District Judge Q & A

By Lisa Yates
Editor


The Times sent a set of three questions to the candidates running for the 14th Judicial District judgeships in Divisions B and H in Lake Charles.

Local attorneys Clayton Davis and Terry Johnson are running for the Division B seat. Assistant District Attorney Cynthia Clay Guillory-Lands and Public Defenders' Office Director Ron Ware are running for the Division H seat. What follows is the full text of each response to the questions. Candidates are listed in the order which they appear on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Q: What is the most important issue facing your district, and how will you address it?

Clayton Davis, 53, candidate for District Judge, Div. B: The biggest issue in the district is keeping criminals off the streets. When found guilty, criminals should face sentences that match their crime. Unlike my opponent, I do not help criminals try to get reduced sentences.





Terry J. Johnson, 60, candidate for District Judge, Div. B: Delay in resolving issues for trial is the greatest problem facing our district. I will expedite preliminary matters so that the main issue will be heard. I will do that by becoming very familiar with the cases on my docket, causing more pretrial conferences between counsel to resolve minor issues through stipulations, etc., and setting realistic trial dates.



Cynthia Clay Guillory Lands, 54, candidate for District Judge, Div. H: The most important issues I see in the community and in the district are: the rise in juvenile crime; drug and alcohol use, abuse and sale; and, increase in gang activity and possession of weapons.






Ronald “Ron” Ware, 54, candidate for District Judge, Div. H: The proposal to temporarily assign only juvenile and domestic cases to Division H. My opponent wants to make that permanent. I do not. I will work where needed but also to prevent Division H being stripped of its traditional criminal/civil responsibilities.



Q: What distinguishes you from the other candidates running for this seat?

Davis: I don't represent criminals. I never have and I never will. I have overwhelming law enforcement support. My courtroom experience is much greater than my opponent's. I have tried three jury trial in the first half of 2008 alone for homeowners against their insurers for Rita claims and won all three. This has given the homeowners the funds to repair their homes, plus additional amounts.

Johnson: I prefer to make no comment.

Lands: I have 25 years experience as a practicing attorney handling criminal, civil and domestic cases, as well as 18 years as an A.D.A. Prosecuting truancy, aggravated rapes and armed robberies. I have both civil and criminal experience. I desire to rehabilitate our children and families in Family and Juvenile Court so they don't end up in the adult system. Realizing that some crimes may necessitate Juvenile Prison, I can make tough but fair decisions.

Ware: My desire to not change Division H. My long record of helping people shows I sincerely care for people. My years of tough courtroom experience. I have not embellished my record.

Q: Name significant endorsements for your candidacy, if any.

Davis, Div. B: I have the strong endorsement of law enforcement in Calcasieu Parish. I have received open support from pastors in our area. Endorsements in terms of financial contributions are broad- based and far exceed that of my opponent.

Johnson, Div. B: I am grateful for the kind words and support of Maurice Tynes. He ran an outstanding race.

Lands, Div. H: The people of Calcasieu Parish have endorsed me by honoring me to be in the run-off. If elected, I will serve the citizens and treat everyone that comes to my court with respect, compassion, wisdom and integrity. I intend to start court on time and render decisions promptly. My promise, and motto is “I'll work overtime for you.”

Ware, Div. H: Ms. Lydia Guillory-Lee. Mrs. Sharon Wilson. Prominent members of the Clergy.

For more information, contact the candidates directly. Below is a list of their contact information.

Clayton Davis, 53, candidate for District Judge, Div. B: (337) 439-0707, www.claytondavisforjudge.com; claytondavisforjudge@yahoo.com; facebook.com/group.

Terry J. Johnson, 60, candidate for District Judge, Div. B: (337) 477-0112, www.terryjjohnsonforjudge.com; terry@terryjohnson-atty.com.

Cynthia Clay Guillory Lands, 54, candidate for District Judge, Div. H: (337) 436-1312, (337) 499-4722, www.cynthia4families.org.

Ronald “Ron” Ware, 54, candidate for District Judge, Div. H: (337) 855-3633.