Gray Davis

Re “Davis Demands Judges Reflect His Stances,” March 1:

Gov. Gray Davis needs a civics lesson on the structure of government, American style. There is a vast difference between combining the influence of the three branches and rule by a one-man dictatorship.

This nominally Democratic governor who distinguished himself by vetoing progressive legislation passed by his fellow Democrats followed that by proclaiming that the Legislature must follow his lead. Now he demands that judges enforce his ideas or resign.

It is understandable that one might develop illusions of grandeur after sitting on such a formidable war chest. That financial support may be due to the fact that the governor is not driven by ideology or party platform. He apparently has just one principle--if you put serious money into the war chest you get his attention--period.

EUGENE KUSMIAK

Fallbrook

* Davis’ expectation that judges reflect his views after he appoints them is the best argument I’ve ever seen for elected rather than appointed judges.

MIMI MERRILL

Ridgecrest

*

Regarding the process that is actually used by Gov. Davis in appointing judges: Above all, the governor is seeking to appoint judges of the highest caliber and integrity. He has established a thorough and deliberate process to examine the qualifications of judicial applicants. The process is meticulous because the governor recognizes that once appointed to the bench, judges are effectively there for life unless they retire or are removed by the voters or the Commission on Judicial Performance.

On behalf of the governor, I conduct the interviews of the candidates. I probe their background and experience, their goals and aspirations, their reasons for wanting to become a judge, their judicial philosophy and their willingness to follow the law irrespective of their personal beliefs. I also seek to ascertain if the candidates have generally similar views to those of the governor, particularly his commitment to public safety.

I do not ask candidates how they would decide any case that could come before them, nor do I suggest how they should decide matters. And the governor has never asked me to do either. He fully respects the independence of the judiciary. He expects his appointees to follow the law and comply with their oath of office. Lest there be any doubt, one need only look at the quality and integrity of the judges the governor has appointed.

BURT PINES, Judicial

Appointments Secretary to

Gov. Gray Davis, Sacramento