Vote on June 5, 2012

By Steve Valentine

Why I think you should vote for me

What a person wants when he or she goes to court is the opportunity to be heard. To know that someone will give them the chance to have their say, their day in court. I enjoyed working with self represented litigants because I like people.

I enjoy helping people and helping to find solutions to problems, solutions that help bridge gaps in communications. Unfortunately the people of this county have been stripped of their right to be heard by a full time judicial officer on the most personal of courts, Small Claims. Instead of a judicial officer that has been specially trained to handle Small Claims and Self Represented litigants, this county now has most of its cases in the western parts of the county heard by an attorney appointed to handle Small Claims.

Talk to people that have been in court and ask them about the judge or judges they have appeared before and what they thought of that judge. Were they arrogant? Were they more concerned with the next case? Did they appear to at least be listening to the litigants?

Or were they in my courtroom where they were heard. Was I courteous and respectful? I think everyone in El Dorado County knows someone that has appeared in my courtroom over the 6+ years I served this county as a commissioner and referee. I know that if you ask people about my courtroom they will tell you that I listened, I heard and I made a decision without undue delay.

Not everyone won. In Small Claims and Unlawful Detainer at least half of the litigants lost, its the nature of the case. Even people that LOST in my courtroom have come forward to support my campaign. Just ask your friends..... they are my best supporters.

Your VOTE is important in this election. Even if you don't care about the other issues, I hope you will remember that in every local election your vote counts.

I'd be honored if you'd VOTE for me.

Steve Valentine for Superior Court Judge!