16th Circuit Board of Governors Candidates’ Platform Statements
16th Circuit Board of Governors Candidates’ Platform Statements
Below are the platform statements for the two candidates running for a vacant seat representing the 16th Circuit on the Bar Board of Governors.
Ballots for this special election were scheduled to be mailed around September 25. Ballots must be returned by 11:59 p.m., on October 15.
Bar members in the 16th Circuit will have the option of returning a paper ballot or voting online. Instructions for electronic voting are included with the ballot.
The winner will be sworn in at the succeeding board meeting for a term ending in June 2017.
Michael John Healy
It would be my privilege to serve The Florida Bar as a member of the Board of Governors. For the past five years I have benefitted immensely from the knowledge and professionalism of more senior members of the Bar, who have graciously provided guidance and advice whenever I have needed it. That prevailing attitude and professionalism of the members of The Florida Bar, more than anything else, has instilled in me great respect for the Bar and its members, and compelled me to run for election to The Florida Bar Board of Governors.
There are numerous issues currently facing The Florida Bar. From the widely publicized hot button issue of reciprocity to constantly evolving budgetary challenges, the Board of Governors is faced with the daunting task of both managing and representing its 101,000 members. I believe it is important to elect representatives to the Board of Governors who will listen to their constituents and act in the best interests of the membership.
For the past five years I have been a civil attorney practicing mainly in the 16th Judicial Circuit. Like most attorneys who practice in Monroe County, I have the privilege of doing something new and different almost every day. I have handled a wide range of matters, from international licensing work to multi-day civil jury trials. In this small community, where reputation is of supreme importance, I have always been treated with the utmost professionalism and I have done my best to do the same. I am a member of The Florida Bar Family Law Section, and I am particularly cognizant of the rapidly evolving issues that face family law practitioners in the state of Florida. Issues that would be of particular importance to me as member of the Board of Governors are: 1) ensuring that our government attorneys are properly funded, 2) ensuring that recent law school graduates are properly trained and mentored so that the present level of professionalism found in our Bar can continue for years to come, and 3) ensuring that The Florida Bar continues with its commitment to providing access to justice for all who need it.
It would be my privilege to represent your interests on the Board of Governors. Know that it is a responsibility I take seriously, and your support is sincerely appreciated.
Wayne LaRue Smith
I have been privileged to practice law in Key West for 21 years. I cannot imagine a better qualified judiciary than ours here in the 16th Judicial Circuit and my colleagues in the practice of law make me proud of our chosen profession. The Florida Keys are a unique and special place to live and work, and we face unique challenges in the practice of law and the administration of justice.
Because we are geographically isolated from the rest of the state of Florida, our collective voice is not often heard. Until the recent appointment of Judge Scales, we had never been represented on the Third District Court of Appeal. If elected to the Board of Governors, my first priority will be to ensure that we are well represented at The Florida Bar. I will also ensure that my colleagues stay well informed of current issues before and actions of the Board of Governors.
For about 18 years, I have also served on the Board of Directors of Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. I am committed to advancing the status and professionalism of lawyers, and I am eager to contribute to the advancement of more efficient methods of resolving legal disputes. It would be my privilege to serve you on The Florida Bar Board of Governors.
