League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
	Hamilton County, OH November 8, 2011 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Judge; Hamilton County Municipal Court; District 2; 6 Year Term

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, Judicial Independence, Administration of justice 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 Brian A. Lee: Having begun the Good Guy Loitering program, I am keenly aware of the problems that we face in the neighborhoods. We need more judges who realize that the decisions they make at 1000 Main Street effect us at Reading and California. Answer from Cheryl D. Grant: I believe my experience, character, and proven leadership counts. Thirteen plus years in judicial service; 25 plus years of legal practice in civil and criminal law; former employment as a police officer, prosecutor, and defense attorney; and 40 years of leadership in community services bear witness to my qualifications. 2. What programs do you support to maintain the independence of the judiciary? (100 word limit) Answer from Cheryl D. Grant: I was among the founders of the Hamilton County License intervention Program. It is an example of a program that provides for judicial fairness and impartiality, features critical to sustaining independence of the judiciary. Additionally, I am a member of the Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Interpreter Services, and the Supreme Court Commission on Technology and the Courts. I urge continuing development of programs like the Mental Health and Drug Courts for the enhancement of justice. The judiciary is the third branch of the government: it needs adequate funding, community support, excellent leadership, and independence in bestowing judicial impartiality. 3. What specific changes would you like to see in the administration of justice in Hamilton County? (100 word limit) Answer from Cheryl D. Grant: I want to see open access to the courts for all people in the administration of justice in Hamilton County. Open access happens when we fund the Courts adequately; when diversity and inclusion are common to all people; and when people support the Rule of Law of our legal system and the truths of the judiciary. We must maintain a balance between rehabilitation,treatment, and punishment. We must maintain a balance between due process and victim rights. Answer from Brian A. Lee: I think my list of priorities outlines this. We need to look for more creative ways to work with what we have in order to save money during these tough economic times. And we need to stop treat working people, who have to leave work to come to court, like they are less important than the people who are being paid to be there. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits may apply. See individual questions for specific word limits. Direct references to opponents are not permitted. Please edit your work before submitting. We are unable to provide spell-check at this time. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.