The Peru Gazette

Peru – Town Justice Lawrence Cabana is seeking reelection to a second four-year term of office. A registered Repubican, Cabana also has the endorsement of the Peru Democratic Party and is therefore unopposed in the November 6th elections.

The Peru Gazette asked Judge Cabana seven questions seeking to inform voters about his background and judicial philosophy.

1.    What qualifies you to be a judge? Why should I vote for you?

After 32 yrs. in Law Enforcement I was elected Town Justice in November 2014. Since then, I have attended over 100 hrs of Office of Court Administration required training. I have also received the endorsement from both major parties in the Town of Peru.

2.    Can you explain your judicial philosophy in plain English?

I believe in the right of due process as set forth in our constitution and in the presumption of innocence until otherwise proven differently, no matter what the persons race, color, creed, wealth, religious beliefs or the person’s sexual background.

3.    Do you consider yourself a politician? 

Absolutely not, as a matter of fact the Office of Court Administration does not allow a Town Justice to attend any political functions except during his re-election. They cannot endorse any candidate or participate in any fundraisers for any political party or candidate. It’s one of the many reasons I ran for this position.

4.    How will you balance being an independent judge and elected official? 

I’ll respond by saying how I have balanced both. First not once have I made a decision on the bench that I made or even thought of making as a politician. There are 3 general principles when I make decisions . #1 the rights of the defendant.  #2 The effect of my decision on the victim of the crime. #3 What the citizens of Peru would like me to do with the person standing in front of me.

5.    How will you handle conflicts of interest on the bench? 

The only conflict this Town Justice would have is #1 if I have knowledge of the case  from information  I obtained from outside of the court room. #2 If the person in front of me is related to me either by blood or marriage. A conflict of interest should not be used by a Justice based on the fact the judge knows that person. It’s a small town and everyone knows everyone.

6.    What are the biggest changes you think we need to make to our justice system? 

There are two basic changes which I believe need to be . Mental illness and opioid problem. We cannot arrest or jail ourself out of this problem. We need more treatment facilities and more councilors to help these people. Let’s face it, nobody ever grew up wanting to be addicted to drugs.

7.     How will you work to ensure equality for people of all backgrounds in your courtroom? 

As I stated earlier, no matter what the the person is accused of doing, no matter what the persons background is or what the persons race, color, creed, wealth, or sexual background is when they enter the court room the are all treated the same way with respect and integrity and innocence until proven otherwise.