September 3, 2010
By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter
Long time resident, Wayne Kwiat (R) is asking voters to elect him as Circuit Court judge of the 4th subs circuit. An area that includes 87 precincts within DuPage and Lockport townships. Including Bolingbrook, Lockport, Romeoville, Crest Hill and portions of Naperville and Plainfield.
What's fascinating about this case is the fact that Kwiat is asking voters to forget his criminal past. Look past the felony and consider his connections and money.
After all, he's received a $3,000 campaign donation from Mayor Claar, as well as his public endorsement. In addition, Bolingbrook lawyer, Anita Kontohs contributed $650.00 to Kwiat's campaign.
On the surface, Kwiat has the support of our beloved Mayor, and other prominent members of the community. So should we conclude he's the better candidate? Or is this another example of "pay to play" politics?
Well according to Kwiat's supporters, "he deserves a second chance". The issue of qualifications was never mentioned.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE CASE
In 1987, Kwiat, along with a bank president and several others were convicted of lying on federal HUD forms. Kwiat later appealed, and his conviction was overturned on a technicality. Basically, the courts agreed that he lied, but the prosecution failed to prove that the loan officer relied on those particular documents to issue the loan.
KWIAT CONSIDERS THIS TO BE A NON-ISSUE
As quoted in the Brook Report, Kwiat considers this case to be a non-issue since his conviction was later reversed in the Appellate Courts.
Not so fast, Kwiat. The fact that you were found guilty (of a felony) by a jury of your peers makes it an important issue. Voters need to be aware of this. The fact that it was later reversed due to a legal loophole doesn't change the fact that there were some serious ethical issues at play here.
Kwiat may consider this to be a non-issue, but we certainly don't agree. What about his opponent? She's never been charged with any crime.
KWIAT SUPPORTERS BELIEVE IN SECOND CHANCES
Wayne Kwiat supporters believe he should be given a second chance. The past is the past. Lets look forward.
We have a different take on this race.
This case is not about second chances. After all, Kwiat got his second chance when he won on appeal, and got his license back. At least he can still practice law.
This case is less about second chances and more about which candidate is the best qualified.
KWIAT LIES ABOUT QUALIFICATIONS ON CAMPAIGN LITERATURE
If you happen to be one of the lucky ones to have received campaign literature from Wayne Kwiat, you may not have realized that some of the experience, and background information detailed on the card is false.
a few examples -
1
Kwiat claims to be head of the Northern Branch of Will County States Attorney's Office. There's no such title or branch.
2
The thousands of cases he claim to work are simple traffic cases. Kwiat has never served on the bench. Unlike his opponent, who's actually served on the bench, and has tried hundreds of cases - murder, armed robbery, domestic abuse, etc.
WHAT'S THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A JUDGE?
Consider for a moment. What do you expect from a judge? Most of us don't even think about judges until we are standing in front of one. So consider the essential qualities you expect from a judge.
One thing for certain is this - judges are held to a much higher standard than most because they are the ones presiding over our court of laws. They are the arbiters of justice.
It's vitally important that we elect highly ethical individuals to serve on the bench.
At the end of the day, the power is in your hands - as a voter, it will be up to you to decide whether or not Kwiat should be given a second chance. Come November 2, 2010, we will have our answer.
Next Friday, we will publish ROUND 5 of our election series, featuring the Circuit Court Judge race (Kwiat vs Goodman). In the meantime, please take a moment to answer our poll. We would like to know what you think. Do you believe Kwiat should be given a second chance?
Click to read our legal expert's opinion of the case.
Source: Wikipedia, Illinois Board of Elections, Will County Clerk's office
