(Note: As I have done in past elections, I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates in contested Democratic primaries. 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. You can see all of my interviews as well as finance reports and other information on candidates on my 2014 Election page.)
Bruce Steffler
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
I am Bruce Steffler and I am running for Judge of the 308th Family District Court.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
The 308th Family District Court primarily hears matters regarding families such as divorce, adoption, child support and custody matters as well as Child Protective Services cases.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I want to restore impartiality and experience to this bench. Everyone should be afforded respect and this includes respecting time and available resources without regard to any agenda other than the best interest of families.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I am a husband and a father and a grandfather. I know what it means for parents and children to experience divorce and the issues associated with blended families. I will bring empathy and experience for parents and children of divorce to the 308th bench.
I worked my way through the University of Houston on the cooperative education program (alternating work and school semesters) as an engineer with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, worked as a reliability engineer with General Dynamics Corporation for two years, served as an enlisted man in the U.S. Army for two years (honorably discharged in 1971) and then worked full time for Southwestern Bell while attending law school at South Texas College of Law full time at night.
I have worked as an attorney, both with law firms and as a solo practitioner, since 1976. My practice is limited to family law and I am board certified in family law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I have real world work experience to temper my extensive legal experience. I have no agenda other than fairness and impartiality to all.
5. Why is this race important?
This race is important, both the primary and the general election, because the family law courts need judges who do not have an agenda, but do have experience, maturity, judicial temperament, non-legal as well as legal work experience, the knowledge and experience to apply the law fairly and impartially to all who come before the court.
6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?
We have a higher probability of being touched, either personally or through a family member or friend, by an issue before a family law court, than by a criminal or civil court. Family law courts are too important to have anyone but the most qualified judge making rulings that have a profound impact on our families. I have the experience, education, maturity and vision to make the 308th a hardworking court where integrity and concern for families are paramount.