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Joe Simpson

FORT MYERS A Lee circuit judge who hasn't presided over a hearing for a year, but reviews cases and signs orders in an office, contends Parkinson's disease doesn't prevent him from working as a judge and calls his critics misinformed or swayed by stereotypes.

Judge Joseph Simpson, seeking a second six-year term, says it wasn't his choice to be removed from the courtroom last July and given a handicap-accessible office, where he works on a paperwork docket, reviewing domestic violence petitions for temporary injunctions, uncontested divorces, probate files and orders.

"I have been asked why run for re-election and be subjected to ridicule for carrying out my judicial duties with Parkinson's, especially after having spent thousands of dollars to be defended against claims of inability to sit as judge," Simpson wrote in a letter to the Daily News, noting that his mind is still sharp and he uses aids to ensure his voice is clear.

"It is my sincere belief that the public suffers when a judiciary does not include persons with disabilities, with the insight, common sense and experience they bring to the bench," he wrote. " My ability to handle complex legal matters and render sound decisions remains constant."

Simpson detailed his situation in a recent five-page letter to Daily News after the newspaper published a story May 13 about how lawyers and others couldn't understand him, his lack of a hearing docket and the burden it places on judges who share his caseload.

Neither Simpson nor his judicial assistant agreed to interviews for the May 13 story. A Daily News reporter was unable to find or see him because his office isn't accessible without an escort, which wasn't provided.

Circuit Chief Judge Jay Rosman has called Simpson's docket "valuable work" that provides more time for other judges, an accommodation beneficial to the community, the judiciary and Simpson.

But it comes at a time when the state reduced Lee's request for three additional circuit judges to two this year. Lee's circuit civil and probate cases totaled 1.17 million last fiscal year, not including thousands of criminal cases circuit judges hear.

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Lee Judge Simpson says he's still effective justice despite Parkinson's disease