Judge Demonstrated Lack of Judgment

Judge Robert C. Bradley probably deserves the sympathy of the many people quoted in your Jan. 9 article “Judge to Seek Another Term Despite DUI Arrests.”

He has my sympathy, too. I also want him to win the battle against alcoholism, and I agree that he should be lauded for his accomplishments.

However, the point of this is not Bradley’s alcoholism, but his decision to drive while intoxicated. Even an arrest did not seem to jar him into reality, as he immediately did it again.

I am not upset that he did not cure his alcoholism after his first arrest, but I am upset that he chose to DRIVE A VEHICLE in an intoxicated state again.

The issue of driving a vehicle while intoxicated is one that judges face over and over again in court proceedings, and we, the citizens of Ventura County, expect our judges to uphold laws against drunken driving, and to personally abide by them. Far too many people have been killed or maimed by drunk drivers, and judges, of all people, should clearly know that.

Again, the issue is not the judge’s alcoholism, but his extremely poor judgment to drive while intoxicated. I believe MADD is right--the judge should not run again. By running again he is doing a disservice to the voters, who may want a “law and order” judge in office but who do not want a judge that has used such poor judgment. If he respectfully bows out, the voters will have a better selection of candidates to choose from.

DIANNE SAFFORD

Port Hueneme