Republican Club Holds Forum
Originally Published: April 24, 2024
Circuit Court Judge Recap
Last Saturday the St. Mary’s County Republican Club held a candidate forum at Taphouse 1637. Candidates for Circuit Court Judge, Amy Lorenzini and Sue Ann Armitage, took questions first, with Deb Rey moderating the event. Audience members could submit questions which were then edited/combined and asked by the moderator.
The first question posed to both candidates was “What is a woman?” After a beat of laughter from the room, Judge Lorenzini said she was glad to see two qualified women running for Judge, while Armitage said a woman “is a human being who deserves respect like everyone else.” Candidates were asked if a jury could nullify a law with its decision. Mrs. Armitage said she doesn’t agree with it because the role of the judiciary is to enforce the law, not make it. She added that a judge “has a right during sentencing to look at mitigating factors'' before making their decision. Judge Lorenzini said legally juries cannot nullify a law but practically, it could happen. The jury is given instructions on how to make decisions and apply the law, Lorenzini explained, and they must find there is guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Would the candidates support changing the law so all judges are elected, rather than appointed? “It’s important for people to have a voice in this particular race,” Armitage argued, because right now there’s “a placeholder” who is a political appointee. Judge Lorenzini explained the process for judges to serve in Maryland’s four court levels (District, Circuit, Supreme Court and the Appellate Court). District Court Judges are appointed by the Governor for 10 year terms; Maryland Supreme Court and Appellate Court Judges are appointed by the Governor for a one year term, then must stand for election in the next general election where the winner serves a full 10 year term; Circuit Court Judges begin as an Governor’s appointee, then serve a 15 year term if they win the next general election. Judge Lorenzini said she believes “there are better ways of going about it.”
[Simply, a sitting Judge is limited in what they can say about topics over which they might have to preside. This creates challenges for candidates running for office, and voters who want to learn more about them. Whether through appointment or election, the process is political. With an election, and campaign donations to a candidate, an argument can be made that any candidate who becomes Judge may have to recuse themselves from cases where a party has donated.]
Armitage was asked to provide details on her Veterans Court initiative, which she said would be grant funded and wouldn’t cost the county anything. Non-violent offenders, who are also veterans, could receive alcohol and mental health treatment through the court if needed. Judge Lorenzini, who said her father was a disabled veteran, argued that Armitage “misunderstands how programs are started and administered.” Before implementing a new program, Lorenzini said, studies are completed, and a need in the community must be established. An Associate (new) Judge can’t start programs because the decisions are made by an Administrative Judge. Programs are in place for veterans in the District Court, and the Adult Recovery Court handles many of these same issues, Lorenzini explained.
When asked if the retirement age of 70 is appropriate for Judges, Lorenzini said a mandatory retirement age is a good idea but it may be necessary to raise the age given longer life expectancies. Judge Lorenzini also highlighted the Senior Judge program, where retired Judges can return to fill in when needed. Armitage supports the retirement age of 70 and Senior Judge program. [In order to complete the full 15 year term before the required retirement age, a Circuit Court Judge would need to be 55 or younger when elected.]
The final question: Is there a perception put forth by your opponent that you’d like to clarify? Armitage said there’s a notion that she doesn’t do criminal law. “It’s important to be a good judge, a good lawyer, a good person,” when running for this office, Armitage said, asserting most cases in the Circuit Court are family law. Violent offenders aren’t being sentenced to enough time and are being released quickly, Armitage concluded. Judge Lorenzini dispelled the rumor of living in Calvert County, saying she and her family have lived in St. Mary’s for 15 years. “You don’t have to be born and raised here to care about or be invested in this community,” Lorenzini said. Governor Hogan appointed her because she’s qualified and has a background in civil and criminal trials, which is important because the full-time Magistrate handles family law cases. Judge Lorenzini closed by stating she has sentenced above the state guidelines more often than not.
Yesterday, April 23rd, was the deadline to register to vote or change registration ahead of the primary election. If you are not registered, you can still do so at any early voting center from May 2-9, or at a polling location on election day, May 14th.
