Turnout at Northwest Democrats monthly meeting draws a huge crowd of judicial candidates

Top Row, L to R: Judicial candidates Barbie Scharf-Zeldes and Gloria Saldana
2nd Row: Judicial candidates Ina Castillo and Ray Olivarri (photos)

Over 75 enthusiastic and excited Democrats, Party Activists, Elected Officials, judicial candidates and others swarmed the NE Democrats monthly meeting, Saturday, August 19th at Luby's Cafeteria on Bandera, to hear the Democratic judicial candidates explain to the assembly why they should vote for them.

During the hour and a half meeting, eighteen judicial candidates addressed the crowd. Some spoke at length, while others cut to the chase and presented their message, short and to the point.

The quotable line of the day that drew the most cheers from the crowd, was Judge Monica Guerrero's comment, " I just want to say my speech is like lingerie, just long enough to cover the essentials and short enough to be interesting."

Judicial candidate Ina Castillo was quick to point out her credentials as a working prosecutor and that her opponent acted like he was ready to retire. She noted that she would do all in her power to make that happen.

The two shortest speeches were given by Judge Michael Mery and Karen Crouch, both who are unopposed in November. Both encouraged the large crowd to vote the straight ticket and sat down to cheers for their brevity.

Judge David Rodriguez pointed out that his court was efficient and productive. He said he just completed his 80th jury trial. He also noted that his court was strong in saving taxpayers dollars by not having to bring in visiting judges to settle some of the overload in cases.

Judge Paul Canales was quick to say that, "after 18 years on the job, I can still successfully continue to do what I was elected to do, handle cases."

Ray Olivarri spoke of his 20 years in the legal community to include a stint as a probation officer before he became a laywer. He noted that his wife was currently a federal probation officer. He is facing off with former Judge Wayne Christian.

Barbara Scharf-Zeldes who is challenging incumbent Protbate Judge Tom Rickoff told the crowd, "you deserve competence. I have represented firefighters and the police officers for 13 years to ensure they are able to set up estates, guardianships and care for their loved ones when a tragedy occurs. I will serve the community and not just get elected for a pension."

Dan Pozza, candidate for the 4th Court of Appeals said, "the person who wins this election needs to adhere to the moral and fitness standards set by the bar. " A former president of the local bar association, Pozza was quick to remind voters to scroll down the ballot to ensure Democratic judges are elected.

Eddie De La Garza who is also running for the 4th Court of Appeals was unable to attend due to another event. His wife, Rosalinda stood in his behalf. She reminded those present that Eddie's motto was "something to believe in."

Gloria Saldana, who is facing off with incumbent Judge Rene Diaz, pointed out that her mission, when elected , was to reflect compassion and dignity in her court.

Judicial candidate Larry Noll reminded those present that his opponent had no backgound in family law. In the past two years, "Governor Perry has appointed 4 replacements, to include my opponent, all who have only corporate or insurance background for a court that is primarily a family court."

Milton Fagin said, "I pledge to do my best as a judge. I will ensure fairness and will give everyone their day in court."

Peter Sakai, who was introduced to the crowd by Charlie Riley as "Saint Pete," said "people are sick and tired of children being neglected because of failed policies that do not support families. We must take the message to the community and tell them it is time for a change."

Riley introduced Carlton Spears as the candidate who will "rightly reclaim what was his." Spears reminded the gathering that the Janet Littlejohn court was his for six years and he was running to reclaim the bench. He also pointed out that the Littlejohn court was overturned more than any other district court in Bexar County.

Municipal Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl told the crowd that the court she was campaigning for addressed the young and the elderly which she said was always her concern.

The second speaker on the agenda was Judge Al Alonzo who served on th bench for the past 12 years. He reminded the group that his court collected more money from ciriminals than any other court. He also mentioned that he was the first judge to set up a special drug court to ensure the court would not get backlogged with drug cases.

The first Judge to address the crowd was Barbara Nellermoe. She said, "I look forward every day to going to the courthouse which I consider a privilege." All judges and judicial candidates were warmly received by the crowd and received hearty applause during their presentations.

Other officials who attended but did not speak included: Larry Romo, Demvet Chair; Mary Roman, Judge; Judges Karen Pozza and Andy Mireles, State Rep. David Leibowitz, Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, San Antonio City Councilman Richard Perez, Balcones Heights Councilman Steve Walker, District Clerk Margaret Montemayor, SDEC25 Committee Woman Zada True-Courage and Democratic Party Chair and Deputy Pct. Chair 1, Carla Vela and Rick Puente; respectively.

County Clerk candidate Tim Ybarra and Congressional District 23 candidate Ciro Rodriguez attended as well.