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Political Forum 08 — District 22 Circuit Judge: Candidates cite history, experience on bench |
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Tuesday, 21 October 2008 |
Robert Herzfeld and Paul White were congenial adversaries when they appeared Monday night at the Royal Theatre in Political Forum 2008, but make no mistake: Each wants to squelch the other’s attempt to be Saline County’s newest Circuit Court judge.
The new judgeship, a nonpartisan position, was created by the Legislature to take care an increase in the number of cases in Saline County Circuit Court.
Herzfeld, 34, a former Saline County prosecuting attorney now in private practice, cited his family’s tradition of public service as the inspiration for his desire to serve in public office. He began by mentioning his grandfather, the late Leo Herzfeld, who served as county and circuit clerk, and moved on to his father, the late Bob Herzfeld, who served on the Saline County Quorum Court and in other areas of the community.
Both men have spent some time on the bench as special judges so they said they have a feel for what’s required of the position.
Herzfeld has been a special judge for Saline County Circuit Court, Saline County Drug Court, Saline County District Court and Haskell and Bauxite city courts.
White, 41, who has practiced law for 16 years, said he has tried “all kinds of cases” and has served as a special judge for courts throughout Saline County.
As prosecutor, Herzfeld helped reform the Saline County court system by co-founding the Saline County Drug Court, “the first of its kind in Arkansas,” he said.
`He boasted of a “97 percent conviction rate” in jury trials during his years as prosecutor.
He pointed out that he played an integral role in the organization of Habitat for Humanity of Saline County, for which his wife, Karma, now serves as executive director.
If elected to the new judgeship, Herzfeld promised to “work hard for you every day” and promised to “treat people fairly.”
White said he had a choice of continuing his career in private practice or seeking an elected office.
He made no secret of his desire to serve in the office, saying has the right qualities to serve as a judge, including the ability to be impartial.
“I’m even-tempered ... and I will follow the law as it’s written” in ruling on cases, White said.
“I will not be a maverick and will treat people fairly,” he pledged. He vowed to keep politics out of the office, saying the courtroom is not the place for this.
He said he has observed judges in other parts of the state that have not treated defendants and their families with the kind of respect that should be theirs in the courtroom and he vowed never to succumb to this tactic.
Herzfeld was equally passionate in expressing his desire to become the county’s next judge.
“I have a proven record for helping make things better,” Herzfeld said.
He pointed out that White’s primary practice has dealt with estate planning, while he has dealt with all types of cases both as a prosecutor and a private attorney.
“I love Saline County and I want to continue my service to you,” he said. “I will work my heart out for you.”
Political Forum 2008 is co-sponsored by the Courier and TV95. It concludes tonight with candidates for Benton and Bryant city councils.
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Razorbacks
