Tim Bonham wrote:
<<In my opinion, Lefler is a very poor judge. In his courtroom, he seems to decide cases more on the wealth & power of the parties, and the prominence of the lawyer they've hired, than on concern for the well-being of the children involved. He has ignored the recommendations of the experts from the child welfare agencies, and placed children back in unhealthy situations. Several of these have had poor results (once even fatal) for the child.>>
Coming on the eve of the election in a low-visibility election, with little opportunity to respond, this sort of post seems to be a real disservice to the list and democracy.
I don't know Judge Lefler's challenger, Liz Pierce. She may be absolutely first-rate. But I have appeared in Leffler's courtroom as a guardian ad litem (the position Bonham described as "court guardian for children") on a difficult case that had handcuffed two other judges. He handled it gracefully and, I think, wisely. He certainly showed none of the negative characteristics alleged in that post. He is as highly respected by the Guardian ad Litem staff as any judge in the juvenile division.
Bonham's other criticisms cry out for some response. I know of no judge worth his or her salt who always takes the recommendations of county social workers or other experts. There are lots of variables and sometimes conflicting information. Without more information, the charge of sending a child back to an unsafe situation is unfair. I have on occasion differed with judges who sent kids back to biological parents. There are few easy calls, especially when a priority is put on family reunification. But to suggest he is insensitive to the welfare of children is at odds with everything I know of him.
The criticism might have more legitimacy if Mr. Bonham could explain his experiences in Judge Lefler's court. Even with that, it is hard to imagine Judge Lefler being able to respond adequately to these critical comments. I just hope voters seek out other sources of information before putting too much credence in one list posting.
Dennis Schapiro
Linden Hills
