Over the last few weeks, we’ve blogging about various candidates that have announced they will be running in the primary election this May. Both the Erie mayor and Erie County Executive positions will be contested, but the position that has the most interest thus far is that of Erie County Judge.

Similar to what we did with Kathy Dahlkemper and Phil English last year, we’re going to offer candidates for public office the opportunity to tell us about themselves, their background and why they believe they are the best person for the job.

This is something you’ll only find at ErieBlogs.com.

Attention candidates: we’ve tried find websites for many of you and have failed. We want you to participate in this series. Please fill out our contact form so we can be in touch with you.

We’ll start with Dan Brabender, who is running for Erie County Judge. You can visit Dan’s website here.

The right to one’s day in court is meaningful when the judge who hears the case has the talent, experience and temperament that will enable him to protect imperiled rights and to render a fair decision. The ability of a judge to put himself into the shoes of the men and women who appear before him is the heart of being a decent judge.

To be a decent judge, one has to be a real human being. Interaction with litigants and their attorneys is best when the judge is somebody “who’s been there.” I have handled everything from the smallest district justice claims to a dozen wrongful death cases and 26 homicide cases. I have been involved in every area of County Court and I’m ready to step into any of the divisions immediately.

I have stood next to the people who have been down and out, from both sides of the table. I’ve prosecuted; I’ve defended. I have represented major corporations; and I’ve represented the corner store and the corner bar. I’ve helped buyers, sellers and lenders of every type of commodity; I’ve researched hundreds of titles and have helped those with boundary disputes and joint driveway disagreements. I’ve helped families with adoptions, guardianships, wills and the estates of their loved ones. I’ve helped plaintiffs and defendants in accident cases and contract actions. I’ve represented banks, and bankrupts. I have fought for the elderly and for abused children. I have helped families in custody, child support and divorce matters. I have fought for those in need of unemployment compensation, worker’s compensation and social security disability benefits. I do not have to pad my resume. I’ve done it all, and I’ve done it from a grass roots level.

In over three decades of criminal trial work, I’ve handled everything from traffic tickets to the death penalty case. And because of that vast experience, I know or are appropriate candidates for probation; who should be sent to the county jail; and who should be shipped off to the state penitentiary. We don’t have to look far in this community to see that we live in a very violent society, and that kids, more than ever, are part of the fabric of that violence. Juveniles, as well as adults, must be made to know, right at the outset, that the criminal justice system is very serious business.

I have set high ethical standards; I have disciplined myself rigorously; and I have contributed much unpaid service to the public. It was Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart who said: “Fairness is what justice really is.”

Because of my experience in dealing with the public and with lawyers, coupled with good common sense, consideration for others, and a desire to present myself at all times in a gentlemanly manner, I could attend to any judicial matter, and uphold the comportment and responsibilities of being a “decent judge.” I will be firm, but fair. I will be thoughtful and show respect for the rights and feelings of others. This is an extremely important year for the citizens of Erie County.

I would be honored to serve you, your family and friends as Judge of the Erie County court of Common Pleas. Thank you!