Address to Lower Merion-Narberth Democratic Committee

By Michael Sam Quinn

Candidate Qualifications/Experience for Position of District Judge

I have demonstrated achievement in the legal profession, community service and elective office for over twenty years in this community. These unique attributes as a candidate here tonight, make me the most electable Democrat in the general election.

My service on Borough Council and the boards of the Fire Department, Library and War Memorial Committee illustrate the trust placed in me by our community. This service includes my involvement with the youth community service programs I help administer and which I look forward to expanding.

As an attorney, I have handled every type of case that can come before a District Judge. I've seen it from the perspective of parents whose children used bad judgment; I've seen it from the perspective of neighbors whose dog got loose or whose tree fell in the yard next door. In these situations I've helped find solutions to these neighborhood problems and will continue to as judge. District Court is accurately called the people's court for several reasons. It is the only Court most people ever appear in. If these community problems are not resolved at this level, they often perpetuate community tensions and lead to more serious court action. My experience reduces this risk.

I've also experienced District Court from a larger community perspective. As Chair of the Borough Council Public Safety Committee, I have established professional relationships with the Lower Merion and Narberth Police Departments. I've worked personally with Superintendent McGrath and Mayor Grady on a range of public safety issues. Several weeks ago Superintendent McGrath told me that the Lower Merion-Narberth District Courts are unique in Montgomery County because of their cooperation with the Department in scheduling matters to minimize officer overtime and keep patrol cars on the streets. I will continue this cooperation as judge.

Sometimes the parties cannot reach mutual agreement despite the Court's best efforts at problem solving. A judge must then exercise the most important authority given by law-to make a binding decision to end the dispute. The judge must be seen as fair and committed to the rule of law so the decision is obeyed. For most of this decade, I have been entrusted by large multinational companies and the citizens of Narberth to make important decisions on their behalf. Every time I appear in Court my decisions can impact their bottom line and public image of these companies. When I make decisions on Borough Council, they affect the community at large. The enormous responsibility of making decisions for these large companies and the community was not given to me; it was earned through many years of hard work and dedication. I bring these important traits and experience to the Court if elected.

My name is Sam Quinn and I ask for your vote and support in the May 19th primary.