If you’re strictly comparing resumes, you might be tempted to choose one of my opponents. But that would be a mistake. While resumes outline one’s education, experience and accomplishments, they provide little, if any, insight into the qualities of the individual candidate’s character. They provide limited clues about the motivating factors that prompted the candidate to seek the bench. Indeed, a resume is silent regarding one’s integrity, one’s devotion to families and children as well as one’s ability and desire to really listen to people in crisis.

If a judge is deciding where and with whom your children are going to live, wouldn’t you prefer to have a judge who is passionate about doing the right thing for your kids, rather than a judge who is on the bench for some other self-serving agenda? What if your judge has the reputation for being lazy or burned out? How can you be assured that despite many years of legal and judicial experience, you’re not electing a judge whom others may have described as venomous, uncaring, arrogant, vengeful or power-hungry?

In addition to acquiring the requisite education, gaining meaningful experience and achieving various accomplishments, I possess the character, qualities and determination to be an excellent Family Court Judge. I am a wife and mother, raising two children, ages 12 and 9, in Las Vegas. With a deep insight into the unique dynamics of the family, I have a rare ability to hear and understand both sides of a dispute. I am perceptive, discerning, fair and deliberative in reaching decisions. 

I have solid people skills. I treat others with respect and I expect the same in return. I communicate clearly and effectively while utilizing common sense and maintaining a sense of humor. I have the appropriate judicial temperament and demeanor for the bench. Moreover, I maintain the same high moral integrity and character in public that I do when no one else is watching. Finally, my commitment to public service and to the law, coupled with my strength of conviction, strong work ethic and passion for helping people will serve the public well.

My resume is far more diverse than that of my opponents. My multifaceted background provides me with a broader foundation of life-experience to better comprehend and relate to the issues and concerns facing the families and residents of Clark County. I am motivated by a strong desire to serve those in need and I care passionately about improving the quality of our judiciary.

We need good judges –especially when the stakes are so high. Family Court Judges make life-altering decisions that directly and intimately affect our children, our families and our lives.

It’s such an important choice! Make the right one. Vote for me, Shell Mercer, for Family Court Judge, Department T.