Nancy Waites: 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: MundeleinWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Third Subcircuit Seat BAge: 58Family: Married 37 years to Ralph H Waites. Mother of two sons, James,and Kyle. James is married to Dr. Julie Atkins and they are the parents of my 10 month old granddaughter Abigail. Kyle and Amanda will soon present us with our first grandson.Occupation: Associate Judge 19th Judicial Circuit. 7 yearsEducation: Bachelor of Science in Education- 1975- DePaul University - Chicago, IL Juris Doctor - 1986- John Marshall Law School - Chicago, ILCivic involvement: Served on Mundelein Appearance and Review Commission and the Mundelein Fire and Police Commission; Former Member of the Board of Directors of the Lake County YWCA; Member St. Mary of Vernon Parish; Member Lake County Bar Association and Illinois Judges Association . Former President and continued member of the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County.Elected offices held: None.Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: No.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 This is a difficult question because as a judicial candidate, I do not take positions on specific issues. I am running for Circuit Judge because I would like to have more input in the decision making for the 19th Circuit.This would include programs, expenditures and how to make limited resources work for citizens involved in the Lake County legal system.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.I'd prefer appointments, although I am obviously willing to run for election.However. I would prefer to participate in in a non-partisan election process.What special qualifications or experiences make you the best person to serve as a judge?I have served as a judge for seven years.I try to be fair and unbiased.I do my best to explain the legal process to those folks who appear before me.I am a good courtroom manager and am able to handle even the largest court calls efficiently.I have common sense and compassion.I try to use both everyday.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?Mandatory sentencing, isin some cases required.it is my job to apply the law and I will do so.I do not believe it appropriate to make further comment.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?The 19th Judicial Circuit has established a mental health courtand, drug court and other such courts are being considered.I believe that the work of these specialized courts has been successful.Do you support eliminating the ban on cameras and recording devices in Illinois courtrooms' Why or why not?As a sitting judge, I do not feel that it is appropriate to express an opinion on this issue.