MT. VERNON - The Illinois State Bar Association has released its peer evaluation for judicial candidates.
"Evaluation ratings, which are the result of an in-depth review of candidates, are the opinion of the Illinois State Bar Association," information from ISBA states. "The Judicial Advisory Poll ratings do not reflect the opinion of ISBA, but rather of those attorneys who participated in the poll."
The ratings are prepared by the ISBA Judicial Evaluations Committee based on a review of the candidate's background and qualifications. Committee members interview each candidate before recommending a rating to the full committee. The advisory poll is mailed to ISBA members in the circuit or district for each candidate.
"Attorneys are asked to respond only if they have sufficient knowledge about a candidate's qualifications for judicial office to give a fair, informed opinion," information on the poll states. "Seven questions on the ballot measure such qualities as legal ability, integrity, impartiality and judicial temperament."
The two ratings are "recommended" or "not recommended" based on whether those turning in a poll ballot agree the candidate meets the acceptable requirements for the office. The ISBA ranks those candidates with a 65 percent or higher rate for "yes" responses at recommended; those receiving less than 65 percent are rated at not recommended.
For the Fifth Appellate District election, both candidates Judy L. Cates and Stephen P. McGlynn — earned a "highly qualified" rank from the ISBA and are recommended.
Cates earned a 70.09 percent ranking on meets the requirements of the office; a 77.06 ranking on integrity; 65.73 ranking on impartiality; 94.21 on legal ability; 66 percent on temperament; 90.35 on court management; 94.76 on health; and 87.5 percent on sensitivity.
McGlynn earned a 70.28 percent on meets requirements of office; 82.49 on integrity; 69.95 on impartiality; 74.42 on legal ability; 85.94 on temperament; 86.68 on court management; 94.58 on health; and 81.21 on sensitivity.
Eleven candidates are running for judge in the Second Judicial Circuit. Of those, five received "not recommended" ratings — Rhonda Blades, Paula Newcomb, Troy "T.J." Parrish, Kent Renshaw and C. Stephen Swofford.
Blades was rated with 54.90 percent for meets requirements of office; 78 percent for integrity; 76 for impartiality; 54.9 percent on legal ability; 74.51 percent for temperament; 64.71 for court management; 94.12 for health; and 92.16 for sensitivity.
Eric J. Dirnbeck received a "recommended" rating. He was rated with 98.46 in meets requirements of office; 98.46 for integrity; 95.38 for impartiality; 93.85 for legal ability; 96.92 for temperament; 98.44 for court management; 96.92 for health; and 96.88 for sensitivity.
L. James Hanson was rated "recommended." He received 72.73 for meets requirements of office; 82.95 for integrity; 74.71 for impartiality; 92.02 for legal ability; 80.90 for temperament; 75.28 for court management; 96.55 for health; and 88.75 for sensitivity.
Newcomb was ranked at 13.51 percent for meets requirements of office; 30.14 percent for integrity; 55.71 for impartiality; 18.92 for legal ability; 50.68 for temperament; 11.27 for court management; 68.57 for health; and 69.01 for sensitivity.
Parrish was ranked at 58.46 for meets requirements of office; 62.5 for integrity; 69.84 for impartiality; 70.77 for legal ability; 83.08 for temperament; 68.25 for court management; 93.65 for health; and 82.54 for sensitivity.
David L. Piercy was "recommended" and received 95.16 for meets requirements of office; 98.39 for integrity; 96.77 for impartiality; 93.55 for legal ability; 95.16 for temperament; 96.72 for court management; 98.39 for health; and 98.39 for sensitivity.
Renshaw was ranked at 20.83 percent for meets requirements of office; at 52.05 for integrity; 48.61 for impartiality; 22.97 for legal ability; 49.32 for temperament; 34.72 for court management; 76.81 for health; and 59.15 for sensitivity.
Swofford was ranked at 38.46 for meets requirements of office; 54.55 for integrity; 52.63 for impartiality; 64.10 for legal ability; 39.74 for temperament; 55.26 for court management; 77.63 for health; and 56.58 for sensitivity.
Nicole Villani was rated "recommended." She was ranked with 68.83 for meets requirements of office; 69.62 for impartiality; 58.97 for impartiality; 81.01 for legal ability; 72.15 for temperament; 85.33 for court management; 93.67 for health; and 74.67 for sensitivity.
T. Scott Webb was rated "recommended." He was ranked 94.29 for meets requirements of office; 97.14 for integrity; 97.22 for impartiality; 100 percent for legal ability; 94.44 for temperament; 97.22 for court management; 100 percent for health; and 94.44 for sensitivity.
Jo Beth Weber was rated "recommended." She was ranked 79.37 for meets requirements of office; 98.41 for integrity; 90.48 for impartiality; 66.67 for legal ability; 90.48 for temperament; 90.32 for court management; 98.41 for health; and 96.77 for sensitivity.
"Through these polls and evaluations, voters are provided the opportunity and responsibility of selecting qualified individuals to serve as judges to assure effective administration of our system of justice," said Illinois State Bar Association President John Locallo of Chicago. - http://goo.gl/ekQ7L
