(Note: I am running a series of Q&As for Democratic judicial candidates on the November ballot. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. These Q&As are primarily intended for candidates who were not in contested primaries. You can see those earlier Q&As, as well as all the ones in this series and all my recorded interviews for this cycle, on my 2010 Elections page.)
1. Who are you, and what are you running for?
I am Toni Martinez Ingversen, running for judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law #15.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
This Court handles Class A and B misdemeanors.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I believe I am qualified and experienced to serve on this bench, and I wish to serve the citizens of Harris County in this court.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I am a full time Municipal Court Judge for the City of Houston and have served in this position for 14 years. I deal with Class C misdemeanors and ordinance violations.
I have presided over hundreds of trials and administrative proceedings. Prior to my appointment to this position, I practiced law for 23 years, dealing with jury trials and appeals of misdemeanors and felonies in Harris County. I have also handled civil, family, probate, corporations, bankruptcy and immigration matters.
5. Why is this race important?
This race is important because it will provide the voters of Harris County with an opportunity to choose a new judge for this bench.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
I have 14 years of judicial experience and many more years of legal experience in a variety of areas of practice. I am very active in the community and support and participate in many diverse cultural events. During my tenure as Municipal Court Judge, I have conducted countless arraignments in the Spanish language. From this foundation for a broad legal, and judicial background, in addition to long standing community involvement, I feel that if I am elected to this bench, I will represent experience, leadership and diversity. This is crucial in an increasingly growing diverse population in Harris County.