Jeff Parker and Steve Duskie Jeff Parker and Steve Duskie. Courtesy photos

It's a competition between legal experience versus deep roots in the community for the two candidates in a runoff for Bell County's 426th District Court.

Steve Duskie and Jeff Parker are in the Republican Primary runoff for the bench in Belton. Whoever wins will run uncontested in November, as there's no Democratic candidate in the race.

Parker, an assistant district attorney in Coryell County, argues he's better qualified because he's board certified in criminal law, has tried death penalty cases, has experience as a prosecutor, and has also practiced family and civil law and mediation.

"Finally, I am the only candidate who has refused to accept campaign contributions from attorneys who practice before this court. I believe it is important to avoid even the appearance of impropriety," Parker wrote.

Duskie, a partner in Lindley, Wiley & Duskie, argues he's better suited for the bench because of his deep roots in Bell County. He's lived there 20 years.

"Because I have been here so long in one place, I have developed a great working relationship with the attorneys and court staff, and believe that will help keep things productive at the courthouse," Duskie wrote.

Texas Lawyer is publishing Q&As with candidates in runoffs. Early voting is June 29 to July 10, and election day is July 14.

Here are the Q&A' for Duskie and Parker.

Read more: Texas Voters: Meet the Candidates Running for Judge in July Primary Runoffs

Steve Duskie

What is a brief biography of work experience, educational qualifications and career honors that you want voters to know about?

Steve Duskie Steve Duskie. Courtesy photo
  • Practicing attorney in Bell County for over 20 years.
  • Partner at firm Lindley, Wiley & Duskie since 2002.
  • Represented clients in all types of cases: Criminal Defense, Civil Litigation, Family Law
  • Instructor for University of Phoenix Online in Criminal Law Courses since 2004
  • Graduate of St. Mary's University School of Law
  • Associate Editor of the St. Mary's Law Journal
  • Intern at Federal District Court in San Antonio, Texas, 1995
  • Intern at Texas Supreme Court, 1996

Why do you want this position?

I want to the be next Judge in the 426th District Court because I care about the courts in our county. Our courts need experienced attorneys who have worked in the area. As an attorney that has practiced in my county for over 20 years, I feel that it is an obligation of the experienced attorneys in the county to step forward into the judicial positions, and would be honored to do so.

How are you different or better suited for the bench than your opponent?

I have been practicing in Bell County, handling the type of cases that get decided in the 426th District Court for over 20 years. I have been a partner in a successful law firm in Bell County for the past 18 years, and am involved in my community. My wife, Laura, and I and our children, live in our home that we have owned for almost 10 years in rural Bell County, and prior to that we lived in our home that we owned in Harker Heights for almost 10 years. Because I have been here so long in one place, I have developed a great working relationship with the attorneys and court staff, and believe that will help keep things productive at the courthouse.

How would you go about managing this court's docket efficiently and effectively?

I have researched and reviewed writings and practices of judges to improve the workflow of court dockets. I will work with the other courts and coordinators to attempt to automate any steps that we can to increase productivity. I will continue to communicate with attorneys that practice in the court to determine what works, and what doesn't. Finally, I will continue to observe what I see in all courts in my own practice and incorporate what works, and what doesn't.

Where can voters go for more information about you?

Jeff Parker

What is a brief biography of work experience, educational qualifications and career honors that you want voters to know about?

Coryell County Assistant District Attorney Jeff Parker

Board certified expert in criminal law, currently employed as a felony prosecutor. Previously in private practice handled criminal, family, civil and Child Protective Services law. Certified mediator with advanced family and CPS training.

Why do you want this position?

I believe I can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the district court while still ensuring fair justice for all.

How are you different or better suited for the bench than your opponent?

I am different from my opponent in that I am more qualified and better experienced to preside over the 426th Judicial District Court. I am the only candidate who is board certified, having become certified in criminal law in 2008. I am the only candidate who is death-penalty qualified, and who has tried death penalty cases throughout Central Texas. I am also the only candidate with prosecutorial experience, having previously worked as an assistant county attorney and in my present position as an assistant district attorney. Additionally, I am the only candidate who has practiced criminal law, family law and civil law for more than 20 years in our local courts. Further, I am the only candidate who has completed the basic mediator course, the advanced family law mediators course, and the CPS mediation training and the only candidate who has been appointed by our local judges and retained by local attorneys to successfully resolve family and civil law cases for many years. Finally, I am the only candidate who has refused to accept campaign contributions from attorneys who practice before this court. I believe it is important to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

How would you go about managing this court's docket efficiently and effectively?

I would begin by insisting that all parties are aware of their schedules in order to schedule future settings quickly and without conflict. I also intend to introduce automated electronic scheduling of court appearances, initiated by the parties themselves.

Where can voters go for more information about you?