Superior Court Judgeship

We are fortunate for many reasons to live in Ventura County, not the least of which are our low crime rates, beautiful scenery and talented and caring people willing to serve our community in elective office. The current race for Superior Court judge is no exception, where two qualified candidates are on the ballot.

I support Kevin McGee for this judgeship. I have known Kevin for more than 16 years. During that time I have come to respect him as an exceptional trial lawyer and leader in California’s justice system. As a deputy district attorney, he successfully prosecuted the worst crimes, the most dangerous criminals and the toughest cases for the people of our community.

His exceptional trial and management skills combined with his kind and thoughtful way of dealing with people made him an ideal choice for chief assistant district attorney. In this position he has helped direct a prosecution staff of almost 600 people and manage a $40-million budget.

It is largely due to Kevin’s efforts and commitment to excellence that the district attorney’s office enjoys a high conviction rate and enviable reputation for winning the big cases. His contribution to the county’s status as the safest metropolitan area west of the Ohio River has been recognized by all of Ventura County’s law enforcement officers through their unanimous endorsement of Kevin’s candidacy. His compassion for victims of crimes, especially our children, is one of the primary reasons he has chosen a career of public service.

But there are other, more personal, reasons why I support Kevin McGee for judge. He is more than a tough-minded crime fighter. He is an exceptionally bright and talented man with good old-fashioned common sense. He has a strong work ethic, regularly arriving at the office by 7 a.m. and rarely leaving before 6 p.m. He is a humble, self-effacing man whose first priority is his family and faith. He is a kind and sensitive man who cares deeply about the human condition. He is a principled man of unquestionable integrity. He represents all that is good and honorable in the legal profession and in our society in general. He will be a judge that all of us can be proud of.

MICHAEL D. BRADBURY, District Attorney, Ventura County

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I have been a deputy district attorney for 32 years and worked with and for Kevin McGee since he became a deputy D.A. 16 years ago. I have also known and had cases with his opponent, deputy public defender Gary Windom.

Both are capable and honest, but Kevin’s accomplishments and qualification are by far the best.

Since Kevin became No. 2 person in the district attorney’s office in 1994, the crime rate has declined significantly and Ventura County, by FBI statistics, is now the safest urban area in the West.

On a personal basis, Kevin is widely respected for his exceptionally even temperament, fairness, open-mindedness and as a legal scholar--all qualities that go to the heart of what a judge should be.

With respect to Mr. Windom, his most prominent newsworthy event before running for judge was when he defended an armed robber who, with his accomplice, got in a shootout with police, resulting in several people, including police, being shot and one killed. After his client was convicted of murder, Mr. Windom inappropriately blamed the police and even was quoted as referring to them as “the true murderers.”

Kevin McGee is clearly the best choice for the Superior Court judgeship.

PETE KOSSORIS, Thousand Oaks