League of Women Voters of Blount County 2006 Candidate Survey

 

Name ___Robert M. Cohen_______________Phone___865-984-3447___________

 

Candidate for ___General Sessions Judge,  Division I__________________________

 

Please write your answers in the space provided or use a separate sheet, and return your survey in the enclosed stamped envelope. It is very important that you write legibly.  Please consider e-mailing your completed survey by requesting an electronic survey at rderycke@bellsouth.net     

The League of Women Voters will acknowledge receipt of your completed survey.

 

I. Qualifications and experience:

  1. Please list your diplomas and degrees, along with the areas of study.

Math major at Georgia Tech – 3 years – no degree

            Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Tusculum College

            Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree, University of Tennessee Law School

 

  1. What relevant experience do you have, including previous public offices held?

Private practice of law in Maryville, Tennessee since graduation from law school in 1989

            Experience in virtually all of the different types of cases that come before the General Sessions               Courts in Blount County:  Civil, Criminal, Divorce, Probate, & Juvenile

 

  1. Please list local service and civic groups in which you have participated, including when and for how long.

United Way – contributor for years – Vice Chair Professional Committee 2005 – Member of Delegate Assembly 2006

            Blount County Bar Association – member since 1990 – Vice President 2000 – President 2005

            Tennessee Bar Association – member since 1990

            Tennessee Farm Bureau – member since early 1980s

 

  1. Please indicate any business activities that could constitute a conflict of interest in the event you are elected.

Conflicts are governed by Rule 10 of the Rules of the Tennessee Supreme Court – especially Rule 10 (3&4)

            I have no active business activities in Blount County except my present practice of law.

 

  1. Name three leadership skills that you practice.   N/A

1. ____________________________________________

2. ________________________________________________________

3.     ________________________________________________________

 

F.   What unique qualities, besides the above leadership skills, do you have to contribute to this office? 

            Extensive experience in virtually all of the different types of cases that come before the General   Sessions Courts of Blount County

            Longest time spent in active practice in Blount County other than one other candidate

            Understanding of regular problems faced by regular people

 

 

 

 

 

 

II. Questions about your understanding of the office you are seeking:

  1. What do you see as the three most important functions of this office?

1. _Impartial____________________________________________________

2. _Fair________________________________________________________

3. _Diligent_____________________________________________________

 

  1. What would you identify as the three most important issues facing Blount County in the future?

      N/A   1.  ____________________________________________________________

2.  ___________________________________________________________

3.     ___________________________________________________________

 

  1. What can you do in this office to impact these three most important issues?

 

N/A

 

 

 

 

III. Positions on specific issues of importance in Blount County:   Use a separate sheet to respond.

A.                 Means for insuring the fair and respectful treatment of all Blount County citizens, regardless of race, gender, religion or ethnic background, given recent concerns about racism and bigotry in our county

See Rule 10 (3) (B) (6)

B.                 Promotion of greater diversity in our hired and appointed government officials and employees

N/A

C.                 Reconciling the potentially competing interests of growth/development and adequate infrastructure in our county, including the application of the Hunter Growth Strategy

N/A

D.                 The environmental impact of development and/or non-attainment status with the EPA

N/A

E.                  Identifying and resolving conflicts of interest of public officials

N/A

F.                  The consolidation of:

1. city and county schools

2. city and county government

3. or a feasibility study on consolidation

                   N/A

G.                 Health care

N/A

 

 

 

IV.  Questions for CANDIDATES FOR JUDGE:   Use a separate sheet to answer these questions.

 

  1. How can a judge improve the safety and security of Blount County citizens?

 

 

  1. What can be done to ensure the safety of and respect for victims of domestic violence or other crimes in your court?

As the father of two young children, I am acutely aware of how much the various types of cases that come before the General Sessions Courts of Blount County either directly or indirectly impact children.  Obviously, cases involving divorce, co-parenting issues, and domestic violence have a serious direct impact on the children who are caught in the middle.  Further, other types of cases, such as cases involving drug abuse and other criminal behavior often threaten our children.  As Judge, I will always strive to give the best interests of any children impacted by a case paramount consideration.

 

            Since I have been involved in the practice of law, there has been a move towards the use of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation, anger management classes, parenting skills classes, and substance abuse treatment.  I would work to improve and expand the use of such tools to make Blount County a better and safer place for all of our children.