I’m running for Associate Circuit Judge because our courts must be accountable, not just to the people they serve and the community they represent, but to the law they must uphold. Judges must follow the law, but they must also lead with integrity, consistency, and transparency. If judges don’t respect the rule of law, then the rest of the community won’t respect it either. With years of experience in the courtroom, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for Boone County’s citizens to have confidence in our justice system. I will hold myself to the highest ethical standards, because this role isn’t just about rulings, it’s about responsibility. People deserve a judge who listens, who acts fairly, and who never forgets that every decision affects real lives.

But there can also be no opportunity without accountability. The court can provide fairness and guidance and offer promising second chances instead of harsh consequences, but those opportunities come with responsibility. The law can provide a pathway to a better life, but individuals must take ownership of their actions and futures and be accountable to the court and the rest of the community. True accountability is a partnership between the court and the community. When the judiciary upholds the law with fairness and integrity, and when individuals take responsibility for making positive changes, our entire community grows stronger.