On Tuesday, Will County residents will make their final vote on who will be on the ballot in the general election. An important decision that will determine who will be one of two candidates elected to the courts.
Democratic candidates in the March 19 primary for judge of the Appellate Court Third Judicial District to fill the vacancy of the Honorable Tom M. Lytton are Democrats John Anderson and Joe Hettel. The winner will face Republican candidate Kenton Skarin on Nov. 5.
Anderson’s journey to the bench has been far from conventional as it was marked by struggles with school and a period of homelessness. But he said after the murder of his godfather, he turned his life around and began excelling academically, earning two post-graduate degrees and two law degrees.
Anderson, who has been a circuit court judge since 2010 presiding over chancery and commercial civil cases, said his approach to rendering judgments is based on the notion that the judiciary is the most modest branch of government.
“Sometimes I make rulings that I do not particularly care for, but they are made in accordance with the law,” continued Anderson, who was named Judicial Officer of the Year in 2018 by the Illinois State Crime Commission and served as a former Illinois Supreme Court law clerk. “Setting aside personal view in favor of the law is what the job requires.”
Candidates for the county’s 12th Judicial Circuit Court 2nd Subcircuit are Democrats Jennifer M. Lynch and Rolonda V. Mitchell the victor will run against Republican Katie Rabenda in the general election.
Mitchell, a current Will County Associate Judge, is serving in the family law courtrooms. Mitchell was born in Joliet and raised in a union family with military roots.
“I am committed to expanding equal access to justice for all, regardless of status or background,” she said. “The promise of equal justice under law must be a reality for all Will County residents.”
A former attorney, Mitchell concentrated in the areas of family law, traffic/DUI, criminal law, foreclosure mediation and Illinois Secretary of State driver’s license reinstatement.
Mitchell said her courtroom is a place where each case will be considered fairly and efficiently.
“Regardless of anyone’s personal beliefs or any partisan affiliations, I will remain committed to do my absolute best and to act with compassion and integrity while fairly applying the law to protect your rights and to ensure a safe Will County,” Mitchell added.
If Mitchell wins the Democratic primary, she will face Rabenda in November, who pledges to expedite the criminal justice system.
“I’ll prioritize efficient justice and speedy trials, as most cases should not entangle their participants for years,” said Rabenda, an assistant U.S. attorney at Will County State’s Attorney’s Office. “Victims, offenders, litigants, and families deserve swift justice, so they are not forced to spend valuable time in court instead of being productive citizens and family members.”
If she wins, Rabenda, a mother of three, also promises to be tough on crime.
“Politicians have made it easier to commit crimes and harder to prosecute them,” she added. ” I see criminals being emboldened like never before, all while our neighborhoods became less safe, our small businesses are hurt and addiction and overdose rates skyrocket.”
Check thetimesweekly.com for more from the Will County candidates for judge.