Both candidates for the Hillsborough County Court Group 10 seat are touting experience as the reason they should be elected.
Incumbent Dick Greco Jr. said his years on the bench should recommend him for another term.
"I am the best qualified candidate," he said. "I have demonstrated I have the right type of temperament and demeanor."
Challenger Lanell Williams-Yulee said her 19-year legal career, mostly spent as a prosecutor or public defender, gives her the credentials to take the bench.
"My personal attributes and characteristics give me the ability to follow the law and be fair and unbiased," she said in a Florida Bar statement.
County judges serve six-year terms and handle misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $5,000, civil cases up to $15,000 and traffic offenses.
Greco was appointed to the post by Gov. Charlie Crist in April 2009.
He previously had served as a Hillsborough County and Circuit judge for 11 years before walking away to return to private practice in 2001.
Greco said he needed to make more money to reduce his debts. After obtaining financial security, he yearned to again don a robe, he said.
"It is the epitome of the legal profession," he said. "I had forgotten what a great position County Court is. It is really and truly the people's court."
Williams-Yulee said being a judge has been a life-long dream, one she has worked toward throughout her career.
"I have sharpened my ability to be open-minded, fair and unbiased," she said. "I have learned to apply common sense to each case and to maintain good temperament."
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement