Address to the Narberth Democratic Club

By Michael Sam Quinn

Qualities for a Judge

I am Sam Quinn and I am running for District Judge in Narberth and Lower Merion. I ask for your support and your vote.

Tonight I want to speak briefly about being a judge. Since I began this campaign it seems most people are focused on the school board races. A District Judge does not seem that important to many people, at least until they appear before one.

For example, a few years ago a friend received a ticket for parking in a prohibited area while making a business delivery. He was furious-either the sign was obstructed or he felt he parked legally. Regardless, he insisted that I go to Court with him, and we had a trial. The point is, no matter how minor something appears to us, to the person in front of the judge it is the most important thing in the world.

Today I read an article titled "What Makes Judicial Election Unique" by David Rottman and Roy Schotland. It applies here.

To the person in front of the judge, they don't care what your party is or who endorsed you, they want a judge with integrity, who is committed to the rule of law, and who is humane. The article noted that it is especially important for trial judges to be humane because they must treat everyone with dignity and courtesy; they must be sensitive to victims, children and disadvantaged groups. Finally, they must be patient to recognize that people who resort to the courts for justice have very different backgrounds and abilities.

I possess these qualities and I have demonstrated them over my several decades of public service to this community. That is why I am the best candidate for District Judge. I ask for your support in the May primary and November general election.