Reunion Center Ballroom
For All Stone Creek Residents Refreshments & Independent Candidate Handout
Sponsored by The Stone Creek Republicans and Truesdell Wealth, Inc.
Forum Moderator
Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AIF
The Candidate Forum Begins At The
24 Minute, 30 Second Mark
Note: As Mr. Ben Boylston began his talk, we had a hot-swap hard drive issue. Instead of a two-camera shoot, we utilized one. We have the audio but not the video at the start, thus the placeholder slide. This should not be taken as a reflection of preference or intent; it happens.
The Role of Voters in Shaping the Judiciary
Click on the link to open the PDF. The audio is embedded below.
How Information and Awareness Influence Judicial Elections
Overcoming Challenges in Evaluating Judicial Candidates
The Importance of Informed Decision-Making in Judicial Selection
June 2024
By:
Paul Grant Truesdell, J.D., AlF, CLU, ChFC, RFC
Founder of The Truesdell Companies
Private Podcast Transcription - Rough
Welcome to a podcast production by The Truesdell Companies, the corporate sponsor, in conjunction with the Stone Creek Republicans, led by Mister Greg Ratliff.
There are quite a few Circuit Court judges that are up for reelection; however, only one has a challenger, and two seats are vacant. Thus, there are three judgeships that will be decided during the conclusion of this year’s primary.
All six judicial candidates have agreed to attend the Stone Creek judicial forum. On Tuesday, July 23rd. Doors to the Reunion Center Ballroom will open at 3 pm and the Forum will begin at 3:30 pm.
A variety of refreshments and drinks will be available, courtesy of The Truesdell Companies, along with an all-candidate handout.
Mister Paul Truesdell, the founder of the Truesdell Companies, will be the director and moderator for the forum.
Now, as for this podcast page. Mr. Truesdell directed that we record the information that will appear in the handout, as a way to get everyone in attendance up and running as to how judicial elections are held in the State of Florida.
If you are new to the state, well. Welcome to an amazing state and one of the best darn retirement communities in the nation.
Okay then, let’s get on with this.
We’ve divided the information into sections, the next one being and overview as to why we’re taking the time to lay it out in plain language the laws, rules, regulations, and overall understanding by the voters here, and well, everywhere.
Judicial elections are typical “down ballot” contests, rarely capturing the interest of most voters. Many judicial candidates, standing for election, along with nominees, have refrained from answering certain questions during their campaigns or confirmation hearings on the ground that responding to those questions would contravene norms of judicial ethics or the Constitution. Various canons of judicial conduct, promote the independence and integrity of the judiciary, and specifically discourages candidates and nominees from fully answering certain questions that the voters and Senators in Washington, in terms of federal appointments, may pose to them. These canons squarely prohibit some forms of conduct during the judicial races, such as demeaning language, conduct, and behavior.
Democracies have long grappled with the tension between judicial independence and accountability.
Some states choose justices through partisan elections that are similar to ones for the legislative branch. Other states use contested elections but require the ballot to be nonpartisan, akin to the nonpartisan elections that exist in many localities for offices such as mayor. Increasingly, some states such as Florida, have chosen to use both the “merit” or “retention election” plan, in combination with the appointment process.
Is it complex. Yes.
voters suffer from a lack of access to information about judicial candidates that becomes even more threatening as judges are increasingly targeted for defeat in single-issue campaigns. At the same time, information on the costs of running for elected judicial office shocks and disturbs public sentiment.
From an academic perspective, the question of what citizens view as important in selecting judges has not been extensively explored. There are obvious desires, such as "being fair and impartial, and protecting people without power, along with strictly follow the law. However, many decisions are based on party affiliation.
Regardless, it is difficult to assess anyone without a history of judicial decisions and actions. In addition, thousands of spot on cases leads to a pristine reputation, only to be derailed by one or two bad events that are beyond one’s control.
So, let’s cover a few things to consider.
1. Is the candidate Respected by elected political officials?
2. Does the candidate have Experience running for and holding political office?
3. Is the candidate an Experienced criminal prosecutor?
4. Does the candidate have Strong support from the leaders of one’s preferred political party?
5. Does the candidate Understand community preferences and are they Active in community organizations?
6. Does the candidate have Deep legal and real world, practical experience, knowledge, and a Reputation for integrity and ethical standards
7. Does the candidate have Substantial experience practicing law in the courtroom.
8. Is the candidate a good listener
9. And lastly, is the candidate Respected by leaders of the community and endorsed by those who are actively engaged in the judicial system, day in and day out.
Now, let’s get into the weeds. The details about the 5th Judicial Circuit and the overall court system.
Circuit Court Judge Eligibility
To be eligible for the office of circuit judge, a person must be an elector of a county within the circuit and must have been admitted to the practice of law in the state for the preceding five years. Circuit court judges are elected by the voters of the circuits at the time of primary elections and are listed as nonpartisan (meaning their political party affiliation, if any, does not appear on the ballot). Circuit court judges serve for six-year terms. A chief judge from the circuit is chosen from among the circuit judges and county judges in each judicial circuit to carry out administrative responsibilities for all trial courts (both circuit and county courts).
The Florida Supreme Court (1)
The Supreme Court of Florida is the highest court in the U.S. state of Florida. It consists of seven justices— one of whom serves as Chief Justice. Six members are chosen from six districts around the state to foster geographic diversity, and one is selected at large. The justices are appointed by the governor to set terms, which do not exceed six years. Immediately after appointment, the initial term is three years or less because the justices must appear on the ballot in the next general election that occurs more than one year after their appointment. Afterward, they serve six-year terms and remain in office if retained in the general election near the end of each term. Citizens vote on whether or not they want to retain each justice in office.
Circuit Courts of Appeal (6)
Stone Creek (Marion) – 5th Appellate
The Fifth District Court of Appeal is located in Daytona Beach and consists of twelve judges.
District Circuit Courts (20)
Stone Creek (Marion) – 5th Circuit
Located in the heart of central Florida, the Fifth Judicial Circuit covers a geographical area larger than Rhode Island, Delaware, and approaches the size of Connecticut. The residential population is larger than the states of Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Delaware, Rhode Island, Montana, and the District of Columbia. Adjusting for growth since 2023, the circuit is likely now more populated than the state of Maine. The circuit is comprised of Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter Counties, with main administrative offices in Ocala. The circuit currently has thirty-one Circuit Court Judges and fourteen County Court Judges. The circuit is part of the Fifth District Court of Appeal, located in Daytona Beach. The circuit has in excess of 164,510 court filings per year
Circuit Court Jurisdiction
Circuit courts have general trial jurisdiction over matters not assigned to county courts and hear authorized appeals of certain administrative, noncriminal infraction, and other cases. They are both the highest trial courts and the lowest appellate courts in Florida's judicial system. Their trial jurisdiction includes civil disputes involving more than $50,000, controversies involving estates of decedents, minors, and incapacitated persons, juvenile cases, felony prosecutions, tax disputes, property title and boundary disputes, declaratory judgment suits, and injunction requests to prevent unlawful actions.
Marion County, Florida, population 380,000+, has 1,588.4 square miles of land area and is the 5th largest county in Florida by total area. Marion County is larger than the State of Rhode Island by 554.8 square miles and the Northern Mariana Islands (a commonwealth territory of the United States). Marion County, Florida is bordered by Levy County, Florida, Citrus County, Florida, Putnam County, Florida, Sumter County, Florida, Volusia County, Florida, Alachua County, Florida, and Lake County, Florida. There are 11 circuit and 5 county judges for Marion.
Lake County, Florida, population 390,000+, has 952.1 square miles of land area and is the 18th largest county in Florida by total area. Lake County, Florida is bordered by Seminole County, Florida, Marion County, Florida, Osceola County, Florida, Polk County, Florida, Sumter County, Florida, Volusia County, Florida, and Orange County, Florida. There are currently 10 circuit and 4 county judges for Lake.
Sumter County, Florida, population 130,000+, has 557.1 square miles of land area and is the 51st largest county in Florida by total area. Sumter County, Florida is bordered by Pasco County, Florida, Marion County, Florida, Citrus County, Florida, Polk County, Florida, Hernando County, Florida, and Lake County, Florida. There are 3 circuit and 1 county judges for Sumter.
Citrus County, Florida, population 153,000+, has 581.9 square miles of land area and is the 48th largest county in Florida by total area. Citrus County, Florida is bordered by Levy County, Florida, Marion County, Florida, Sumter County, Florida, and Hernando County, Florida. There are 4 circuit and 2 county judges for Citrus.
Hernando County, population 200,000+, Florida has 473.0 square miles of land area and is the 62nd largest county in Florida by total area. Hernando County, Florida is bordered by Pasco County, Florida, Citrus County, Florida, and Sumter County, Florida. There are 6 circuit and 2 county judges for Hernando.
County Courts
There are 67 counties in the State of Florida and the Constitution establishes a county court in each. The number of judges in each county court system varies with the population and caseload of the county. County judges serve six-year terms. The majority of non-jury trials in Florida take place before a county court judge. The county courts are sometimes referred to as "the people's courts," as the county courts' work involves a myriad of citizen disputes, such as traffic offenses, less serious criminal matters (misdemeanors), and relatively small monetary disputes.
Florida Election Code
105.071 Candidates for judicial office; limitations on political activity.
A candidate for judicial office shall not:
(1) Participate in any partisan political party activities, except that such candidate may register to vote as a member of any political party and may vote in any party primary for candidates for nomination of the party in which she or he is registered to vote. (2) Campaign as a member of any political party. (3) Publicly represent or advertise herself or himself as a member of any political party. (4) Endorse any candidate. (5) Make political speeches other than in the candidate's own behalf. candidates other than in the candidate's own behalf. (6) Make contributions to political party funds. (7) Accept contributions from any political party. (8) Solicit contributions for any political party. (9) Accept or retain a place on any political party committee. (10) Make any contribution to any person, group, or organization for its endorsement to judicial office. (11) Agree to pay all or any part of any advertisement sponsored by any person, group, or organization wherein the candidate may be endorsed for judicia! office by any such person, group, or organization.
A candidate for judicial office or retention therein who violates the provisions of this section is liable for a civil fine of up to $1,000 to be determined by the Florida Elections Commission.
And now a few concluding remarks from Mr. Paul Truesdell, a resident landowner, commercial developer and founder of the multifaceted companies that comprise the Truesdell Companies. Mr. And Mrs. Truesdell have been active members of the traditional fabric of Marion County. Together, they have nearly 80 years of professional business experience. Mr. Truesdell, as we wrap up, we want to emphasize the importance of your involvement in the judicial election process. Your participation ensures a fair and accountable judiciary that reflects our community's values. Now remember, evaluating judicial candidates requires considering their respect from officials, political and prosecutorial experience, support from party leaders, understanding of community preferences, legal and practical experience, integrity, courtroom experience, listening skills and endorsements from community leaders on behalf of everyone at the Truesdell companies, and speaking on behalf of Mr. Greg Ratliff and the Stone Creek Republicans, we appreciate your commitment to being informed voters. Your engagement is crucial in maintaining the integrity of our judicial system, and we hope that this podcast has provided valuable insights that will help you make informed decisions at the polls again. Thank you. Thank you for listening, and a special thanks to Mr. Greg Ratliff for allowing us to become a sponsor of this event, and if you're new to the state, once again, welcome to one of the best retirement communities in the nation. We look forward to seeing you at the Stone Creek judicial forum, and we sincerely appreciate your participation. So stay informed, stay engaged, and thank you for being an active part of our democratic process. Thank.
For more information about the Stone Creek Republicans, email Greg Ratliff at screpint@gmail.com
The “all” resident Candidate Presentation was sponsored by the Stone Creek Republicans and Truesdell Wealth, Inc., a registered investment advisor and member of The Truesdell Companies. The Truesdell Professional Building / 200 NW 52nd Avenue, Ocala FL 34482 / 352-612-1000 or 212-433-2525