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: http://judgenancywaites.comOffice sought: 19th Circuit, 3rd Subcircuit (Seat B)Age: 59Family: Married to Ralph Waites for 38 years. Mother of two sons, James and Kyle and 2 grandchildren, Abigail and Hudson.Occupation: Associate Judge for over 7 years.Education: BS in Education from DePaul University, Chicago, IL. 1971 JD John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL 1986Civic involvement: I served on the Village of Mundelein Fire and Police for 11 years, Mundelein's Appearance and Review Commission for 2 years. I served on the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Lake County for 4 years. Served as an officer in the Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County and as a chair of the Legal Aid Committee for the Lake County Bar Association for four years.Elected offices held: NoneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: I have never been charged with or convicted of any crime.Candidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 As a sitting judge and a candidate for Judge I am running on my experience and integrity. I ask that each voter compare all the candidates then vote. It's very difficult to set out a specific issue in a judicial race.Key Issue 2 As above.Key Issue 3 As above.Questions Answers Do you favor the appointment of judges or do you prefer the election process? Please explain your answer.Actually, all I know is the appointment process. Merit selection would be great but I think that there could still a certain amount of undue influence. I would like to see judicial candidates run in non-partisan races.What special qualifications or experiences make you the best person to serve as a judge?I am experienced and very adaptable. I've heard cases in almost every division of the Lake County court system. It seems that every time there's a need to fill a slot, I get the call. So far I've heard traffic cases, misdemeanor cases, domestic violence matters, Juvenile court cases, three years of mortgage foreclosure cases and now , Arbitration and Probate overflow matters, along with all the traffic tickets scheduled for the Park City Branch Court. If that doesn't prove adaptability, I don't know what does.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?As a sitting judge I think it is inappropriate to discuss my personal position on mandatory sentencing.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?It has been the experience in Lake County that such speciality courts can be effective and helpful to defendants and to the system by providing specific services for specific needs.Do you support eliminating the ban on cameras and recording devices in Illinois courtrooms? Why or why not?Quite honestly I don't have an opinion either way. As far as I am concerned if the Illinois Supreme Court changed the rule to allow cameras in the courtroom, I'd tell my deputy to "find a spot for them."