Circuit 32, Division 1 Judge candidate Michael Gardner

__Name:__ Michael Gardner

__Age:__ 35

__Place of birth:__ I was born in St. Louis but grew up in Kelso

__Spouse, children's names:__

I have been married to the former Kristi Hillman for 11 years. We are the parents of Jack, Addie and Paige

__Occupation:__ Attorney

__Employer:__ Self-employed

__Businesses owned, all or part:__ Partner at Osburn, Hine, Yates & Murphy, LLC

__Previous offices held or sought:__

President, St. Vincent de Paul School Board

President, Cape West Rotary

Missouri Board of Law Examiners

Board of Governors of the Missouri Bar

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

I have the right experience and the right character to be Circuit Judge. I graduated second in my law class at Mizzou and then clerked for Judge Stephen Limbaugh, Jr. at the Missouri Supreme Court, where I worked on the most difficult cases in the state, including death penalty cases. Since then, I have worked on some of the most complex cases in Southeast Missouri. I am the candidate with the highest level of experience.

__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?:__

I support expanding Drug Court to Bollinger and Perry Counties. The program has worked well in Cape County. Only those with addiction problems who appear to be viable candidates for rehabilitation should be eligible. Drug dealers or violent criminals should not be referred to Drug Court. When Drug Court works, everybody wins because an addict is rehabilitated into a working, taxpaying citizen.

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

We have seen a significant advance in technology with the e-filing system, which eliminated paper filing of documents. Video arraignments work well and lessen the burden on law enforcement in transporting inmates to court. That said, however, I do not believe we need some of the technology I have seen in other courts. As Circuit Judge, I would respect the taxpayers' dollars and would only seek technology that was necessary and cost-effective.

__Where do you believe the most improvements, if any, should be made to the Division 1 court?:__

There is always room for improvement. The goal is to administer justice fairly and efficiently in a fiscally responsible manner. I support having another docket day in Bollinger and Perry Counties to maximize efficiency. One of the most important qualities a Circuit Judge (or anyone else) can have is to be a good listener. If elected, I will be a Circuit Judge who will be receptive to suggestions from all areas of the Circuit.