Who is running for Oklahoma County District Judge, Office 14? Your guide to the candidates

Eleven of Oklahoma County's 15 district judge offices were determined before the April primary, and three more were decided in that primary. The only remaining open position is Office 14, held by Judge Ray Elliott until his retirement earlier this year. Special judges Kathryn Savage and James Siderias will face off for the seat on Nov. 8.

Kathryn Savage

Age: 48

Born: Tulsa

Education: Oklahoma State University, political science and economics; Oklahoma City University School of Law, Juris Doctorate

Experience: Currently Special Judge – Oklahoma County; former assistant district attorney and lawyer in the office of the attorney general

James Siderias

Age: 49

Born: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Education: Oklahoma Baptist University, political science and business administration;University of Oklahoma College of Law, Juris Doctorate

Experience: Currently Special Judge – Oklahoma County; former prosecutor, criminal defense attorney and civil litigator

The Oklahoman asked both candidates a series of questions about their reasons for running for district judge and plans should they be elected. Candidate answers may be edited for clarity and length.

Why are you running for district judge?

Savage: My passion is the law and serving the community it protects. So much has been given to me; today, I want to serve and give back in a meaningful way that brings justice, resolution and fairness to anyone who has an interaction with the Oklahoma County Courthouse. As a judge and former prosecutor, my lived experiences offer valuable perspective in serving with fairness, justice and compassion when needed. I overcame a lot growing up including poverty, family dealing with mental health and addiction, and these perspectives helped inform me. I will be fair, just and show thoughtful consideration for those seeking a second chance.

Siderias: I am running to serve my community, to be accountable to the people whose lives are impacted by my decisions, to the victims who have been wronged and to the accused who depend upon fair and unbiased judges. As a district judge, I have an opportunity to address the homelessness, hunger, addiction, and/or mental health issues facing many of those who are accused of committing low-level, non-violent offenses. Addressing these issues while maintaining accountability and personal responsibility are at the forefront of why I am running because I understand that to truly create a safe community, we must not only consider and use incarceration, but also maintain a commitment to ending the cycles of criminality and trauma that plague generations of families.

What do you hope to bring to the position, if you are elected?

Savage: As a District Judge I will lead both personally and professionally with integrity and consistency. Oklahoma County needs stability in the judiciary. My central role as a District Judge will always be upholding the constitutional rights of all Oklahoma County residents. The bench is no place for activism or crafting public policy. As a judge I take an oath to remain consistent and transparent; and those principles guide me.

Siderias: More than ever, citizens look to their judiciary to act as impartial and independent decision makers committed to the rule of law. I believe that requires an even temperament, practical experience and common sense, knowledge of the law, as well as a level of compassion in understanding the human component of those who appear before the court.

I also want to remove barriers to justice that individuals are facing. Someone charged with shoplifting has committed a crime. But if we aren’t willing to help change the individual, that person will continue stealing from retailers, who will continue to experience economic losses which are passed onto consumers in the form of increased costs, and all the while, our criminal justice system and the Oklahoma County Jail will continue in its current state, bursting at the seams. Taking a few moments with someone while they are standing in front of you at the bench costs nothing but the time it took to do so. Finding out if the person is experiencing substance use issues, if they are struggling with mental health, if they are sleeping on the streets, under bridges, or in shelters, if they have food to eat, or an ID to even get a job are all key questions to determining root causes and addressing those causes with practical and available approaches through partnerships with civic and non-profit groups that can address those life needs — with one end goal in mind: a safer community filled with more functional and productive citizens. As a Judge, we can’t change every life, but we are uniquely situated to identify those people who are struggling.

How will your role as a district judge differ from the work you're doing now as a special judge?

Savage: As a District Judge I will take on a more significant leadership role in the judicial system. I will preside over jury trials, bond hearings to increase or decrease a criminal defendant's bond, acquire sentencing powers when there is no agreement between the state of Oklahoma and a defendant, and review post-conviction relief applications for those currently serving time with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Currently as a Special District Judge, cases are not officially assigned to me, I have limited jurisdiction to make determinations if sufficient evidence exists for a defendant’s case to proceed to jury trial. I have the authority to make decisions regarding a defendant’s bond in limited circumstances. I may only accept agreed pleas of guilty or no contest between the state of Oklahoma and a defendant.

Siderias: One of the biggest differences is in the handling of jury trials. A Special Judge’s jurisdiction is limited — both on the criminal and civil sides. For instance, civil cases that exceed a certain dollar amount must be handled by a District Judge. As a Special Judge, I am unable to preside over felony jury trials unless the parties agree that I can hear their case. I have no authority to reject a plea agreement as a Special Judge, and likewise, I have no authority in pronouncing a sentence unless it is agreed to by the parties. As a District Judge, the decisions I will be making will have a very real and lasting impact on the individuals who appear before me by having the ability to accept or reject a plea, to make decisions on the admissibility of evidence at trial, and to make decisions on matters regarding bond. All of that requires an even temperament, an understanding of the law, and real-life experience on both sides of the aisles: all of which I believe I possess.

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Are there any specific things you would like to accomplish or help happen as district judge?

Savage: Transformation of the criminal justice system to align with better outcomes that will rebuild families and communities to be stronger and safer. I’ve been practicing in the criminal justice system for over 20 years as a judge and/or prosecutor, and I want to contribute in any way to preserving public safety, help address injustices within thesystem and bring hope to our community.

Siderias: Yes — the continued growth of the partnerships our Oklahoma County District Courts have with civic and non-profit groups that help in addressing community needs is an important tool in reducing recidivism and ensuring lasting change in the lives of individuals who have found themselves in our criminal justice system — whether that is a victim that needs direction and resources or a defendant who stands accused of committing a crime. The work that organizations like TEEM, who offers monitored, pre-trial release services, Diversion Hub, which offers support and justice navigation services, as well as programs like SHINE, which provides an alternative to incarceration, have greatly benefited our community by helping to throw a wrench in those cycles of trauma that begin in childhood and are passed down from generation to generation.

Why are you the best choice for the job?

Savage: I will be consistent, impartial and transparent, with a diverse perspective as a former prosecutor and current Special Judge. This job isn’t about me. I serve you. I will always follow the law and public safety will be a priority while offering compassion for those seeking a second chance.

Siderias: A broad spectrum of community leaders have endorsed my candidacy, which I hope means I stand out because of my temperament and professionalism. I am endorsed by law enforcement across the board and also by leaders like OCU Law School’s Dean Jim Roth, former Senator Angela Monson, former Sheriff John Whetsel and criminal justice reformer Kris Steele. From senators and representatives on both sides of the aisle, to members of the legal community, and citizens of Oklahoma County, including Retired Judge Ray Elliott — whose seat I am running for as a result of his retirement — I am endorsed as the candidate for the job. I have endorsements by the Fraternal Order of Police in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Bethany, Warr Acres, Midwest City, Del City, The Village, and the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, but also from the Eastern Oklahoma County Chiefs' Association. Citizens know that I bring an even temperament, a level head, a wealth of knowledge, and vast and diverse experience to the bench — both from the public and private sector.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: James Siderias, Kathryn Savage seek OK County district judge seat