LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF BUCKS COUNTY

CITIZEN EDUCATION FUND 100 Doyle Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 215-230-9986 www.lwvbucks.org Making Democracy Work Grassroots leadership since 1920

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF BUCKS COUNTY CITIZEN EDUCATION FUND NONPARTISAN VOTERS GUIDE Municipal Election November 5, 2013 (C) Copyright 2013 LWVPA CEF
Polls open 7 A.M. to 8 P.M. This Voters Guide may be taken into the voting booth. FOR ELECTION INFORMATION Contact your county Board of Elections. The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen Information Center also provides election information. CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-692-7281 ABOUT THIS GUIDE The material in this Guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the League. Each candidate's reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations and by editing from the bottom when a candidate's reply exceeded the word limit. The candidates listed are those whose names appear on the ballot as of September 26, 2013. They are listed according to their ballot order. Additional information about judicial candidates and voter information including Polling Place Lookup can be found by going to www.smartvoter.org and typing in your address and zip code. Allegheny, Delaware and Montgomery County residents will see additional information on local candidates at www.smartvoter.org as well. PURPOSE AND POLICY OF THE LEAGUE The purpose of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund is to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League is nonpartisan: it does not support or oppose any political parties or candidates. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement of any candidate by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund. ABSENTEE VOTING Registered voters who are ill, disabled, or will be absent from the municipality on Election Day may vote by absentee ballot. Completed applications for civilian absentee ballots must be received by the county Board of Elections by 5 P.M., Tuesday, October 29, 2013. Completed civilian absentee ballots must be received back at the Board of Elections by 5 P.M. on Friday, November 1, 2013. If an emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after the Tuesday application deadline, call your county Board of Elections for information on emergency absentee voting. Proof of emergency may be required. An emergency application and ballot can be obtained and voted by 5 P.M. on Friday, November 1, 2013. Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place should consult the county Board of Elections.

WRITE-IN VOTING Information for write-in voting will be available at the polling place. ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved at the polling place, the judge of elections at the polling place should telephone the county Board of Elections. The problem could be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records. If it does not and you want to try to resolve the problem, then you can go in person to the county Board of Elections where a judge from the Court of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve election problems. Alternatively you can ask for and vote by provisional ballot. If it is later determined that you were eligible to vote your ballot will be counted. You will be given instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted. Problems at the polls can be reported to the PA Department of State at www.votespa.com and to the Election Protection Hotline, 1-866-OurVote or www.866ourvote.org. Forms for voter absentee ballots, emergency absentee ballots and alternative ballots can be downloaded from the Resource Center at www.votespa.com. IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOTERS If youre voting for the first time in an upcoming election, the information below can help you ensure youre prepared once you arrive at the polls. All voters who appear at a polling place for the first time must show proof of identification. Approved forms of photo identification include: Pennsylvania drivers license or PennDOT ID card ID issued by any Commonwealth agency ID issued by the U.S. Government U.S. passport U.S. Armed Forces ID Student ID Employee ID If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a non-photo identification that includes your name and address. Approved forms of non-photo identification include: Confirmation issued by the County Voter Registration Office Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth Non-photo ID issued by the U.S. Government Firearm permit Current utility bill Current bank statement Current paycheck Government check If you do not have any acceptable ID then you must be allowed to vote by provisional ballot. If you are a registered, long time voter, you do NOT have to show an ID. ON-LINE VOTERS GUIDE The Voters Guide and other useful information for voters can be found on the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania homepage: www.palwv.org. It is also posted on the League of Women Voters of Bucks County website, www.lwvbucks.org (go to the Voters Guide Page). *CERTIFICATION NOTE* As of the publication date of this guide, the slate of candidates listed below is accurate based upon the Pennsylvania Department of States Bureau of Elections unofficial ballot.

JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT

JOB DESCRIPTION The Superior Court was established in 1895. It is one of Pennsylvania's two statewide intermediate appellate courts. The Superior Court is often the final arbiter of legal disputes. The Supreme Court may grant a petition to review a decision of the Superior Court, but most petitions are denied and the ruling of the Superior Court stands. Cases are usually heard by panels of three judges sitting in Philadelphia, Harrisburg or Pittsburgh, but may also be heard en banc by nine judges. The Superior Court often travels to locations throughout Pennsylvania to hear cases and is responsible for: Appeals in criminal and most civil cases from the Courts of Common Pleas Appeals on matters involving children and families The Superior Court consists of 15 judges who serve 10-year terms. The president judge of Superior Court is elected to a five-year term by his or her colleagues. Term: 10 yearsSalary: $188,337 (Vote for 1)

Victor P. Stabile (Republican)

Home address: Carlisle, PA Campaign Website: vicstabile.com Date of Birth: September 14, 1957 Candidate for: Superior Court of PA EDUCATION:1982, Dickinson School of Law, J.D., Law Review 1979, SUNY Stonybrook, cum laude, B.A. CURRENT OCCUPATION: Partner and managing member Dilworth Paxson LLP, Harrisburg, PA QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Over 30 years of significant trial and appellate experience, former Appellate Judicial Clerk, Former Deputy Attorney General, recognized for exemplary community and pro bono work. QUESTION: Because of some public concern about the amount of money being spent on statewide judicial elections, would you support an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution changing the method of selecting statewide judges to a merit selection process? Why or why not? ANSWER: I have been involved in both the election and merit selection of judges. While election may depend heavily on funding, merit selection may eliminate qualified candidates for political reasons. Neither system is a panacea. Some combination of the best parts of each system that enables the best qualified candidates to be selected by the citizens of Pennsylvania and provides a method for fair and accessible competition would, in my opinion, improve the current system of judicial selection.

Jack McVay, Jr. (Democrat)

Home address, Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Business address: Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, Pittsburgh, PA Email address mcvayforsuperiorcourt@gmail.com Date of Birth: June 28, 1956 Candidate for: Superior Court Judge EDUCATION: Duquesne University School of Pharmacy Bachelor of Science 1980 University of Pittsburgh summer classes Duquesne University School of Law - Juris Doctorate 1984 CURRENT OCCUPATION: Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge, Family Division

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Highly recommended by the Allegheny County Bar Association Recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association Nearly 30 years of experience practicing law in both the public and private sector Six years of experience serving as a trial judge in the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas, Family Division. QUESTION: Because of some public concern about the amount of money being spent on statewide judicial elections, would you support an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution changing the method of selecting statewide judges to a merit selection process? Why or why not? ANSWER: To my thinking, I cannot envision an elected or merit selection system that is free from political considerations influencing the process. I believe putting the focus of reform on eliminating the direct election of judges is misplaced. Rather, I support reforms that will mitigate the role money plays in the process, perhaps capping individual and political action committee donation levels and creating campaign spending disincentives. At this time, I prefer to trust the voters.

RETENTION CANDIDATES
The merit retention provision of Pennsylvania's constitution allows all but magisterial district judges to be retained with a simple "yes" or "no" vote without ballot reference to political affiliation. This provision was designed to remove judges from the pressures of the political arena once they begin their first term of office. Magisterial district judges run in competitive elections. Mandatory retirement age for judges is 70 years, but retired judges may, if approved by the Supreme Court, continue to serve the Commonwealth as senior judges.

JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT (RETENTION)

The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is a court of last resort that sits only en banc and presides over a mixture of direct and discretionary appeals. Every Supreme Court justice votes on every matter, including direct appeals, capital appeals (direct and collateral), allocaturs, discretionary appeals, Childrens Fast Track matters, gaming appeals, grand jury appeals, legislative redistricting appeals, Kings Bench petitions, certified questions from federal courts, election appeals, emergency petitions, petitions for review, judicial disciplinary matters, attorney disciplinary matters, recommendations from eight rules committees and six court-related boards, miscellaneous petitions, ancillary matters, and pro se matters. The courts complement of seven justices is not supplemented with senior justices, and when the court is shorthanded, as it was for over a year recently, the remaining justices must take on the added workload. Most often, but not exclusively the court reviews: Requests for discretionary appeals from the Commonwealth Court and Superior Court Direct Appeals from a lower courts decision, including when a sentence of death is issued Requests to intervene in a lower courts proceedings Requests to deliver a body from illegal detention Term: 10 Years Salary: $199,606. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court salary-$205,415. Retention candidates appear at the end of the ballot in the form of a question. Shall (candidates name) be retained for an additional term as (office sought)? (Vote yes or no)

Max Baer
Home address: Pittsburgh, PA Business address: Pittsburgh, PA Website: None Date of Birth: December 24, 1947 Candidate for: Supreme Court Justice EDUCATION: 1971B.A. University of Pittsburgh 1975J.D. Duquesne University 1985-1986Robert Morris College, Masters of Tax Program 2013Hon. J.D. Widener University CURRENT OCCUPATION: Supreme Court Justice QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Trial Court Judge, Allegheny County-13 years; Administrative Judge, Family Division10 years; Pa Child Advocacy Award 1999 PA Dept. of Public Welfare, Adoption Advocate of the Year 1997 Champion of Children Award, Most Valuable Peacemaker 2004 QUESTION: Because of some public concern about the amount of money being spent on statewide judicial elections, would you support an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution changing the method of selecting statewide judges to a merit selection process? Why or why not? ANSWER: No. Election is a grounding, humbling experience. Its good for our judges to be grounded and humble. No objection to expanded pre-requisites for judges.

Ronald D. Castille
Home address, Philadelphia, PA Business address: Philadelphia PA Website: roncastille@cj@gmail.com Date of Birth: March 16, 1944 Candidate for: PA Supreme Court EDUCATION: Auburn University 1966; University of Virginia Law 1971 CURRENT OCCUPATION: Supreme Court Justice QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Philadelphia District Attorney, elected twice 50 years in Philadelphia District Attorneys Office Supreme Court of PA, 20 years. 1st Lt. USMC (Ret); Bronze Star; Two Purple Heart Medals QUESTION: Because of some public concern about the amount of money being spent on statewide judicial elections, would you support an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution changing the method of selecting statewide judges to a merit selection process? Why or why not? ANSWER: I support the proposition. I have always (since 1993) thought the electoral process is the wrong way to select judges. Politics doesnt always give the best judges and the natural tendency of citizens is to think that elected judges are beholden to the political parties and special interest supporters of the candidate.

JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT (RETENTION) Term: 10 yearsSalary: $188,337

Susan Peikes Gantman

Party: Republican Home address, Narberth, Pennsylvania 19072 Business address: West Conshohocken, Pa Website: None Date of Birth: August 8, 1952 Candidate for: Superior Court of PA Retention Candidate EDUCATION: 1974 University of Pennsylvania, B.A., M.A. 1977 Villanova University School of Law, J.D. CURRENT OCCUPATION: Judge, Superior Court of Pennsylvania QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Judge, 9 years, 162 Precedential Opinions including 18 En Banc Opinions 2162 Memorandum Decisions and dispositions Partner Private Practice; Former Assistant District Attorney e Practice; Former Assistant District Attorney QUESTION: Because of some public concern about the amount of money being spent on statewide judicial elections, would you support an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution changing the method of selecting statewide judges to a merit selection process? Why or why not? ANSWER: I would not support the Amendment. Fair and impartial courts are a guarantor of justice in our democracy. Competitive elections are the most democratic manner to make judges accountable to the public. An independent commission of the Pennsylvania Bar Association reviews judicial candidates and recommended Judge Gantmans retention stating: [She] is recognized as possessing exemplary knowledge of legal principles. . . . Her integrity and personal character are beyond reproach and she is held in high esteem.

Jack A. Panella (Democrat)

Home address: Easton, PA Palmer Township Campaign Website: www.facebook.com /jackpanellacampaign Date of Birth: May 4, 1955 Candidate for: Superior Court of PA-Retention EDUCATION: 1977, St. Johns University, B.S. with honors 1980, Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America, J.D. with honors CURRENT OCCUPATION: Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Trial and Appellate Judge for 23 years Former President, Judge of Pennsylvania Court of Judicial Discipline Authored two books for judges and lawyers QUESTION: Because of some public concern about the amount of money being spent on statewide judicial elections, would you support an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution changing the method of selecting statewide judges to a merit selection process? Why or why not? ANSWER: I would support true merit selection which would operate without political influences. This process would utilize representation by diverse organizations and professionals differentiating it from

typical appointment systems. Negative campaigning is fueled by excessive spending. The tone which dominated the campaign for the Supreme Court in 2009 is truly regrettable. While I never questioned my own judicial integrity, I made a personal pledge to never again raise money for a judicial office.

BUCKS COUNTY ROW OFFICES

BUCKS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
JOB DESCRIPTION The District Attorney is the chief criminal law enforcement officer and public prosecutor in the county. He or she prepares and prosecutes all criminal cases and argues appeals in state appellate and federal courts. The District Attorney signs all bills of indictment and prosecutes all criminal cases for the state. He/she appoints assistants, detectives, and clerks to assist in criminal investigations and trials. The DA is elected by the public every 4 years, and is considered a row officer. Term: 4 yearsSalary: $172,271 Unopposed QUESTION: What goals do you have for the District Attorneys office and what makes you the best candidate to fulfill this position?

David W. Heckler (Republican)

Hometown: Doylestown DOB: March-47 Education: Graduate Central Bucks H.S., Yale University, University of Virginia School of Law Occupation: District Attorney of Bucks County Qualifications: 7 years Deputy DA, 7 years Counsel to Pa. District Attorneys Association, Legislator, Bucks County Judge; served as Chairman Pa. Sentencing Commission and last year chaired the Pa. Task Force on Child Protection. Answer to question: During my first term, a lifetimes experience plus a talented senior staff enabled me to assemble and lead a highly effective team of prosecutors, investigators and support personnel. We have done our basic job of protecting the public by working with police to solve crimes and convict criminals. We have also made significant innovations, including establishing the most successful Drug Take-Back program in Pennsylvania - over 8 tons collected to date, initiating a Veterans Treatment Program and a County Crash Investigation Team. We have also established a much-needed Toxicology Section in our Crime Lab, striven toward digitalized office operations and partnered in the FBI Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory. Our greatest challenge going forward is retention of experienced prosecutors despite low pay.

BUCKS COUNTY SHERIFF

JOB DESCRIPTION The sheriff, as an officer of the court, serves writs, warrants, summonses, and other judicial documents. The sheriff also executes sheriff's sales and carries out orders of the county court. In some counties, deputy sheriffs provide courthouse security and transport prisoners. The sheriff is responsible for issuing gun permits. Term: 4 yearsSalary: $ 82,250 (Vote for 1) QUESTION: What changes, if any, would you implement in your office to better serve the citizens of Bucks County?

Edward Duke Donnelly (Republican)

Hometown: Richboro DOB: Sep-42 Education: MBA Philadelphia College of Textiles & Sciences BS Education Temple University Associate Degree Criminal Justice Temple University

Graduate 131st Session FBI National Academy Graduate Penn State Police Officer Law Enforcement Executive Courses Occupation: Sheriff of Bucks County Qualifications: Sheriff of Bucks County, Police Chief Lower Southampton Township & Captain, Philadelphia Police Department. Answer to question: Improve computer communication between the Sheriffs office and the Public, by allowing access to our forms online. This will be more efficient in our dealings with the citizenry of Bucks County. Increase the hours of operation of our Booking Station. This will enable the police of our Townships and Boroughs to spend more time patrolling their assigned areas. The public will benefit and be more secure seeing police on the streets.

Dennis McCauley (Democrat)

Hometown: Doylestown DOB: Oct-57 Education: Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Villanova Occupation: Director of Security at Bucks County Community College; Retired Abington Police division commander Qualifications: Three decades of police and public safety leadership experience; Currently serve as vicepresident and Public Safety Chairman for Doylestown Borough Council; Member of Bucks County Police Chiefs Association Answer to question: I will bring law enforcement managerial expertise, energy, integrity and vision to the Sheriff's Office. I will rebuild the Sheriff's Office into a public safety agency that Bucks County can be proud of. I will rid the office of scandals, mismanagement and divisive politics. For those serving as deputies, I will be a full-time leader, not a political figurehead. I will modernize the Sheriff's website and use social media to better inform and serve citizens.

BUCKS COUNTY PROTHONOTARY

JOB DESCRIPTION The prothonotary is a clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, administering the records of civil proceedings. Some additional duties include processing naturalizations papers and issuing passports. Term: 4 yearsSalary: $ 82,250 (Vote for 1) QUESTION: What changes, if any, would you implement in your office to better serve the citizens of Bucks County?

Patricia L. Bachtle (Republican)

Hometown: Newtown DOB: Nov-39 Education: Gwynedd Mercy College Occupation: Prothonotary Qualifications: 20 years experience doing the job and protecting taxpayers: professionally managing a large staff and implementing new technologies to save taxpayers more than $130,000 per year all while cutting the size of my staff, cutting costs, and always working full-time in the job. Answer to question: The next four years in the Prothonotarys office are critical for taxpayers which is why Ill work full-time, every day, as I always have. Im prepared to successfully transition to the new justice center which will allow for improvement technological improvements and efficiencies in the way our office operates. We will build on our already existing innovative case management system as well as expand our pay-per-page services which save taxpayers money.

Ronald J. Smolow (Democrat)

Hometown: Upper Makefield DOB: Jan-50 Education: Occupation: Qualifications: I have practiced law in Bucks County for 38 years since graduating from Penn State and Temple Law School. During this time, Ive handled a wide range of legal matters with a

focus on litigation and consumer issues. This experience has given me first hand knowledge of the Prothonotarys office. Answer to question: I will replace the Prothonotarys old-fashion paper system with a cost efficient E-Filing system. This will provide better service at less cost to tax payers. It will enable lawyers, judges and the public to file/retrieve documents electronically while substantially reducing the cost of handling paper files. I will add Saturday morning hours to make the office more convenient for obtaining passports. I will provide better oversight to avoid misuse of subpoenas and other official documents.

BUCKS COUNTY RECORDER OF DEEDS

JOB DESCRIPTION The Recorder of Deeds maintains the record of real property in the county, including titles and liens on property. The recorder also keeps records of military discharges. Term: 4 yearsSalary: $ 82,250 (Vote for 1) QUESTION: What changes, if any, would you implement in your office to better serve the citizens of Bucks County?

Joseph Szafran (Republican)

Hometown: Bensalem DOB: Nov-53 Education: High School Graduate, Pennsylvania Land Title Institute, Real Estate courses at various universities. Occupation: Recorder of Deeds Qualifications: Present Recorder of Deeds, thirty-five years experience in Real Estate and Title Insurance Industry. Former President of Credit Union and Owner of JGK Abstracting and Title Company. Notary Public and licensed Agent. Answer to question: The Modernization of the county land records with todays technology we will increase the awareness and services the Recorder of Deeds office can provide the residents of Bucks County. As the caretaker of the Bucks County Veterans ID Discount program, we will continue to provide a secure place for all veterans discharge papers and provide the vendors directory twice a year and bring the Best of Bucks to all veterans and citizens of our county.

James T. OBrien (Democrat)

No response received

BUCKS COUNTY- COUNTY CONTROLLER

JOB DESCRIPTION The controller gathers budget information, prescribes accounting systems to be used in county offices, approves all bills, audits books of all county officers, and makes financial reports at the end of the year. Term: 4 yearsSalary: $ 82,250 (Vote for 1) QUESTION: What changes, if any, would you implement in your office to better serve the citizens of Bucks County?

Raymond F. McHugh (Republican)

Hometown: Southampton DOB: Sept-55 Education: JD Emory University 1980 BS Gettysburg College 1977 Occupation: Controller; Attorney Qualifications: Incumbent County Controller since 2001 Answer to question: I hope to obtain the technology necessary to provide on-line access to county contracts and other documents maintained by the Controller's Office. Although we have steadily increased on-line access to various reports and audits, we need to obtain additional resources to provide more complicated materials. Access to these records will increase the transparency of county government and better serve the citizens of Bucks County.

John Jordan (Democrat)

Hometown: Croyden DOB: Jul-64 Education: Bachelors in Marketing Occupation: Consultant Qualifications: 21-year Banking veteran Answer to question: I am a 22 year Banking Veteran. I am also a Community Leader with a verifiable track record of success in activism, economic and community development. In these difficult financial times, it is time to ensure our taxpayers that all their tax dollars are appropriately utilized by holding all county departments accountable. I am no stranger to hard work I spent most of 2012 fighting the attacks on Voting Rights with the Voter ID Law in PA.

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT JUDGES

JOB DESCRIPTION Magisterial District Justices represent the first level of the court system. They have jurisdiction over such offenses as traffic violations, landlord/tenant matters and civil actions involving less than $8,000, and they preside over arraignments and can fix and accept bail in criminal cases not involving murder or voluntary manslaughter. Those justices who are not lawyers must complete a course of instruction and pass an examination before taking office. Term: 6 yearsSalary: $ 86,639 (Vote for 1) QUESTION: What goals and recommendations do you have to improve the administration of justice in Bucks County?

DISTRICT 07-1-02 Frank W. Peranteau, Sr. (Republican/Democrat Cross-Filed)

Hometown: Bristol DOB: Mar-49 Education: West Chester University, B.S. Degree Criminal Justice Occupation: Magisterial District Judge Qualifications: Elected Magisterial District Judge for over 11 years. Certified By PA Minor Judiciary. 28 year Career in Law Enforcement retiring as Chief of Police. Answer to question: Continue to safe guard the rights of the residents in Bucks County. This is done by providing fair, timely and equitable handling of their concerns. We must also take advantage of the increasing technology will make the contact that individuals have with the courts an easier, less complicated experience.

DISTRICT 07-1-03 Joanne V. Kline (Republican/Democrat Cross-Filed)

No response received

DISTRICT 07-1-07 Daniel Baranoski (Republican/Democrat Cross-Filed)

Hometown: Hulmeville DOB: Jul-65 Education: Occupation: Qualifications: Daniel Baranoski earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from Temple University with Magna Cum Laude honors in 1987. He attended West Chester University and the University of Phoenix in pursuit of a Master of Science Degree in Administration. He was a police officer and detective for 24 years. Answer to question: Baranoski began his first term as Magisterial District Judge in 2008. He feels that having an opportunity to influence peoples lives through his position as MDJ early in their involvement with t he court has been most rewarding to him. He believes addressing risky behaviors like underage drinking, drug use, and

truancy at an early period in a persons life may help stop more serious problems in the future. He takes the time needed to address each defendant individually.

DISTRICT 07-3-01 Maggie Snow (Republican/Democrat Cross-Filed)

Hometown: Buckingham DOB: Apr-60 Education: Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Arts, 1982; University of Denver College of Law, Juris Doctor, 1988 Occupation: Magisterial District Judge District Court 7-3-01, 2008-present Qualifications: Chief Deputy District Attorney, 1988-2001, Bucks County criminal prosecutor, jury trials Guardian Ad Litem, 2001-2007, child advocacy for at risk children and foster children. Answer to question: Establishing a Youth Aid Panel in Buckingham has been one way I have been able to improve the administration of justice since I took office. Working closely with our local schools to eliminate truancy has also been a priority to ensure our children get the best opportunities to succeed in life. I strive to treat everyone who appears in court with dignity, fairness and respect.