Scott Ritchie: Candidate, Escambia County Court Judge Group 1
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is an interview conducted via questionnaire by the Pensacola News Journal with Escambia and Santa Rosa County election candidates for their respective races. All of the answers were submitted to the Pensacola News Journal by the candidate and are available to our readers to show the candidates' position and priorities on the issues. Candidates were limited to 750 words.
Candidate: Scott Ritchie
Office you're seeking: Escambia County Judge
Occupation: Attorney
Education: BS/BA in Finance from the University of Florida and Juris Doctorate from Florida State University.
More about the race: Two candidates, two problems: Hamlin and Ritchie vie for Escambia's District 1 judge seat
Why are you running for this office?
I am a lifelong resident of Escambia County and have a passion to see our community thrive. I bring the skills and experience necessary to make Escambia County proud of their judge. A judge’s decisions impact people’s lives and you deserve a judge with integrity and the experience necessary to run a fair and efficient court, free of outside influence. A judge must follow the law and not attempt to create law. I believe that the law must be followed as it is written. Courts must learn to run efficiently and with respect for taxpayer dollars. Those that do wrong must face consequences for wrongdoing. Every citizen must be treated with respect and given the chance to be heard. I will be a judge for Escambia County that cares for our community and respects the rights of every citizen. I believe in our community, and this is a chance for me to give back to a community that has provided me so much.
What makes you stand out from your opponent(s)?
Character and integrity are important traits for a judge. In a statement to the press, the former State Attorney confirmed that he asked for my opponent’s resignation from the State Attorney’s office due to his criminal record in California. I have faithfully served the citizens of Escambia County as an attorney for indigent clients for nearly 20 years. I also have more experience. I have spent thousands of hours in the courtroom and handled thousands of cases. In addition to being a practicing attorney, I have supervisory responsibilities, and as a supervisor I have overseen tens of thousands of cases. I work with a wonderful team of people and have experience solving problems involving government budgets, human resources, personnel, staffing, and a variety of administrative tasks. My experience has provided me with the background to handle the administration of a large court docket. I have both more courtroom time than my opponent and more relevant experience for managing a crowded court docket with limited resources.
Previous elective office/ elective office experience:
None
What are your three most important priorities if you are elected or re-elected?
Fairness
Efficiency
Professionalism
How would you implement Priority 1?
I will be fair by consistently following the law. Those that do wrong must face consequences. Parties must be treated with respect and citizens should feel that the system is there for them. An unbiased judge considers all the facts and law without outside influence or prejudgment. Everyone who comes before a judge should get their day in court and be heard by a fair and neutral judge. Fairness is the cornerstone of justice, and I will run a fair court for everyone.
How would you implement Priority 2?
I will be efficient by working long hours and spending the time necessary to be informed and make timely decisions. A judge has great impact on the time it takes a case to progress through the judicial system. It is vital that cases are moved with care and due attention, and justice delayed is justice denied. My experience overseeing tens of thousands of cases and spending thousands of hours in court during my career has provided me with the skills to handle cases fairly and efficiently and still give every case its due attention.
How would you implement Priority 3?
As a judge, I will value your time. I have experience in both civil and criminal law which gives me the ability to handle a variety of issues. An efficient court has the time to devote to individual cases and allows a greater opportunity for citizens to access the courts in a meaningful way. The judge sets the standard and my work ethic and determination make me ready to lead a courtroom that is fair to all and follows the law. I will maintain a professional temperament, work hard, and be prepared.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Scott Ritchie: Candidate, Escambia County Court Judge Group 1
