Continuing my series of Q&A's with local county and judicial candidates, today I bring you Rudy Velasquez, who is running for for judge in Fort Bend County.
1. Who are you and what are you running for?My name is Rudy Velasquez, the Democratic candidate in the November 7, 2006, General Election for Judge of County Court at Law # 1 in Fort Bend County. I was born and raised in Fort Bend County and reside in Sugar Land. I am a graduate of Lamar Consolidated High School, Wharton County Junior College, University of Houston, and Indiana School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana. I am married to Yingchu Chang Velasquez and have two children, Aileen and Kevin.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?County Court at Law # 1 is the oldest county court in the county and handles misdemeanor criminal cases, such as individuals charged with driving while intoxicated and assaults; civil cases and a wide array of juvenile cases ranging from runaway, truancy, and criminal mischief to theft, burglary, drugs, robbery, sexual assault, and murder; and probate matters in which a deceased may or may not have a will.
3. What are your qualifications for this job?I have been licensed to practice law for 22 years and handled cases in Federal, State District, County Courts at Law and Justice of the Peace Courts. I started out as a solo practitioner in Fort Bend County for six years. During that time I handled criminal, civil, juvenile, family and probate matters. I regularly appeared in the County Courts at Law and District Courts. I litigated and tried numerous cases before judges and juries. My experience also includes a four-year tenure as a prosecutor in the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office. I am currently employed at the City of Houston Legal Department where I handle complex litigation in the Federal Courts and Harris County Judicial System. I am grateful and proud of the wide range of legal experiences obtained during my career and will use it as a foundation when elected to serve as judge of County Court at Law # 1.
4. Why do you believe you would do a better job than the incumbent?The previous judge of County Court at Law # 1, the Honorable Larry Wagenbach, retired. Fort Bend County Commissioners appointed an interim judge to fill the vacancy until the election in November.
5. Why is this race one we should care about?I believe it is time for a change. The judiciary in Fort Bend County has been dominated by one political party and does not reflect the diversity of the county's population.
6. What else do we need to know?I bring years of experience in the State and Federal Courts to my campaign to serve the people of Fort Bend County. My goal is to provide fair, just, and equal enforcement of the laws of the State of Texas. I am committed to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of County Court at Law # 1. This is a countywide position, all registered voters in Fort Bend County may vote for the Judge of County Court at Law # 1 in the November election.
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