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Published: October 10, 2008 01:32 pm
ELECTION Q&A 2008: Floyd Superior Court 2
Editor’s Note: Submissions appear as the candidates submitted them without editing. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Except where noted, questionnaires are only being published for contested races.
Glenn G. Hancock
• POLITICAL PARTY: Democrat
• AGE: 55
• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: B.S. Degree, Indiana University Southeast, 1975; J.D. Degree, University of Louisville Law School, 1982
• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Private practice of law - 1982-2003; New Albany City Attorney - 1992-1997; Board of Directors LifeSpring Mental Health 1986-94; Chairman of the Board 1993; Judge, Floyd County Court 2003-Present
• FAMILY NOTES: Two children; Ashley, 24 and Jacob, 26.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION? “The position of Judge, if performed properly, is very rewarding. I have made every effort to do my job correctly, and in return I have received immense enjoyment. I am honored each day to serve as Judge of Floyd County Court. I am running for re-election because I believe the results and achievement of the last five-plus years of my service have had a positive impact on Floyd County.”
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING THIS COURT AND WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO RESOLVE IT? “There are three important issues facing the Court; people, time and money.
“Thousands of cases come before the Court each year. It would be easy to forget that the Court is dealing with people, but in my Court that has not and will not happen. I have strived every day to handle each case individually and judge each issue on a case-by-case basis. I understand that every person, whether a civil plaintiff, criminal defendant, or other litigant, has an important issue for the Court. Each person, regardless of position, should received fairness, justice and proper accountability for their actions.
“I also realize that every person's time is valuable. Court should start promptly and operate efficiently. People should not be kept waiting in court any longer than necessary.
“Every county, including Floyd, is struggling financially. We must fund the Courts, but fund them wisely. I have watched the Court budget closely and have let my opinions be known when I felt the County was spending money unwisely. I have been a good steward of your tax dollars and will continue to do so.”
WHAT UNIQUE EXPERICNE OR SKILL SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPOSITION? “Floyd County Court is a fast-paced Court. It is not unusual to have 80-100 matters before the Court on a given day. I not only have the organizational skills and ability to handle such demands, I have also hired a great staff that helps keep the Court running smoothly. My twenty two years of practicing law and trying cases have prepared me well to decide the legal issues before the Court. I am a life-long resident of Floyd County and the last of eight children. I worked and paid my own way through college and law school. My background and life experience have enabled me to serve as Floyd Country Judge both efficiently and effectively and I feel highly qualified to continue to do so for the next six years.”
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A NON-TRAFFIC COURT CRIME IN THE UNITED STATES? IF SO, PLEASE EXPLAIN ALL RELEVANT INSTANCES. “No.”
Chris Lane
• POLITICAL AFFILIATION: Republican
• AGE: 36
• EDUCATION HIGHLIGHTS: Capital University J.D. graduated Cum Laude, University of Louisville Masters in Social Work, Indiana University Southeast B.A. in Psychology and Communications, New Albany High School 1990
• CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Floyd County Deputy Prosecutor, Clark County Deputy Prosecutor, Clerked for the Ohio Court of Appeals, Counselor for Children through Seven Counties, Addictions Counselor
• FAMILY NOTES: Married to area pediatrician, Dr. Christy Lane, 3 Children (Caleb, Ethan, and Jacob).
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR THIS POSITION? “I am running for Judge because we need to add a new day in Superior Court 2. Case backlog is a problem in Floyd County. The Floyd County Courts are among the busiest in the state and we need to be working harder. I will be a hardworking Judge with a hardworking court. As a deputy prosecutor, I know how important a fair, independent and competent judiciary is to the rule of law. The citizens of Floyd County need to know that no matter what issue comes before the court, they will receive a fair hearing. As your Judge, I will be fair and honest. I am excited about working hard to serve our community. I have litigated hundreds of cases in this court and have seen how this court needs change. I will work hard to provide a court that is responsive to the needs of our community. I will provide a court that is fair and honest and will give you a court to be proud of.”
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE FACING THIS COURT AND WHAT IS YOUR PLAN TO RESOLVE IT? “The current backlog of cases is the most important issue facing this court. Our legal system is overburdened, and I know this firsthand as a prosecutor. We rank among the busiest courts in Indiana. I will work hard as your Judge to solve this problem in three ways. First, I will keep the court open all day. Under the current administration, the court is closed from 12:00 p.m. until 1:15 pm; that equals over six hours a week that the court could be serving the public. Second, I will increase the court time to provide more access for trials. I will keep the court open one evening a week. This will add a full day of service to this community and will remedy the backlog. Third, I will make sure that cases are heard in a timely fashion. I am prepared and willing to work hard to ensure the best for this Court and for the citizens of Floyd County. The same will be expected of those who come before me. Every party that enters the court should be treated fairly and the process should be transparent and honest. This is how I will run my administration.”
WHAT UNIQUE EXPERIENCE OR SKILL SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR OPPOSITION? “As a Floyd County Deputy Prosecutor for Keith Henderson, I have seen first-hand from the other side of the bench what changes are much needed to improve this system. I have handled hundreds of cases in this court. In addition, I served Southern Indiana as a Drug Prosecutor in Clark County and prosecuted major felony drug cases. Drug and alcohol crimes are prevalent in our community and many times are related to other crimes. Prior to graduating from law school, I earned my Masters in Social Work and have counseled those with drug and alcohol addictions. I understand the complex issues that addicts and their families face. Having a Judge with a deep understanding of the complexity of these important issues will benefit all parties involved in the process. My experiences have shown me these changes need to be made in Superior Court #2. I appreciate your support and your vote on November 4.”
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN CONVICTED OF A NON-TRAFFIC COURT CRIME IN THE UNITED STATES? IF SO, PLEASE EXPLAIN ALL RELEVANT INSTANCES. “No.”
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