Two seeking El Dorado judge's seat

During the June 3 election, two attorneys will vie for the seat currently held by El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Jerald M. Lasarow, who is retiring after 18 years on the bench.

Steven Bailey

Steven Bailey is an attorney who has practiced law in El Dorado County for the past 18 years. He maintains offices in Placerville and South Lake Tahoe.

Bailey said he welcomes the challenge of becoming a judge in a court with a "high case load" and feels he is just the kind of well-qualified candidate the court needs to follow Lasarow.The attorney said his specialty lies in criminal law but added that he has experience with civil cases, including real estate and family law.

"I've handled just about every kind of criminal case you can imagine," Bailey said Wednesday after a presentation to residents of the Tahoe Senior Plaza.

Bailey said during the appearance that he was "particularly sensitive" to the needs of senior citizens and the disabled, noting the often-limited resources of the two groups.

Two characteristics that will make him a good judge are his respect for people and "willingness to listen," the attorney said.

He also noted his patience makes him an ideal candidate for the judge position.

"I'll collect the evidence first before I make up my mind," Bailey said after the appearance.

Bailey bought a home in South Lake Tahoe four years ago and, if elected, would relocate to the South Shore full time, Bailey said.

Among the endorsements Bailey has received are those from Lasarow, El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson, El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Neves and the El Dorado County Deputy Sheriff's Association, according to the El Dorado County sample ballot.

Robert Huckaby

Robert Huckaby has been an attorney since 1981 and has practiced law in South Lake Tahoe for the past six years.

The attorney listed his connection with the community among the reasons he is running for Lasarow's seat.

Huckaby emphasized his representation of South Shore businesses as a reason why he is the right candidate for judge.

"I'm in touch with the locals of Lake Tahoe," Huckaby said. "I've got the pulse of the community."

The attorney pointed to his involvement with the South Lake Tahoe Rotary Club, his instructor position at Lake Tahoe Community College and his prior involvement with El Dorado County Search and Rescue as examples of his community involvement.

Huckaby has a degree in business administration and teaches business classes at the college, including business law and accounting.

Although Huckaby said he has experience trying criminal cases, most of the attorney's background rests in civil matters.

The attorney said he has filled in for Superior Court Commissioner Stephen Valentine on small-claims matters and feels his work on El Dorado County's Alternative Dispute Resolution Panel will directly apply to his job as judge.

The program's goal is to resolve civil disputes before they go to trial, thereby saving money, time and stress, according to the county's Web site.

Huckaby has not sought endorsements because he wants to be "totally impartial" if elected judge.