Glenn Lostracco
Glenn LoStracco biography
I am seeking the office of Superior Court Judge because my experience as a prosecutor and Attorney at Law gives me the perspective to be a fair and impartial Judge. A Judge must always recognize the Constitutional rights of individuals, the rights and needs of victims and the independence of our court system. A Judge must have an understanding from all sides of the issues so that rulings are fair and just.
The most pressing issues facing our Courts are; court overcrowding, assuring an adequate and fair jury pool and making sure our Courts are run as efficiently as possible with integrity and transparency. A Judge must follow the law, to enforce it as it is written and not legislate from the bench. By working closely with Fresno County Officials and my colleagues on the Bench, I know that I can help meet the growing demands of our Court system.
LoStracco on juror selection
(a) Yes. The current system of choosing juror candidates from voter and DMV records, I believe adequately fills the needs of the Court for qualified potential jurors.
(b) Yes for the most part, however we must be vigilant to constantly assess our methods and consider other systems for ways to improve.
(c) Yes. I do believe most jurors, once chosen, take the responsibility very seriously. While we may not always agree with their verdict, it is the best system there is for a free and democratic society.
LoStracco on role as judge
(a) With the same passion and work ethic that I devote now to my practice and clients. Everyone who enters my court will know they are entering a fair and impartial court that will uphold the law and require the highest level of professional standards by everyone involved. As a pilot I learned long ago that there is no “Try”, we either “Do” or we fail. As you can imagine you do not “Fail” very often in an aircraft and get to talk about it. I will keep this work ethic when I am elected Judge.
(b) Everyone who enters my Court will be treated with respect and dignity. I have over the past 20 years admired many Judges who conduct their Courts in this manner. There is no need to belittle or humiliate anyone. I have always prided myself on the fact that I deal with my clients, witnesses, law enforcement officers, jurors, attorneys and Judges with respect and civility.
LoStracco on courtroom efficiency
There is no simple solution to this complex problem, however by applying what I have learned running a private business and what I’ve experienced in Federal Court and in many other Courts in California, I believe I can help develop new methods to improve the system.
LoStracco on serving the community
We need to bring the Court into the 21st century. Our current computer system needs improvement. We need to expand use of the Internet as a tool to help the public stay informed of cases, which are public record while still protecting the privacy of litigants.
LoStracco on court and media interaction
The public has a right to know what is going on in our public Courts. The law requires that courts be open to public scrutiny, the press must be allowed access to the proceedings to the extent necessary to accomplish this without unduly disrupting the proceedings.
It is the Judges responsibility to assure that jurors and other participants are protected. Each case presents its own particular problems; I will always weigh the needs of all concerned when making these decisions.