League of Women Voters of Ohio
Hamilton County, OH November 7, 2000 Election
	Dennis S. Helmick Answers Questions Candidate for Judge; Court of Common Pleas; 6 Year Term Starting 4/1/01

Read the answers from all candidates.

Questions & Answers

1. Do you support public financing of campaigns for judicial candidates? Why or why not?

I do not support financing judicial campaigns with taxpayer dollars. Society cannot simply throw money at voters in order to educate them. If judicial campaigns were financed, every candidate would clamor for public financing. How much would ever be sufficient? Would public financing preclude private expenditures? Would publicly financed campaigns afford free advertising for a candidate's private practice? Equal amounts to both candidates would insure the incumbent's victory. I do support public media candidate forums.

2. Would you support merit selection of judges? Why or why not?

I would support a modified version of merit selection in which an appointed judge would run against her or his record. Thereafter voters could vote the judge out if they do not like the judge's rulings or sentencing policies. Voters must be able to exercise their inalienable right to choose the leaders of their government--to select those individuals who most reflect the moral values of their community as embodied in our

3. In light of the Report of the Ohio Commission on Racial Fairness: Reviewing fairness of the Ohio legal system, what do you see as your role in addressing racism within the legal system

As a judge, I attempt to insure that all participants in my Court are treated equally under the law and with resect. As a lawyer, I support diversity outreach programs like the Roundtable, S.W.E.L. and the Minority Summer Clerkship Program jointly sponsored by the Cincinnati Bar Association and the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati. As an individual, I encourage all minorities to enter law school, serve as a mentor, and provide support to scholarship