Express-News endorses 4 County Court Democrats

Top Row: Judges Al Alonso, David Rodriguez
2nd Row: Judge Monica Guerrero, Judicial candidate Ray Olivarri

The Express-News has endorsed Judges Al Alonso, Monica Guerrero, David Rodriguez and candidate Ray Olivarri for County Court positions in the November election. They read:

In County Court-at-Law #1 we recommend the re-election of Judge Al Alonso. He has 12 years of judical experience including nine as a county judge. His criminal law certification and 36 years of legal experience serve this court well. The Democrat also brought some innovations to the Justice Center; including a night court that allows defendants with day jobs some flexibility in taking care of their court matters.

We encourage voting to re-elect County Court-at-Law #3 Judge David Rodriguez to a second term. Rodriguez, a Democrat, is hardworking and innovative. He has a good working relationship with the other civil courts. He has helped implement positive changes in the court's operation and rid the system of aging dormant cases throught a dismissal court.

In the County Court-at-Law #6 race, there is no incumbent. Judge Phil Meyer lost in the Democratic primary to Ray Olivarri. We recommend Olivarri in the general election. He has held a law license only since 1996, but he was an adult probation officer for six years before enrolling in law school.That experience and his mediation certification, would be valuable on the bench.

County Court-at-Law #7 which handles family violence cases is Bexar's busiest county court. Judge Monica Guerrero, a former prosecutor, has done a good job. We urge her re-election. Under a new grant, Guerrero, a Democrat, is getting assistance from visiting judges. But the court could use the help of other sitting judges. Every election, some candidates tell voters they will help with family violence cases, but those offers seem to fade away after they are in office.