James McLeod, Erie County Court (2007)
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STONEWALL DEMOCRATS of Western New York ________ PO Box 857, Buffalo, NY 14205
Website: www.stonewalldemocratswny.com
2007 ENDORSEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE - JUDICIAL CANDIDATES Name: JAMES A. W. McLEOD___________________________________ Campaign Address: 144 DEBRA L A N E ' BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14207____________ Daytime Phone: 845-2632________________Evening Phone:________________________ FaxNumber: 847-2471________________E-mail: jm c le o d @c o urt s . state.ny.us Office Sought: ERIE COUNTY COURT JUDGE_________________________________ _Party Affiliation: DEMOCRAT_______________________________________________ Before you continue, please understand that: • Stonewall Democrats of WNY may publicize your responses in press releases and voters' guides, on our web site, and via other channels of communication. Stonewall Democrats of WNY will also identify candidates who fail to respond to this questionnaire. • Stonewall Democrats will hold you publicly accountable for actions inconsistent with your responses during your campaign and if elected during'your term in office. Please submit your typewritten responses to the following questions on a separate sheet. 1) Why are you running for a judicial position and what qualifies you for that position? 2) Why are you seeking the endorsement of the Stonewall Democrats of WNY? 3) Do you believe that bias affects our justice system, particularly in areas such as domestic violence and custody/visitation issues involving LGBT individuals? If so, how do you propose to eliminate it? 4) Do any of the organizations, associations or clubs to which you belong prohibit or limit membership on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, national origin, or gender identity? 5) What is your experience with the LGBT community both generally and/or professionally? As an attorney, have you ever represented clients involved with LGBT issues? 6) Because New York has not enacted same-sex marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships, same sex partners are denied many spousal rights. a) Do you believe same-sex couples should be entitled to the same adoption rights as opposite sex couples? b) hi matters of divorce, do you feel an openly gay parent should have the same rights to visitation and custody as a heterosexual parent? 7) Will you work to insure that sexual orientation or gender identity is not a consideration in your staff hiring decisions? 8) What kind of support would you like to have from the LGBT community if you win your primary? 9) Stonewall Democrats of WNY strongly believes that candidates have a responsibility to provide voters with truthful, fair and clean campaigns for public office and to conduct themselves in a manner conducive to a civil, issue-oriented debate with their fellow candidates. Will you sign a written pledge to conduct your campaign accordingly? 10) If endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of WNY, will you list the endorsement on all applicable campaign literature (i.e., all literature listing any other endorsements)? 11) If endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of WNY, will you attend a GLBT community forum to introduce endorsed candidates?
1. I run for the office of Erie County Court Judge for a number of reaso ns. First and foremost I believe that I am the most qualified candidate currently seeking this position. Having experience as a private attorney, prosecutor in the Family Court, Confidential Law Clerk to a Supreme Court Jurist, where I assisted in the resolving of complicated civil and criminal matters; Second Assistant Erie County Attorney, where I was responsible for various County agencies and handled many legal issues; Administrative Judge in the Family Court, dealing with Family issues and currently as a City Court Judge, I believe that my vast experience, exceeds the qualifications put forth by other candidates seeking your endorsement. Secondly I seek this position because I believe I have much to offer, not only to the current members of this Court, but the community at large. I bring a perspective of community life and the law, that currently does not exist at this level of our Courts. Lastly I seek this position because I honestly believe diversity is needed on the County Court. In the over one hund red years of this Court's existence, a male of color has never sat in this Court. A sad commentary on western New York, I strongly believe that it is time that this Court had as a member, a qualified male of color. 2. I once again seek the endorsement of this organization because it represents voices that must be heard and represented at all levels of government. Also your endorsement would be an additional demonstration of my commitment to make western New York a better place for all to live and work. 3. Although there is no question in my mind that there unfortunately remains discrimination based on color in this community, discrimination still exists relating to LGBT individuals. As a Judicial candidate, I can give no other comment other than I would hope that my past involvement in LGBT issues stands as my answer to this question 4. No. 5. As an attorney I did represent clients involved in LBGT issues. I have also served on community boards involved in issues impacting on the LBGT community. 6. As a Judicial candidate, I am unable to answer this question. 7. Yes. 8. Any and all support that would available to me. 9. Yes. 10. Yes. 11. Yes.
Website: www.stonewalldemocratswny.com
2007 ENDORSEMENT QUESTIONNAIRE - JUDICIAL CANDIDATES Name: JAMES A. W. McLEOD___________________________________ Campaign Address: 144 DEBRA L A N E ' BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14207____________ Daytime Phone: 845-2632________________Evening Phone:________________________ FaxNumber: 847-2471________________E-mail: jm c le o d @c o urt s . state.ny.us Office Sought: ERIE COUNTY COURT JUDGE_________________________________ _Party Affiliation: DEMOCRAT_______________________________________________ Before you continue, please understand that: • Stonewall Democrats of WNY may publicize your responses in press releases and voters' guides, on our web site, and via other channels of communication. Stonewall Democrats of WNY will also identify candidates who fail to respond to this questionnaire. • Stonewall Democrats will hold you publicly accountable for actions inconsistent with your responses during your campaign and if elected during'your term in office. Please submit your typewritten responses to the following questions on a separate sheet. 1) Why are you running for a judicial position and what qualifies you for that position? 2) Why are you seeking the endorsement of the Stonewall Democrats of WNY? 3) Do you believe that bias affects our justice system, particularly in areas such as domestic violence and custody/visitation issues involving LGBT individuals? If so, how do you propose to eliminate it? 4) Do any of the organizations, associations or clubs to which you belong prohibit or limit membership on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, national origin, or gender identity? 5) What is your experience with the LGBT community both generally and/or professionally? As an attorney, have you ever represented clients involved with LGBT issues? 6) Because New York has not enacted same-sex marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships, same sex partners are denied many spousal rights. a) Do you believe same-sex couples should be entitled to the same adoption rights as opposite sex couples? b) hi matters of divorce, do you feel an openly gay parent should have the same rights to visitation and custody as a heterosexual parent? 7) Will you work to insure that sexual orientation or gender identity is not a consideration in your staff hiring decisions? 8) What kind of support would you like to have from the LGBT community if you win your primary? 9) Stonewall Democrats of WNY strongly believes that candidates have a responsibility to provide voters with truthful, fair and clean campaigns for public office and to conduct themselves in a manner conducive to a civil, issue-oriented debate with their fellow candidates. Will you sign a written pledge to conduct your campaign accordingly? 10) If endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of WNY, will you list the endorsement on all applicable campaign literature (i.e., all literature listing any other endorsements)? 11) If endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of WNY, will you attend a GLBT community forum to introduce endorsed candidates?
1. I run for the office of Erie County Court Judge for a number of reaso ns. First and foremost I believe that I am the most qualified candidate currently seeking this position. Having experience as a private attorney, prosecutor in the Family Court, Confidential Law Clerk to a Supreme Court Jurist, where I assisted in the resolving of complicated civil and criminal matters; Second Assistant Erie County Attorney, where I was responsible for various County agencies and handled many legal issues; Administrative Judge in the Family Court, dealing with Family issues and currently as a City Court Judge, I believe that my vast experience, exceeds the qualifications put forth by other candidates seeking your endorsement. Secondly I seek this position because I believe I have much to offer, not only to the current members of this Court, but the community at large. I bring a perspective of community life and the law, that currently does not exist at this level of our Courts. Lastly I seek this position because I honestly believe diversity is needed on the County Court. In the over one hund red years of this Court's existence, a male of color has never sat in this Court. A sad commentary on western New York, I strongly believe that it is time that this Court had as a member, a qualified male of color. 2. I once again seek the endorsement of this organization because it represents voices that must be heard and represented at all levels of government. Also your endorsement would be an additional demonstration of my commitment to make western New York a better place for all to live and work. 3. Although there is no question in my mind that there unfortunately remains discrimination based on color in this community, discrimination still exists relating to LGBT individuals. As a Judicial candidate, I can give no other comment other than I would hope that my past involvement in LGBT issues stands as my answer to this question 4. No. 5. As an attorney I did represent clients involved in LBGT issues. I have also served on community boards involved in issues impacting on the LBGT community. 6. As a Judicial candidate, I am unable to answer this question. 7. Yes. 8. Any and all support that would available to me. 9. Yes. 10. Yes. 11. Yes.
