To all those writing letters bashing Todd Platts' decision to run for judge, if you haven't read it you should read Matt Mann's letter of March 12 in the Daily Record.

It is a straightforward unbiased letter giving and excellent explanation about Todd and his qualifications -- and how you should approach deciding who to vote for judge.

I'm sure the current judges were not up and running their first day as a judge, and I'm sure they went through a learning curve in understanding the legal guidelines they had to follow as a judge.

I believe a judge should follow the legal guidelines tempered with common sense in every case that comes before them.

I believe Todd examined every item that came up in Congress and voted his conscience and what he believed was right for his constituents. I didn't always agree with his vote, but I respect him for doing what he thought was right. I believe he would do the same thing as judge.

I believe he is qualified and would make an excellent judge.