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Robles Flipflops, Files Papers for Superior Court Seat
Will Compete for Office Held by Judge Carol Elswick
By a MetNews Staff Writer
Former Carson Mayor Albert Robles, who said on Friday that he would not go through with his threatened election challenge to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Carol Elswick, has changed his mind, yesterday filing nominating papers for the office she holds.
Elswick perfected her candidacy for Office No. 156 last Thursday.
Robles was the subject of a column that appeared in Thursday’s issue of the METNEWS. It was titled, “Albert Robles, a Politico With Baggage, Seeks to Unseat Judge.”
In an email on Friday, Robles said that “many friends, supporters and potential contributors tell me there is no way I can beat the incumbent judge now,” declaring:
“So, I will not be turning in my signatures today as planned.”
‘Attorney/Educator’
Nonetheless, he did turn in his nominating petition yesterday. Robles chose the ballot designation of “Attorney/Educator.”
The nature of his work as an educator could not be immediately ascertained.
Robles has been elected as a member of the Carson City Council and as mayor of Carson, and as a director of the Water Replenishment District of Southern California—though he was yanked from the water board poast in an action in quo warranto. He lost two county-wide races: for district attorney and for the Board of Supervisors.
The candidate has said he intends to raise $250,000 in donations, but so far, he has not set up a campaign finance committee and may not lawfully raise more than $2,000. He lists only a Post Office box number with the State Bar and with the Registrar-Recorder’s Office, and the extent to which he has a law practice is unknown.
Robles has said that his candidacy is based on a public admonishment Elswick received from the Commission on Judicial Performance in 2018.
Elswick has not responded to requests for comment.
Two Other Challenges
There are now three judicial challenges on the June 7 ballot in Los Angeles County. Judge David B. Gelfound is facing competition from Deputy Public Defender Lloyd Handler and Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett’s office is being sought by bankruptcy lawyer Frank Amador. Los Angeles attorney Tim Reuben has taken out nominating papers for Garnett’s Office No. 3 but not filed them.
Judge Gloria L. White-Brown faces a possible challenge. Long Beach Assistant City Attorney Randy Fudge has taken out nominating papers for her seat, Office No.152, but has also taken out papers for an open seat.
Garnett has been nominated for a seat on the U.S. District Court and White-Brown has said she intends to retire soon.
The deadline for filing nominating papers is Friday.
Copyright 2022, Metropolitan News Company