Judge’s seat a four-way race

By STEPHANIE MOJICA
Stephanie.Mojica@newsandtribune.com

May 03, 2008 01:07 am

— All four candidates for the Clark County Superior Court No. 2 Democratic Party primary have legal experience, and all agree that filling retiring Judge Cecile Blau’s seat will be tough, no matter who wins.
However, the candidates, Andrew “Drew” Adams, Jerome “Jerry” Jacobi, Shelley Marble and Daniel “Dan” Moore, have slightly differing views on how to approach the bench if ultimately elected. Superior No. 2 is the “drug court” and deals with class C felony and higher drug-related cases.
Adams is in private practice, largely focusing on criminal defense. He also is a judge pro tem in Clark and Floyd counties. Jacobi spent 1995 to 2006 on the bench in Clark Superior No. 1, but was defeated when up for re-election. He is a special judge appointed to serve in eight counties.
Marble is a career prosecutor who has handled child support, drug cases and oversees all Clark County sex-crime prosecutions. Moore is a practicing attorney with criminal defense, prosecutorial and civil experience.
Adams said he feels declaring a “war on drugs,” as some candidates have done, defies the purpose of a judgeship.
“My job, if elected, is to hear each case on its own merits,” Adams said. “If I come in there saying I think drugs are bad, then I, in a sense, label everyone accused of a crime.”
Jacobi said he feels drugs are linked to virtually every societal problem, and that those who use drugs are still a major part of the issue.
“If people did not use drugs, then dealers would not have customers,” Jacobi said. “I feel we need to crack down on the growing problem in this area.”
Jacobi’s name recognition also could work against him.
A Web site targeting his campaign was created in the days before the election, claiming Jacobi was unethical and that voters should select one of the other three candidates.
Jacobi sent The Evening News and The Tribune a prepared statement in response to a follow-up question regarding the site. In it, he stated: “I will defend my judicial independence at all costs. These vicious and unfounded attacks on the court do not encourage respect for the law.”
Marble noted her years of working a heavy caseload in the Clark County Prosecutor’s Office prepare her to immediately step up if elected.
“I’m not afraid of hard work,” Marble said. “I also know each court and how it runs since sex crimes are not restricted to one particular court.”
Moore said his years of legal experience and relationship with people in the community would be an asset to citizens if he is allowed to serve as judge.
“The people need someone who has many years of hands-on law practice,” Moore said. “It is my belief that I am that person.”