Meet Howard County Circuit Court Candidate: Judge John Kuchno

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — When voters cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 elections, they will be asked to vote on judicial candidates for the Howard County Circuit Court. Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to help provide voters with information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation. Below are the responses from candidate Judge John Kuchno.

Age (as of Election Day)

63

Town/City of Residence

Howard County

Office Sought

Judge - Howard County Circuit Court

Party Affiliation

Nonpartisan

Family

I have been married to Vicki Kuchno for 36 years. I have two grown children, Mary Beth and John, a daughter-in-law, Victoria, and a 5-month-old granddaughter.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

Bachelor of Science summa cum laude, University of Maryland
Juris Doctor, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law

Occupation

Judge, Circuit Court for Howard County, 2019-present.
Attorney for 35 years.

Campaign website

johnkuchno.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Judge, Circuit Court for Howard County

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing issue facing our court is the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our operations. Cases have been delayed and we in the Circuit Court for Howard County are working diligently to reduce the backlog and ensure equal justice for all. We have taken numerous and extensive actions to conduct operations safely, including the resumption of jury trials.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Bias and prejudice should hold no place in the criminal justice system. The Code of Judicial Conduct mandates that judges abstain from public comment on proceedings and issues which may come before the court. The ethics committee has recently issued an opinion stating that judges should not attend protests related to these issues because the independence of the judiciary reasonably may be called into question by doing so. Given these prescriptions, I cannot comment on these issues, because matters related to them may come before the court.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

This nonpartisan judicial election is really about what is in the best interest of Howard County. Voters must decide who they want to make their most important personal legal decisions—those concerning their families, property, contracts, businesses and legal rights. I am the vetted, experienced sitting judge and have made thousands of decisions on the bench. I was chosen following a nonpartisan rigorous selection process involving numerous interviews and extensive background checks. I have the highest possible peer review ratings for legal ability and ethics, placing me in a preeminent position in the legal profession.

I have 35 years experience as a lawyer and judge, including nearly a decade serving in the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, where I held responsibility for the most important cases for our state’s citizens. I have tried a wide variety of cases in state and federal courts. I am honored to have served with distinction as Judge on the Circuit Court for Howard County for almost two years. Members of the Howard County Bar Association represent real people with real legal problems and are in court every day. These lawyers have overwhelmingly concluded that I am the best qualified candidate for this position, finding that my record for integrity, temperament, and professional competence entitles me to immediate endorsement for election. For additional information, please go to my website johnkuchno.com.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Independence, integrity and impartiality define my work on the bench and my campaign. I treat everyone with respect in my courtroom and apply the law with integrity and fairness. I am guided by and comply fully with judicial conduct rules that demand judges be free from political influence and political pressure. Judges must not in any manner manifest bias or prejudice.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My demonstrated track record as a fair, impartial and nonpartisan judge is clear. I am grateful for the wide support I have earned from the community and from Howard County’s own attorneys who appear in my courtroom representing real people with real legal problems. The Howard County Bar Association overwhelmingly endorses my candidacy. The Maryland State Bar Association, representing 24,000 lawyers in the state, also endorses me. I have worked closely with the current and former Attorneys General of Maryland, Brian Frosh and Doug Gansler, and have their endorsements also. I have been recognized by the Maryland Judiciary and honored to have been selected to be part of the Equal Justice Committee, serving on the Sentencing Subcommittee.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

I would be pleased to continue my work and maintain my reputation for independence, integrity, and impartiality. Serving the people of Howard County is a great honor and I would consider continued service to mark success.

Why should voters trust you?

My demonstrated background and track record as the vetted and experienced sitting judge attest to my character, integrity, temperament, and professional competence. This was clearly demonstrated in a vote among Howard County lawyers. To secure their endorsement, a candidate must get at least 80% of “best-qualified” responses from the voting lawyers. I met that exceptional threshold.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Generally speaking, these are political issues which are outside the scope of comment for a member of the judiciary. Certainly, courts must continue to use taxpayer dollars efficiently and effectively, recognizing the public’s finite resources.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

None, other than the mandatory retirement age for judges.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“Respect for the law and respect for all.” These are the words I have followed as a judge on the Circuit Court for Howard County.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I grew up in a diverse working class neighborhood where hard work and treating people with respect were core values that define me to this day. My grandparents were immigrants and my parents dropped out of high school to provide for their families. I have worked hard, attended public schools, and worked my way through college and law school. I was a proud union member. I have never forgotten my roots. I have lived in Howard County for more than 35 years, raised my family here, and volunteered in the community. I humbly ask for your vote to continue serving on the Circuit Court.