Michael Hecht, a Tacoma attorney, is seeking to oust Judge Sergio Armijo. It’s a rematch of their 2004 contest.

The News Tribune sent the two candidates a questionnaire asking about their qualifications for the office. Here are their answers.

SERGIO ARMIJO

Residence: University Place.

Contact: 253-627-8777.

E-mail: barmjio2003@yahoo.com.

Occupation: Superior Court judge.

Civic experience: Judge Armijo tutors students for Werlin Reading Program at Roosevelt Elementary (2006-present), several other Tacoma District 10 schools since the 1990s; provided scholarship funds for college students, presided over high school mock trial competitions in 1995; founder of the Pierce County Minority Bar Youth and Law Forum; annual volunteer with Paint Tacoma Beautiful; served on the advisory board of Catholic Community Services 1997 to present.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, political science, University of Washington, 1973; juris doctor degree, University of Washington, 1976

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I am the best candidate for Superior Court judge, Dept. No. 9, for two reasons: First, as the incumbent, I have 21 years of judicial experience. I have been a Superior Court judge for the past 15 years. I served as a Municipal Court judge and as a court commissioner for a total of 6 years. Second, I listen and make fair rulings pursuant to the law and facts as presented by the parties.

Describe your legal background.

City of Tacoma prosecutor, five years; private practice, five years, family, immigration, and contract law and defense. Assistant city attorney of Tacoma: prosecuted Municipal Code violations, such as gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, and traffic violations. Tacoma Municipal Court commissioner, three years: I presided over traffic violations, judge pro-tem work for Municipal Court. Pierce County Superior Court judge, 15 years: court of general jurisdiction – the most serious felonies, criminal and civil matters involving disputes over $50,000.

What would you draw on in your background – professional or personal – in order to be fair to all people in a legal matter?

My background is a poignant factor in believing in people and seeking justice in the law. I believe in hard work to accomplishing life’s goals and worked as a farm worker at 16 years old and lived with some of the most hard working and humble people of this earth. I served my country by volunteering for military service and touring Vietnam, twice. I believe in people and in giving back to our community.

Personal statement:

I rest my case with the people, Pierce County voters, who have re-elected me many times (1992-2008). Every day in court I make tough decisions that affect lives and monetary matters. My job is to be fair and to follow the law. I will continue to serve my community with fairness and integrity. I believe in Pierce County and that’s why I have dedicated myself to serving our county. I am proud of Pierce County.

MICHAEL HECHT

Residence: Tacoma.

Contact: 253-230-1233.

E-mail: michaelhecht@yahoo.com.

Web site: hechtforhelp.com.

Occupation: Private practice attorney.

Civic experience: In 2004, after years of complaints by citizens, law enforcement and attorneys about Judge Armijo, I ran against him. The result was 48,852 to 66,990 votes. In 2008, I am the only attorney challenging one of the 22 incumbent judges. In 2000, I sued a lawyer who defrauded his client.

Education: Master’s of education degree and counseling certification, University of Massachusetts; bachelor’s degree, secondary education with counseling certification, University of Massachusetts; J.D., UPS School of Law; guardian ad litem registry training.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

Necessity. Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association got it right, 2008 Evaluation www.tpcba.com. Judge Armijo rated last of all 22 judges in legal ability, integrity and impartiality. I pledge decisions based on applying the law; fairness and impartiality, protecting families and children, reading and being prepared, and avoiding conflicts of interest. I respect law enforcement and cultural diversity. The judicial process is more important than any one individual. I am committed to being a good judge.

Describe your legal background.

Private practitioner representing people in Pierce County for 19 years with legal problems: domestic relations, business and criminal litigation, estate planning and probate. I provided help starting businesses. I was involved in contractor litigation, business purchase and sale agreements. I counseled people on bankruptcy issues, represented bankruptcy cases in federal court. I have worked with law enforcement and prosecutors resolving legal issues and disputes. I sued a bad lawyer for legal malpractice.

What would you draw on in your background – professional or personal – in order to be fair to all people in a legal matter?

Nineteen years of helping clients through divorces, bankruptcies, alcohol and drug addiction issues have taught me compassion, understanding and the importance of judicial discretion. Married 36 years, raising three children and now a grandfather provides a well-rounded, common sense approach to being fair to all parties. My sister and I wanted to split a candy bar. My mother said one of you cut it in half and the other picks first. That’s fair.

Personal statement:

My opponent’s dismal performance has harmed the citizens of Pierce County. Families broken and financially ruined, minorities, senior citizens and women victimized, law enforcement disrespected. It is time for a change. I will not run personal business from my court. I will not ask lawyers who practice before me for their endorsements. Fundamental fairness is a cornerstone of justice, ability to apply the law is paramount. For a fair day in court, elect Hecht Judge.

Read what candidates for state and local offices have to say in our online voter guide.

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