Integrity

The term 'integrity' has been used a lot in this election. How do you define it?

According to Merriam-Webster, integrity is the "firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility." (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrity). It can also be defined as a personal code…an honor code if you will…that defines your moral values. Just as important, it defines who you are as a person. For a working definition, it might mean that:

--your word is your bond
--you don't sacrifice your values for personal or professional gain
--you don't sacrifice your values even when pressured by outside forces
--you don't sacrifice your values even when it may be expedient to do so
--taking a line from Shakespeare, "to thine own self be true" or being true to yourself so you can be true to others (as one interpretation).

So what does this mean for the election?

I think one's integrity or moral code is a roadmap that defines the way you live…the way you act toward others. As a judge, I believe this takes on heightened meaning since you are now charged with the public trust…and this is a trust that must never be broken.

As a candidate for judge, integrity is not just a word that I throw about. It is and has been a way of life for as long as I can remember. It means that

--my word is my bond
--I have not and will not sacrifice my values for personal or professional gain
--I have not and will not sacrifice my values even when pressured by outside forces
--I have not and will not sacrifice my values even when it may be expedient to do so
--I am true to myself…which has helped me be true to others, in my personal and professional interactions

If I am fortunate enough to be elected to the office, I will continue to follow these lifelong values. They are also fundamental truths, and such truths stand the test of time.