September 04, 2012

Scott Chinn and IndyBar Open Discussion on Marion County Judicial Slating Reform

Scott Chinn, partner at Faegre Baker Daniels and president of the Indianapolis Bar Association
(IndyBar), told Indiana Lawyer in the article "Marion County Slating Reform Gets New Push" that IndyBar's board of directors has decided to push anew for reform in the Marion County judicial election and selection process.

While party leaders say there are no "slating fees" for judicial elections, candidates slated for the election each made identical contributions to their respective county political parties before receiving their party's endorsement, causing concern by some parties.

Chinn said the IndyBar wants an open discussion that would welcome a variety of opinions about what reform might look like.

"I believe it's a critically important conversation to have, frankly, because so many people want to have it," Chinn told Indiana Lawyer. "It's also going to create tension and heartache. We're really trying to convene all the points of view and not be strident about any one system being better than the other."