Democratic Vote

There's a five-way race for Nueces County Court at Law No. 3 judge in the March primary, with Democrats Hector DePena Jr., Joe Flores, Michele Villarreal-Kuchta, John Martinez and Mark Skurka vying for the seat Judge Marisela Saldana is vacating to run for district judge. County Court at Law judges preside over matters including Class A and B criminal misdemeanor cases, probate cases, civil lawsuits up to $100,000, mental health cases and appeals from justice of the peace courts. The position pays $110,965 annually and judges serve four-year terms. The winner will face Republican Juan Reyna in the November general election. Early voting begins Feb. 21 for the March 7 primary.
Hector DePena Jr.
Age: 62
Occupation: Judge
Q:What is the most important lesson you learned in your legal career?
A: Respect for the law and respect for people.
Q: What's your take on the current jury selection system?
A: As slow as the process is and as difficult as it is, particularly when you report for jury duty, I still think we have the best system because it allows the citizenry to participate in the administration of justice.
Q: How does your record as an attorney translate to the judiciary?
A: I was the presiding judge of County Court at Law 2 for 16 years and I am currently a state regional judge, which is a roving judge. I work within 11 counties, so whenever there is a need for an alternate judge, like when a judge recuses himself or an additional judge is needed, I am there to do the job.
Q: How does your record as an attorney translate to the judiciary?
A: I was the presiding judge of County Court at Law 2 for 16 years and I am currently a state regional judge, which is a roving judge. I work within 11 counties, so whenever there is a need for an alternate judge, like when a judge recuses himself or an additional judge is needed, I am there to do the job.

Joe Flores
Age: 38
Occupation: Lawyer
Q:What is the most important lesson you have learned in your legal career?
A: That each person has intrinsic value. What I mean by that is that being a lawyer is one of the most humbling experiences I have had. Representing the poorest of the poor or the richest of the rich, you still have the duty and obligation to do your job.
Q:What's your take on the current jury selection system?
A: The current system is one that I think works. The jury system is vital to our court system here in the U.S. Very few countries have the system we have and I think it is one of the best in the world if not the best. It does have some inconveniences, but we know people will get the most fair shake they can when they go to court.
Q: How does your record as an attorney translate to the judiciary?
A: As an attorney, I have had multiple trials involving civil, criminal and administrative experiences, which have provided me with the confidence and experience that I will need to preside over cases. The most important part is my experience in business, education, health care and the law, which makes me the most experienced candidate because I have a diverse background.
Michele Villarreal-Kuchta
Age: 38
Occupation: Lawyer
Q:What is the most important lesson you have learned in your legal career?
A: To listen to both sides of every story.
Q:What's your take on the current jury selection system?
A: I think it's the best we've got. It has stood the test of time, so why fix what is not broken.
Q: How does your record as an attorney translate to the judiciary?
A: I think I have a lot of experience in evaluating case scenarios. I believe I can apply fairness in all situations and evaluate and assess like I have done with my own cases. And I will make my decisions according to the law.

John Martinez
Age: 32
Occupation: Lawyer
Q: What is the most important lesson you have learned in your legal career?
A: It's more points that you come across that remind you of what you are doing. I was in a trial in Abilene, and we were picking a jury. One gentleman (a recent U.S. citizen) had a death in the family. When the judge asked if he wanted to be excused he said no, he wanted to be on the jury, and he got on. He said being on the jury was part of being a citizen. We take so much for granted here with the system that we have and the system that is in place.
Q: What's your take on the current jury selection system?
A: Picking a jury can be very complicated, so it is not a question of having a perfect system. I don't know that there is a better way. Although there are problems with it, I think overall it is the best way.
Q: How does your record as an attorney translate to the judiciary?
A: When I was in law school I did an internship with the district attorney's office so I got a taste of criminal law, but of course most of my experience is in the civil area. I represented the appraisal district when George Moff (former Nueces County Chief Appraiser convicted of theft of property valued between $500 and $1,500) was accused of improper spending. I also represented the county on the 30-year-old boundary dispute with San Patricio County. I'm young, but I have done some cool stuff.
Mark Skurka
Age: 46
Occupation: Assistant district attorney
Q: What is the most important lesson you have learned in your legal career?
A: To be prepared. Preparation is the key to everything in the courtroom. What most people see in the courtroom is just a result of many hours of preparation outside of the courtroom.
Q: What's your take on the current jury selection system?
A: The jury system that we have in America may not be perfect, but it is sure a lot better than what other countries have. So far, no one has come up with a better way of dispensing justice than having 12 of your peers deciding.
Q: How does your record as an attorney translate to the judiciary?
A: My experience in the courtroom shows people that I have more knowledge of courtroom proceedings. I am the only candidate board certified in criminal law and my background in administration in the district attorney's office makes me the best candidate to serve the people as County Court at Law Judge 3.
-Jaime Powell