Vacancy in the Judicial Office Judge Alycia Edgeworth Kersey Klamath Falls, Oregon

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Judge Alycia Edgeworth Kersey
keepkersey@gmail.com

Klamath Falls, Oregon Vacancy in the Judicial Office-Judge Alycia Edgeworth Kersey

Judge Alycia Edgeworth Kersey

1. What qualifies you to be a judge beyond a law degree? Why should I vote for you?

I have the diversified experience necessary to discharge the duties of a judge in THIS courthouse – wherein a judge handles all types of cases, including criminal, civil, domestic relations, probate, and water cases.

More importantly, I have worked carefully and strategically to build strong relationships of trust with community partners so that we can all work together to find creative ways to safeguard community safety and deliver fair and impartial justice, so that all voices are heard.

Also, I was heavily vetted by the Oregon State Police for this position, and supported wholeheartedly by the community, which is evident by my endorsements and relationships.

Criminal: I have been on both sides: as a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney.

Civil: I have represented families and litigants in civil matters, as both petitioner and respondent.

Probate: I was appointed as Probate Commissioner for the 13th Judicial District in 2013.

Water: I clerked for Judge Cameron Wogan on the Klamath Adjudication case, and am intimately familiar with it's impact on our basin.

2. Can you explain your judicial philosophy in plain English?

I am committed to protecting our Klamath way of life by (1) guarding the rights of all citizens, (2) delivering fair and impartial justice to every person who enters her courtroom, (3) being a kind, respectful listener and decisionmaker, and (4) protecting the vulnerable and safeguarding community safety by offering treatment to those who take accountability, and punishment for those who do not.

I am particularly focused on restoring faith in the justice system by supporting families and small businesses, and encouraging the next generation of citizens to see the courthouse as a safe haven as opposed to a place of punishment.

3. Do you consider yourself a politician?

No. The focus of a judge should be on the fair and impartial delivery of justice to all individuals, no matter their political party or affiliation.

4. How will you balance being an independent judge and an elected official?

By doing my best, everyday, on the bench and on the street, to work hard and be kind and fair, which includes running a clean campaign dedicated to the issues facing the Klamath community.

5. How will you handle conflicts of interest on the bench?

The Oregon Code of Judicial Conduct, under which I am bound as a sitting judge, makes it very clear that if there is even a taint of conflict, I am duty bound to declare it and recuse myself from hearing the matter.

6. What are the biggest changes you think we need to make to our justice system?

In order to increase community safety and to restore faith in the justice system, its actors (judges, lawyers, law enforcement, court staff) need to focus on providing (1) compassionate accountability, (2) better access to justice, and (3) a gateway to the multitude of services that our community has to offer.

7. What reforms do you support to increase access to justice for all? Will you fight for them?

In these unprecedented times, our court has done an amazing job keeping the doors of justice open to all litigants, and offering grace to those who are struggling. I would like to see better recognition that all parties do not have access to the technology necessary to maintain a connection with the courthouse or their supervising authority, and work to offer creative solutions.

In general, increasing access means offering services to people when they need the help - which isn't always from 9 to 5. I would be willing to stay late and come to work early in order to provide access to those who work and can't afford to take time off.

8. How do you define injustice?

Injustice is when a person does not feel seen, or heard, or protected by the laws of our state and nation, nor by those who enforce those laws.

9. How will you deal with injustice when you confront it in your courtroom?

I will deal with injustice in my courtroom by holding all parties accountable, and by being an active, attentive and compassionate listener.

10. How will you work to ensure equality for people of all backgrounds in your courtroom?

Judges should be fair to all, without regard for special interests, political persuasion, or background. It is vitally important to our justice system that each judge treat each person as an individual, so we are not adding to their burdens - but removing barriers to justice.

Officially endorsed by: Presiding Judge Marci Adkisson Senior Judge Roxanne Osborne Judge W. Dan Bunch Donnie Boyd Kelley Minty Morris and Stan Gilbert

Alycia Edgeworth Kersey's responses in replying to the 10 questions submitted from the following link: 10 questions judicial candidates should be able to answer By Eric van der Vort

James C. Garland
Candidate for Mayor
Klamath Falls, Oregon