Family values

[Michael MASINTER]

A local tv network reports:

"Did Miami-Dade circuit judge Rosa Rodriguez have a conflict of interest
in the Elian Gonzalez case?  Campaign finance records from the judges 1998
election campaign show that she paid Armando Gutierrez at least $7,500.00
also at least $42,000.00 to an advertising agency owned by Gutierrez's
wife.  His political consulting firm and her ad agency share the same
Miami address.

"Gutierrez has been the principal spokesperson for Elian's relatives in
Miami.  He was sitting in the front row at Monday's hearing in front of
Judge Rodriguez.  Some legal experts say that, while Gutierrez was not a
party to the lawsuit before the judge, she should have disclosed her
financial relationship with him.

Due process, Florida style.

Michael R. Masinter                     3305 College Avenue
Nova Southeastern University            Fort Lauderdale, Fl. 33314
Shepard Broad Law Center                (954) 262-6151
masinter at law.acast.nova.edu             Chair, ACLU of Florida Legal Panel