping in mind my oath and obligation to support the constitution and laws of this great nation and my home state.

Why is a Judge important to the Community?

A position as a judge provides an opportunity and responsibility to serve in a variety of forums. Certainly the most formal is that of the everyday functions associated with handling a calendar with knowledge and wisdom, punctuality and certainty. I am certain that my years of service to the government in Monterey County and the relationships I have built during my tenure will assist me in furthering the goals of an efficient and just court. I will work towards securing community respect for the members of the bench in particular and the law in general.

One of the things that I hope to accomplish as a Superior Court Judge in Monterey is to encourage dialogue with the public about community concerns and approaches to intractable problems, such as violence, the scourge of narcotics, juvenile truancy and delinquency. Communication is the key to maintaining confidence and accountability in the system. It is my firm belief that in or out of the courtroom, non-conventional efforts create the most impact.

Why you should cast your vote for me!

As a (relatively) young attorney, I have the time and energy to devote a substantial period of my future professional career towards accomplishing these and other goals. I have devoted 17 years, my entire professional life, to the community as a public prosecutor. I am prepared, and have the skills and energy, to achieve great things on behalf of the citizens of Monterey County and the State of California. I hope to work with the legal community and to reach out to the citizens of Monterey to achieve mutual respect, in a safe environment, where all of the members of this County can work towards achieving their own goals of advancement and service to the community.

Todd Hornik