District Judge candidates eye Dec. 6

After their first and second place finishes in the primary, David Smith, who led the four-candidate field the Nov. 4 primary, and Mike Goss were back on the campaign trail the following day.

The Post-Signal asked both candidates a series of questions this week about their making the runoff and the work that lies ahead for winner of the Dec. 6 runoff. 

How do you feel about making the runoff over two other worthy candidates?

• Goss: I feel like my message of being a proven conservative and my commitment to be a judge who will stand up and protect our constitutional freedoms was very well received. I consider all of my opponents as friends and have always treated them as such. I thank my opponents for their friendship as well as the respect they showed me and my family during this campaign.

I am humbled by the support from our community. I am very excited to continue this journey to become our next judge and to continue to serve our community.

• Smith: I was very pleased and humbled with the results of the election. Concerning the other candidates, I deeply appreciate and admire the way they ran clean and honest campaigns. They all have my respect.

I do feel that the voters identified with the qualities that I have to offer: experience and conservative values.

What is the main reason you feel you should be elected over your opponent?

• Goss: The Louisiana Supreme Court sets the requirements for one to be a district judge. We both meet those requirements but I believe the voters should also look at the philosophy, character and integrity of the person who will be tasked to sit in judgment of others.

Judges make decisions that impact people’s lives. It is important that we know that our next judge will be someone we can trust to handle important decisions with compassion and wisdom. Doing the right thing should not be a campaign slogan; it’s a lifetime obligation and is evident by the candidate’s actions and beliefs.

I have run a positive campaign and have clearly defined my positions, philosophy and beliefs. I have highlighted my history of involvement in our community. Being a judge is a position of public trust. I have a proven track record of public service and trust within our community.

I have unique qualifications, a history as a fiscal and social conservative, and a diverse legal background that will allow me to be a balanced, fair and effective judge. I will treat people with the dignity and respect that they deserve while being tough on criminals who want to cause harm to our community and families.

• Smith: Experience! I have been in the courtroom as a full-time attorney for the past 20 years handling both civil and criminal cases. As a state prosecutor, I have experience prosecuting criminals and handling criminal matters. As a magistrate, I presided over criminal trials and courts.

I am the father of five children and an advocate for the safety of our community. I have taken an active role in the education of our youth.

The rising crime problem is a big concern of mine and I am the only candidate with criminal trial experience to address the issue. I am also the only candidate with judicial and prosecutorial experience.

Past experience is indicative of future performance. Voters must ask themselves: if we want criminals taken off our streets, which candidate has a proven track record of doing so?

What issues do you feel voters should consider when choosing their next district judge?

• Goss: Crime is a major concern for our future. It is very troubling that we have a jail that is so full we have to send inmates out to other parishes because we do not have enough room to house those charged with crime in our parish.

Our current judges work hard and I know they will continue to do so. We need to have criminal cases expedited and not be allowed to languish on the back burner for years due to the lack of aggressiveness. Our citizens have decided to replace our district attorney and go in a different direction. This shows that Acadia Parish is fed up with the crime problem and want it dealt with accordingly. I am not afraid to make the tough decision to send criminals away from our families and community.

I believe this election is about experience in all areas of the law, a commitment to our constitutional rights such as our gun rights and a commitment to our conservative values. Our judges handle a variety of cases in addition to criminal cases. We need someone with a broad and diverse legal background to meet the challenges of the position.

• Smith: I feel that the rising crime rate is a huge issue in Acadia Parish.  Everyone I speak to has either been a victim of crime or knows someone that has been a victim. I am the only candidate who has experience handling criminal cases and presiding over criminal trials. I have a proven track record of prosecuting criminals.

I also believe that conservative and family values should be considered.  While both candidates have similar beliefs and conservative values, I feel that I have a personal interest in these values. I am a small business owner who understands the effects of over-reaching government regulations and taxes.  I have also taken the extra step to become an NRA-certified firearm instructor to promote our Second Amendment gun rights.

I am committed to protecting traditional family values and insuring our Second Amendment gun rights are always secured.

What do you think is the most important issue facing the judicial system today? 

• Goss: The most important issues facing our courts today are the problems and challenges impacting our youth. I will institute a program of courtroom to classroom where I will work to help provide our youth with needed information, education, mentoring and guidance to help put them on the right track in life so they don’t end up in court.

Our teachers are doing great work with our youth and should be commended. But in today’s world, I believe our youth deserve additional support and education to help them be productive members of our society and to reduce substance abuse and criminal activity.

I am the proud father of two young boys and I take their education very seriously. I’m concerned with the culture our children are growing up in. I have volunteered many years, both through civic organizations and coaching, to assist our youth and to provide a positive role model. Spending time with troubled youth and reinforcing traditional family values has a positive impact in their lives.

I am a conservative family man who will always be available for our youth. I believe in second chances, especially for our youth, but those that want to come into our community and do harm to our families and peddle drugs to our kids should be dealt with accordingly.

• Smith: Crime! Being directly involved in the court system for the past 20 years, I recognize the rise in crime is overwhelmingly the most important issue. It has backed up our dockets.

As a sitting magistrate, I recognize the importance of moving cases quickly and feel that it is crucial that victims have their day in court. I propose splitting the dockets into crimes involving victims and victimless crimes; thereby, allowing victims to get to trial quicker.

The Post-Signal would like to thank both candidates for taking the time to answer the questionnaire we sent out. We wish the best of luck to both as they prepare for the Dec. 6 runoff.