Judicial candidates battling over experience for Tarrant bench. Here’s our recommendation
The question of how much felony trial experience — and what kind — divides two Republicans running to be the next 371st district court judge in Tarrant County.
Ryan Hill, a chief prosecutor in the Tarrant County district attorney’s office, points to his longer record of trying criminal cases, including murders, as a distinguishing factor. His opponent, William Knight, argues that he has a depth of experience trying difficult abuse cases, including those of children and the elderly. He is the assistant chief prosecutor in the Intimate Partner Violence Unit at the DA’s office.
Either would make a solid judge for this criminal court, but we give the slight edge to Knight, 36, of Fort Worth. His understanding that a judge must be humble but also unafraid to make unpopular decisions displayed a basic wisdom that will serve him well on the bench.
Both candidates realize that a judge faces difficult calls, especially in an era of concern about rising crime, on balancing tough sentences for the worst offenders with using programs to rehabilitate others.
Hill, 39, of Fort Worth was a bit more aggressive in our joint interview with the candidates. At one point, he suggested the fact that he has children, while Knight does not, gives him an edge. Knowing the needs of families is important at all levels of public service, but people without children make fine judges, too.
Knight’s even temperament will be an asset as a judge.
Early voting begins Monday and ends Feb. 25. Election Day is March 1. District judges are elected countywide. With no Democrat seeking the post, the primary winner is all but certain to win in November’s general election.
The winner will replace Judge Mollee Westfall, who is running for Tarrant County district attorney.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHey, who is behind these endorsements?
Members of the Editorial Board, which serves as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s institutional voice, decide candidates and positions to recommend to voters. The members of the board are: Cynthia M. Allen, columnist; Steve Coffman, editor and president; Bud Kennedy, columnist; Ryan J. Rusak, opinion editor; and Nicole Russell, opinion writer.
Members of our Community Advisory Board may also participate in candidate interviews and offer their views, but they do not vote on which candidate to recommend.
Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
How does the process work?
The Editorial Board interviews candidates, asking about positions on issues, experience and qualifications, and how they would approach holding the office for which they are running. Board members do additional research on candidates’ backgrounds and the issues at hand. After that, members discuss the candidates and generally aim to arrive at a consensus, though not necessarily unanimity. All members contribute observations and ideas, so the resulting editorials represent the board’s view, not a particular writer.
How do partisanship and ideology factor in?
We’re not tied to one party or the other, and our positions on issues range across the ideological spectrum. We tend to prefer candidates who align with our previously stated positions, but qualifications, temperament and experience are important, too.
This story was originally published February 9, 2022 at 5:03 AM.