In the June 2 primary elections, of all the multiple candidates for governor, mayor, assembly members, state senators, council members and other elected officials submitted to the public vote, the election of judges is one of the most important ways that the community has to directly influence the exercise of power and the making of decisions that affect their lives.

Three candidates are up for grabs for the vacant seat in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Office 87: Anthony Bayne, David DeJute and Sharee Gordon.

A.J. (Anthony) Bayne is the only Deputy Public Defender among the candidates. As such, it is charged with providing free legal representation to those accused of criminal charges who cannot afford an attorney.

It is a noble and difficult task in which the defender accumulates a deep knowledge of the problems of low-income defendants, an experience that will allow him to practice from day one and an important attribute when it comes to increasing public confidence in the system.

From his more than 30 years as a lawyer, more than 25 of them in Los Angeles County. He has an almost daily presence at court. The cases he defends even include murder in “special circumstances,” where the defendants could be sentenced to capital punishment.

He is the only one of the candidates with the endorsement rating of “Well Qualified” by the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA).

Due to his background and qualifications, La Opinión considers that A.J. Bayne is the best candidate and asks his readers to vote for him.