The Candidates: 54th Circuit Court Judge
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
Stephen P. Harris
Republican
Stephen P. Harris, 53, is an attorney in Warsaw.
1.) With my degrees from Indiana schools and my diverse legal practice I believe I am adequately qualified to be the Circuit Court Judge of Kosciusko County.
I graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 1976 and in 1980 I graduated from DePauw University and earned a bachelor’s degree in history. I earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Butler University in 1983 and completed my education in 1988 with a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Indiana University School of Law.
I have worked as an attorney for 24 years all of which have been with my father, Philip J. Harris, who has practiced for 62 years and was a former prosecutor of Kosciusko County in the 1950’s. My general practice has permitted me to work in many areas of the law including criminal and juvenile defense and a broad range of civil matters, including divorce, probate, adoptions, guardianships, real estate, business formation and transactions, contracts, bankruptcy creditor rights, personal injury and wrongful death.
I have also substituted for several of our judges as judge pro tempore and have decided civil matters and have accepted plea agreements and conducted sentencing hearings in criminal matters.
With my educational background and experience working in a broad range of legal areas I believe I am well equipped and qualified to handle the many types of legal matters that would come before me as the Circuit Court Judge.
2.) There are many traits a good judge must possess. A judge must be diligent, ethical, prompt, thorough, fair and impartial to name a few. It is important to me to be the type of judge who possesses those traits. If elected I intend to be diligent and ethical in administering the court’s functions, but how I reach my decisions will be my primary emphasis. I intend to be prompt, but thorough, fair and impartial without bias and prejudice based upon the facts and laws of the case before me without any outside pressure or influence.
I also believe it is important for a judge to be approachable not only to attorneys and the court staff but all participants involved in the legal proceedings. I believe it is important for a judge to have open communications to efficiently and fairly administer the courts functions.
Lastly, a judge must be knowledgeable. A judge must not only be knowledgeable in many areas of the law but also the community in which the judge serves. I believe I possess the necessary traits to be a good judge and fulfill the responsibilities of the Circuit Court. With my educational background and broad legal experience and familiarity with our community, as a Kosciusko native, I believe I have the knowledge to effectively serve as Circuit Court Judge. If elected I will try to exhibit these traits to the best of my ability.
3.) As Circuit Court judge I will strive to use all the tools available to not only curb the methamphetamine problem but all criminal drug and non-drug related problems. Methamphetamine use is a growing problem and is a very addictive behavior. I will seek to evaluate each individual methamphetamine case that comes before the court and fairly and properly sentence within the sentencing guidelines. I will balance punishment with jail time and require available rehabilitation programs as a term of probation with the goal of preventing future offenses. I will consider all sentencing alternatives available for those convicted of methamphetamine use. The challenge to curb the problem is money available for rehabilitation and educating not only our youth but all adults of the hazards of methamphetamine use. I will explore state and federal grants available for such rehabilitation programs and support any school and adult drug programs that educate about the hazards of methamphetamine use. Methamphetamine prevention is a challenge not only for the position of judge but for our whole community and I will do my part to curb methamphetamine problem in our county.
4.) If elected I will review the budget and operational procedures for the office of Circuit Court Judge. I will seek to run the office in a financially efficient manner while providing quality and timely services.
In providing quality and timely services I will explore all available technology and information systems to insure the Court is able to run efficiently and with the best information available.
I will work with the Sheriff’s department, Probation office and counseling agencies to explore any improvements in sentencing criminal offenders and improvements in drug treatment and rehabilitation programs for all criminal offenses with the goal of preventing not only repeat offenders, but first time offenders.
I will also discuss with the retiring judge, current judges, Court staff and local attorneys current procedures and any proposed improvements to insure timely disposition of matters before the court. I believe our retiring Circuit Court judge has been timely in disposing of cases, has maintained a professional and respectful atmosphere for all participants coming before the court and has continued a long standing open door policy of being available to attorneys and the Court staff. I will continue these priorities. I have taken pride in my private practice to be financially conservative in managing my expenses, timely responding to my clients’ legal needs and being approachable to my clients and attorneys to foster open communication. I will also continue these priorities if elected Circuit Court Judge.
Michael W. Reed
Republican
Michael W. Reed, 55, is an attorney in Warsaw.
1.) I have a diverse and broad range of legal experiences gleaned over 30 years of private practice, which have equipped me with a wide variety of legal knowledge, both substantive and procedural, as well as an understanding of the legal system from multiple perspectives of plaintiffs, defendants, businesses, individuals and governmental entities. I’ve been a public defender in Kosciusko County for more than 20 years, I have tried numerous jury trials, and I have defended people charged with serious crimes, including murder. I have handled hundreds of divorce cases, adoptions, guardianships, and probated decedent’s estates. I’ve also handled a wide variety of civil litigation matters, including personal injury and wrongful death cases. I am a certified mediator. I’ve handled numerous appeals of both criminal and civil matters and I’ve argued before the Indiana Court of Appeals. I have represented multiple governmental entities, several towns in Kosciusko County, I have represented the Kosciusko County Welfare Department, and worked extensively in juvenile law and with Court Appointed Special Advocates.
I have been an active part of the community, I have been involved in multiple church and community and civil organizations such as the Beaman Home, the Kosciusko County Child Protection Team and the United Way. I also believe I have the temperament, intelligence and work ethic to be an effective judge.
I believe it is my broad legal and life experiences, my educational background, and my desire to improve my community that will help me succeed as the next Circuit Court Judge.
2.) A judge needs to be knowledgeable in a broad range of substantive law, the rules of evidence, and procedural law. In the Circuit Court a number of different cases are presented each week and it is important for a Judge to have the knowledge and background to understand the arguments, facts and previous case law for each and every case that comes before the court.
A judge needs to be firm and in control of the courtroom. A judge needs to be good with people, patient, considerate, and have an open mind. In many cases individuals coming in to the Courtroom are already approaching the event with a fear and trepidation of our legal system. It is important that a judge put each and every individual in his courtroom in a certain state of comfort, so they feel that they are able to fully and fairly present their side of a case, and so they are confident that the judge is indeed approaching each case with an open mind and a fair judgement.
3.) As Circuit Court Judge I want to assist in educational activities in the community to bring the multitude of problems associated with methamphetamine use to the public’s attention. This would include speaking engagements at public forums, service organizations, and school/educational groups.
People need to be held accountable for their actions, but statistics show that serious rehabilitation and support is required to assist those involved in methamphetamine use to become clean and remain sober. The Circuit Court is the drug court for criminal matters and I would like to explore the expansion of sentencing alternatives for those convicted of drug offenses. This would include the expansion of the use of rehabilitation programs and services offered by third-parties throughout Kosciusko County, such as The Serenity House and The Rose Home. Additionally, I would like to explore the creation of an in-house drug treatment and rehabilitation program similar to the alcohol program now operated by Superior Court #2 and Superior Court #3.
4.) As the Circuit Court Judge I believe it is important that we continually look to improve not only the operations in the courtroom, and of court business, but also the outcomes for those cases handled in the courtroom. If elected, I intend to review all procedures, information and document availability, as well as the availability of adequate forms. I also intend to meet with the Clerk of the Courts, Bar Association representatives and law enforcement representatives to discuss possible changes and improvements to the court.
I have several ideas to enhance court efficiencies which will make the court more user friendly for both attorneys and litigants. These changes include potential modifications for the dates and times for the scheduling of matters, and fixing more specific times for certain court proceedings.
I intend to make sure that the court stays abreast of technological advances and that court work is done in accordance with the most efficient and modern technology. I also want to make sure that the court has the best information available to it during court proceedings through the use of courtroom technology.[[In-content Ad]]
Stephen P. Harris
Republican
Stephen P. Harris, 53, is an attorney in Warsaw.
1.) With my degrees from Indiana schools and my diverse legal practice I believe I am adequately qualified to be the Circuit Court Judge of Kosciusko County.
I graduated from Warsaw Community High School in 1976 and in 1980 I graduated from DePauw University and earned a bachelor’s degree in history. I earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Butler University in 1983 and completed my education in 1988 with a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Indiana University School of Law.
I have worked as an attorney for 24 years all of which have been with my father, Philip J. Harris, who has practiced for 62 years and was a former prosecutor of Kosciusko County in the 1950’s. My general practice has permitted me to work in many areas of the law including criminal and juvenile defense and a broad range of civil matters, including divorce, probate, adoptions, guardianships, real estate, business formation and transactions, contracts, bankruptcy creditor rights, personal injury and wrongful death.
I have also substituted for several of our judges as judge pro tempore and have decided civil matters and have accepted plea agreements and conducted sentencing hearings in criminal matters.
With my educational background and experience working in a broad range of legal areas I believe I am well equipped and qualified to handle the many types of legal matters that would come before me as the Circuit Court Judge.
2.) There are many traits a good judge must possess. A judge must be diligent, ethical, prompt, thorough, fair and impartial to name a few. It is important to me to be the type of judge who possesses those traits. If elected I intend to be diligent and ethical in administering the court’s functions, but how I reach my decisions will be my primary emphasis. I intend to be prompt, but thorough, fair and impartial without bias and prejudice based upon the facts and laws of the case before me without any outside pressure or influence.
I also believe it is important for a judge to be approachable not only to attorneys and the court staff but all participants involved in the legal proceedings. I believe it is important for a judge to have open communications to efficiently and fairly administer the courts functions.
Lastly, a judge must be knowledgeable. A judge must not only be knowledgeable in many areas of the law but also the community in which the judge serves. I believe I possess the necessary traits to be a good judge and fulfill the responsibilities of the Circuit Court. With my educational background and broad legal experience and familiarity with our community, as a Kosciusko native, I believe I have the knowledge to effectively serve as Circuit Court Judge. If elected I will try to exhibit these traits to the best of my ability.
3.) As Circuit Court judge I will strive to use all the tools available to not only curb the methamphetamine problem but all criminal drug and non-drug related problems. Methamphetamine use is a growing problem and is a very addictive behavior. I will seek to evaluate each individual methamphetamine case that comes before the court and fairly and properly sentence within the sentencing guidelines. I will balance punishment with jail time and require available rehabilitation programs as a term of probation with the goal of preventing future offenses. I will consider all sentencing alternatives available for those convicted of methamphetamine use. The challenge to curb the problem is money available for rehabilitation and educating not only our youth but all adults of the hazards of methamphetamine use. I will explore state and federal grants available for such rehabilitation programs and support any school and adult drug programs that educate about the hazards of methamphetamine use. Methamphetamine prevention is a challenge not only for the position of judge but for our whole community and I will do my part to curb methamphetamine problem in our county.
4.) If elected I will review the budget and operational procedures for the office of Circuit Court Judge. I will seek to run the office in a financially efficient manner while providing quality and timely services.
In providing quality and timely services I will explore all available technology and information systems to insure the Court is able to run efficiently and with the best information available.
I will work with the Sheriff’s department, Probation office and counseling agencies to explore any improvements in sentencing criminal offenders and improvements in drug treatment and rehabilitation programs for all criminal offenses with the goal of preventing not only repeat offenders, but first time offenders.
I will also discuss with the retiring judge, current judges, Court staff and local attorneys current procedures and any proposed improvements to insure timely disposition of matters before the court. I believe our retiring Circuit Court judge has been timely in disposing of cases, has maintained a professional and respectful atmosphere for all participants coming before the court and has continued a long standing open door policy of being available to attorneys and the Court staff. I will continue these priorities. I have taken pride in my private practice to be financially conservative in managing my expenses, timely responding to my clients’ legal needs and being approachable to my clients and attorneys to foster open communication. I will also continue these priorities if elected Circuit Court Judge.
Michael W. Reed
Republican
Michael W. Reed, 55, is an attorney in Warsaw.
1.) I have a diverse and broad range of legal experiences gleaned over 30 years of private practice, which have equipped me with a wide variety of legal knowledge, both substantive and procedural, as well as an understanding of the legal system from multiple perspectives of plaintiffs, defendants, businesses, individuals and governmental entities. I’ve been a public defender in Kosciusko County for more than 20 years, I have tried numerous jury trials, and I have defended people charged with serious crimes, including murder. I have handled hundreds of divorce cases, adoptions, guardianships, and probated decedent’s estates. I’ve also handled a wide variety of civil litigation matters, including personal injury and wrongful death cases. I am a certified mediator. I’ve handled numerous appeals of both criminal and civil matters and I’ve argued before the Indiana Court of Appeals. I have represented multiple governmental entities, several towns in Kosciusko County, I have represented the Kosciusko County Welfare Department, and worked extensively in juvenile law and with Court Appointed Special Advocates.
I have been an active part of the community, I have been involved in multiple church and community and civil organizations such as the Beaman Home, the Kosciusko County Child Protection Team and the United Way. I also believe I have the temperament, intelligence and work ethic to be an effective judge.
I believe it is my broad legal and life experiences, my educational background, and my desire to improve my community that will help me succeed as the next Circuit Court Judge.
2.) A judge needs to be knowledgeable in a broad range of substantive law, the rules of evidence, and procedural law. In the Circuit Court a number of different cases are presented each week and it is important for a Judge to have the knowledge and background to understand the arguments, facts and previous case law for each and every case that comes before the court.
A judge needs to be firm and in control of the courtroom. A judge needs to be good with people, patient, considerate, and have an open mind. In many cases individuals coming in to the Courtroom are already approaching the event with a fear and trepidation of our legal system. It is important that a judge put each and every individual in his courtroom in a certain state of comfort, so they feel that they are able to fully and fairly present their side of a case, and so they are confident that the judge is indeed approaching each case with an open mind and a fair judgement.
3.) As Circuit Court Judge I want to assist in educational activities in the community to bring the multitude of problems associated with methamphetamine use to the public’s attention. This would include speaking engagements at public forums, service organizations, and school/educational groups.
People need to be held accountable for their actions, but statistics show that serious rehabilitation and support is required to assist those involved in methamphetamine use to become clean and remain sober. The Circuit Court is the drug court for criminal matters and I would like to explore the expansion of sentencing alternatives for those convicted of drug offenses. This would include the expansion of the use of rehabilitation programs and services offered by third-parties throughout Kosciusko County, such as The Serenity House and The Rose Home. Additionally, I would like to explore the creation of an in-house drug treatment and rehabilitation program similar to the alcohol program now operated by Superior Court #2 and Superior Court #3.
4.) As the Circuit Court Judge I believe it is important that we continually look to improve not only the operations in the courtroom, and of court business, but also the outcomes for those cases handled in the courtroom. If elected, I intend to review all procedures, information and document availability, as well as the availability of adequate forms. I also intend to meet with the Clerk of the Courts, Bar Association representatives and law enforcement representatives to discuss possible changes and improvements to the court.
I have several ideas to enhance court efficiencies which will make the court more user friendly for both attorneys and litigants. These changes include potential modifications for the dates and times for the scheduling of matters, and fixing more specific times for certain court proceedings.
I intend to make sure that the court stays abreast of technological advances and that court work is done in accordance with the most efficient and modern technology. I also want to make sure that the court has the best information available to it during court proceedings through the use of courtroom technology.[[In-content Ad]]
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