Maher applies the shoe leather to the sidewalk in 6th Judicial Court race

This election year there’s been much talk of experience, who has it and who doesn’t, but what’s been overlooked is the concept of “relevant experience”. That is, experience relevant to the job at hand.

This is the message Kent Maher, candidate for the 6th Judicial District Court, has been stressing to the voters as he goes door-to-door in the district (Humboldt, Lander, and Pershing Counties) trying to raise awareness of all that’s at stake for the judicial system. Having practiced in the district for 26 years, both in criminal and family law, Mr. Maher clearly has the “relevant experience” for the job.

His opponent … well, not so much. A lawyer for 12 years, Reno attorney Mike Montero specialized in insurance law. I know what you’re thinking, “Why would anyone support this guy?” There’s always going to be that element here who votes the “Old Family” ticket or the “Ranch Ticket”. There’s no point in trying to use logic with this group.

Then there’s all the good people who just don’t understand the judicial system. They’ve worked hard all their lives, never been arrested, never been in the courtroom, and don’t understand the damage that is done by placing someone without “relevant experience” on the bench. It pains me to watch good people get suckered this way.

Mike Montero, without a hint of irony, has repeatedly stressed his experience to the voters. I’ve heard him say, “We’re all lawyers, trained to think like lawyers.” He graduated from law school and passed the Bar, right?

I think I’ll use that argument and apply for a job at the Wall Street Journal. After all, I’m a writer, trained to think like a writer, and I’ve been a professional writer for eight years. Also, I have a degree in English. I can spell (mostly) and punctuate. Why not?

Unfortunately, the editors at the WSJ know their business and know the right questions to ask: do you have any experience writing about the stock market? Have you ever worked in commodities? What experience do you have writing about corporations? Have you ever covered a complete economic meltdown? (correct answers: no, no, none and no, but I have watched one). There’s no amount of spinning the facts that would get me anywhere near a job at the WSJ.

It’s much easier for Mr. Montero to spin his experience for the voters because these good people don’t know the business of the judicial system. Mike has publicly acknowledged he doesn’t have any experience in criminal or family law. Sadly, he’s been able to convince a serious number of voters that it doesn’t matter.

But it does matter. Nicole Maher recommends that voters educate themselves about these issues. That’s good advice. Procedures in the 6th Judicial District Court are open to the public. Anyone can just go in and watch (unless it’s a juvenile case). What you’ll see is a whole lot of criminal and family law, and you might even see Mr. Maher in there arguing cases. You won’t see Mr. Montero, whose practice is in Reno. You probably won’t see any cases involving insurance law (thank your Maker, because insurance law is boring).

In Humboldt County, court is held all day on Monday. There is no court every 5th Monday. You can find out if court is in session by calling 623-6343. Court is held (obviously) at the courthouse, 2nd floor, the new section of the building (park on 5th Street and use the Flag entrance).

To learn more about Kent Maher visit his web site at www.kentmaherforjudge.com