As an organization which encourages citizens to actively participate in the political process and takes steps to educate them on how to change public policy, Florida Citizens for Social Reform (FCSR) recently held a judicial candidate forum to allow prospective voters the chance to meet extensively with 11 candidates running for five circuit court judicial seats to better understand their background, capabilities and community involvement. The event, held Saturday, May 31st at The Fort Harrison Hotel in Downtown Clearwater, was attended by over 200 citizens including community leaders, elected officials and candidates running for other offices in the area. The forum also featured keynote constitutional scholar and speaker, Jo Ann Palchak, whose honors include being recognized for her work in criminal defense and white collar crime; designated as a “Leader in the Law” by the Florida Association of Women Lawyers; and twice honored as the Pro Bono Attorney of the Year in Hillsborough County.
FCSR observed that there is historically a limited number of seminars for judicial candidates to interact with voters and very little initiative to change that – but judges hold make critical decisions that affect the economy, environment and the lives and freedom of members of the community – as such, every voter should make it a priority to familiarize themselves as much as possible with the candidates and let their voice be heard with the cast of a vote.
