(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.)
Josefina Rendon
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
I am Judge Josefina Rendon. I’m running for Harris County’s probate Court #2. I’m a transplanted Texas having come to Houston as a teenager many years ago. I’ve been a lawyer & judge for over 30 yrs and a mediator, peacemaker & student-teacher of conflict resolution for over 20 yrs.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
A probate Court hears cases involving death with or without a will and inheritance issues. Probate Courts also hear case involving guardianships for adults who have become incapacitated.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I gained interest in probate matters when I was 13 years old and my father asked me to “help” him with his will. He said he wanted me to “add up” the numbers. He also explained why he had made the choices he made in his will. I didn’t know at the time that he was dying. This was his indirect way of helping me understand his forthcoming passing. He died within the year. Since then I developed an empathy for those facing death & its consequences. I have also developed an empathy for those who are incapacitated and need good guardians to take care of them.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have been a judge for many years. I was a State Civil District Judge for 4 years and a City of Houston Municipal Court Judge for 27 of the last 31 years. As an experienced trial judge I’ve had to make reasoned decisions that have affected people’s lives and livelihood. No less important, many years ago I discovered that, when encouraged and guided, the parties themselves often have the wisdom to resolve their own disputes without the judge imposing his or her decision. I also discovered that people tend to honor their agreements more often than they obey judicial orders. Because of that, for over 20 years I have also been a mediator, helping people resolve cases on their own rather than imposing, or having another judge impose, a decision.
5. Why is this race important?
Because justice matters – or should matter – to all of us in life or death. All of our courts need judges who are not only aware of the law but who has a sense of balance, justice and compassion in dealing with parties from all walks of life.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
I have been not only a judge but a practicing lawyer and, even more important, a mediator and peacemaker. As a mediator – derived from the word “middle” – I have learned to truly be in the middle and not take sides while trying to get the parties to reach peace and resolution between them. As a judge I carefully and respectfully listen to all points of view and rule according to, not only the law, but according to what is just, fair and equitable. I also have worked hard all my life, with a sense of purpose, always trying to excel expectations and do the best job possible.
Fantastic Judge. I am voting for her.
I’ve met her in social circles as well as her former office. If you want a tough on crime judge, she is not the best choice but if you want a judge with more than a little compassion, she certainly fits the bill. I can see why our resident defense attorney would like her and she is a reasonable choice for those wanting that kind of judge.