Golden a pro in the courtroom

In recent memory. one of the most protracted criminal trials in Kane County was the capital murder trial of Vivian Mitchell. I was one of many of the victim's friends who sat as observers during the conduct of the trial.

This permitted us to observe Judge Patricia Piper Golden in action not only in the many facets of the trial we were following, but also with all manner of criminal cases and issues being brought before her.

Our impressions of Judge Golden include one of admiration for the manner in which she managed her courtroom, the compassion that she showed when it was appropriate, and the fact that everyone brought before her was treated with complete respect. Never did we ever feel that she was trivializing the plight of defendants before her and she went out of her way to assure herself that the defendants were completely aware of what they were being charged with, their options and their rights.

If it took a little longer to do things properly, she was most comfortable in taking the time. For this reason, I urge all of the electorate to put excellence ahead of any other loyalty and assure the election of the best person for the judge's position being voted upon in this election. That is Judge Patricia Piper Golden.

Her opponent has not been able to enumerate a single reason that Judge Golden should not be considered as eminently qualified. He relies upon his nebulous promise of instituting a "night court." He has not indicated how this idea would be paid for if brought to fruition. The police departments in the area, the state's attorney's office, the court's own administration would have to be participants and this, and that comes with a cost.

Finally, he makes a point of the fact that he has not accepted contributions from any attorneys. For my part, I would rather that attorneys who believe that he is the best candidate, if there are any, would support him. I have more reliance in the support of the group having a vested interest in the health of the court system than in the support of a political party who would seek to elect a person who is not qualified, such as seems to be the case here.

Ray Bellock

Sleepy Hollow