The Kosciusko County Bar Association and Warsaw Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce are presenting a Judicial Candidates Forum. That event will offer all candidates seeking judicial seats an opportunity to tell the public about their qualifications and experiences.

The Judicial Candidates Forum will be held in Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 22. The candidates will also have an opportunity to answer questions prepared by a panel of attorneys on issues related to the efficient administration of the courts, caseloads, etc. Due to the strict code of judicial conduct, the candidates will not be asked questions relating to political or social issues.

Judicial candidates are as follows:

Superior Court I — David C. Cates, Stephen P. Harris and Chad M. Miner

Superior Court II — Torrey J. Bauer, Mark E. Caruso and Tyler Haines

Superior Court III — Joe Sutton (incumbent, unopposed)

The primary election on Tuesday, May 6, will determine the Republican judicial candidates for three of Kosciusko County’s courts, namely Superior Court I, II and III. The sitting judges of Superior Courts I and II, Duane G. Huffer and James C.  Jarrette respectively, will retire from the benches in 2015.

This is an unprecedented year in the primary election with seven candidates vying for three judicial positions. Judge Joe V. Sutton is unopposed in the Republican primary election for an additional term as presiding Judge of Kosciusko Superior Court III.

Recognizing the great impact that this primary race and election will have on the administration of justice in Kosciusko County, the Kosciusko County Bar Association has partnered with the chamber to present the Judicial Candidates’ Forum on April 22 to allow the public an opportunity to learn Senior Judge Rex Reed, former Circuit Court Judge, will serve as moderator.

So that we may have a well informed electorate and community, the Bar Association and chamber encourage all citizens to attend the Judicial Candidates Forum.

If you missed last night’s Meet the Candidates event at Warsaw’ Champagne Jam, you can still tune in to see it.

Thanks to WIOE, the event was recorded and is now available online for anyone who still wants to hear what the candidates had to say on local issues. The link will be available for about another week HERE.