Candidate deserves your vote for judge

I write to ask you to vote for Judge Elizabeth Flood in the March 20 Republican Primary. I strongly endorse her for several reasons.

First, and most importantly, Judge Flood is highly qualified. She has served Kane County as an associate judge for five years in both criminal and civil courts and is "highly recommended" by the Kane County Bar Association.

As an assistant state's attorney for 17 years, she has prosecuted cases in every criminal courtroom in Kane County. In addition, she served in the civil division of the State's Attorney's Office litigating civil matters in state, federal, and appellate courts for over a decade.

She is the only candidate with wide-ranging and substantive experience in both criminal and civil courtrooms - comprehensive experience which uniquely qualifies her for the position she now seeks.

Judge Flood is a lifelong resident of Kane County. After graduating from law school, she chose to return to Kane County to serve her community and raise her family with values similar to her own.

Finally, the importance of diversity on the bench is well established. There are currently 14 elected Circuit Court Judges in Kane County. Only one is a woman. As the first woman elected to the position of Circuit Court judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit, over 25 years ago, I am both surprised and concerned that gender diversity is so elusive.

A judiciary reflecting the wider society affected by its decisions fosters public confidence in the accessibility of an impartial justice system and reflects equality of opportunity within that system. Electing a highly qualified woman to the bench furthers these essential goals.

Respectfully, I urge you to vote for Judge Elizabeth Flood, Republican candidate for Circuit Court Judge.

Pamela K. Jensen

Elgin