6th Circuit - Blockman Vacancy

Questions & Answers

What is the importance a 6th Circuit Judge to your constituents in Champaign County?

Circuit Judges make decisions for individual cases that affect the people involved in that case and have rippling effects throughout the community, such as bond amounts, bond conditions, granting or denying warrants, criminal sentencing, granting or denying protective orders, child custody decisions, foreclosures, evictions, the list goes on. Beyond courtroom decisions, the Circuit Judges also decide local rules and procedures. Perhaps most importantly, Circuit Judges select the Associate Judges and determine whether or not to reappoint Associate Judges at the end of each 4-year-term.

Why are you qualified to be a 6th Circuit Judge?

I graduated from the University of Illinois in 1993, from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1996, passed the bar exam that summer and have been licensed to practice law for over 21 years. I have extensive experience in civil cases from my years with Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance. I have extensive experience in criminal, juvenile, and traffic cases from my years with the Champaign County Public Defender's Office. I also have significant experience with a wide range of legal issues during my two years in private practice. I have applied for several judicial vacancies in the past. While I have never been appointed, I have been consistently rated as highly qualified.

What is a key policy difference between you and your Primary Opponent?

I am not asking anyone to "vote against" my opponent. In my opinion, he is also a highly qualified candidate. I am asking for your vote because I am a highly qualified candidate and I would bring perspectives to the bench that are often unrepresented. Our Circuit Judges should include mothers, single parents, legal aid attorneys, attorneys with racially diverse families, people with a demonstrated record of public service. I believe that I am the best qualified candidate to bring more balance to the bench and to improve access to justice in the Sixth Circuit.

Is there anything else you would like to say to an undecided voter in Champaign County?

In my capacity as a citizen, I want Circuit Judges who are fair and firm. I want Circuit Judges with my judgment, my temperament, and my commitment to public service. I want a balanced court, including prosecutors, defense attorneys, private attorneys, and legal aid attorneys. I want people with different career experiences and different life experiences. When the Circuit Judges make decisions, those decisions should be informed by a wide variety of perspectives. Many perspectives are underrepresented on the Circuit Court, and that is why I am running for Circuit Judge.