Openly gay judicial candidate Aaron Weiss describes himself on his Web site as a 'seasoned trial attorney,' which makes sense, given that he has spent well over a decade in the Juvenile Division of the Cook County Public Guardian's Office. The Uptown resident talked about his qualifications, his desire to be a judge and how he thought his sexual orientation would affect him in this political race.
Windy City Times: Why do you want to be a judge?
Aaron Weiss: I grew up in Skokie, and one of the first memories I have involving the law was in downtown Skokie when my father was returning something at the library; I was probably 12 at the time, and this is when the neo-Nazi group was going to march. Skokie, at the time, had a large [ concentration ] of Holocaust survivors and there was a large rally there. ( They never marched, by the way. ) My family got telephone calls late at night that were threats. At the time, I couldn't understand why the court system would allow a group to come in and re-victimize another group, [ but ] it was interesting to see different groups rallying, including the Black Communists. It was until later on that I understood about freedom of speech and a judge's impartiality.
From there, I've always been involved in public service. I've been doing what I've been doing for 13 years, being in courtrooms representing the most innocent people possible—abused and neglected children. Being in court on a daily basis, I've not only been able to become an effective litigator, but I've been watching all these years and absorbing. As time has gone on, I feel that I can be a very fair judge.
WCT: All of the candidates have impressive resumes. What sets yours apart from the rest?
AW: I think dealing with the type of people I deal with has allowed me to get to know the citizens of Cook County at all levels. I know the very poor and destitute, and what issues are facing them. We're not only involved in the litigation aspect of these kids' lives, but we're also involved in their daily lives as far as medical, educational and mental health aspects. We also deal with their parents, some of whom have criminal backgrounds; we also deal with hospitals. I think I have a broad view regarding what's going on in the county.
I have not done personal injury [ although ] I have done insurance defense. Dealing with people on a daily basis—which a judge has to do—is something I like.
WCT: Where do you stand on juveniles being tried as adults?
AW: There are certain laws that [ put ] these juveniles in adult courts. I think that causes a lot of disparity regarding the minority children who are brought into the court system. It takes away from the court the ability to really have the discretion; the law leaves it to the prosecutors [ to decide ] if they're going to press charges. Also, the [ current ] law doesn't take into consideration the mental health of the children. ... I don't think that there's any empirical evidence that shows that [ prosecuting juveniles as adults ] has caused a change in recidivism or any change that has helped these kids. ... If their needs are not met in an adult prison, what purpose does that serve?
WCT: Do you think your sexual orientation will help or hurt you in this race?
AW: I hope it helps [ with Windy City Times' readers ] .
One of the things I have learned running is that there is a veil over the whole judicial process. One thing that has stuck with me is the apathy out there in the electorate. I think that the electorate needs to understand that judges deal with people on a daily basis. Judges are interpreting the law and dealing with the law on a daily basis, and have probably the greatest chance of affecting people on a daily basis—but we see this apathy because there's this veil over how judges are elections and who these people are. I think it's important for people to vote and voice their opinions.
I think my background of being gay, Jewish and Democrat—as well as being raised in Cook County my whole life—has provided me a rich understanding of the people of Cook County. I think that being gay can only give me a better view—and more tolerant view—of how to view cases.
[ Being gay ] is an asset. If it's not an asset, it's who I am, although it's not the be-all and end-all that describes me as a human being. If it were to hurt me, I think that would be an even sadder statement [ about ] society.
WCT: Is politics what you thought it would be?
AW: That's two different questions. Politics, yes; judicial races, possibly no. Judicial races need to be taken more out of the political arena. There's a lot of politics that I didn't anticipate, [ even though ] I'm not naive and I know about Chicago politics.
There is a little bit of an underbelly of politics in the judicial races, although I haven't seen it in the candidates [ in my race ] . I would say that everybody in this race is running, in their mind, for the right reason.
Overall, I would say that maybe I was not prepared for all the political aspects of running for judge. I'm kind of disappointed in the party system.
WCT: Anything you want to add?
AW: It would be an honor to gain the trust and votes of not only the gay community but Cook County as a whole, and be able to sit on the bench and follow the canons of judicial ethics. I believe that I have the background that gives me the knowledge and experience.
See www.AaronWeiss08.com .
