What is your view of the proper temperament a judge should hold?
A judge should enforce high standards of conduct. A judge should perform judicial duties without bias or prejudice. A judge should respect and comply with the law and shall act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.

Please describe the types of cases you have handled as a lawyer or a judge.
In Court G17, I hear half of all domestic violence cases in Marion County. When I was first appointed, I heard Marion County's Protective Orders cases in G21. Prior to my appointment, I was a Master Commissioner for the Marion Superior Court from 1995 to 2007. I was assigned as needed to serve the judges in various municipal courts and presided over general misdemeanor criminal cases. In that capacity I was assigned to Community Court of Indianapolis. I presided over misdemeanor criminal cases affecting the quality of life for south and eastside neighborhoods. I also heard Environmental Court cases for the Health Department and the City of Indianapolis.

What changes, if any, should be made to the way Marion County judges currently are selected for the bench? Should Indiana move toward a nomination/appointment process for Superior Court judges?
I think the voters should decide who will be elected as judge. It requires the voters to be educated about the candidates so they can make sound decisions.

What prompted you to run for judge? If you are an incumbent, what have you done to earn another term?
It makes me feel proud to be a public servant. I promise to continue to efficiently, faithfully and impartially perform the duties of the office of judge in Marion County with the dignity and respect the position requires.

Space is at a premium in the City-County Building. Should the county explore building a new justice center? Why or why not?
There is no doubt that we need a new justice center. Every day, the courts search the City-County Building for space to hear jury trials, court trials and other hearings. There are days where no space exists to meet the demand. The need is there. The Indianapolis Bar Association Web site has an excellent and detailed explanation as to why a new building is needed. http://www.indyjusticecenter.org/

The issue is how to pay for it. The taxpayers would have to agree to support this. It should be up to the voters to decide whether this is an appropriate expense.

How should judges influence the efficiency of the justice system to ensure that the Marion County Jail does not exceed its inmate cap?
We should maintain good communication with all parts of the criminal justice system. We should make sure that our staff is completing the paperwork immediately and sending prompt and accurate communication to the Marion County sheriff.