(Note: I am running a series of Q&As for Democratic judicial candidates on the November ballot. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. These Q&As are primarily intended for candidates who were not in contested primaries. You can see those earlier Q&As, as well as all the ones in this series and all my recorded interviews for this cycle, on my 2010 Elections page.)
1. Who are you, and what are you running for?
I am Sandra Peake and I am the Democratic nominee for the 257th Family District Court of Harris County, Texas.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
This Court hears divorces, child custody, paternity, enforcement and modification of existing orders, name changes and adoptions.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I am running for this bench because I have practiced before these Courts for the past 27 years and am convinced that the Family Courts should do more to increase accessibility for ordinary citizens who are self-represented, and, become more family friendly.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I am an experienced family practitioner of 27 years with a practice truly reflective of the diversity of the community I’ve been blessed to call home.
5. Why is this race important?
This race is important because this election will determine whether who will be making decisions for the next four years that will profoundly affect the lives of parents, grandparents, children and other litigants before the court requesting relief. What they will be expecting is someone who will listen, treat them courteously and with respect, follow the law and rule in such a way that whether they prevail or not, each person feels as though they have been treated fairly, have had their case resolved, and had their day in court.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
I am qualified and believe that the citizens of Harris County deserve consistent application of the law with courtesy and fairness.