Maureen Elizabeth Connors: 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: ChicagoWebsite: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Appellate Court 1st District (Theis)Age: 61Family: Married, four step-children, 10 grandchildrenOccupation: Justice, Illinois Appellate CourtEducation: Juris Doctor, IIT Chicago Kent College of Law, 1979 Bachelor of Arts in History, Loyola University, 1972Civic involvement: Irish Fellowship Club of ChicagoElected offices held: Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, 1994 Retained in 2000, 2006Have you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: NoCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 67, a judge shall not make statements that commit or appear to commit the candidate with respect to cases, controversies, or issues within cases that are likely to come before the court. As a result I need only say that I want qualified, competent, hard-working judges at all levels of Illinois Courts.Key Issue 2 See aboveKey Issue 3 See aboveQuestions Answers Do you favor the appointment of judges or do you prefer the election process' Please explain your answer.I do not think that one would prefer the election process, but we do need to be sure that the judiciary reflects the wonderful diversity of our community.What special qualifications or experiences make you the best person to serve as a judge?I have served on the bench in Cook County for over 23 years and have have a reputation for fairness, diligence andknowledge of the law.Also, I have consistently recieved favorable ratings fromBar Associations for all of those years.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 again refer to Supreme Court Rule 67.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?Specialized courts are appropriate to address the needs of those persons who will benefit from them.I have been assigned to the Domestic Violence Court and the Probate Court (Disabled Persons and Guardianship) and have found both very effective.Do you support eliminating the ban on cameras and recording devices in Illinois courtrooms' Why or why not?I do not have a strong feeling one way or another.The public has full access to our courts by attending court while in session.I have no issue with the proceedings being recorded.Our Appellate Court sessions are available through the Supreme Court web cite.