League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
	Los Angeles County, CA June 3, 2014 Election
	Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues Judge of the Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 54

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Qualifications, Alternative Sentences for Non-Violent Offenders Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest. 1. What specific personal qualities make you especially qualified to be a judge? Answer from Shannon L. Knight: I have the experience, integrity, perspective, and sense of fairness needed to be a Superior Court Judge. I have dedicated my entire career to public service and public safety and will work diligently and efficiently to ensure that everyone has access to the justice system. Answer from Debra L. Losnick: On the Superior Court bench 23+ years in the toughest assignment-deciding cases involving abused and neglected children, with a proven track record of fairness, integrity and compassion. I handle a high volume calendar treating all litigants with respect while making tough decisions every day. 2. Do you favor alternative sentences for non-violent offenders in view of the current prisoner overcrowding problems, and if so, what options should be available? Answer from Debra L. Losnick: Superior Court Commissioners are governed by Judicial Ethics which prohibit me from commenting on matters that may come before me or issues I may be called upon to decide as a Judge. I can say that I am familiar with and support many successful alternative sentencing programs. Answer from Shannon L. Knight: I believe it is essential that we do whatever we can to rehabilitate non-violent offenders so that we have enough room in prisons for the violent offenders who need to be incarcerated. We should provide drug treatment, mental health care, educational programs, job training, and job placement services to those who need them in an effort to reduce recidivism. Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' answers are presented as submitted. The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.