Jeffrey Braiman: 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: Buffalo GroveWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Third Subcircuit Seat AAge: 59Family: Married to Susan, a Special Education Teacher Aptakisic-Tripp School Dist #102. Three children - Nina 29, a client manager with Tomson Reuters, Michael 29, the Assistant Village Manager River Forest, Mara 23, a recent graduate of Wisconsin-Whitewater.Occupation: AttorneyEducation: John Marshall Law School, J.D. 1977 Drake University B.A. 1974Civic involvement: Village of Buffalo Grove Village President 2011-present Village of Buffalo Grove Village Trustee 1991-2011 Village of Buffalo Grove Transportation Commission 1985-1986 Village of Buffalo Grove Zoning Board of Appeals 1986-1987 Village of Buffalo Grove Plan Commission 1988-1991 Village of Buffalo Grove Liquor Commissioner 2011 - present Route 53 Corridor Blue Ribbon Commission Congregation Beth Am Long Range Planning Committee Aptakisic-Tripp Dist.#102 Long Range Planning Committee Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Northwest Municipal Conference Buffalo Grove Recreation AssociationElected offices held: Village of Buffalo Grove Village President 2011- present Village of Buffalo Grove Trustee 1991-2011Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 The Judicial Canons of ethics prohibits the discussion of issues by judges, therefore I will not respond to this specific inquiry.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.Both the appointed process and the elected process in choosing judges have their benefits and detriments. In theory both approaches have merit, however, they are not without cause for concern.In the elected process the determination will theoretically be open and transparent.However,some voters often fail to research the candidates and may not be able to make effective choices.Additionally, I believe that any judicial election should be non-partisan to aviod candidate connection to party issues and not germaine to the judicial process.The appointment of judges if done properly has many benefits as well. In theory, a judge would be chosen by those who may have superior knowledge of the person's ability, however, too often the group appointing the party may have a singular focus or perspective and politics may play an important part of the decision process.A hybrid system could be developed to include the benefits of both the appointment and election processes without interference from political connections or affiliations.What special qualifications or experiences make you the best person to serve as a judge?Over the past 34 years of legal practice I believe I have gained the necessary tools to be an effective jurist ?legal competence, experience, temperament, integrity, and a commitment to public service. I began my legal career in a high volume civil litigation practice within the greater metropolitan Chicago area.The practice involved not only civil litigation of all types, but additionally included exposure to numerous disciplines within the law, including but not limited to Domestic Relations, criminal defense, real estate transactions, corporate matters and bankruptcy cases.Eventually, I began my own practice which included many if not all of the matters described above. Throughout my years I have been a practitioner -- I have represented clients in all areas of the law and in various perspectives.I understand the nature of the law and litigation.I understand how to manage a practice and manage litigation.I have learned and understand the needs of the litigant and the importance of understanding their unique perspective.I believe the most effective judges are those who have extensive practical experience in areas throughout the law.As a result, I have gained the insights and knowledge to be an effective jurist. Included in the criteria for a jurist is integrity, temperament and a commitment to public service. I have demonstrated throughout my 34 years of practice along with over 25 years of public service that my integrity is beyond reproach. I have been fortunate to be involved in public service for over 25 years, beginning with service to the Village of Buffalo Grove as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Plan Commissioner, Village Trustee for over 20 years and currently as the Village President.It has been a long standing belief that service above self is most important.I have learned much from my years in the public eye.The political process is not much different from the legal process.It is the determination of making authoritative decisions within an environment of conflicting interests, desires and resources.I have demonstrated throughout my public life as well as private practice the ability to effectively lead and make the difficult decisions.While some may not necessarily agree all of my decisions, I have learned that by carefully explaining the rationale behind those decisions most individuals will accept and appreciate my position.This similar process is vital to Judges, as well.It is not sufficient to merely rule, it is just as important to explain the reasoning behind the decision in order to insure compliance. It is imperative that members of the judiciary be fair, well reasoned and understand not merely the law, but how the application of the law impacts the parties before the bench.Over the past 34 years of private practice and public service I have gained some very important traits, which will serve me well in the judicial forum.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?While I generally support sentencing guidelines, I believe mandatory sentencing may unreasonably prevent the imposition of justice.Each case and each litigant must be judged on its own merits.While a particular sentence may be appropriate for one circumstance, it may not be effective or appropriate for another case, defendant, or circumstance.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?I believe that specialized courts with specialized personnel administering the process can benefit not only the legal/criminal system, but benefit those involved, whether as defendants or complaining witnesses.The hope is to identify a particular concern or problem and try to approach it in a manner to avoid or minimize recidivism and encourage rehabilitation.It appears that these types of specialized courts have been successful and should be encouraged.Do you support eliminating the ban on cameras and recording devices in Illinois courtrooms' Why or why not?I believe the ban on cameras and recording devices in Illinois courtrooms should be eliminated.The legal sysem, like the legislative system needs to be transparent and accountable to the citizens it serves.If the process for choosing judges in Illinois remains, in part, an elective process, then observation by the public as to the ability and temperament of judges is important.That being said, the use of cameras and recording devises should not be used without limitations.The courts and individual judges should have some discretion in allowing the use of these tools, dependant on the type of cas, the particular litigants and the nature of the issues.