There were 20+ folks tonight – with a couple from the media – maybe 4 or 5 organizers – some town staff and the balance being interested citizens. I was already convinced that District 15B voters have a heck of slate of candidates before them – tonight I was more impressed than ever.
Very simply – we can’t lose. Of course, we have to pick and the candidates did a good job differentiating their philosophies, approaches, procedures and performance.
Due to what turned out to be poor placement of the camera and some technical issues I botched Adam Steins opening statement. In my defense, I set my camera up early – on a tripod as per BrianR’s excellent recommendation – well away from onlookers and the moderator. But then “dancin’ Doyle” decide to move stage right. By that point, my bobbing photographic nemesis for the night had taken the high ground.
Opening statements in reverse order appearance on the ballot. Essentially, Adam Stein reviewed his service before the bar, his work on the Mel Watt and Daryl Hunt cases and laid out his career as per the first forum.
I apologize for cutting Judge Fox off during question on political parties influence: essentially he gave a reprise of his answer on parties and politics from the 1st forum.
- Opening statements.
- Closing statements.
- Stein’s pre-determined short term on the Superior Court bench.
- High profile cases.
- Judicial temperament.
- Electing judges.
- Staying current with the law.
- Work ethic and punctuality.
Some interesting highlights.
- Anderson on reforming the system for selecting judges – especially the perception of the public about what the effect of money has on jurisprudence.
- Anderson on keeping current with the law.
- Stein taking up the transition challenge with his closing statement.
- Stein on why he’s punctual now – great story of his youth.
- Fox on managing high profile cases.
- Baddour on how a short term can hurt our system of justice.
- Baddour on direct outreach and keeping the “common Joe” in the picture.
Again, I apologize to the candidates for weaving around, botching the focus, not anticipating “dancing Doyle” and, in Mr. Stein’s case, completely zapping a segment. I’m working to get better at this vLog business.
And to my readership, thanks for the feedback. I wasn’t sure if these videos would have any utility.