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All judicial candidates were invited for interviews and the endorsements are as follows:
CIRCUIT COURT
Circuit Judge Group 2: KENNETH L. GILLESPIE
Judge Kenneth Gillespie offers our community an opportunity to maintain the presence of a
competent and committed jurist who is African American. He came to the bench after service as
a general magistrate in family and dependency court. The T.J. Reddick Bar Association strongly
endorses the reelection of Judge Gillespie who is “working to improve the community by being
involved.”
Circuit Judge Group 4: ELIJAH H. WILLIAMS
Judge Elijah Williams currently sits in the juvenile division and for the last four of the eight years he has been on the bench, has provided a strong and steady presence to juveniles appearing before him. His request to serve in the juvenile division exemplifies his commitment to “making a HUGE difference in Broward County.” The T.J. Reddick Bar Association highly recommends that Judge Williams be reelected.
Circuit Judge Group 6: CARLOS A. RODRIGUEZ
Judge Carlos Rodriguez recently came to the bench after an extensive history as a criminal and civil attorney. Since coming from Cuba in 1962, he has been in Broward County and says, “I owe the United States of America and Broward County for this opportunity to study and to succeed as a student, a lawyer and now a judge.” The T.J. Reddick Bar Association highly recommends that voters keep Judge Rodriguez on the bench.
Circuit Judge Group 9: SUSAN LEBOW
Judge Susan Lebow believes that “a judge must have the integrity to make rulings in accord with what that Judge understands the law requires, and not be concerned about “unpopular” decisions.” The T.J. Reddick Bar Association believes that this commitment to justice after serving on the bench for over 20 years merits recognition and recommends that Judge Lebow be reelected.
Circuit Judge Group 15: MATTHEW ISAAC DESTRY
Both candidates in this race are highly qualified and deserve a second look by voters. The T. J. Reddick Bar Association admires the fact that Robert Jakovich says he has “fought the good fight for the unpopular,” however, we recommend that Judge Matthew Destry be retained because of his exceptional service on the bench and board certification as a criminal trial lawyer.
Circuit Judge Group 22: CARLOS REBOLLO
“I have the experience as a judge,” says Judge Carlos Rebollo when asked what separates him from his opponent who also worked as a prosecutor. The T.J. Reddick Bar Association strongly recommends that Judge Rebollo be retained not because his is one of only five Hispanic judges but because he is a competent and qualified judge.
Circuit Judge Group 23: BARBARA ANNE MCCARTHY
Judge Barbara McCarthy presides in family and dependency court and has demonstrated a genuine interest in the welfare of the children that appear before her. The T.J. Reddick Bar Association recommends that Judge McCarthy be reelected.
Circuit Judge Group 24: JOHN T. (“JACK”) LUZZO
After 28 years on the bench, the depth of experience of Judge John Luzzo cannot be ignored. While challenger, Olga Levine, is competent and credible, the T.J. Reddick Bar Association recommends that Judge Luzzo be retained.
Circuit Judge Group 47: LISA PORTER
Judge Lisa Porter promises to “make a concerted effort to improve the public’s perception of the judiciary.” Her experience sets her apart from her opponent and the T.J. Reddick Bar Association recommends that Judge Porter be reelected.
Circuit Judge Group 51: SANDRA PERLMAN
In spite of her opponent’s experience as a judge, the T.J. Reddick Bar Association finds that Sandra Perlman is the voters’ best choice in this race. “I want to make the courtroom a fair place for everybody,” says Perlman who has been on both sides of the justice system.
Circuit Judge Group 53: EILEEN O’CONNOR
Over three decades of public service distinguishes Judge Eileen O’Connor from her opponent. Judge O’Connor has served on the bench since 2003 and the T.J. Reddick Bar Association recommends that she be retained.
COUNTY COURT
County Judge Group 1: JOHN ROBERT HOWES
All of the candidates in this race appear to be qualified for bench. However, 30 years of
experience as a practicing attorney, working as a prosecutor, public defender and criminal
attorney at the local, state and national levels earn John Howes the recommendation of the TJ Reddick Bar Association.
County Judge Group 3: PETER BARRY SKOLNIK
In spite of the enthusiasm and extensive trial experience of his opponent, Debra Steinsaltz, since 1990 Judge Peter Skolnik has competently served on the bench in Broward County “just solving problems.” Therefore, the T. J. Reddick Bar Association recommends that Judge Skolnik be retained.
County Judge Group 4: EDWARD H. MERRIGAN, JR.
“I know what right looks like,” says Judge Edward Merrigan, Jr. when asked to comment regarding how he should conduct himself as a judge. Both he and his challenger Lloyd Golburgh appear to be competent and ethical professionals. However, the T.J. Reddick Bar Association recommends that Judge Merrigan be retained.
County Judge Group 12: JOHN “JAY” HURLEY
Judge John Hurley has been a key factor in effectively managing the jail population as Broward County’s first full-time first appearance judge. Judge Hurley deserves the support of the community and the support of the T.J. Reddick Bar Association for his reelection.
County Judge Group 13: LINDA R. PRATT
“Not taking anything for granted,” Judge Linda Pratt embraces the opportunity to go into the community and let the voters see the 23 years of integrity and experience that she bring to the bench. The T.J. Reddick Bar Association recommends that voters reelect Judge Pratt.
County Judge Group 14: MARY RUDD ROBINSON
Judge Mary Rudd Robinson has done a fine job serving as county court judge for over 20 years. Judge Robinson is the first female African American judge on the county court bench here in Broward County. The T.J. Reddick Bar Association highly recommends that voters reelect Judge Mary Rudd Robinson.
County Judge Group 15: ROSHAWN BANKS
Both Roshawn Banks and her opponent are vastly qualified for the position of county court judge. However, Roshawn Banks has the diversity of experience that makes her the best candidate. She has experience in criminal and civil law, government and private practice and state and federal court. Consequently, the T.J. Reddick Bar Association highly recommends voters elect Roshawn Banks.
County Judge Group 20: KENNETH “KEN” GOTTLIEB
“At the end of the day, a judge shouldn’t make the news, “says candidate Steven Schaet. His opponent, Ken Gottlieb is a seasoned politician who says that, “After a life filled with public service, I am looking forward to a different kind of service on the bench.” The T.J. Reddick Bar Association believes that Gottlieb’s history of public service can be an asset on the bench and recommends that he be elected.
County Judge Group 26: F.J. MCLAWRENCE
This is one of the more interesting county court judicial races with candidates jumping in and out of it from the very start. F.J. McLawrence’s commitment to the community combined with his passion for the law makes him the best candidate for this group. In our opinion, F.J. McLawrence and Nathaniel Klitsberg are the only candidates in this race that would uphold ethical standards and ensure fairness for all on a consistent basis. The T.J. Reddick Bar Association highly recommends that voters elect F.J. McLawrence.
source: South Florida Caribbean News
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