Russell Hartigan: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Western SpringsWebsite: http://russellwhartiganforjudge.com/Office sought: Cook County Circuit Court (Moran vacancy)Age: 66Family: Married, 3 children, 2 grandchildrenOccupation: JudgeEducation: B.S. DePaul University, 1970 J.D. John Marshall Law School, 1975Civic involvement: President/ Bd. of Directors - Berwyn/PAV YMCA - 1991-1993 Current member Bd. of Directors - Berwyn/PAV YMCA Appointed - Commissioner Village of Western Springs Zoning Board - 1994 to 2003 Elected - Trustee - Village of Western Springs -2003 to May 2007 Township Supervisor ? Lyons Township ? Dec. 2008 to 2012 Appointed - President Lyons Township - 708 Mental Health Board, 2000-2003 Elected Lyons Township Trustee, April 2001-2005, 2005-2009 Elected Lyons Township School Trustee, 1998-2005 Illinois State Bar Association - - Elected Assembly Member - 1979-2004, 2005-2008 - Elected Board of Governors - 1998-2004, 2007-2010 - Elected Treasurer - 2001/2002, Secretary - 2002/2003 Appointed to the Illinois Bar Fdtn., 2004-2007, 2007-2008 President - John Marshall Alumni Board, June 2007-June 2008 Appointed to Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, representing west and south Cook County ? 2008-2011 Member of the Member of the Executive Committee of the West Central Municipal Conference 2010Elected offices held: Elected - Trustee - Village of Western Springs -2003 to May 2007 Township Supervisor ? Lyons Township ? Dec. 2008 to 2012 Appointed - President Lyons Township - 708 Mental Health Board, 2000-2003 Elected Lyons Township Trustee, April 2001-2005, 2005-2009 Elected Lyons Township School Trustee, 1998-2005Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 To elect qualified judges in Cook County.Key Issue 2 Candidate did not respond.Key Issue 3 Candidate did not respond.Questions Answers Do you favor the appointment of judges or do you prefer the election process? Please explain your answer.The election of judges is as set out in the state's constitution. I agree with the democratic principle of electoral accountability.What special qualifications or experiences make you the best person to serve as a judge?For 35 years, prior to being appointed to the bench, I practiced law, and managed my own office. I bring a wealth of experiences in the law, and my strong community leadership experience to the bench.What are your thoughts on mandatory sentencing? Do you believe judges should have greater leeway when it comes to sentencing defendants? Why or why not?Illinois allows more discretion in sentencing than many states. Although the minimums and maximums are set out by statute, which is a function of the legislature, judges retain wide discretion to sentence within that range. Illinois' system strikes an appropriate balance of judicial discretion and legislative perogative.What are your thoughts on the use of drug courts, domestic violence courts, veterans courts, mental health courts and prostitution courts? Have they been effective?Although I have not yet been assigned to these courtrooms, the legislature encourages the formation of these courts which can provide diversionary services to non-violent offenders for purposes of treatment, in an effort to rehabilitate rather than punish. These courts are, I believe, considered to be effective.Do you support eliminating the ban on cameras and recording devices in Illinois courtrooms? Why or why not?I am in favor of transparency in the judicial process. The great majority of states allow cameras in the courtroom and, with proper limitations, and the court's ability to provide those appearing before it a fair and impartial hearing, I would be in favor of eliminating the ban.