Tonight, I would like to adjourn in the memory of Judge Floyd Baxter, a wonderful man and dear friend.
He was a dedicated public servant, known as a judge who focused on helping people, help themselves.
This was seen in the City of Santa Clarita’s Teen Court program which he founded in 1995.
This program made a marked difference in the lives of local teens, struggling to stay on the right path.
The unique program uses a jury of teen peers which determine the consequences for juvenile offenders.
In a 1998 article about this program, it was noted that Teen Court handled 92 trials in its first three years, with only three instances of recidivism.
This incredible outcome was credited to the fact that when peers decide each other’s fate, the youth do not continue with their offenses – due to the positive peer pressure.
In an interview with the Signal, Judge Baxter’s daughter Wendy voiced that her father always wanted “to help people, not just give them a consequence.”
The City of Santa Clarita’s Teen Court was, and still is, a hugely successful program with our youth because it gives them an opportunity to head down a new positive path, after learning from their mistakes.
By putting these youth into programs that better themselves instead of Juvenile Hall, they are more likely to create a better life for themselves.
Judge Baxter also served our great nation by answering the call and flying as a U.S. Air Force Pilot during the Vietnam War.
Truly a remarkable man, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and earned many awards for his contributions, including the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal and the Gallantry Cross with Palm.
He even re-enlisted as a volunteer in the Judge Advocate General’s Court after 9/11.
Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Baxter was a partner in the Newhall law firm of Baxter and Hoodack for nine years.
We are deeply saddened by his passing and our hearts are with his wife Bonnie, extended family, and friends.