Judicial candidates agree: Gangs are biggest problem

By KELLY NIX
Carmel Pine Cone, April 18, 2008
http://www.pineconearchive.com/080418-3.htm

ELECTING SUPERIOR court judges is something voters do all the time.

But usually they’re only given the opportunity to reelect judges who were first appointed by the governor. Because incumbents have an advantage, judicial races don’t draw much interest.

On June 3, however, there will be serious competition among four candidates to replace Stephen Sillman, who retired last week after 25 years on the Monterey County Superior Court bench. Because his retirement came at the end of his term, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn’t allowed to pick his successor. Instead, the voters will do that.

The newly elected judge will have his work cut out for him. According to candidate Mark Hood, last year there were more than 89,000 criminal cases filed in Monterey County handled by 14 judges. And there are thousands of civil cases filed every year.

The judicial seat up for grabs is an all-purpose assignment, which means the judge may serve in civil and criminal courts. Not surprisingly, the four candidates agree gang violence is the probably the biggest legal problem in the county.

Mark Hood

Candidate Mark Hood, 48, has spent the last 19 years prosecuting thousands of criminal cases including murder, arson, gang crimes and other cases.

He believes in tough sentences for violent criminals and a “comprehensive approach to keep youth out of gangs in the first place.”

“With gang-related violence growing and affecting more neighborhoods,” said Hood, who is endorsed by the Monterey County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, “I believe we need someone who has extensive criminal prosecution experience.”

Hood also believes the court should assign a judge to focus specifically on defendants associated with gang activity in a similar way the court has judges assigned to handle defendants with mental health issues and drug problems.

“A judge knowledgeable about gangs, gang abatement and community opportunities such as education, training and employment can be an effective resource in a comprehensive gang prevention model,” he said.

At the same time, Hood supports limits on plea bargains in cases involving serious felonies or the use of firearms.

“Violent acts must result in sentences consistent with California’s sentencing guidelines for serious felonies,” he said.

In regards to the state’s “three strikes and you’re out” law passed by voters in 1994, Hood said judges have a lot to consider in determining if the law applies in a particular case, but, “the court must above all consider the public’s safety.”
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