Douglas Hedger, Department II Municipal Judge candidate

Thursday, March 19, 2009 | midnight

Douglas Hedger

Age: 42

Campaign Web site: Facebook — Douglas Hedger, or email [email protected].

Party: Nonpartisan race

Occupation: Municipal court judge

Education: Chapparral High School; B.S., political science, Brigham Young University; J.D., Arizona State University

Time in Nevada: Third generation Southern Nevada native.

Time in Henderson: 19 years

Issues: Teaching our youth, being a positive role model to them, addressing drug- and alcohol-related crimes as well has habitual offenders and having a judge with a proven track record and the experience to continue making a difference for our city are the most important issues in this race. In my time on the bench, I have created programs to address those issues and gained experience as I have presided over thousands of cases and more than 230 trials.

Qualifications: I am the most qualified candidate for this position. My legal/courtroom experience, as a trial attorney and a sitting judge (nearly 20 years combined) is an important factor to consider. This legal background and experience allows me to be fair and impartial and to make sound legal decisions that keep our community safe and ensure that our rights are protected. People who come into my courtroom know that they will be treated fairly. That is what makes a good judge and I have a proven track record of being such a judge — experienced, knowledgeable and fair.

What sets you apart from your opponent: The biggest issue that sets me apart from my opponent is experience. I have been an attorney for nearly 20 years. My opponent just passed the Bar exam and became an attorney less than two years ago. We need judges with experience, who understand the law and who will make sound decisions that will be upheld on appeal. The position of judge should never be a position for someone to receive "on-the-job training." People's rights are at issue. Citizens' personal liberty is at stake.

This is one position where experience really does matter, and I am the only candidate with the necessary experience.