The letter Judge Timothy Canning wrote regarding Ben McLaughlin has elicited three responses. Since yesterday, in less than 24 hours, Humboldt Superior Court responded, then the McLaughlin campaign responded and now former Humboldt Deputy DA Joel Buckingham. Joel is running for San Benito District Attorney.
Joel Buckingham:
Hi John,
I’ve totally stayed out of everything Humboldt, since one, I wasn’t there for a terribly long time, and two, I wonder how much anyone really wants to hear from me about anything. Either way, I wish you all well. I’m writing to say from the time that I worked in Humboldt I think quite highly of both Mr. McLaughlin and of Mr. Steward. Either way, I am just writing to say that I hope no one is influenced in their voting by Judge Canning’s reasoning to endorse related to ethical implications of serving on the bench with Judge Neel.
Certainly, he could have contained his endorsement of Mr. Steward for reasons related to how he views his ability or demeanor or nearly any other valid reason. The reason he proffered related to ethical concerns of Mr. McLaughlin and Judge Neal serving together however is one reason that voters should not be using to base their votes. I hope they vote on issues that matter like demeanor, trial skill and ability, impartiality towards the litigants, ability to research and comprehend legal issues. If the concerns regarding close personal relationships on the bench were valid, I should warn all the voters many Judges in many counties are or become close personal friends with many other members of their local bench. For many Judges, as you swear your oath to be a non-partisan removed from much of the political process the few friends you can truly have are other judicial officers. I feel like the largest disappointment in reading Judge Canning’s letter is the way at the end he stated “Though I too have a working knowledge of judicial ethics, I am not an expert in the field, nor have I researched all the rules and exceptions that might apply to Mr. McLaughlin's situation. I find it troublesome that Mr. McLaughlin has not done so. “
As a judicial officer, I would hope Judge Canning would recognize the supreme importance of not speaking “off the cuff” and using his position to influence the election for a proposition he had admitted he had not fully researched. It was Judge Canning’s concern and certainly not a reality hidden from the voters as Judge Neel is photographed on Mr. McLaughlin’s website under “Family,” and in my opinion, it was Judge Canning’s obligation to fully research the issue before leveling the concern against Mr. McLaughlin.
I wish everyone up in Humboldt the best, and despite being away, I certainly miss the beauty (and rainfall) of Humboldt County.Sincerely,
Joel Buckingham
Previous posts:
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/05/i-thank-court-and-presiding-judge-for.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/05/humboldt-superior-court-ceo-disagrees.html?m=1
https://johnchiv.blogspot.com/2022/05/of-particular-concern-is-that-mr.html?m=1
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.