- What position are you running for? Grant County Superior Court Judge – Position 1 (Incumbent)
- Why do you think Hispanics should know about the position you are running for? Nearly 40% of the population of Grant County, Washington is Hispanic. Many other counties in the Eastern part of the State of Washington are quickly approaching that number. And yet, I am the only Hispanic judge in any state or municipal court in Eastern Washington. Building confidence in our judicial system requires that those who interact with the court believe that the system is fair to all. Confidence is eroded if a large segment of the population does not see a reflection of themselves in the judiciary.
- Why are you running for this position? I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Grant County Superior Court bench nearly a year ago, and state law requires that I now stand for election to retain my seat. I believe I am the most qualified for the position I now hold. Since taking office, I am proud to have earned a reputation for my calm professional relationships with opposing parties and attorneys. I speak fluent Spanish, which is a significant advantage in the Grant County Superior Court. I preside over all types of civil and criminal matters. I was born and raised in Eastern Washington and am the product of my parents’ American Dream. They immigrated legally to the U.S. in the 1960’s and journeyed from a life as farm workers to become small business owners. They raised their children here, and taught me the value of faith, family, hard work, education and community. My wife and I are guided by those same values – Eastern Washington values – as we now raise our own three children here.
- For the Hispanic community, what do you view to be the most important agenda items you will take action on if you get elected? I recognize that a significant portion of the residents of Grant County (including many Latinos) lack the financial resources to obtain true “access to justice.” I also have seen first-hand how individuals, such as my parents, have been affected by the inability to assert their legal rights in court because of the lack of financial resources or because of language barriers. It has been, and continues to be, my goal to promote policies and procedures that will help promote access to our local courts – for all people.
- Tiene algun mensaje especial que desee compartir con los votantes Hispanos?
“Plenamente consciente de mi propio origen humilde como hijo de padres campesinos, trato a cada persona que venga ante mí, con respeto. No me considero mejor que nadie. Yo trabajo duro cada día para guiar a aquellos que vienen ante mí con los valores que me inculcaron y ayudarles a asumir la responsabilidad de sus acciones, de manera que se evite la interacción con la corte en el futuro. Porque yo soy el único juez latino en cualquier estado o tribunal local en el este de Washington, reconozco la importancia de ser un ejemplo positivo para otros latinos. Es mi esperanza que puedo jugar un papel para mostrar a otros que los Latinos comparten los valores que todos en el este de Washington oriental cree: la fe, la familia, el trabajo, la educación y la comunidad. Pido humildemente su voto en noviembre.”
