Retain four Court of Appeal judges

Four 2nd District Court of Appeal judges also are on the Nov. 6 ballot for merit retention: Judges Anthony K. Black, Darryl C. Casanueva, Charles A. Davis Jr. and Edward C. LaRose.

Two pieces of information are instructive. First, the Judicial Qualifications Commission investigates allegations of judicial wrongdoing and can recommend the removal of judges for ethical breaches. A check of JQC records found that none of the jurists up for merit retention have had formal charges brought against them while in their current positions.

Second, the Florida Bar poll of more than 7,800 lawyers asked those with at least limited knowledge of the judges whether they should be retained. On the 2nd DCA, each of the four judges won at least 92 percent support for merit retention.

On all four merit retention questions for the 2nd District Court of Appeal, the Tampa Bay Times recommends a yes vote.