Age: 66
1. Are you a member of the Kansas Bar?
I am not a member of the Kansas Bar. To be a member of the Kansas Bar, a person must have earned a J.D. from an accredited law school and passed the Kansas Bar Examination. Magistrate judges in Kansas are not required to have a law degree, nor are they required to pass the Kansas Bar Examination. They are, however, required to pass a Supreme Court examination within 18 months of being elected, which I have done. I am a member of the Ellis County Bar Association.
2. Community Involvement
I was a registered football official until retiring from that position, working junior high, junior varsity and high school varsity football. I’m an active member of the WaKeeney Lions Club, serving as the president for the last several years. I’m a member of Lift up WaKeeney and an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church.
3. What experience and skills would you bring to the position?
I have served as the Trego County Magistrate since being elected in 1996. I have presided over thousands of cases of various types and difficulty. I have attended numerous regular training seminars and continuing judicial education classes, as is expected of everyone in my position.
With my 28 years of experience, I have gained the knowledge, skills and temperament to serve as a fair and efficient judge. I believe I bring the right attitude to the position to make sure everyone is dealt with fairly, legally and with a concern for both the individual case in front of me, the parties involved and the community as a whole.
4. What are the specific aspects of this judicial position that moved you to run?
Before being elected, I was summoned to sit on the Federal Grand Jury for 18 months, where I learned a great deal about the legal process in general. After further consideration, I felt I could make a positive difference to the citizens of Trego County if they chose to elect me as the new magistrate judge.
I’ve continued to run for this position every four years since because I love this job. I get up bright and early every morning, ready to work hard for the court and the people of Trego County.
I most enjoy getting to work with people, the court staff, the attorneys, other judges and the public. As a judge, it is my duty to uphold the law and to ensure my courtroom is an orderly, fair and efficient place to settle legal disputes. I take great pride in seeing to it that my courtroom is exactly that.
I am grateful to everyone for allowing me to serve them in that capacity over the last 28 years.
5. Describe the ideal judge.
Any judge, not just an ideal judge should be well prepared, on time, knowledgeable, ethical and fair. A judge should also be patient, a good listener and able to make a decision based upon the facts of the case as applied to the law.
6. Describe the most challenging ethical dilemma you have encountered. How did you handle it?
I don’t know how challenging it is, but the most common is dealing with people who want to speak to me about their case without the others side present. For the most part, I am not allowed to hear from one side in a case without the other side present and must tell them to wait until their court hearing to tell me.
7. As a prospective judge, what do you consider your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
My strength would be my integrity and experiences. I have cultivated an understanding of the law and courtroom procedure. I am comfortable on the bench and can command a courtroom.
Most people do not know that some magistrate judges in Kansas have not been to law school, and therefore, most magistrate judges’ biggest weakness is a lack of experience and knowledge about the law and courtroom procedure, but with my experience for the last 28 years, I have gained the knowledge to bridge that gap.
8. Have you ever been arrested? When and what charges? What was the outcome?
I have never been arrested.
9. Have you ever been a principal, named litigant in a civil matter? How did it affect you?
Other than being named a litigant in my position as a judge, I have never been named a litigant in a civil matter.
10. Have you ever been a victim of a crime? How did it impact you (if at all)?
I have not been a victim of a crime.
Richard Flax is running against Travis Phillips for the 23rd Judicial District, pos. 3 magistrate judge position. See Phillip's questionnaire here.
When and where to vote
Early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays starting Monday, Oct. 21, and running through noon Monday, Nov. 4. Saturday early voting will be from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 2.
Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 5. Vote at your regular polling location from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Watch the Hays Post for complete election results on Election night.