IMPERIAL COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, SEAT 2
I have been a judge of the Imperial County Superior Court for 24 years. I have served as presiding judge of our court, and am currently the presiding judge of the appellate division
What issue will you focus on?
Providing fair and unbiased decisions in cases that come before me.
Why did you decide to seek re-election in your respective race?
I want to continue serving the people of Imperial County
What is your strongest asset?
Experience.
Jeffrey Jones Age: 60
Occupation: Incumbent Superior Court judge
List your previous civic leadership exWhy should the voters vote for you?
Court cases can be life-changing, and litigants need an experienced and competent judge.
Kevin Merizalde Kelly Age: 43
Occupation: Imperial County deputy district attorney
List your previous civic leadership experience.
Currently, I am President of the Imperial County Deputy District Attorneys’ Association, and in that role, I have fought to improve the poor retention rate of attorneys working in our County by conducting a trial before the Public Employment Relations Board over its unfair and demoralizing collective-bargaining tactics.
What issue will you focus on?
Having been in public service in Imperial County as an attorney for over 15 years, I have the discernment to ensure that justice is done in a consistent fashion in our
County. I am a consensus builder who has the experience to hear both criminal and civil matters.
Why did you decide to seek election in your respective race?
The incumbent in this race, Jeffrey Jones, is being challenged because he was appointed as judge by Gov. Pete Wilson a quarter of a century ago at the young age of 36 and has never been elected by a majority vote of the people. Judges must remain accountable to voters.
What is your strongest asset?
I am a well-rounded individual both intellectually and socially. I prosecute serious felonies. I have worked for two federal judges and a U.S. senator. I am a patent attorney and published articles in law journals. I have coached athletes of all ages. I am a family man and foster dad.
Why should the voters vote for you?
I vow as a judge to treat all parties involved in our court system with fairness and without bias to a particular side. A good judge should not be perceived as “pro-prosecution” or “pro-defense”; rather, I will be a neutral and impartial arbiter who favors no litigant or policy.