(Note: I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates in contested Democratic primaries. There are a lot of judicial races on the ballot in Harris County this election, and so this is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote in March. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. I will also be conducting some in-person interviews of candidates who will be involved in contested primaries for non-judicial offices. Please see my 2010 Election page for a full list of Q&As and interviews.)
1. Who are you, and what are you running for?
My name is J. Anthony Referente and I am running for the 313th Juvenile District Court. I am a graduate of the University of Houston Law Center, Georgetown University (Washington D.C.), and Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. I have lived in Houston for nearly 30 years and am proud to be a Texan. My wife, Elizabeth A. Nguyen (a native Houstonian), is also an attorney practicing in commercial transactions with an oil and gas pipeline company.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
The Juvenile Courts handle two types of cases. The first are cases involving juveniles who have been accused of delinquent conduct ranging in seriousness from thefts to capital murders. In the second type of cases, the Texas Department of Protective and Family Services (otherwise known as Children’s Protective Services or CPS) is involved in the lives of families in which children have been abused or neglected. These cases could result in the termination of parental rights and the adoption of children.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I am running for the 313th Juvenile Court because I believe this Court deserves a change in both principle and policy. I want to restore integrity, fairness and independence in the decisions that are made in this courtroom. Too often, there is the perception that attorneys practicing in the Juvenile Courts obtain appointments to represent clients based on their political contributions to judges. I no longer want this to be a recurring issue. I pledge complete transparency and adherence to the Fair Defense Act Management System and the appointment of attorneys based on individual qualifications, not contributions. No attorneys will receive a disproportionate amount of cases to handle. Everyone is entitled to quality representation especially in cases as serious as those in the juvenile courts where parental rights could be terminated or long sentences could be imposed.
I also want to put an end to any suspicion that there are discriminatory practices occurring in this court. There is no room for intolerance in our judicial system, and it is unacceptable to me as a practicing attorney, a potential judge and a member of our society. This court shall serve the entire community of Harris County equally without special preference to any individuals or groups.
Most importantly, I want to be instrumental in controlling the rising statistics of juvenile delinquency and the increase in abuse and neglect case throughout Harris County. After 13 years or practice always advocating on behalf of what is best for children, I want to continue my public service at a level where my legal knowledge and compassion for the children will best be used.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
Through my 13 years of practice as a juvenile law attorney, I am the only candidate who has worked both as a prosecutor representing our Great State of Texas as well as a defense attorney in the Juvenile Courts. I have tried over 600 cases, including numerous jury trials both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. I also handle adoptions in these courts and firmly believe that adoptive parents should not be discriminated against based on their race, sex, religion or sexual orientation. I have presented continuing legal education courses on the topic of adopting through the CPS system. I currently serve on the Family Intervention Court (also known as Drug Court), where a group of judges, lawyers, social workers, therapists and other community members interested in the lives of children collaborate to determine the best way to address drug abuse issues facing CPS cases. Through this program, and as a former Advisory Board Member to DAPA Family Recovery Programs, I have gained invaluable training and a comprehensive understanding of drug abuse and treatment.
I am also a graduate of the United Way Project Blueprint Program which promotes diversity in volunteerism throughout our community. As a result, I am a board member of Crossroads Partnership for Youth, Inc, a mentorship program for troubled youth, and a past board member of Spaulding for Children, Inc., an adoptions agency specializing in the placements of children with special needs. I have also organized a fitness/running program for the young women at the Burnett Bayland Home, a residential treatment facility. Through this program, I and a group of volunteers train with these young women at Memorial Park to prepare them to race in charity “fun runs” around Houston.
After years of working with children both as an attorney and a community volunteer, I have learned how to develop rapport, earn their trust and maintain mutual respect. Coupled with my training and knowledge of the law, I am very qualified to be the next judge of this court.
5. Why is this race important?
This race is important because this Court plays a key role in shaping the future of Houston and Harris County, which begins with our children. The children who enter the juvenile courts are valued assets which our community must protect and promote. Therefore, the focus of the judge in these courts must always be what is in the best interest of the children, not themselves or the attorneys who practice in the courts.
Especially in the juvenile courts, attorneys who have in the past compromised their principles for their own benefits should be subject to scrutiny to determine their ability to serve as a judge. The juvenile courts are too important to allow monetary considerations to influence or interfere with judicial independence.
This race is important because integrity and transparency should be restored to the 313th Juvenile District Court. We do not need to elect judges who, as attorneys, have participated in a system where contributions are rewarded with court appointments and who would therefore be likely to perpetuate such a system. The focus must always remain on the children.
6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?
People should vote for me because of my outstanding qualifications to serve on this bench. I also bring diversity and energy to the Juvenile Courts. Harris County should have a judiciary that is more representative of its demographics. Moreover, as the youngest candidate with the most diversified experience, I plan on using innovative methods to rehabilitate juvenile delinquents and strengthen family relationships. Most importantly, I feel that the Democrats of Harris County should choose me as their candidate because of my strong commitment to justice, integrity and change in the Juvenile Courts in order to improve the lives of children. My practice has always been devoted to service for the children and families of my community, and I pledge to continue that as the next judge of the 313th District Court.