(Note: As I have done in past elections, I am running a series of Q&As for Democratic judicial candidates on the November ballot. This is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates.)
Farrah Martinez
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
My name is Farrah Martinez and I am the Democratic Nominee running for Judge of the 190th Civil District Court.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
The 190th Civil District Court handles civil disputes such as personal injuries cases and contract disputes.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I am running for this bench because I am passionate about the judicial system and I am excited about the opportunity to serve the public in a different capacity. Also, there are still innovative changes that are needed to make our system more effective and efficient and I am running to bring forth that needed change.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
In 2005, I graduated law school and I started my own law firm and handled a wide range of cases from personal injury to contract disputes to major felony cases. My experience as a sole practitioner enhanced my respect for the law and the legal profession. It was a constant reminder of how my performance truly impacted the lives of my clients and made me continually strive to provide each client with the best representation possible. That same drive transferred to the position that I currently hold as Director of Legislative and Legal Affairs for the Harris County District Clerk’s Office.
I am a multi-dimensional candidate; I have experience in the courtroom, I have experience working for our local government and I have experience working with our legislature. In my current position I help write and propose legislation, analyze and determine how laws enacted every session will impact our office. If a law is passed that will impact our office, I then inform and train staff to ensure correct application of the law to our office standards.
My diverse experience will serve me well as judge.
5. Why is this race important?
There are so many voters who have no experience with the judicial system and those voters may be less inclined to vote in down ballot judicial races. However, at some point in every voter’s life there is a great possibility they will encounter the judicial system either personally or through someone they love and when that time comes the idea that justice matters is then made real and the judge on the bench plays an important role in ensuring justice is attained.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
I am the right choice. I understand that when people are faced with legal challenges and turn to the judicial system for a resolution, they want to be heard and treated with respect no matter what side of the issue they represent; they want their case to be heard by a sound listening ear and they want the law interpreted fairly and expediently. Lawyers want to practice before a judge that respects their time enough to read motions and pleadings prior to the start of the hearing or trial and to rule on those matters timely. Once elected, this is how I intend to run the 190th Civil District Court. For more information or to contribute to my campaign visit Farrahforjudge.com.
i remember her,she became really upset when a democrat voter wanted to ask her questions about why she wanted to be a judge,for those that are not aware judges have to get signatures from voters to even be placed on the ballot,when candidate farrah Martinez asked this voter for her signature at the west gray multipurpose center, the voter (democrat)voter wanted to ask a few questions before she signed =attorney martinez responded”you know you dont have to sign if you dont want to” she didnt want to answer any questions.
joshua ben bullard