Dear Editor:
Brian Stumpe states in his television ads that he was a victim of crime and will support the rights of crime victims. A bias toward the victim comes through loud and clear in Stumpe's ads. Such focus is what should be expected of a prosecutor, but not of a judge.
The role of the judge is not to support none party over another - victim over defendant or petitioner over respondent. The judge's job is to hear both sides and apply the law fairly and impartially. Whether Stumpe is willing or capable of giving equal consideration to the rights of all parties is questionable.
When casting their votes, Cole County residents need to consider not only Stumpe's lack of experience with handling circuit level matter, both civil and criminal, but also his apparent lack of understanding of a judge's responsibility.