Monterey County Superior Court, Seat 10: Heidi Whilden

Party/Affiliation: non-partisan seat

Current Job: Monterey County Superior Court Commissioner_

Family: Husband Mike and two children, Jack and Katie

Priorities if Elected:

I have been honored to serve as Court Commissioner for the Monterey County Superior Court since February of 2011. I was appointed Commissioner by the judges of the Monterey County Superior Court and I exercise the same duties and perform the essential requirements of a Superior Court Judge. It is a privilege serving my community in this way, and with your support, I look forward to continuing to serve my community as a Superior Court Judge.

If elected, I will continue to apply the law in a firm, fair and impartial manner that I have become known for. I will draw upon the knowledge and understanding I have gained through my service as a commissioner, judge pro tem, and attorney to further the work of the court in meeting the needs of our community.

I was drawn to a love of the law and a passion for justice early in life. At the age of eight, I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer. I was fortunate to have mentors who encouraged me along the path toward my goal and who helped to instill in me a deep sense of ethics and integrity. I worked full-time while attending law school at night, and learned that hard work and discipline pay off in measurable ways. These values continue to guide me and continue to serve me both personally and professionally.

I hope that I can count on your support and I ask for your vote on June 3rd.

Qualifications:

Prior to becoming a Court Commissioner, I practiced law in Monterey County in a broad spectrum of fields, including civil, criminal and public interest law. After serving in private practice, I joined the court as a judicial research attorney assigned to the criminal division. Early in my career, I gained valuable knowledge and experience in federal law as a clerk to a United States District Court Judge in the Central District of Los Angeles.

Throughout my years of service, I have earned a reputation for a strong work ethic, commitment to the principles of justice and due process, and for treating every person who appears in my courtroom with dignity and respect. I bring to the Superior Court a depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of what is needed to create safe and strong neighborhoods and to protect our at-risk youth.

I have been involved in various community activities, including the Monterey County High School Mock Trial Competition, where for the last 15 years I served as Team Attorney Coach, Attorney Scorer, and Presiding Judge. I have also served as a mentor to new attorneys, serving on the Monterey County Barristers Association.

Having overcome tremendous adversity at a young age, I worked full-time during college and law school, and learned not only the values of hard work and self-discipline, but of the need to find positive outcomes for families and children.