Rob Thompson: One of the best things about this country is that the people have an opportunity to choose the people who serve them in government

Dear Anne Arundel County Neighbor,

Please allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Rob Thompson and, in addition to being one of your neighbors, I am a Circuit Court Judge in Anne Arundel County.

After years of practicing law, I decided that I wanted to use my experience and skills for the benefit of my community.  After undergoing a thorough and intense vetting process, I was appointed to the bench in 2018 by Governor Hogan.  I have been serving you and the people of this county since that time as a judge at the Courthouse on Church Circle in Annapolis. 

    It really is a dream-come-true for me.  Some days I get to grant adoptions or perform marriages; other days I decide cases, or preside over jury trials.  For litigants, coming to court usually coincides with some of the most difficult times in life, and I pride myself in remembering that each day as I take the bench, and treating people with the empathy and civility, fairness and impartiality we all deserve.

Maryland Circuit Court judges are appointed by the Governor until the next general election following that appointment, when voters have an opportunity to weigh in on who should serve this community on the court.

I think one of the best things about this country is that the people have an opportunity to choose the people who serve them in government.  At the same time, I am aware that except for occasional jury duty, most people don’t encounter judges or the courts very often, and as a result, they may not be comfortable voting in judicial elections.

That is the reason I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you.

        

My wife Cynthia and I have lived in this community for 33 years.  We raised our two children here.  Our children played on rec. and travel team sports in the county for years, and they are both products of the Anne Arundel Public School system. Our daughter and son-in-law are now raising our two wonderful grandbabies here in Anne Arundel County.  We are invested this community and the success of this community matters to us, and we – along with you – are working to make Anne Arundel County an even better place.

          There is a sign on my desk I put there to remind me of my duty to my community.  It reads, “Honor the people who put you here, and be worthy of those you serve.”  Every day I have the opportunity to serve you as a Circuit Court Judge, that motto will be my promise and inspiration.

    As you prepare to vote in the primary election this June 2, I hope you’ll consider voting for me so that I can continue to serve you as a judge of the Circuit Court.