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NAME: Thomas M. Hartwell
POSITION FOR WHICH YOU ARE A CANDIDATE:
Judge 16th Circuit Court
1. Why are you seeking this position?
I am running for Circuit Judge to serve.
As a young attorney, I realized that I had an obligation to give back to the community. I teamed up with Joel Perez, Jr. a former gang member who had a heart for young people seduced by the gang mindset and lifestyle. I realized that it was important to reach young people before it was too late. I served as the first Chairman of God’s Gym in Elgin and Aurora. I supported Joel as he got 30 young men to break away from their involvement with gangs.Service to others is why I love the law. Over the years I also have volunteered for other Service Organizations: Rotary International; American Heart Association; South Elgin Lions Club; and youth sports. Being a judge will be another part of my public service.
2. What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?
Because of my 32 year legal career, my fair and calm temperament, and my experience in case management, I am recommended by the Kane County Bar to be a Circuit Judge. As Circuit Clerk, it has been my responsibility to manage hundreds of thousands of court cases. Very few cases go to trial. Of the cases that do go to trial, most of the court’s time involves the pleadings, motions, discovery and hearings leading up to the trial. Case management is the everyday task of a Circuit Judge. Also, I sit on the Kane County Officers Electoral Board and I hear objections to petitions of candidates looking to get on the ballot. I hear the facts. I hear the legal arguments and make rulings.
3. What will be your greatest challenge if elected?
The greatest challenge facing the courts today is the cost to participants. A price tag cannot be put on the value of justice but real world dollars effect participants going to court. Everyone must have access to justice – not just those who can afford it. At times the high cost of attorneys fees and court fees can keep people from accessing the legal system. Filing fees alone for some lawsuits can be almost $ 1,000. The solution is to use technology to make the court system more economically efficient. For example, using computers and telecommunication technologies, when appropriate, parties and their attorneys can appear in court remotely. This will result in considerable cost saving for time and travel.
Will you attend the 2/28 Elgin candidate forum? Yes, I will attend the forum
Will you attend the 3/6 Dundee candidate forum? Yes, I will attend the forum
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