The right candidates for judge seats

I am a 56-year Palatine resident, former (24-year) Palatine councilman, (four-year) fire and police commissioner, (eight-year) park district commissioner and (six-year) member of the Board of Health.

Our court judges are generally listed on a local political party primary ballot to be held in March. Those selected in the March primary will then appear on the November general election ballot.

Judges sitting in our courts require your serious consideration, as once elected to the bench, these judges will remain seated for a very long time as judges in Illinois (unlike some other states) are never again up for reelection. So, we need to choose them wisely the first time.

After careful, time-consuming consideration to research each candidate’s education, legal experience and knowledge of the law, and after taking into account the recommendations of the various bar associations and in addition to speaking with a number of lawyers that practice in our local courthouses (Skokie and Rolling Meadows) and discussions with a number of police officers that patrol our streets, it is apparent that there are three particular individuals who stand out and are most deserving of our votes.

They are attorney Matthew Taylor, a graduate of John Marshall School of Law and an experienced practicing attorney who represents the people of the Village of Palatine and is a former police officer; attorney Pamela Curren Smith, a graduate of Loyola University Law School and an experienced and well-respected practicing attorney; and attorney Maria McCarthy, a graduate of Kent School of Law, a longtime courtroom attorney and 30-year assistant state’s attorney.

All three live locally in our community, their children go to our schools and they all attend our local churches. They are each the best qualified to serve and have earned our support.

Please look for their names on the ballot and give all three your vote in this coming March primary and again in November.

Jack Wagner

Palatine