(Note: I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates in contested Democratic primaries. There are a lot of judicial races on the ballot in Harris County this election, and so this is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote in March. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. I will also be conducting some in-person interviews of candidates who will be involved in contested primaries for non-judicial offices. Please see the 2010 Election page listed at the top of the blog for a full list of Q&As and interviews.)
1. Who are you, and what are you running for?
I am Bruce Kessler and I am running for Judge of the 308th Family District Court of Harris County, Texas, in the March 2010 Democratic primary.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
The 308th is a family law court and hears matters such as divorce, custody, child support, suits affecting the parent-child relationship, terminations and adoptions, name changes and other cases involving interpersonal and family relationships
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I would like the opportunity to improve the 308th by making it a more efficient and user-friendly court. I plan to implement specific policies and procedures to make the court more accessible and efficient for the working families of Harris County and to expedite hearings and trials so that cases can be heard timely. I intend for courtesy, consistency, common sense and compassion to be the hallmarks of the 308th Family District Court.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I am an attorney with 23 years experience in the active practice of family law; I am Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, indicating special competence in the practice of Family Law; I am a former Family Court Associate Judge; I am a skilled family law mediator; I am a former Committee Chair of a State Bar Grievance Committee; and I belong to many professional organizations through which I keep current with family law issues.
5. Why is this race important?
This is an important race because it is for an open bench as the current judge is not seeking re-election. The 308th needs a judge with the experience, perspective and proven ability to administer the court efficiently and productively as well as the interest in making it more user-friendly and accessible.
6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?
I am the only candidate for the 308th who is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and have been certified as such since 1994. I am also the only candidate for the 308th who has served as an Associate Judge in a Family Court. Not only am I familiar with the law but I have a proven ability to manage a court’s docket.
I value honesty, integrity, hard work and common sense in my practice. I enjoy a good reputation within the Bar both personally and professionally. I am always receptive to new ideas and will strive to make the 308th a more efficient and user-friendly court. I plan to implement specific policies and procedures to make the court more accessible and efficient for the working families of Harris County.
My years as a mediator have provided additional insight and ability to hear and understand issues and have further enabled me to structure solutions that are customized for each case as opposed to “cookie cutter” justice.
Further, from a Democratic perspective, I ran for a family bench in 1998 and I have a solid history of voting Democratic.
I believe that I am the best qualified Democratic candidate in the primary election and the candidate best suited to compete against any candidate from another party in the general election.
Go Kessler!!!! He is the man for the job. Most of all he is a good person who is down to Earth.
David