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In her nineteen years serving as an advocate for justice , she has done everything it takes to be qualified for the position of Circuit Court Judge with a very diverse legal back ground . Polo ’ s varied legal experience serving as a state prosecutor and private practitioner has provided her with a strong foundation to serve the citizens of Hillsborough County as a Circuit Court Judge . Polo has tried hundreds of cases to verdict before both judges and juries . In addition , active practices in both civil and criminal law provide her with an acute familiarity with the rules of evidence , civil procedure and criminal procedure . Moreover , Polo has practiced in multiple counties and circuits . All of these experiences have provided her with a well-rounded perspective to utilize in a judicial role .
Latin Times Media : What is your Hispanic cultural history -where did your familia come from ? Melissa “ Missy ” Polo : Cuba and Sicily . I come from a lineage of working class immigrants who have served this community for three generations as small business owners , teachers , firefighters , plumbers , doctors , dentists and cigar factory workers .
My paternal grandfather , Silvio Polo , Sr ., immigrated to this country from Cuba at the age of 14 with nothing to his name . He learned English , put himself through school , started a family and built his own surgical supply and equipment business . My Papa was compelled to share his success with others and serve his community . In 1971 , alongside Reverend Jim Holmes , the pastor at his church , Papa worked to start the area ’ s premier provider of free healthcare , The Judeo-Christian Health Clinic . Today , the Clinic continues to provide hope and access to healthcare , recording just under 40,000 patient visits last year alone . The beginning of the Clinic ’ s Mission Statement is a testament to my grandfather ’ s belief “ that we should do justly , love mercy , and walk humbly with our God …”
My maternal great-grandfather , Salvatore Spoto , came from similar immigrant stock . Upon arriving in the United States from Santo Stefano , Sicily , he opened a business , Spoto ’ s Men ’ s Shop , worked alongside his family to make it a success and generously gave back to the Community . My Nana ( maternal grandmother ) is also from Cuba .
I was brought up to value the importance of family , education , loyalty , hard work and community involvement .
Latin Times Media : What does being a Latina leader mean to you ? Melissa “ Missy ” Polo : Being Latina for me is a reminder of the courage , perseverance and sacrifices my grandparents struggled through so that I was afforded better opportunities . I was raised in a diverse community of individuals who taught me the importance of faith and family and the value of hard work , justice , community service and respect for others , regardless of their race , religion or socioeconomic backgrounds . Strong leaders in our community are those who are tolerant , compassionate , who can keep an open mind and see the value in different perspectives . Being Latina is part of my identity through its unifying culture , faith , history and tradition . It is extremely important that I celebrate my heritage and carry it with me not only in my profession but wherever I go .
Latin Times Media : Why did you decide to run for judge ? Melissa “ Missy ” Polo : I am a third generation Tampa native and lifelong resident of Hillsborough County who was raised in a highly respected , close knit and loving family . From an early age , it was instilled in me to serve the community I live in as a way of giving back . My ancestors who emigrated from Cuba and Sicily to the United States passed along a tradition of hard work , integrity , respect , compassion and community service . These same principles have guided my successful law practice for over 20 years and are equally important to the legitimacy of our legal system and public confidence in a fair and impartial judiciary . I am passionate about the law and my hometown along with being committed to public service and the administration of justice . My passion for the law began at a young age . Through the years , I was able to observe and be mentored by distinguished lawyers and judges which influenced my decision to attend law school . As a result of their encouragement , I am seizing the opportunity to run in this open circuit court seat and carry out my commitment to serve our community the most effective way I know how . For those reasons , I am seeking judicial office .
Latin Times Media : Is this your first run for this position ? Melissa “ Missy ” Polo : No , I ran for this position one time prior in 2014 , losing by 1.25 %.
Latin Times Media : What qualifications and skills do you feel you would bring to this position ? Melissa “ Missy ” Polo : In my twenty years serving as an advocate for justice , I have done everything it takes to be qualified for the position of Circuit Court Judge with a very diverse legal back ground . My varied legal experience serving as a state prosecutor and private practitioner have provided me with a strong foundation to serve the citizens of Hillsborough County as a Circuit Court Judge . I have tried hundreds of cases to verdict before both judges and juries .
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In addition , active practices in both civil and criminal law provide me with an acute familiarity with the rules of evidence , civil procedure and criminal procedure . Moreover , I have practiced in multiple counties and circuits . All of these experiences have provided me with a well-rounded perspective to utilize in a judicial role .
In the past , local news media have commented on my judicial qualifications . For example , The Tampa Tribune said I have a thoughtful and deliberate manner appropriate for the bench . The Tampa Times said “ Polo has a firm grasp on all areas of the law and is keenly aware of the need for the courts to handle cases in a timely manner . She has a strong sense of fairness and an even-keel temperament that would command order and respect in the courtroom .” Another news editor has said that I have a wide range of legal experience , am intelligent and efficient . Adding that my professional manner would serve the community well on the bench and I would make a good judge . I have tremendous respect for others and for the legal profession . As such , if elected , I vow is to serve the citizens of Hillsborough County by applying the law established by the legislature and appellate courts , and by effectively managing the large volume of cases filed in our circuit .
Latin Times Media : Why should voters vote for you ? Melissa “ Missy ” Polo : I am the most qualified in my race . My life ’ s work has been in the courthouse and courtroom working with judges , prosecutors , public defenders , peers , clerks , bailiffs and victims . I ’ ve learned the applicable law prosecuting and defending hundreds of cases in which circuit court judges preside over ( Probate , Criminal Felonies , Juvenile Delinquency and Dependency , Family and Civil matters over $ 15,000 ). My legal acumen coupled with my courthouse relationships and community involvement will enable me to run an organized , efficient , respectful and fair courtroom . As the daughter of hard working parents , they instilled in me a sense of faith , family and service , I feel becoming your next circuit court judge is the best way I can give back to this community I love .