Judge Tina Talim made history by serving as the first Indian-American judge in Nevada. With impeccable legal credentials, Judge Tina Talim, a former Chief Deputy District Attorney, is running to retain her seat as a Clark County District Court Judge Department 14.

Before being appointed to the bench, Judge Talim was the prosecutor at the District Attorney’s Office for nineteen years, prosecuting 35 felony jury trials, including murder, sexual assaults, crimes against children, and robbery. As the Chief Deputy District Attorney, Talim was tasked with prosecuting national and international drug trafficking cartels. Additionally, she served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and twice received the “Prosecutor of the Year” award. Judge Talim was the first civilian to receive the Exemplary Service Award by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. She received the “Outstanding Investigative Effort” award from the Office of President Barack Obama for her efforts in prosecuting one of Nevada’s most prolific drug cartels.

As in most elected offices, Judge Talim has an opponent, Alan Lefebvre, in the race with a past controversial, bigoted stand on issues impacting all Nevadans. While Lefebvre has touted his position as the State Bar President on the campaign trail, he is most memorable for a pair of controversial, racist, homophobic articles he authored as the State Bar President in 2014. Lefebvre’s April 2014 “Message from the President” column arguing against marijuana legalization was titled: “REEFER MADNESS: LET THEM SMOKE WEED…followed with a Kool-Aid chaser!”. In 2013, Governor Sandoval authorized the creation of medical marijuana dispensaries to reap the benefits of marijuana to assist patients in leading an everyday, productive life. Given the context of the time, when medical marijuana dispensaries were being authorized to help patients, Lefebvre’s comments appear out of step with the evolving public discourse surrounding cannabis.

 In the next issue, in May 2014, he wrote a column slamming Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto for failing to oppose the amendment to the Nevada Constitution that recognized gay marriage.  His columns resulted in numerous opposing letters from prominent attorneys in the community, the board of the LGBT Section of the State Bar of Nevada, and about 50 UNLV Boyd School of Law faculty members. 

A highly respected State Bar of Nevada’s Nevada Lawyer magazine published all of those letters, along with a formal statement by Lefebvre that neither of his articles was read or approved by the Board of Governors in advance. In a response to the column, the UNLV Law Faculty wrote, “We fear that the tone of Mr. Lefebvre’s undignified column brings disrespect on the bar and undermines principles of professionalism that we endeavor to instill in our students.” The letter continued, “It is thus regrettable that Mr. Lefebvre’s essay consists largely of insults, ad hominem attacks, sarcasm, and sectarian references that are simply inappropriate for the leader of an important institution in a vibrant and diverse state.

Both then-Republican Governor Brian Sandoval and Democrat Attorney General Catherine Cortez concurred the case against same-sex marriage was no longer defensible. As a nation of laws, Nevada made the right move to follow the 9^th US Court of Appeals decision as the court concluded such laws violate the United States Constitution’s promise of equal protection under the law.

Lefebvre’s writings demonstrate a lack of respect for Nevada’s diverse communities, and they speak directly about his inability to be fair and impartial.

Lefebvre has no experience in criminal law. Having someone who hasn’t filed a legal pleading in over a year, probably hasn’t stepped inside a courtroom in several years, or sat as a judge making decisions on life, liberty, and finances is not what our community deserves.

Lefebvre ran unsuccessfully for another judicial position in the past, with voters overwhelmingly rejecting his candidacy. He came last among five candidates, with only 8% of the votes cast for his candidacy. Once again, voters should reject Lefebvre as he lacks the qualifications and temperament to serve Clark County residents.

This month marks the beginning of the last lap in this crucial campaign season. Our collective energy should focus on one judicial candidate, Judge Tina Talim. Judge Talim has unprecedented support and endorsements from law enforcement agencies, firefighters, business associations, union groups, veterans, and diverse community groups. 

This publication overwhelmingly endorses Judge Tina Talim for the District Court Judge Department 14. ELECT JUDGE TINA TALIM!