1. Who are you, and what are you running for?
I’m Judge Sylvia Matthews, judge of the 281st District. I was appointed to this bench in 2008 and I am now running for election to this seat.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
This is a civil trial court. Generally, the cases involve a claim for monetary damages such as breach of contract, personal injury, employment disputes, malpractice, and disputes over property rights, among others.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I have had the privilege to serve as judge of this court since 2008 and would like to continue to serve the people of Harris County.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have served as a judge of this court for almost 2 years. Prior to coming to the bench, I had over 20 years of civil trial experience, which included first-chair trials and arbitrations. Through the years, I learned the importance of having your day in court and of listening for both sides of the issue. As a lawyer, I handled all sorts of cases: business litigation, tort claims, and public law matters, as well as complex commercial cases. As a judge, I have heard these types of cases and much more. Since taking office, I have tried to provide litigants with their day in court – I have had a significant number of jury trials as well as non-jury trials.
5. Why is this race important?
Many citizens do not believe that one judge makes a difference over another until they are required to appear in that court. At that point, they want a judge who will listen to both sides and follow the law when deciding the issues. All judicial races are important because judges make decisions that affect all of us.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
I chose to leave private practice and become a judge because I wanted to make a contribution to my community through public service. I am a smart, hard-working, experienced judge who strives to follow the law. I’m the kind of judge you want deciding the issues.
Website: SylviaMatthews.com
Facebook: Judge Sylvia Matthews
