(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 Raymond L. (Ray) Fisher, and I am running for the 245th Family Law District Court Bench.
2. What kinds of cases does this Court hear?
The 245th Family Law District Court Bench hears cases concerning Family Law Matters, which include divorce, and child-related matters. This includes issues pertaining to the division of property upon divorce, temporary alimony, adoption, paternity suits, family violence, enforcement of Court Orders, parental liability, change of names of adults, grand parent rights and modifying custody, visitation and child support.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I am running for the 245th Family Law District Bench because I believe in the power of the Judiciary. I believe there should be a Judge on this Bench who knows the Law and who will apply the Law fairly and impartially. The Judge of this Court should be fair, impartial, and courteous at all times.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
My qualifications to become Judge of the 245th Family Law District Court include over 34 years in private practice in matters pertaining to family law. I have practiced successfully without any sanctions from the State Bar of Texas. I have served as an Associate Juvenile Court Judge and as an Associate Municipal Court Judge. I have a breadth of experience pertaining to Family Court matters.
5. Why is this race important?
This race is important because an increasing number of cases in the Judiciary involve Family Law Matters. Proper resolution of the cases, many of which are quite complex, requires a thorough knowledge of the law and its interpretation, experience in addressing complex cases, and fairness in the application of the law.
6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?
I am asking people to vote for me because of my experience. As Judge of the 245th Family District Court, I am committed to serving every citizen of Harris County who appears in my Court. I will treat them with the respect that they deserve from a Public Servant. I will be fair, honest, courteous, and respectful. I will always apply the law above divisive politics because justice knows no political party. Finally, I will be the kind of Judge who will not just listen but who will actually hear – not just with my ears but also with an open mind and an open heart.
Am I mistaken that Fisher ran as a Republican for judge in the 1990s? or that he ran for city council against Ernest McGowen back in 1979?