County probate court judges primarily manage wills, estates, guardianships and mental health commitments. The judges serve four-year terms and are paid $193,000 a year.
Who’s running for this seat?
Sergio Enriquez, did not respond.
Gabriella M. Reed, 53, is an attorney.
Candidate Questionnaires
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been edited to fit the word count and for grammar.
Why are you the best candidate in the race?
Sergio Enriquez: Did not respond.
Gabriella M. Reed: My legal career has been about public service. This bench specifically serves the public in probating wills and estates, guardianships and mental health commitments. I have spent 20 years as an assistant county attorney, and in that time I was the chief of the elder protection unit that specifically represented the state in elder abuse, guardianship for seniors on point experience to the probate court work. I was also the chief of the mental health unit that dealt with involuntary mental health commitments and I am currently legal counsel for the local mental health authority.
What would be your top priority if you are elected to this position and how would you ensure your goal is met?
Sergio Enriquez: Did not respond.
Gabriella M. Reed: Running an efficient docket and educating the public about the court and the services and types of cases the court deals with. I would be open (in the office- not remote), I would host education seminars for the public, I would maintain a 90% clearance rate on the docket and consider non-traditional days a few times a quarter to assist the community that works and serves as caregivers.
As an attorney, how many cases have you tried in court?
Sergio Enriquez: Did not respond.
Gabriella M. Reed: Literally hundreds. Too many to estimate. At least 300-500 bench trials. I have done four jury trials and countless more hearings.
How would you manage your docket efficiently while also respecting the rights of parties in your courtroom?
Sergio Enriquez: Did not respond.
Gabriella M. Reed: I would prioritize the cases that need to be done quickly and also consider the amount of time cases have been lingering, many times you just need to hold the lawyers accountable to a time line and still have consideration and compassion for the needs of the parties. As I stated above I would like to incorporate a few days a quarter to non-traditional hours to try to help accommodate parties.
Why are you running as a Democrat and what beliefs and values do you hold that are key to serving as a judge?
Sergio Enriquez: Did not respond.
Gabriella M. Reed: I believe in the rule of law and that your immigration status, sex, race, color, creed, religion, sexual identity or orientation and choice to reproduce or not should not impact your right to access justice, benefits or fairness in any system. I believe a judge should be fair and impartial and not have a personal agenda to forward or promulgate. I believe compassion is a necessary tool in a Judge’s toolbox, we are all human and entitled to basic dignities and due process rights.
The post Q&A: County Probate Court No. 2 judge candidates in March 3 Democratic primary election appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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