165 Comments over the weekend, and this reader asked the best question:
CAN ANYONE ANSWER THE QUESTION WHY ALVAREZ IS RUNNING AGAINST BRONWYN MILLER? WHAT SAY YOU MR ALVAREZ? WHATS THE REAL REASON??????????
It does deserve an answer.
Here is Rumpole's own question:
QUERRY: What do Judges (former Judge) Mike Chavies, Orlando Prescott, Shyrlon McWhorter (sorry if we botched the first name) and Karen Mills Francis all have in common?
If you answered: "They all got opposition at the end of their first term" you'd be correct.
What did you answer? And why does the more common answer seem so troubling when combined with the first answer we printed?
See You In Court.
When you see something that is not right, not fair, find a way to get in the way and cause trouble. Congressman John Lewis
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67 comments:
Maybe Alvarez realizes that of all the sitting county court judges up for re-election, B.M. has probably been on the bench the least amount of time and is vulnerable because of it?
WE live in a banana republic where Ethnic politics are the norm . Look at the mayors of Miami beach, Hialeah, Opa-loca ,or Coral Gables.
Notice any pattern? In County wide, at large elections Targets are often selected by name/race. Same rules apply as any other election, Why the suprise?
If only we could elect people based on merrit....Nah, that's ridiculos
are ethnic politics just a way of life?...do qualifications or accomplishments matter?
You guys are all missing the point....AS USUAL!! The fact that ethnicity runs the political process is nothing new. Maybe there are some of you out there that don't like that there is a new sheriff in town. I say to you as they say in Russia "toughsky shitsky". Way back, a long time ago in the days of jalousie windows, terazzo floors, and no central a/c ethnicity was used to elect judges...just a different one. How do you suppose we got all of the white jewish male judges? Because there was a strong voting bloc that got them elected. We have a different makeup of our electorate and it is being reflected in both the candidates that run and those that are elected. The times they are a changing...but...not that much. Same game different players. But, this isn't the part thats problamatic, it's the fact that young, inexpierenced, and totally unprepared lawyers are running, seeking appointment, and getting elected and appointed. If you are truly looking for the issue, this is it. It's not the race, color, creed, or culture of the candidates thats the concern...IT'S THE CANDIDATES THAT WORRY ME!!!! So stop bitching about surnames, hyphenations, or machinations get better quality people to run and we will end up with a better product on the bench.
SO SAY WE ALL
cant argue with that
The answer is that people dont run against judges that deserve opposition, they run against judges that they can beat based on their names.
lets all just be honest. It doesnt hurt that bad to be honest.
I love the judicial races. It's always good to have the fear of being booted out of office running through the minds of sitting judges. Keeps them humble. There is nothing worse than practicing in front of judges who have become fat and lazy because they will be unoposed during the next election. You can count the number of truly good judges that lose thier seats in an election on one hand. But you need a calculator to count the number of shitty judges still on the bench because of a big war chest or the right political alliances.
So if Slom or Mills-Francis or Bronwyn Miller lose thier seats, so be it. Maybe the people that replace them will turn out to be qualified judges as well. I say term limits. Eight years and out. If it's good enough for the President of the United States, it ought to be good enough for your local judge.
I can't wait to see Slom in traffic court asking, "Do you see any motions on this ticket?"
Anybody for lunch? Marias? Big Pink? Solero? I'm hungry.
How does a young, good looking, somewhat inexperienced lawyer get an appointment by the governor? Who do I have to know? Can someone introduce me? I want an appointment. I've got 6 years in. I have a lot of money I can donate to the governor's race. Will that do it?
Why is Alvarez running against miller? He is running because he thinks he can perform the job of better judge than her. He is running because he feels appointed judges should earn their seat by a vote of the people and not by a politically charged JNC. He is running because he thinks he can beat her at the polls.
Now is that too hard to understand? Can we stop all this Alvarez trashing by the Miller flunkies. We should be above all this garbage. I have never seen, in a judicial race, followers of one candidate spread so much trash in an attempt to hurt the reputation of the opponent.
You may have noticed that no supporter of Alvarez is trashing Miller. Now isn’t that interesting!
She's hot.
what are alvarez' qualifications? nobody really seems to know anything about this guy other than the fact his last name is alvarez. who is he? what are his qualifications? how involved and experienced is he in our court system and he is going to be competent and fair if elected? step forward darce and write some nice things about your boy. love to hear your spin...
Who is George A. Alvarez AKA Jorge Antonio Alvarez?
Who is "Jorge A. Alvarez AKA George Antonio Alvarez"
she is hot
"You may have noticed that no supporter of Alvarez is trashing Miller. Now isn’t that interesting!"
What are you trying to say?
Seems pretty obvious that many more of us know about her than him (as exemplified by the postings asking who he is) and because more of us support her.
It is called survival of the fittest; the weak ones are always attacked first!
In other counties, they KILL you if you run against an incumbent judge.
In Miami everyone wants to be a judge... so they can make a fixed income, be a king or queen, and go home at noon.
Ever notice that many judges actually take a pay increase to be a judge?
20 years from now, all judges in what will be called Lincoln-Diaz-Balart County will be Hispanic.
That is why so many gringos are moving to central Fla.
Is this another example of institutional racism at work?
Let me explain. I agree with the
writer who said that these nominees are running in races they
think they can win. However, let's
look at why that is. That is because society has instilled in us
that blacks have no money, have no political base and are simply easier to beat than others.
That is why these idiots are running against McWhorter and Mills Francis. Its deep down in their inner psyche. I am sure they would deny it and claim that they have black friends, etc. But the
facts don't lie. Year after year,
young black judges are opposed, while other less qualified judges get no opposition.
Either way I am hoping that both idiots get it handed to them. Especially Millan who is pompous,
arrogant and dim.
And by the way I will be putting my money where my mouth is.
alvarez is not qualified to be a judge but he thinks he has it made and that this is an easy win because bronwyn's name is not easily identifiable and alvarez' is. he thinks he won't have to expend time, money, energy, effort to win but he would never actually admit that he filed against her because of his NAME ONLY and that he has no right to even run for any office - much less that of a judge. she has endorsements from every major attorney in town and will continue to receive more - all sides, all walks, liberals, conservatives, defense, prosecutors which only proves further that she is competent, unbiased and well liked in the community. it would be a real shame if alvarez were to draw votes from a community unaware of the ins and outs of court and our judicial system, a community voting for him only because his name is alvarez. however, he is, apparently, banking on receiving that vote and that is, frankly, a shame.
I heard Bronwyn boned her way through Tallahasse.
I heard Bronwyn boned and knob-slobbed her way through Tallahasse.
I can assure you that Judge Bronwyn Miller has anticipated a judicial opponent since the day she was appointed by the Govenor and has prepared her campaign accordingly. She has been and continues to run a professional ethical campaign. As a result, she already has locked up the support of the majority of hispanic voters as well as non hispanic voters and this election was all over even before alvarez entered the race. The vexing point is Alvarez was well aware of this fact when he entered the race which, once again, begs the question posted, Mr. ALvarez why are you running against Bronwyn Miller when you know you are not going to win?
It seems like Bronwyn supporters are running her campaign in this blog by making free political advertisements in their posts.
With the JNC/governor appointment system being so politicized, it is expected that the appointees will have to prove their worth and mettle in the democratic political process. Let's do away with appointments and make every post (judge, sheriff, property appraiser, tax collector, etc.) elected.
"Locked Up?" I don't think so, 12:47. And if what a few of the previous posters say is true, does that mean that we should never have a change of power in this country? Those with 'power' and support will always continue to rule? Who cares about "major" attorneys, 12:04? Simply becuase someone has a lot of money and works for a big civil firm that overcharges corrupt businesses should we follow their endorsements?
Locked up the election? Yeah right. The day a blond, gringa who speaks no Spanish has an election locked up five months in advance in a Hispanic heavy county against a guy named Alvarez is the day I get elected mayor. If Alvarez is smart, he'll jump on the Latin radio stations and campaign effectively. Meanwhile Bronwyn will go on the air with an interpreter. Look at it this way- assume Miller still worked at the SAO. Would she enter a race against a hispanic candidate or hispanic sitting judge? Or would she try to knock out a weak non hispanic incumbent? Dont discount the name game in this county.
no one discounts the name game in our county - especially ALVAREZ
It's funny that he changed his name - I guess he never anticipated that he would one day be using the "NAME GAME" to win an election for Judge - he should have left it as Jorge Antonio Alvarez - would he get more votes that way? That's all that matters, right? The Latin name? Why don't we fill all public offices with unqualified morons as long as they're Latin.
Hey Rump, why don't you take a poll and ask your bloggers if they think ALVAREZ should change his name back to Jorge and whether he would get more votes as George A. or Jorge Antonio. I think he should revert to original form! George A. is sounding Gringito - changing it back to Jorge might really get him that extra margin.
What is wrong with politics? If Bush runs for governor and wins, why shouldn't he get to appoint those he thinks are best for the job.
If you don't like who he picks, vote Democratic.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
She's hot.
Sounds to me like bigotry, racism, sexism, jingoism, ageism and many other forms of discrimination, run through the blood of many of the posters on this blog as well as this community.
Can't we all just get along?
And, now that the filing deadline is over, when can we expect a decision on the Muldowney hearings?
FOR THE PERSON COMPLAINING ABOUT BLACK JUDGES GETTING OPPOSITION, HOW COME jUDGE GAYLES, THERETHA THOMAS, ETC, DON'T HAVE ANY OPPOSITION?
IT'S SIMPLE, THEY ARE NICE AND THEY RESPECT ATTORNEYS AND DEFENDANT'S IN COURT. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH RACE OR FINANCIAL SITUATION, IT HAS TO DO WITH RESPECT AND ETHICS. PEOPLE DON'T DESERVE RESPECT, THEY HAVE TO EARN IT AND THAT'S ONE THING THEY HAVE NOT EARNED.
BTW, HOW COME NO ONE IS COMPLAINING ABOUT HISPANICS RUNNING AGAINST JEWISH JUDGES?
LASTLY, MILLS FRANCIS IS GREAT, STEVE MILLAN SHOULD HAVE NEVER FILED IN THAT SEAT. OPPSS!!!SHE IS BLACK, AND I LIKE HER. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT, I AM HISPANIC, AND I SUPPORT JUDGE KAREN MILLS-FRANCIS.
FYI, for those that have not practice in front of Sherlyon McWhorter, might want to know that she is prejudice against hispanics and white people. She is just not nice period, her JA rocks though. Maybe McWhorter can learn from her staff.
All Muldowny rulings were pushed back.
By court order, they will not rule until June 15th. There was a delay in getting a transcript.
Mike Catalano, Muldowny spokesperson
I'm not complaining about Hispanics
running against Jewish judges because I'm not Jewish.
I am complaining about Anglos and
Hispanics running against Blacks
because I'm Black.
Either way its wrong, its just that I look at things from my
perspective.
Karen Mills-Francis is a good judge, she's very nice and has balls. Millan should have left her alone and filed against David Miller.
Judge Gayles absolutely fantastic. Wish more County Court Judges were like him. Fair, respectful and willing to make a decision.
Rump,
We ought to have a "judge of the day" portion of the blog. Too much bullcrap about a small number of judges. Bring all the judges in. It would be interesting to hear everyone's venting or praise of every judge. Get a "trial list" of all the judges and assign a future date for thier turn to get "commented" on. Can't you just see the judges sitting at a table in Au Bon Pain saying, "Oh no, my day to get roasted on the blog is next week." Then the judges can write in and ask for continuances for thier blog day and we can tell them that it is denied. Too many judges get no air time on this blog. Thier time is up.
I am always amazed by the lack of imaginaton of those who criticize judges. They use the same words. "Arrogant and stupid" Interpretation: I lost and I didn't like the ruling, so the judge is arrogant and stupid.
To anonymouse (I spelled it wrong on purpose) at 1:27, you truly are a constitutional scholar. Just the type of pressure you want to put on a judge is exactly what I don't want. I want a judge who is not subject to being ridiculed or removed because G-d forbid you don't like her or if she rules in an unpopular way. You want to be the tail wagging the dog. Shame on you.
Many on this blog are very brave to attack the morals of someone, especially a judge, when you don't have to face the consequences of your statements. You are all good enough lawyers to know that if you had to prove the things you are saying you might find yourself on the wrong side of a sizeable judgment. Again shame on you.
Lastly if any of you think you can do better than all these people you criticize then put up or shut up. Try being a judge yourself or are you afraid you just might have to face the rejection of the voters, the JNC or the Governor, or worse yet, the rath of those who disagree with you?
Its so obvious that the same people post every single day the same bad things about certain candidates or judges or people. That is what is dumb about this blog.
It is amazing that Judge Mills-Francis is very generous to the defense bar and yet THEY vote her the second most unqualified and unprofessional County Court Judge. Even more amazing is the fact that THEY also rated her poorly before she became a Judge. What has changed in six years. Nothing!!! She replaced a judge who was well liked, well regarded and well rated. Are the citizens better off??? If this is how she treats and is perceived by the professionals, then how does the overwhelming majority of people appear before her and who are unrepresented fare ??? It is even more amazing that this is a judge who has done NOTHING to improve the quality or nature of the practice of law. She attends nothing and is un-involved in any of the voluntary bar or civic organizations. What is racist about that? Isn't being a judge a position to which lawers are supposed to aspire to? What is inspiring about her record of service?? If she is not involved in the community and she is not doing the job for which she was elected then she should have opposition. Anything else is racist. To give Mills-Francis a pass is reverse racisim.
thanks Millian for your previous post. Are you saying the other fifty or so judges up for re-election have improved the quality or nature of the practice of law? Isn't a county court judge's job community oriented in nature? i have been in Mills francis's courtroom and seen the way she treats unrepresented defendants. she tries to help them and is compassionate. she's gone to cream you at the polls
REPLY TO: I'm not complaining about Hispanics
running against Jewish judges because I'm not Jewish.
I am complaining about Anglos and
Hispanics running against Blacks
because I'm Black.
Either way its wrong, its just that I look at things from my
perspective.
these people were not born into being a judge, you have to earn it, and some of them have not earned it. You need to get over it. this is not the 60's it's the 21st century. everyone is equal. You obviously have not practice in front of mcwhorter or prescott.
MIlls Francis is Hispanic. Remember the Cuban Grandma?
The time has come to hedge your bets and support Alvarez. Bronwyn may be a good judge (and she's hot) but Alvarez, whether he is qualified or not, whether we know him or not, will most likely win. My check is in the mail.
I agree. We need new blood. We need new humor and less venom. This is supposed to be fun, not therapy for frustrated wannabes.
dont forget peter "macho camacho" adrian. hes a true hispanolero.
To 11:21,
You state that others are too busy complaining about the current judges. You suggest "try being a judge yourself." In order to "be a judge" it is almost always necessary (except for possibly 1-2 open seats) to run against a sitting judge. However, within moments of anyone filing against a sitting judge, the candidates, who are trying to be proactive, were criticized, ridiculed and attacked for their motives. Seems like a double edged sword.
there's nothing wrong with running against a sitting judge, as long as you can sleep at night knowing the real reason you are running against that judge, comprende?
bien.
It seems to me that the only way to avoid this controversy is to change the rules. From now on a candidate will only be able to run against someone of their own gender. Female v. Female. If you are Hispanic you must run against another Hispanic, Black v. Black, etc. If you are a Haitian male you are allowed to run against Judge Seraphin. Would that make people happy?
no, what would make everyone happy is a full explanation by any candidate running against an incumbent as to why they chose that incumbent
so what say you ALVAREZ, VELIS, MILLAN, MARINO USED TO BE MARINO NOW MARINO PEDROSA, WHATEVER HER NAME IS AGAINST SLOM, DON FRED FLINSTONE COHN, FABER, ALL OF THEM, LETS HEAR IT.
To: 3:02 My point was that if someone feels so strongly about a judge's abilites, etc.. then stop complaining and do something about it. You make my point when you say that anyone who runs against an incumbent is criticized. If you dish it out be prepared to take it. Be brave enough to stand up for your convictions. Put your ass on the line.
if you have a brain, you run against who ever you can beat. why would you spend time and money to tryand become a judge and not choose the best race you can win? if you were the state, would you decide not to use your best piece of evidence. if your a def atty, would you set aside your best defense and use an alternate.
when i run for judge, i'll pick the slot i think i can win. i dont care who color, sex, etc my opposition is. and its no concern what mine is.
if I wanted to put my ass on the line, but I was standing in front of the line, would I, in order to put my ass on the line behind me, have to back that ass up?
All of this cubans v. anglos v. blacks racial stuff is tired and boring. I'd like to raise a far more pressing racial/ethnic question, one which we've all thought about but none have dared to discuss:
How come the goyim can't really try cases?
Before you rip me for even asking this, I want you to take a minute and honestly answer the following question:
With which statement are you most likely to AGREE?
A. I woke up in a motel with a dead hooker and a kilo. I'm going to rush to the phone and call a gentile attorney!
B. I haven't been as careful as I should have been, and now it burns when I pee. I'm going to a goy urologist!
C. My wife is nagging me about finally getting that colonoscopy. I hear that non-Jewish GIs can't be beat!
D. My car sounds like it needs some work. I'm taking it in tomorrow to a gentile auto mechanic (redundant, I know)
It's a no brainer, right?
That's no fair. I saw Eddie O' try a good case once.
Eddie O can try the hell out of a case...so could Clarence Darrow. There are as many hack jew lawyers as any other type, so stop your whining. Need I name some of the hack jews. By the way, i am a Jew also, so lets not hear any calls of anti-semitism...Jew, Black, Goy, Hispanic...there are great lawyers of all types, and terrible ones. I would take Jose Q, Rod, Richard S, Eddie O over a hack of any race, gender, color, or creed. It is not the ethnicity that matters...it is the person. Grow up, and stop sounding so ethnocentric...you make us all look bad.
Signed,
Jew Boy
yet if the jew boy above were to get into real criminal trouble, undoubtedly he would hire a white trash street fighting lawyer from southie to set him free. Goy lawyers rule
5:05 is this my white trash bald headed friend from mass who always says i'm from southie or what?
This is the Jew boy from above...No, I would not hire some trash lawyer, but I really would not care if my lawyer was Jewish...I would care if he was good. By the same token, there are as many hack Jews as there are of any other group in the court house. I can think of many now. i do not want to name them because I am posting anonymously, and it is not right to call someone out anonymously, but if someone asks me to I will.
Hi, it's Mr. 11:33 again.
The whole jew/goy thing was a joke. I apologize if I offended. I was just sick of the boring cuban/anglos power struggle thing.
How about this-- true or false, Miami lawyers that hail from Boston are all egomaniacs?
What's in the water up there?
all Mass. lawyers (except the ones from Belmont) are egomaniacs and successful because they were eductaed int he northeast then come to work in south florida and dominate because their comeptition are people that have grown up and been educated in this third world state.
Mass. lawyers with ego problems. No way.
Just ask Richard Sharpstein, David Nozick, Bill Dean, Chris Lyons.
The ones from Needham all parade around like they're from Southie.
kids from needham are 100 times tougher than soft ivy leaguers from Belmont. Go Needham Rockets
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