1. Why do you want to be a judge?
From the many years of litigation experience I have acquired as a prosecutor
and defense attorney, I have come to understand the crucial importance of the
judiciary in advancing the American ideal of justice for all. I believe that
my legal experience as well as my life experiences better qualify me to carry
out the important responsibilities of a Hennepin County trial judge. It is a
position I have long aspired to obtain and one that I have worked diligently
to achieve.
2. Why should voters select you rather than your opponent in the upcoming
election?
I will bring real enthusiasm and energy to the bench, combined with a deep and
sincere belief in treating all who appear in court (E.g., parties, jurors, witnesses
and crime victims) with respect and dignity. Also, and most important, I will
be able to serve a full six-year term and will not face mandatory retirement
age during the term.
3. What experience have you had in dealing with the court on which you wish
to sit?
I have 13 years of experience as a prosecutor with the City of Phoenix Prosecutor's
Office and in my current position as a prosecutor with the Minneapolis City
Attorney's Office which began about 8 years ago. Currently, I prosecute crimes
that have an impact on our daily community life; such crimes as domestic assaults,
DWIs, and prostitution. I conduct arraignments, pretrial conferences and jury
trials. I have argued cases before the Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota
Supreme Court. As a defense attorney with several years of experience, I have
also represented individuals accused of crime. Finally, I have business experience,
having practiced as a Staff Account and Auditor for several years.
4. What are the major issues facing the court on which you wish to serve? How can these realistically be addressed?
I believe there are 2 major issues: 1) lack of diversity on the bench, considering how diversified Hennepin County has become with new residents/immigrants arriving almost daily from the Middle East, Russia, Africa (Somalia), South America, Mexico, and Asia. 2) Not enough judges to handle the heavy calendars and to hear all cases on the calendars in an expeditious manner. I believe the first issue can be realistically addressed by the election of individual(s) with multi-cultural backgrounds. With respect to the second issue, it would not be realistic to believe that the election of one person (me) to the Hennepin County District Court will solve this problem. However, with commitment, dedication, and "lots of hard work", I would hope to have some effect regarding this issue.
5. Do you believe it is good policy to discuss disputed legal and political issues during a judicial campaign? If so, what issues do you plan to discuss and why. If not, why shouldn't such issues be discussed?
My response is no. Judicial campaigns are about selecting the best person for the judicial seat considering the following factors: 1) emotional maturity, integrity, impartiality, and capacity for hard work, 2) the mental and physical health sufficient to withstand the rigors of judicial office, 3) commitment to public service, 4) the experience and qualification of the candidate, and 5) the candidate's commitment to volunteer for charitable and community activities (both legal and non-legal).
6. What else, if anything, would you like the voters to know about your candidacy that you have not discussed so far?
The trial courts present a forum for members of society to settle legal disputes both civil and criminal. Individuals who come to court are experiencing a stressful event in their lives. These individuals come to court from all walks of life with different economic and educational backgrounds and some of these individuals have come from other nations where they have experienced poverty and government oppression. All these factors can place a great burden on a district court judge to be sensitive to the conditions of the world in which these individuals live. As a first generation Mexican-American, I have the unique qualification of having been born and raised in a Hispanic culture in the United States. I have experienced first-hand many of the hardships these individuals, who come to court, deal with on a daily basis. From these experiences I have gained a wisdom with respect to individuals and the situations in which they find themselves. These qualifications, when combined with my energetic and positive attitude for life, reputation for working hard and the fact that I am able to serve a full term in this position, certainly makes me the strongest candidate for Judicial Seat No. One (1).
Uncontested
Races
