Judicial Primary Primer: District Court Department 2

  • Law

We now take a look at the four candidates in consideration for the seat on the bench in Department 2 being vacated by Valorie Vega. The candidates are:  Phung Jefferson; Richard Scotti; William S. “Bill” Skupa; and, John G. Watkins.

Yes, we know there is a chance people will game the voting system, but thankfully we have a commenting system where readers like you can give us your input on the candidates. If you know that so and so is only getting a lot of votes because they shared a link to the site on Facebook, then counteract it in the comments by letting us know why someone else is a better candidate. These posts are meant to facilitate debate about the candidates and their merits and what should shape our decision in the upcoming primary.

Who should the people vote for in District Court Department 2?


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Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 14, 2014 4:10 pm

Scotti is a pretty stand-up guy. I don't know the rest, but honestly, I do not think any of the candidates will be able to do a better job than Judge Vega. She is always so prepared, thoughtful, and scholarly. Her wisdom and legal acumen will be sorely missed on the bench. j/k

Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 14, 2014 8:27 pm
Reply to  Anonymous

Vega is a nice lady but slow as molasses in winter.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 14, 2014 10:43 pm
Reply to  Anonymous

was ready to blast you until I saw the j/k

How Vega stayed a judge so long is a mystery.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 14, 2014 4:24 pm

Vega's actions in a couple of cases make me question her hubris. Her handling of these cases have destroyed any legacy she built for herself.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 14, 2014 5:21 pm

Was going to vote for Scotti, not sure now. His emailing me about Board of Governors pissed me off.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 14, 2014 6:57 pm
Reply to  Anonymous

me too. also the civility task force business and oath is a waste of time given much more serious issues around.

Richard Scotti
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Richard Scotti
May 15, 2014 9:15 pm
Reply to  Anonymous

Dear Concerned Voter – Please note that I have been publishing the "Notes On Your Bar" since 2011, every several months, as a means of keeping my constituents informed of important developments in the State Bar of Nevada. The Executive Committee of the State Bar gave me permission to do this. Many attorneys in Clark County have told me they have appreciated the information, since I was the first Board Member to ever provide this type of periodic communication. As for the Civility Task Force, this is a Project initiated by the Board President, Alan Lefebvre, and I am proud that he appointed me to serve as the Chairman. We hope to obtain information to discuss the extent of the problem of lack of civility at the upcoming Annual Meeting. Best regards, Richard Scotti

Rena
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Rena
May 15, 2014 9:18 pm
Reply to  Anonymous

You have your work cut out for you Richard. Thanks for your efforts!

Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 15, 2014 9:18 pm
Reply to  Anonymous

You just lost my vote.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 14, 2014 7:08 pm

yeah, like attorneys stealing money from clients. I am one hundred percent agreement with you.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 15, 2014 4:36 pm

While I don't know him personally, I like Scotti. I had a case with him and he was smart, prepared, and a solid lawyer. That's far more than can be said for most of the Bench.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 15, 2014 9:14 pm
Reply to  Anonymous

Agreed! I have also worked with Scotti and he is a solid attorney.

Anonymous
Guest
Anonymous
May 15, 2014 9:16 pm

I just hope he stops sending emails preapproved by our finely elected Board of Governors.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 16, 2014 8:17 pm

Richard Scotti is one of the best attorneys in Nevada and by far the best choice for District Court Department 2..

Anonymous
Guest
Anonymous
May 16, 2014 11:20 pm

Don't let Board of Governor emailing bother you, look at Richard's qualifications. Having seen him in action as an ALJ, I can tell you he is intelligent, thorough and fair. He''ll be one of the 8th Judicial District's best judges, no question. The email is part of campaigning where a candidate does what he or she can to get the message our there, part of the challenge with electing judges. I wouldn't let such a thing dissuade me from putting the best candidate on the bench.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 17, 2014 2:11 am

I am still not voting for him. Was going to, but I am not.

Steve Sanson
Guest
Steve Sanson
May 17, 2014 4:19 am

Richard Scotti is the best choice for Clark County District Court Judge Department 2. He will serve the voters with distinction.

Anonymous
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Anonymous
May 21, 2014 5:34 pm
Reply to  Steve Sanson

I could not agree more with Mr. Sanson's.

Anonymous
Guest
Anonymous
May 17, 2014 4:49 am

I am not voting for R. Scotti, either.

Anonymous
Guest
Anonymous
May 17, 2014 3:26 pm

Scotti's email above is right – I remember getting the emails re bd of govs well b4 he put in for district judge. I don't care for feel-good things like civility oaths, insipid when first bruited about 20 years ago, when there are so many more serious problems to address but appreciated it when he communicated with the people who elected him to the bd what they are doing and will vote for him anyway. He is well-trained having come up the ranks with Kemp Jones and a very decent, sincere and intellectually honest human being.

Anonymous
Guest
Anonymous
May 17, 2014 7:44 pm
Reply to  Anonymous

First time I ever received the Scotti email. I am getting tired of getting email campaigns from candidates. I would rather get it in snail mail, not even then. However, I have a problem when my peers take a condescending tone.