Konk Life’s Political Questionnaire:

Konk Life has invited every candidate in the upcoming elections to answer the following questions about themselves and their candidacy.

Q&A with Tegan Slaton

Interview conducted by Mark Howell

This questionnaire was conducted with Judge Tegan Slaton some weeks prior to the two occasions on which he was escorted by bailiffs from the courtroom for inappropriate demeanor in the judge’s chair, reportedly, due to the effects of the sleep aid Ambien.

Tell us your age, what office you’re running for and any previous offices held.

I am 57 years old and running for re-election as Circuit Judge, Group 4, a position I’ve held for the past 5 1/2 years.

 

Explain your platform plus why you are running:

I have been privileged to serve as a circuit judge. I strongly believe in our judicial system and the part it plays in maintaining the vibrancy of this community. As a circuit judge, I have presided over thousands of civil, probate, criminal and family court cases including family treatment court.

I am seeking re-election because I genuinely love the job. As Family Court judge in the Lower Keys, I want to continue to work with the families who need the assistance of the court system. People should be able to come into the courtroom and know that they will be treated with dignity and respect no matter their social status. I am patient, listen to all parties, and rule without prejudice or predisposition.

 

Detail how you differ from your competing candidates:

I am the most qualified candidate because of my experience, my commitment to our community and my love of the law. I have been a circuit judge for 5 1/2 years handling many complex cases. I am currently the Family Court judge in the Lower Keys.  Prior to being elected circuit judge, I served as Traffic Magistrate for Monroe County in all three courthouses. I was certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Mediator in Family, Dependency, and County Court. I am past chair of the Monroe County Bar Grievance Committee. I have been a practicing attorney in Monroe County for over 23 years.

Since first moving to the Keys I have been very involved in our community. I am a Sunrise Rotarian, a member of Navy League and the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce. I am past president of Helpline and have been a board member of Wesley House Family Services, MARC, United Way, Hospice/VNA, and Legal Services Advisory Board.

I am honored to have been presented by the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court with the Florida Bar Pro Bono Award for representing parents without compensation. I was also awarded the Florida Governor’s Guardian ad Litem Community Advocacy Award for helping children and families.

 

Tell us your personal history — education; professional career; family life and how long you’ve lived in the Keys or the county and your relationship to the Florida Keys and/or Key West:

I graduated from the University of South Florida with a B.A. in Economics and Nova Law School, cum laude, with a J.D. In 1989, I accepted a job with the Monroe County Public Defender’s office handling felony and misdemeanor cases. In 1992, I started my own private law practice and continued in that practice until I was sworn in as judge in 2008.

I was born and raised in Linglestown, Pa. I have a sister and had one brother who died at a young age. I have 16 aunts and uncles and many, many cousins. I was brought up believing that family loyalty and tradition are what make this country great. My first memories of the Keys are as a young boy fishing with my father and uncles. My family came to the Keys regularly and I have been a permanent resident for 24 years.

I am happily married to my wife, Rosemary. We are proud homeowners and have two energetic Australian Shepherds and one lazy cat.

Touch on your personal passions in addition to the above.

In addition to my family and my work, I am very passionate about our Keys community and the amazing natural resources that we have available. I have made many great friends here and am grateful to be able to consider some of them family. I love to fish and like nothing more than spending the day on the water hoping to bring home dinner. Although it is hard work, I enjoy helping friends pull stone crab traps in season. I am fortunate to play with some great friends on the best team in the Southernmost Bocce League’s 25-year history.

 

Describe where, in your view, we are going wrong in the Keys and/or Key West.

I love the Keys and wouldn’t live anywhere else. I don’t think we are going “wrong.” To the contrary, this is a great place to live.

 

Tell us anything you feel you need to explain or any misapprehension you believe voters may have of you.

As a judge, I must follow the law as written by the Florida Legislature. When a case comes before me, there are normally two or more parties involved. Under most circumstances, I cannot rule for both parties and must issue an order in favor of one the litigants. A judge cannot let his or her personal feelings, friendships or opinions have any bearing on the ruling in a case. A judge must apply the law as written.

 

Name your favorite movie

“Casablanca.”

 

Your favorite TV show

“The Rockford Files.”

 

Your favorite TV talking head

John Stewart.

 

Your favorite newspaper columnist

Maureen Dowd.

 

Your favorite book

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain.

 

Your favorite character in American history

Charles Slaton, my father, a World War II veteran who fought at the Normandy Invasion, the Liberation of Paris and the Battle of the Bulge. Men like him were delivered from God to save the world.

 

Your favorite person in Florida Keys and/or Key West history

Capt. Tony Tarracino.

 

Your favorite quote or proverb

“Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it” ­— George Santayana.

 

Is there any secret strength you’d like to reveal about yourself at this point?

The woman behind the man, my wife.

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