A sitting judge should not be faced with losing his home, his salary and his respected position because of a vote interpreting the state constitution.

The retention concept is a protection from those judges who might be incompetent, who might fail to give due diligence in reviewing cases or who might be proven to have received bribes to influence a vote. The concept was not intended as a reprimand for failure to interpret the constitution as demanded by any religious ideology or business interest.

A vote against retention of a specific person based on self-interest or on individual belief is a vote against the judicial system.

Alan L. Egly
Davenport

Iowans are coming together in a Homegrown Justice movement to vote YES, YES, and YES to retain the three Iowa Supreme Court justices on the ballot this November. They work hard to defend our Constitution with fairness and integrity. We're taking the high road in an effort to ensure our judicial system has the interest of all Iowans in mind.

We will continue to counter the rhetoric of out-of-state extremists (and their “Judge Bus” which will be stopping in 20 Iowa communities) with the voices of everyday Iowans.

Out-of-state special interests are attempting to hijack Iowa’s courts. We are speaking as Quad City folks to urge fellow Iowans to stand up for our justices, turn the ballot over, and vote YES, YES, and YES to protect homegrown Iowa justice!  As of Monday, Oct. 25, polls showed 40% planning to vote not to retain and only 44% voting to retain!!

Rally attendees gathered nearby the “Judge Bus” group.  Pro-retention signs simply read, “YES YES YES!”

Once the “Judge Bus” group had left, 2  Homegrown Justice speakers addressed the crowd and the media with messages about the importance of protecting our courts from deep-pocketed out-of-state interests. The program lasted 15-20 minutes.

See media coverage of the event here:  

The goal is to provide a positive message about our courts and the justices and judges who work in them to counteract the negative message of the “Judge Bus” group.

More information can be accessed on the Homegrown Justice website.  
Thanks to Joyce Wiley who scheduled Forum on this issue at UUCQC this past Sunday and to Judge Jim Kelley who gave an excellent presentation at the Forum.

UUCQC voted at a Congregational Meeting back on May 2 to support marriage for all Iowans without regard as to gender.  This was as it should be since it is a local congregational matter as your Interim Minister and your Minister Emeritus, Rev. Alan Egly, with the authority of this congregation perform marriages for all Iowans.

Below is an informational handout from Jim Kelley from last Sunday's Forum regarding criteria to use when deciding to retain judges or justices in Iowa:

SUGGESTED CRITERIA TO USE WHEN DECIDING TO RETAIN JUDGES OR JUSTICES IN IOWA

* Integrity – is the judge honest, upright and committed to the rule of law?
* Professional Competence – does the judge have a keen intellect, extensive legal knowledge and strong writing    abilities?
* Judicial Temperament – is the judge respectful, composed, decisive and impartial?
* Work Ethic – is the judge prompt with rulings and decisions?
* Service – is the judge committed to public service and the administration of justice?

Rev Mary Moore
Davenport