Judge Daniel Gillespie brings impressive judicial and non-judicial credentials to the table, including being a trial judge for 18 years and also being a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army. Gillespie talked about the gay community's legal challenges, objectivity, and 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'
Windy City Times: Why are you running for this judicial seat?
Daniel Gillespie: I've been an associate judge for a number of years, and I'd like to become a circuit judge. It's a higher position with more responsibility, and I seek more responsibility.
WCT: What are your current responsibilities as an associate judge?
DG: I sit in the First Municipal Division, and I hear a civil call with cases under $30,000. I also supervise six other judges, and I really enjoy the assignment.
WCT: And how would your responsibilities expand as a Circuit Court judge?
DG: I would hear law cases—those over $30,000.
WCT: As you know, your field is very crowded. What separates you from the pack?
DG: My experience and my leadership. I've been a judge for 18 years; no one else has. I supervise six other judges. I was a lieutenant colonel in the Army reserves. I am the only candidate found 'highly qualified' by the Illinois State Bar Association.
WCT: What do you feel is your biggest disadvantage in this race?
DG: It's a crowded field. It's a crowded field of very nice people, and the more I get involved in this race, the more I like them—and that's very difficult.
WCT: Is the political aspect what you thought it would be?
DG: Yes. I ran before 16 years ago, in '92.
WCT: What do you think are the biggest legal challenges facing the LGBT community?
DG: Their challenge is to become more involved in the legal community. They can do that through organizations, by having judicial evaluations or having seminars about broader and specialized areas. I think that would be a good way to identify challenges, and meet them.
WCT: I was wondering if you thought equal protection was a big challenge...
DG: I don't think it's a challenge; it's a reality that we all have to face. I don't think that community has to face it more than anyone else.
WCT: You're a retired lieutenant colonel. What are your feelings regarding 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell?'
DG: It's the policy of the Army, and it was obviously a compromise solution. I think it's a step in the right direction. The reality is that there have always been gays in the military, and everyone knows it.
WCT: Wait—did you say a step in the right direction?
DG: It's a start. The bottom line is that all people should be treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation, and this is a start. Before, one could be expelled from the Army for being gay, although that was rarely enforced. Now they're saying, 'It may be a basis to be expelled, but we're not going to start asking people. We're going to let them live their own lives their own way.' It was a compromise.
WCT: How difficult is it to be totally objective during a case and not let emotions get in the way?
DG: It's my greatest challenge, Andrew. It still rises every day, and you just have to bring yourself to do it.
WCT: What else do you want our readers to know about you?
DG: [ Pauses. ] All I can think of is that I'm happy doing what I'm doing and I hope to be a judge for many years.
See www.JudgeGillespie.com .