Throughout my campaign for State Court Judge, Division II, Post 2, I have taken the opportunity to express the importance of State Court Judges to our criminal justice system in Cobb County. These positions are imperative to managing the caseloads that cover misdemeanor crimes from DUIs to traffic cases. Cobb County residents must have judges they can rely on to stand up for our rights under the United States Constitution since an effective courtroom is critical to the administration of real justice in a community. It is vital that voters understand the choices they have for this position and each candidate has an obligation to state their ability to perform this job.
Among the candidates for this position, I am uniquely qualified to defend our Constitutional rights guaranteed to everyone that comes into a courtroom, as I am admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court. I can demonstrate a deep understanding of our founding documents and what our rights under the Constitution mean for all Americans, particularly in the courtroom.
Another important role for a Judge is to make sure that every courtroom provides a forum where fair and effective justice can be administered. My love for the law and the courtroom began when I was 17 years old where I was given an opportunity to argue a case before the bench. Every citizen who stands before the bench deserves an opportunity to have their case heard. Each of us should trust the Judge to be fair and effective and I can guarantee you that I will do the same.
Finally, every Judge must make decisions that keep our communities safe and a State Court Judge is no different. In fact, many opportunities to stop crime arise in the State Court, making the decisions by our judges crucial to community safety. Fortunately, my career has provided me an opportunity to serve Cobb County on both sides of the law. I started my legal career as a prosecutor in the Cobb Solicitor’s Office and then the Cobb County District Attorney’s office, where my job was to ensure that violent criminals were convicted and put behind bars. As a private attorney I have had the privilege to represent hundreds of citizens. I also co-founded an organization that helps young offenders take responsibility for their lives and avoid behaviors that push them back into court. Given the types of cases that a State Court Judge will face, a Judge’s ruling can be a critical point in any offender’s life. A bad decision can create a violent criminal out of an individual who may just need to be held accountable for a poor choice, but in a fiscally and legally responsible way. Recently, my background, skill level and judicial philosophy were recognized by Cobb County law enforcement by their endorsement of me for this position. They know that I can partner with them to keep our neighborhoods and communities safe.
When voters go to the polls on July 31, 2012, they need to know what each candidate’s background has to offer Cobb County. Most importantly though, a voter needs to know what that background means to the obligations of the position. Every State Court Judge has a set of responsibilities that serve as the foundation for a proper justice system.
Residents must trust that State Court Judges will defend every Constitutional right available. You can count on me to understand and defend the constitution just as the nine highest justices already do. Residents must trust that State Court Judges will operate a fair courtroom where cases are effectively heard and judged. Just as I had the opportunity as a young woman to argue a case, every citizen in Cobb County who stands before my bench will have their case heard in an impartial manner. You can trust me to respect your rights in each and every instance.
Residents must trust that State Court Judges will be proactive in keep our communities safe. Given that misdemeanor crimes are what State Court Judges preside over, my background coupled with helping young offenders make responsible choices is vital in avoiding recidivist crimes. You can fully invest your trust in me to hold non-violent offenders who have been charged with alcohol or minor drug charges responsible for their crimes without punishing them in environments that simply create more criminal activity.
Your vote is an investment. It is an investment in a judicial philosophy that stands up for what is right in Cobb County and a background which has demonstrated the principles that serve as a foundation to that philosophy. My name is Marsha Lake and I am that candidate you can trust to be a State Court Judge who protects your rights in the courtroom, defends the Constitution, and strives for safety in your community. I would appreciate your vote on July 31, 2012.
As always, I encourage you to visit my website at www.votelake.com or email me at marsha@votelake.com
