As Election Day nears, we may all agree great leadership is needed now more than ever before. The call for change rings louder and louder in my ears as each presidential candidate exclaims he’s the “one change” that will address the challenging problems we face. As I see it, a “change” we need to make to meet that call is to vote and elect the best representatives to our local offices. Great leadership starts at home. I’m voting for John MacKinnon for Superior Court Judge because I want to make my voice count for someone who will make a positive and qualitative difference right here, where it matters most.
I know we can count on John. John has been on the job representing you and me, day in and day out, for the last 12 years, fighting to keep sex offenders, violent perpetrators, and dangerous felons off our streets. And, working in the most productive and effective drug court in California, John’s fair and level approach as a prosecutor, along with unique problem-solving abilities, have already changed lives, helping drug addicts get clean and begin contributing to society, where before they were part of the decline.
We face terrible drug problems, domestic violence, and escalating violent crime in our neighborhoods and city streets. We need change now, here and now! We need someone in that criminal judge’s seat to assure not only our laws are upheld fairly but also that when our community faces challenges, they are met by a proficient, balanced, community minded, and resourceful judge.
I’m going to vote for someone whose problem-solving skills are proven; who has developed and implemented legal programs that work to make substantial change in my neighborhood and our community overall. I’m voting for John MacKinnon. I hope you will, too.
This article appears in Oct 16-23, 2008.