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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund

Smart Voter
Los Angeles County, CA November 7, 2006 Election
Candidates Answer Questions on the Issues
Judge-Superior Court; County of Los Angeles; Office 102


The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County, an Inter-League Organization and asked of all candidates for this office.     See below for questions on Experience, Court Process

Click on a name for candidate information.   See also more information about this contest.


1. How have your previous career experiences prepared you to be a Superior Court judge?

Answer from George C. Montgomery:

My extensive background and experience has prepared me to be a Superior Court Judge. I have tried over 200 criminal & civil cases to verdict or judgment and have handled every aspect of these cases myself. I have appeared and argued cases in courts throughout the United States . I have acted as a Judge Pro Tem and as an Arbitrator in which I have conducted proceedings in a judicial or quasi judicial setting.

Answer from Hayden Zacky:

I have a well-rounded background, having worked in civil litigation and as a criminal prosecutor specializing in the prosecution of hardcore gang members. With current courtroom experience, I am in court daily, keeping up with current changes in the law. I am intimately familiar with the justice system, having done in excess of 90 jury trials, including murder.


2. As a judge, what could you do to make the court process be a more efficient and positive experience for plaintiffs, defendants,lawyers and the jury?

Answer from Hayden Zacky:

Efficiency is important, but not more than a person's Constitutional rights. As a judge, I will handle the court's daily calendar promptly, while still being fair to all parties. The court must ensure that litigants and attorneys appear in court when it opens, which would allow the court to devote more time to jurors and trials.

All who enter my courtroom will be treated with respect, dignity and in a timely manner. I will strive to ensure that all who leave my courtroom will be satisfied that their voice has been heard.

Answer from George C. Montgomery:

I will take the time to set the mood in my courtroom as a positive experience. Communication is all important in doing this and I am a good communicator. There will be rules for the lawyers and litigants to follow that will be precise but not harsh. The jury will be spoken to in an informative manner without condescension. A smoothly run court is the best atmosphere to work in and the most pleasant and efficient.


Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidate answers are presented as submitted except that direct or indirect reference to opponents is not permitted.

The order of the candidates is random and changes daily. Candidates who did not respond are not listed on this page.


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Created: January 4, 2007 09:34 PST
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