December 13, 2009 | Yvonne Lim Wilson
Advertisements
Local attorney Ramey Ko, who is also president and co-founder of Capital Area Asian American Democrats, is seeking the appointment of municipal judge, or other part-time judge positions.
“With an increasingly diverse population, particularly within the Asian community, it’s critical to have someone with that background and experience and cultural competency,” Ko said. “We’ve never had an Asian American judge in Travis County.”
A municipal judge presides over a municipal court, which handles cases concerning Class C misdemeanor criminal charges (traffic tickets, public intoxication and bad checks are examples).
“For a lot of people, a municipal judge is the first person you come in contact with. It’s very much a ‘court of the people,’” Ko said.
Municipal judges may issue search or arrest warrants and also may issue Emergency Protective Orders (EPO), which are orders for a person to keep away from someone.
“Municipal judges are often the first line in protecting people from violent offenders,” Ko said. “EPOs are necessary to give the victim [a buffer] in getting a final protective order.”
As an attorney specializing in helping victims of domestic violence and abuse, Ko works to “explain the law to people in a way they can understand,” he said. Ko often works with low-income people through the Texas Advocacy Project, which offers free legal advice.
“As an Asian American coming from a background where [domestic violence] is not talked about, it makes me want to do it more,” said Ko, explaining his passion for his work.
With his experience working with low-income and minority victims, Ko would be a natural fit as a municipal judge working with emergency protective orders, search and arrest warrants and Class C misdemeanor charges.
“I think not only can I make the right decisions in protecting victims …I have a background with the experience and skills in making the court a more accessible and transparent place,” Ko said.
The position is a four-year term. No date has been set yet, but the term begins in January, Ko said.
The judiciary committee of City Council, comprised of Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez and Council Member Bill Spelman, will make a recommendation to City Council, which will then take vote.
To make your support known, contact members of City Council judiciary committee as well as all city council members by writing letters and making phone calls.
ADVERTISEMENTS
3 comments
Why do we need an asian judge, the ones we have pledge to do the right thing. Stop making the whole goddamn world a racial thing. If he is qualified he will get elected, but don't make it any easier on any race to get anything. Already if you are black or mexican you can get welfare, much harder for a white person.
Why do we need an asian judge, the ones we have pledge to do the right thing. Stop making the whole goddamn world a racial thing. If he is qualified he will get elected, but don't make it any easier on any race to get anything. Already if you are black or mexican you can get welfare, much harder for a white person.
Why do we need an asian judge, the ones we have pledge to do the right thing. Stop making the whole goddamn world a racial thing. If he is qualified he will get elected, but don't make it any easier on any race to get anything. Already if you are black or mexican you can get welfare, much harder for a white person.