Judge, Traffic Court, Division C

League of Women Voters^®
of New Orleans

Judge, Traffic Court, Division C

Mark J. Shea-ELECTED

NAME: Mark J. Shea
YOUR CAMPAIGN WEBSITE ADDRESS:
http://www.markshea4judge.com
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PUBLICATION:
Address:
3535 Canal St., Suite 103
Phone:
504-482-1144
FAX:
504-897-0778
E-mail:
markshea4judge@gmail.com
PARTY AFFILIATION:
Democrat
PROFESSION:
Lawyer
PRESENT EMPLOYER/POSITION (if self-employed, what type of business)
Partner, Shea Law Offices
HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION (include graduation date):
Juris Doctor, Southern University Law Center, 1984
IN 200 WORDS OR LESS LIST YOUR POLITICAL/CIVIC EXPERIENCE AND POLITICAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS:
The greatest extent of my civic experience lies in the 22 years I have served as a Public Defender representing over 50,000 individuals of indigent means in Traffic and Municipal Courts of Orleans Parish. My memberships include the Louisiana State Bar Association, the New Orleans Bar Association, the Jefferson Bar Association, the St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Association, the Italian American Bar Association, the Brother Martin High Scho ol Alumni Association, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Emerald Society. As a parent, I have actively served Mount Carmel Academy and the Louise S. McGehee School as a fundraiser committee chairperson, committee member and steadfast volunteer. Several years were spent volunteering as a coach at the Lakeview Playground where I also served as a Board Member. Though I have never before run for elected office, I have substantial political experience, beginning in the 1970s as a volunteer for the legislative races of Nat Keifer, to most recently working to elect Leon Cannizzaro as District Attorney. My daily activities for most of my life reflect my values and beliefs - the importance of citizen engagement throughout all facets of life and personal support of a strong democratic system.
IN 500 WORDS OR LESS PLEASE DISCUSS WHICH RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS OFFICE YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT AND WHAT YOU PLAN TO DO TO MEET THAT RESPONSIBILITY?
The foremost responsibility of a presiding judge is to ensure that the legal proceedings are conducted fairly while safeguarding the legal rights of all individuals involved. A Traffic Court Judge is also in a unique position to improve the safety among all of this community's citizens both on and off our city streets by committing to not only the rehabilitation of repeat offenders but also educating youngsters on one's personal responsibility and consequential dangers of alcohol use.
As judge, my influence will not stop by simply applying Louisiana laws that govern drunken driving, laws that are among the strictest in the nation. Though each DWI will be handled objectively, I am obligated to enforce applicable laws to the greatest extent necessary while recognizing that punishment alone will not be sufficient in my quest to reduce DWI recidivism. Repeat and therefore dangerous offenders must be provided with court mandated means to rehabilitate themselves.
Working closely with community organizations, such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and continuing positive behavioral intervention programs are essential ways through which I intend to contribute to the positive behavior change of first-time offenders and the rehabilitation of repeat offenders. I will employ the use of "scram" units, a behavior modification system proven to reduce offender alcohol consumption via a highly sophisticated tracking bracelet designed to detect alcohol on the skin through pore openings. The use of this strategy results in a win-win situation for both the community and repeat offender because it has been shown to reduce and/or eliminate alcohol consumption by the program participant. Participation and completion of community service programs, such as former Traffic Court Judge Paul Bonin's Save Our Cemeteries, are important steps to influencing positive behavior changes by first-time offenders. Promoting educational programs that teach our youngsters about the risks and consequences of alcohol use is vital to preventing future drunken drivers.
As Traffic Court Judge, I will preside over all cases brought before the court objectively, while treating all parties with respect and fairness. I will work with community organizations and educational institutions to maintain existing successful initiatives as well as to create new ideas and approaches that promote public safety for all citizens of and visitors to our wonderful city.

Comments, suggestions, questions? Contact our webmaster. Last revised: September 2, 2010 11:51 PDT.