Cape County Associate Circuit Judge Division III candidate Gary Kamp

__Name:__ Gary Albert Kamp

__Age:__ 62

__Place of birth:__ Cape Girardeau, Missouri

__Spouse, children's names:__ My wife is the former Gail Friedrich. We have two children, Christopher Kamp and Cassandra Kamp

__Occupation:__ Associate Circuit Judge, Division III, Cape Girardeau County

__Employer:__ State of Missouri, Cape Girardeau County

__Businesses owned, all or part:__ I own no businesses

__Previous offices held or sought:__ Associate Circuit Judge, Division III

__What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position?:__

I'm deeply involved in our judicial system having been Assistant Prosecutor for 9 1/2 years and Division III judge 20 years (over 80,000 cases). I've a proven track record for judicial effectiveness, reducing case handling time by over 30 days. I've been on the cutting edge of technology, saving many thousand taxpayer dollars and delivering swift, fair justice for defendants, victims and residents. I have made those persons found guilty be responsible for their actions.

__Overcrowding has become a concern for jails and prisons across the state. Would you support the use of drug courts or other rehabilitation programs to help address the issue?:__

Because drug and specialized Courts are not funded statewide for misdemeanors as in Division III, I've used an effective blend of house arrest, alcohol monitors, random drug testing and supervised probation to maximize community resources and allow convicted persons to stay out of jail, work and support their families (they pay for the monitoring services). I work closely with Sheriff Jordan and staff to keep our County safe and keep low risk offenders productive.

__What are your thoughts on technology in the courtroom?:__

Division III was one of Missouri's first Courts (the only in Cape County) to utilize video arraignments, saving system time and tax dollars. I was instrumental in our Circuit Court going paperless-again, one of Missouri's first. I have required guilty persons to pay for monitoring, screenings and house arrest to reduce the burden on taxpayers. Technology is a great tool, but it can never replace hard work, experience and good old fashioned judicial common sense.

__Where do you believe the most improvements, if any, should be made to the Division III court?:__

I am working with Commissioners, Sheriff Jordan and local prosecutors to establish one of Missouri's first pretrial release programs. I've been elected Vice-President of Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Judges, providing access new ideas for judicial efficiencies. I hope people will base their choice not on my opponent's rhetoric but on review of my record, verified by the endorsement of Sheriff Jordan, Gerald Jones, Joe Gambill and others who serve our County. Thank you