I am writing in support of Judy Conard for judge of the Superior Court.

I first met Judy when she became a member of the board of directors of People Services. It is in her role as a trustee and advocate for the disabled that I first saw Judy and her ability to listen, inquire, assess and decide.

These are the exact skills required of a judge. Her ability to seek the required information and make sound, fair and impartial decisions is outstanding.

What has caused me to be such an advocate for Judy is her commitment to the truth. It is such a commitment over the past years in her private legal practice that results in her strong advocacy for her clients.  

While the appellate court may take in question her filing of an appeal, I’m sure that the client who she represents feels that they have had an advocate in the complex and often rigid legal system, that sometimes misses the point. It is because of her willingness to provide this advocacy that their rights within this system are being fully considered. This attitude should be applauded, not sanctioned.

What's important to understand is that Judy is the only candidate with experience on both sides of the court, the prosecution and defense; that she has expertise in representing children and has complex jury trial experience including trademark, copyright cases and cases involving DNA science, and that she has taken 75 jury trials to verdict, including death penalty cases.

Two other very important factors to consider are that Judy is the only candidate that has been evaluated by the State Bar's Commission on Judicial Nominees and recommended to the governor for appointment and she is the only candidate endorsed by two Lake County judges.

Judy has worked hard for what she has accomplished, earning her law degree at night while raising a family and working full time.

In my view she has the most complete background needed to handle the challenges our courts are facing, including budget reductions and calendars so full that victims of crime must wait entirely too long for their day in court.

As an attorney she is a staunch advocate for fairness in the law and the system, I know firsthand that she will continue to be committed to the truth and to make this system serve the people.  

Please join me in supporting Judy for Lake County Superior Court judge.

Michael Adams is a board member for People Services and executive director of the Soper-Reese Community Theatre. He lives in Kelseyville, Calif.