By Vera Bergermann, Candidate for 20th Judicial Circuit Court, Group 19
Primary elections often have low voter turnout, and many voters leave judicial races blank because they are hesitant to choose someone about whom they know very little. Judicial elections are nonpartisan, and candidates must follow rules designed to protect the impartiality and independence of the courts. Those restrictions limit what candidates may say about political organizations, other candidates, and issues that could come before them as judges. So how can voters make an informed choice?
The answer is to read, listen, and share reliable information. Judicial candidates attend forums sponsored by charitable and community organizations, while newspapers and social media help introduce them to the public. Candidates also complete questionnaires for organizations such as the League of Women Voters, Ballotpedia, and The Florida Bar, which provides judicial-election information for voters. There are four candidates competing for two contested seats in the 20th Judicial Circuit. I am a candidate for Group 19, and I would like voters to know more about the experience I would bring to the bench.
A Lifetime of Learning and Legal Experience
I believe in working hard and that no one is ever too old to learn new things or pursue new goals. I was 16 when I graduated from an arts high school in Detroit. I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan during the month I turned 19. I began working full time during my final year at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and received my Juris Doctor at age 22.
My legal career has taken me from the homicide unit in Chicago to contracts and business law for four international corporations across four states. I earned a master’s degree and practiced taxation in Pennsylvania, became a mediator in Florida, and found my calling as a family law attorney at age 39. I have been licensed to practice law for more than 45 years, have practiced family law in Southwest Florida for 30 years, and have been a voter for more than 50 years.
I also understand many of the challenges people bring into court. I have experienced operating a business, owning a home, parenting, divorce, lawsuits, and the deaths of loved ones. I have served as a mediator since 1996 and have participated in the collaborative-law movement since 2000. The principles used in mediation and collaborative law can help make courtrooms more efficient, and I pledge to bring that experience to the bench.
The Temperament to Serve
I believe one of my greatest strengths is possessing a judicial demeanor. A trial court judge applies the law and does not make the law based on personal beliefs. A good judge is patient, listens carefully, makes decisions, and treats the public and attorneys with respect. I experienced the responsibilities of judicial decision-making firsthand while serving as a night court child-support hearing officer during the 1990s.
Our circuit also needs judges who are trained and experienced in family law. Although family law is part of civil law, it operates under its own Rules of Procedure, with the Rules of Civil Procedure applied secondarily. It requires knowledge of numerous chapters of the Florida Statutes, as well as an understanding of psychology, finance, and the practical consequences court decisions can have on children, parents, property, and a family’s long-term financial security. A judge with substantial family law experience can recognize the central issues sooner, manage complex cases more effectively, and make decisions grounded in both the law and the realities families bring into the courtroom.
Experience, Independence and Public Confidence
Voters have an opportunity in the August election to choose judges based on their knowledge, experience, temperament and ability to apply the law impartially. A judge must not only be impartial but must also give the public confidence that judicial decisions will not be influenced by political pressure, endorsements or campaign contributions.
I do not accept contributions from political committees or endorsements from elected officials. I believe the public deserves a judge with demonstrated impartiality, a broad base of legal knowledge, significant courtroom and professional experience, and an understanding of the real-life challenges faced by the people who come before the court.
When deciding how to vote in a judicial race, learn about each candidate, compare their experience and qualifications, attend or watch candidate forums, and review the information they provide. Judicial races may be nonpartisan, but they are among the most important decisions voters make.
Vera Bergermann is a candidate for 20th Judicial Circuit Court Judge, Group 19.
Paid by Vera Bergermann, Non-Partisan, for Circuit Court Judge.
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Primary elections often have low voter turnout, and many voters leave judicial races blank because they are hesitant to choose someone about whom they know very little. Judicial elections are nonpartisan, and candidates must follow rules designed to protect the impartiality and independence of the courts. Those restrictions limit what candidates may say about political organizations, other candidates, and issues that could come before them as judges. So how can voters make an informed choice?
The answer is to read, listen and share reliable information. Judicial candidates attend forums sponsored by charitable and community organizations, while newspapers and social media help introduce them to the public. Candidates also complete questionnaires for organizations such as the League of Women Voters, Ballotpedia and The Florida Bar, which provides judicial-election information for voters. There are four candidates competing for two contested seats in the 20th Judicial Circuit. I am a candidate for Group 19, and I would like voters to know more about the experience I would bring to the bench.
A Lifetime of Learning
and Legal Experience
I believe in working hard and that no one is ever too old to learn new things or pursue new goals. I was 16 when I graduated from an arts high school in Detroit. I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan during the month I turned 19. I began working full time during my final year at Loyola University Chicago School of Law and received my Juris Doctor at age 22.
My legal career has taken me from the homicide unit in Chicago to contracts and business law for four international corporations across four states. I earned a master’s degree and practiced taxation in Pennsylvania, became a mediator in Florida, and found my calling as a family law attorney at age 39. I have been licensed to practice law for more than 45 years, have practiced family law in Southwest Florida for 30 years and have been a voter for more than 50 years.
I also understand many of the challenges people bring into court. I have experienced operating a business, owning a home, parenting, divorce, lawsuits, and the deaths of loved ones. I have served as a mediator since 1996 and have participated in the collaborative-law movement since 2000. The principles used in mediation and collaborative law can help make courtrooms more efficient, and I pledge to bring that experience to the bench.
The Temperament to Serve
I believe one of my greatest strengths is possessing a judicial demeanor. A trial court judge applies the law and does not make the law based on personal beliefs. A good judge is patient, listens carefully, makes decisions and treats the public and attorneys with respect. I experienced the responsibilities of judicial decision-making firsthand while serving as a night court child-support hearing officer during the 1990s.
Our circuit also needs judges with family law experience. Families may wait months or years for final decisions in cases that affect their children, finances and futures. Judges who understand the legal and personal complexities of family cases can help courts manage those matters fairly and efficiently.
Experience, Independence
and Public Confidence
Voters have an opportunity in the August election to choose judges based on their knowledge, experience, temperament and ability to apply the law impartially. A judge must not only be impartial but must also give the public confidence that judicial decisions will not be influenced by political pressure, endorsements or campaign contributions.
I do not accept contributions from political committees or endorsements from elected officials. I believe the public deserves a judge with demonstrated impartiality, a broad base of legal knowledge, significant courtroom and professional experience, and an understanding of the real-life challenges faced by the people who come before the court.
When deciding how to vote in a judicial race, learn about each candidate, compare their experience and qualifications, attend or watch candidate forums, and review the information they provide. Judicial races may be nonpartisan, but they are among the most important decisions voters make.
Vera Bergermann is a candidate for 20th Judicial Circuit Court Judge, Group 19.
Paid by Vera Bergermann, Non-Partisan, for Circuit Court Judge.
