Matthew Zobrist, Department II Municipal Judge candidate

Thursday, March 19, 2009 | midnight

Age: 35

Campaign Web site: www.electzobrist.com.

Party: Not provided

Occupation: Sergeant, Henderson Police Department; part-time attorney

Education: B.A., criminal justice, UNLV; J.D., UNLV

Time in Nevada: 14 years, plus a few years while in elementary school

Time in Henderson: 14 years

Issues: We need a judge who is sensitive to the needs of victims, respects the hard work of police and prosecutors and who can balance the rights of the accused while still pursuing the community's need for justice. This community needs a judge with a clear understanding that administering justice requires an understanding mind and a firm hand.

Qualifications: For more than 10 years, I have served this city as a police officer, and that experience makes me the best candidate for this position. I have investigated countless misdemeanor crimes; I have interviewed victims, witnesses and suspects in those crimes. I have written crime reports, made arrests and have testified in Municipal Court numerous times. This familiarity gives me a unique perspective: I will simultaneously be able to hold officers to a high standard, while being able to recognize and balance the needs of victims, the rights of the accused and interests of justice.

What sets you apart from your opponent: My opponent learned the law by being a defense attorney. I learned the law by working the street, making arrests, taking reports, writing warrants, interviewing victims and seeing the effects of crime firsthand. He read police reports looking for the "technicality" which would allow his clients to avoid justice. I wrote police reports and attempted to accurately and fairly portray the events and evidence, both for and against, which led me to make my decisions. As a judge I will take this common sense equation to the next logical step: What are just consequences for that action?

This is why I am the right choice for Henderson Municipal Court Judge.