This judicial race will appear on the August ballot and will be open to all voters in the 7th Judicial Circuit, which includes St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam and Volusia counties. Judicial races are nonpartisan, meaning the candidates run without any party affiliation. With only two candidates in the race, this election will be decided in August.
Of note, judicial candidates in Florida are bound by Canon 7 of the Code of Judicial Conduct, which does place some limits on what they can say during a campaign, as compared to candidates for other offices.
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News4JAX sent questionnaires to each candidate asking about their background and views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4JAX staff.
| NON-PARTISAN CANDIDATES |
Carleen Leffler
Occupation: Attorney at ShuffieldLowman
Age: 38
Family: (No response)
Education: Webber International University- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration- 2008
Jacksonville University- Master in Business Administration- 2011
Florida Coastal School of Law- Juris Doctor- 2011
Political experience: None
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
From my perspective, the three most important issues in this race are ensuring our judiciary continues to benefit from broad legal experience, maintaining public confidence in our courts, and ensuring our courts continue to be served by judges who are thoroughly prepared for the diverse matters that come before them.
First, the majority of circuit court cases in the Seventh Circuit are civil matters. Circuit judges preside over family law, probate, guardianship, business disputes, real estate matters, and other complex civil cases. Throughout my career, I have represented individuals, families, and businesses in corporate law, probate, estate planning, and real estate. That experience has given me valuable perspective on many of the legal issues that come before our circuit courts and an appreciation for the real-world impact judicial decisions have on the people they affect. If elected, I will draw on that experience to carefully and impartially analyze each case and faithfully apply the law.
Second, public confidence in our judiciary depends on judges who are professional, impartial, and committed to applying the law. Every person who enters a courtroom should know their case will be decided solely on the facts presented and the governing law. I will approach every case with an open mind, treat every person who appears before the court with respect, and decide each matter based solely on the facts presented and the governing law.
Finally, preparation is essential to the work of a circuit judge. Careful preparation, thoughtful legal analysis, and clear, well-reasoned decisions help ensure every case receives the attention it deserves. If elected, I will be diligent in preparing for every matter, attentive to the facts and arguments presented, and committed to issuing well-reasoned decisions grounded in the law.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I believe my broad civil law experience allows me to bring a perspective to the bench that reflects many of the matters the circuit court decides every day.
Throughout my career, I have practiced in small and large law firms, served as in-house counsel, and operated my own solo practice. Those experiences have given me an appreciation for the different perspectives attorneys, individuals, families, and businesses bring to the courtroom.
My practice has focused on probate, estate planning, corporate, and real estate law, representing individuals, families, and businesses through significant legal matters. Because the majority of cases heard in circuit court are civil in nature, my experience reflects many of the types of cases that come before the court. That background has prepared me to thoughtfully analyze complex legal issues, carefully apply the law, and appreciate the real-world impact judicial decisions have on the people they affect.
For voters, that means having a judge whose experience reflects the broad range of matters the circuit court decides every day. I believe a judiciary composed of judges with diverse legal backgrounds brings valuable perspectives to the bench, strengthening the court’s ability to fairly and thoughtfully serve the public.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
If I am fortunate enough to serve as Circuit Judge, I would hope to be remembered as a judge who faithfully applied the law, treated every person with dignity and respect, and approached every case with preparation, professionalism, and an open mind. I hope those who appear before me will know they were heard, that their cases were carefully considered, and that every decision was based solely on the facts presented and the law.
Campaign website: www.lefflerforjudge.com
Campaign social media: Facebook
Jeanne Stratis
Occupation: Assistant State Attorney
Age: 51
Family: (No response)
Education: JD from Florida Coastal School of Law
BS from University of South Florida
Political experience: None
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
I will follow the law, as it is written.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I have 25 years of courtroom/trial experience.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Following the law, and treating everyone with respect.
Campaign website: stratis4judge.com
Campaign social media: Facebook