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Hillsborough Circuit Court

Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Group 25

Robert Foster

Voters should want a compelling reason to replace a sitting judge, and we find none here. Elected in 2000, Robert Foster generally does a good job. He is competent, manages his caseload and stays up to speed with continuing judicial training, which enables him to serve in many capacities in the busy circuit. The 59-year-old Tampa native, a former family law attorney and public defender, also is active in his community.

His challenger, Catherine W. Real, a 59-year-old family law attorney, has worked on numerous civic causes, from fighting domestic abuse to raising awareness of judicial ethics. But we see no reason to replace experience.

In Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Group 25, the Times recommends Robert Foster.

Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Group 32

Caroline J. Tesche

Bernard Silver and Caroline Tesche stand out for the collegial respect and character both would bring to the bench. Tesche's experience, though, better prepares her as a judge. Her poise and mental quickness are essentials for someone entrusted with this job.

Tesche, 45, is a former prosecutor who cut her teeth on drug cases and organized crime. She was a prosecutor in Miami and the Northeast before becoming a public defender in Tampa. Now in private practice, Tesche has the broadest experience of any candidate in the race - working with both state and federal cases, on both sides of the aisle, as a government lawyer and now businesswoman. She projects authority and instills confidence with a thoughtful bearing and solid grasp of how the circuit can better serve a growing, urban county.

Silver, 61, a civil litigation attorney, knows how to manage a courtroom and balance competing rights. Tesche, though, seems more attuned to the evolving social demands on the judiciary. Elizabeth L. Hapner also is running. The Florida Supreme Court removed her as a Hillsborough County judge in 1998 after the state Judicial Qualifications Commission cited Hapner for a pattern of irresponsible and dishonest behavior in her professional and private life. Hapner takes responsibility for that episode but maintains her life is in order and her work on the bench was never questioned. But there are two good alternatives on the ballot. Cris A. DeBock is not a serious candidate.

In Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Group 32, the Times recommends Caroline Tesche.

Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Group 43

Kimberly Fernandez

Kimberly Fernandez gets the edge in this race for her courtroom experience and the energy and ideas she would bring to the bench.

Fernandez, 41, is a former Hillsborough prosecutor and public defender who has had a private family and criminal law practice since 1995. She is described as hard-working and passionate. Running a sole practice shows discipline, self-sufficiency and time management skills a judge needs.

Paul T. Jeske, 56, a civil and criminal trial lawyer, is personable and praised as bright and good at following through with commitments. His even demeanor would instill confidence in the courtroom. But Fernandez seems clearer about what she would contribute on the bench. Another challenger, Mitchell Fraley, 37, an insurance defense attorney, fails to sparkle by comparison.

In Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Group 43, the Times recommends Kimberly Fernandez.

Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Group 44

Emily Peacock

Emily Peacock is a well-rounded attorney who seems capable of commanding the courtroom the first day she takes the bench.

The 50-year-old former prosecutor and public defender has deep experience in both the state and federal courts and across the range of legal issues, from criminal and securities to juvenile and family law. Her broad advocacy gives her an innate sense of balance. She is composed, self-assured and candid about the challenges facing the courts system.

Samantha Ward, 41, heads the major crimes bureau at the Hillsborough public defender's office. Her experience as an administrator and litigator and knowledge of the circuit could help her bring innovations to the judiciary as she did to the defender's office. Jesse Dominguez, 54, is seasoned and pleasant, but he and John F. Rudy, 35, seem to merely have an ambition to be a judge.

In Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Group 44, the Times recommends Emily Peacock.

Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Group 45

Gary S. Dolgin

Gary Dolgin by far is the best candidate in this race. The 42-year-old former prosecutor and public defender has run a private practice for 13 years. His expertise in family law would be valuable to a circuit trying to deal with the causes and effects of broken families in a comprehensive way.

Dolgin is active in professional circles, involved in the community and aware of what makes a responsible judge. He is independent and thoughtful, a clear speaker and mindful of the importance for the judiciary to have a positive public image. Pat Courtney, 37, a former prosecutor now in private practice, said he has long wanted to be a judge and "the time was right." Courtney seems competent, but it is unclear what he would add to the circuit. Ashley Moody, a 31-year-old federal prosecutor, lacks the necessary experience.

In Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge Group 45, the Times recommends Gary Dolgin.

On Sept. 5, voters in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough will choose judges, and their decisions will have an impact on our local justice system. There are three contested races for Pinellas-Pasco circuit judge and two races for Pinellas County judge. Hillsborough voters will elect five circuit court judges. These are nonpartisan offices with six-year terms.

[Last modified August 19, 2006, 01:42:01]