(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 my 2010 Election page for a full list of Q&As and interviews.)
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
My name is Steve Herskowitz. I am running for Judge of the 311th Family District Court. A third-generation Houstonian and graduate of the University of Texas Law School, I am a husband of 20 years, a father of two, and son of former Houston Chronicle sportswriter Mickey Herskowitz.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
As a Family Court, the 311th District Court hears divorce, paternity, adoption and other suits affecting the parent-child relationship.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I chose to run for this specific bench because the sitting judge is not seeking reelection. More generally, I am running for judge primarily for two reasons. The first reason really boils down to a desire to serve and give back to the community. I’ve been a public servant for the past 10 years as an attorney and mediator for the Harris County Domestic Relations Office; so, I already know the fulfillment of public service. As rewarding as my work for the county has been, I can do even more good for an even greater number of people as a judge.
Second, I’m running for judge because I believe there is a need for more judges who view today’s families through 21st century lenses. Single parent homes, stay-at-home-dads, same sex couples and multi-generational households are mainstream today. The traditional nuclear family of the 20th century is no longer the rule, and the values that work for those families don’t necessarily work for today’s diverse families. This is especially true in Harris County where our community is so diverse ethnically, culturally and economically. To truly do justice, our courts must recognize and adapt to the changing face of our families. I recognize this need and have the experience and vision to fill it.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
My qualifications for judge fall into three categories: Expertise in family conflict resolution; expertise in family law; and financial expertise.
For the past decade I have devoted my legal practice almost entirely to mediation of family cases, having mediated and resolved in excess of 2.000 family cases. My job as a mediator has many parallels to being a judge. Like a judge, I am a neutral third party. Like a judge, I consider the pleadings, evidence and credibility of the parties. And like a judge I evaluate cases from the perspective of every party. Also, I have created a family conflict resolution workshop that I’ve taught at seminars across Texas.
I am a 20 year veteran of the legal profession with a broad base of legal experience that includes litigation in the civil and family courts.
Finally, as a former Certified Public Accountant with “Big 8” International CPA firm experience. This expertise is important for dealing with complex marital estates.
5. Why is this race important?
This race is important because more than half of all Americans will be profoundly affected by the decision of a Family Court judge at some point in their lives.
6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?
By voting for me Harris County has an opportunity to put on the bench an attorney who has true expertise in resolving family conflicts, legal expertise in family law, and financial expertise, and whose legal practice is dedicated to resolving family matters in ways that are fair to all concerned.