John Walters: 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: ElginWebsite: http://Judge John Walters.comOffice sought: Second Subcircuit (vacancy)Age: 59 yearsFamily: Deborah Walters, Wife 36 years Dr. John Paul Walters, son Matthew J. Walters, sonOccupation: Circuit Judge, 16th Judicial Circuit, Kane County, Il.Education: Elgin Community College AS 1972 Bachelor Art, Illinois State Univerity. 1974 The John Marshall Law School. 1978Civic involvement: Elgin City Council 1987-2009 Kiwanis Club, AM 1979-2003 United Way Allocation Panel Elgin Sports Hall of Fame Renz Center Board of Directors Elgin Hemmens Advisory BoardElected offices held: City Council, City of Elgin, Il. 2987-2009Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 I have over 33 years of general legal practice in nearly all the court rooms of the Kane and collar County Courts.Key Issue 2 As a judge, I must know and uphold the laws of Illinois.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.Illinois Law requires the election of Circuit Judges. I took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States of America and the State of Illinois. Therefore, I pledge to enforce the law as it stands.What special qualifications or experiences make you the best person to serve as a judge?I have practiced law in a general law practice for 33 years in Elgin with clients in Kane, Cook, McHenry, DuPage and DeKalb County. I have practiced in many different areas but I have engaged in Family Law, Criminal Law, Collection law, Landlord/tenant law, Wills and Trusts, Probate Law,Real Estate Law and Traffic/Misdemeanor law.I also believe that my 22 years as a City Councilman of Elgin has given me a unique perspective as a decision-maker, compromise seeker, and a listener.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?I must follow existing law. Several statutes I have run across have mandatory sentences. Any leeway a Judge could have in these ares must be given by the legislature.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?Kane County has all the types of Courts described except prostitution court ( which is in Cook County). These Courts have allowed judges the ability to focus on these areas with greater effectiveness. Due to this, the particular ares of concentrationby the Courts are much more sensitive to the issues presented.Do you support eliminating the ban on cameras and recording devices in Illinois courtrooms' Why or why not?Illinois law and Supreme Court Rule ban cameras and recording devices in Illinois courtrooms. As a Circuit Court Judge, I must follow Illinois Law and the Rules of the Illinois Supreme Court.