A LITTLE JUDGE-MENTAL
Forget sparks, there was barely any heat generated when the four lawyers running for Inyo County Superior Court judge nestled into the Independence Legion Hall Wednesday night for a rather polite question and answer session hosted by the Independence Civic Club.
The closest thing to a bit of a fire came in delayed responses to challenger Tayor Fitzmaurice’s assertations that the current court operation was not run very well and needs some changes.
But the responses were muted. Even judicious.
Some were addressed by current Inyo County District Attorney Dana Crom, who is running for the same judicial spot as Fitzmaurice. Ironically, sidelong responses also came from the two other candidates running against each other, incumbent Judge Stephen Place and challenger local attorney and public defender Gerard Harvey.
Fitzmaurice said the court should always be fair and show “no bias.” People should not be “judged” by “who you are, your family and who you know.” She said the facts and evidence are impartial.
Crom noted that as DA she makes charging decisions based on a police or crime report that does not include the accused’s name, age, gender, and other details. Each case is considered only by the evidence presented to the DA’s office, she said. Later, if other facts or factors arise, the initial charges can be adjusted, she added.
Fitzmaurice’s opening statement included comments she repeats on social media and interviews.
Namely the court needs to be “fair and efficient” and there is a valid concern about delayed cases and providing access to the courts. When cases take too long to be resolved, it places an “emotional and financial burden” on the people involved. She said she would like to restructure the current civil and criminal court calendars to make the courts more efficient.
Fitzmaurice said she has experienced out-of-town lawyers “running roughshod over the court” which is unacceptable.
Criticizing the current court pretty much means criticizing the incumbent judge. So Place commented during concluding remarks regarding electoral “politics.”
“Be cautious about statements about how the court system functions” and promises about how to make changes, he noted.
He acknowledged that in the courts, “the last eight years have not been ideal.” A reference to former Judge Brian Lamb who was reprimanded by the state judicial council, then lost re-election to current Judge Susanne Rizo, who also got reprimanded by the state judicial council and did not seek reelection.
But at this point, Place said, “I’m proud of what we do.”
Instead of considering political statements and promises, voters should look at how a judge will do the job and work with the other judge. An elected judge has to have the “courage to do what’s right,” despite expectations and politics, he said.
To questions about conflicts of interest, Fitzmaurice said too many times local judges recuse themselves over slight conflicts, which means bringing in outside judges which is time consuming and expensive. In general, judges “need to be prepared and make a decision and resolve the case.”
Harvey agreed with Place and Crom that in a small county conflicts are inevitable. The current courts “deal with conflict issues well” and visiting judges, “like to come here because we are a civilized bunch and know what we are doing,” Harvey said.
The candidates also offered background info and a bit of a sales pitch. (Note: all four candidates have about 30 years of legal experience primarily in Inyo County.)
Crom vs Fitzmaurice
Crom noted she grew up in Bishop, has been practicing law for 35 years, worked for Inyo County counsel’s office, was in private practice, started with the DA’s office in 2014, appointed DA in 2025. She said she knows the county and the system and has handled juvenile, civil and criminal cases.
Fitzmaurice came to Bishop in 2003 and started a successful private law practice that had her working mostly on civil, family law and juvenile cases along with criminal cases.
She said she wants to serve and help improve the courts, has high ethical standards and wants to “do the work” to improve the court system.
Harvey vs Place
Harvey said he is primarily a criminal defense attorney and has been for most of his career, with 75 jury trials under his belt, but has done enough civil and juvenile law to be prepared for those cases.
He said he was running as “an alternative to Judge Place,” who is a doing a good job, “but some things can be done better.”
Place was appointed Superior Court Judge in 2018 and was unopposed and reelected in 2020. The job is challenging and “I’m good at it,” he said.
His seven years on the bench have given him the skills, knowledge and demeanor to handle all manner of criminal and civil cases from “day one.” He said he represents stability.
