Justice, Migrants, Judge McAfee, Fani Willis & more w/ Robert Patillo | Candid{ate} Conversations
Ever wondered about the House and Senate members who pass over a thousand bills every year? Can you name more than the few that media outlets highlight? Most likely not. Candid{ate} Conversations” is here to bridge the gap between the familiar names in politics and the depth of their roles that often go unnoticed. We’re introducing you to elected officials you may have heard of but have little insight into their day-to-day responsibilities.
Take, for instance, your Public Service Commissioner. Did you know you could reach out to their office if you encounter issues with your utility bills? This lack of awareness is precisely why this platform exists—to empower voters with knowledge beyond the headlines and to encourage informed decision-making on election day.
Because voting based on name recognition alone isn’t how we maintain our global influence; it’s how we risk slipping into authoritarianism.
Welcome to Candid{ate} Conversations, a unique platform for candid discussions with elected officials and individuals striving to be elected. We embark on insightful conversations that explore the challenges, aspirations, and visions of political leaders and aspiring candidates. Whether you prefer to listen to podcasts or read about our discussions, we aim to provide valuable insights into the political landscape, policies, and the people driving change in our communities and nation.
In this episode of The Janelle King Show series “Candid{ate} Conversations,” join us as we sit down with guest Atty. Robert Patillo to delve into pressing current events. From the border wall to the evolving role of social issues in today’s political landscape, we’ll cover it all. Robert will also share his unique perspective on Fani Willis and provide insights into his race against Judge Scott McAfee.
[Below, you’ll find an edited snippet from our conversation, streamlined for clarity and ease of reading. This excerpt is taken from various parts of the discussion, not necessarily from the beginning.]
Enjoy!
Janelle King: You bring up an interesting point about the system, especially given your background as an attorney and your involvement in it. Fulton County stands out as a unique place with a predominantly blue voter base. It often feels like you’re nudged in that direction automatically. So, how do you navigate this? Can you describe yourself as a conservative Democrat? How does your conservative stance influence your approach, particularly regarding policies related to criminal justice reform in Fulton County or other aspects of your work?
Robert Patillo: Certainly, as you know, I’m a very strong supporter and defender of everyone’s Second Amendment rights,
Robert Patillo: I strongly believe in individual rights and liberties, which is why I often discuss the government’s overreach of power. Any conservative would agree that government agents shouldn’t have the authority to take you without due process, hold you without bond for extended periods, and use charges as leverage for years before trial. This violates our fundamental constitutional rights, and we must push for a smaller government footprint and defend the rights of individuals.
Robert Patillo: Additionally, we have a prosecutor-to-judge pipeline where individuals spend their entire careers as prosecutors. They then move down the bench, waiting for someone to retire or switch offices, becoming judges. As the saying goes, “if you’re a hammer, everything looks like a nail.” Similarly, if you’ve prosecuted your entire career, every defendant seems guilty. We need judges who have a balanced perspective.
Robert Patillo: When making a determination that could result in someone’s life in prison, having firsthand experience is crucial. It’s not just about academic decisions or relying on algorithms. You need to have sat next to a client sentenced to life, witnessed the impact on families, and understood the consequences of your decisions. Real-life human beings are at stake here, and you must have the experience to navigate these complex situations.
Similarly, in wrongful death cases or family law matters like custody disputes, book knowledge or watching videos won’t suffice. You need hands-on experience in civil litigation or representing families to truly grasp the nuances and impacts involved. This isn’t just about legal technicalities; it’s about understanding the human aspect and making decisions that genuinely consider the individuals affected.
Robert Patillo: Transitioning directly from the prosecutor’s office to the judge’s bench strips away valuable connections and experiences gained from representing clients. It’s essential to have a diverse pool of individuals in office, not just lifetime government officials. Experience with managing both the front and back of a paycheck is crucial. Judges with a background in the private sector often bring a different perspective, running courtrooms like efficient law firms. Deadlines, burdens, and determinations must be met promptly, or there will be consequences. Without this balance, the system can become slow and uncertain, leading to dismissals or other repercussions.
Janelle King: Okay, so you keep kind of alluding to the prosecutor’s side. Is McAfee coming from a prosecution side, or are you just speaking in general terms?
Robert Patillo: There are three candidates, and I believe my 15 years of experience prosecuting cases in the Fulton County court system sets me apart. However, it’s important to check if they have experience beyond government roles. Look for experience as defense attorneys, civil attorneys, family law attorneys, or civil rights attorneys, representing individuals. This will help you make an informed decision on how to vote in the election.
Janelle King: So you don’t have any issues with Judge McAfee, because you thought you say you’re not running against him. You’re just running in the race with him, but there are clearly some differences in how he’s operating in that role because that obviously would encourage you to want to run in and replace him, So if there are some challenges and differences there, what are the differences and What should voters look for when they are researching these candidates?
I hope you’ve enjoyed this snippet of my discussion with Robert Patillo. To hear the entire interview, please click on the link below.
