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Monroe County is currently witnessing the most fiercely contested judicial race of the year, taking place in what many consider to be the most enigmatic and unrecognized court – the family court. With two seats up for grabs, four candidates, including two incumbents, are competing against each other.
The incumbents are Republican Judge Dandrea Ruhlmann, who has spent two decades on the bench and is seeking her third 10-year term, and Democratic Judge Maria Cubillos Reed, who was appointed in June and is the first Hispanic person to serve on Monroe County’s Family Court bench. The other candidates are lawyer Kristine Demo-Vazquez, a Republican, and local lawyer Maroun Ajaka, a Democrat.
According to Demo-Vazquez, family court is an incredibly important institution as it deals with families and children, and the decisions made in this court can shape their lives and even future generations. Family court has jurisdiction over a wide range of cases, including juvenile delinquency, child abuse allegations, child custody, and adoptions. It plays a crucial role in the lives of individuals and communities.
Ruhlmann, who is seeking her third term, believes that family court is often underestimated in terms of its complexity and the breadth of cases it handles. Over her 20-year career, Ruhlmann has handled more than 25,000 family court cases, including international parental custodial abduction cases. Family court is not immune to the impacts of local gun violence either, and Ruhlmann has been involved in efforts to provide extra protections to individuals and the community, particularly teenagers with pending delinquency cases involving weapons charges.
Cubillos Reed brings a unique perspective to the bench, thanks to her background as an immigrant from Colombia and her proficiency in the Spanish language. Her experience working with battered women who primarily spoke Spanish motivated her to pursue a career in law and use her language skills to help a broader range of people. However, she believes there is a need to strengthen family court’s outreach and connections to human service programs in Monroe County.
Demo-Vazquez has dedicated 18 years of her own law practice to family court and matrimonial issues. She has represented numerous clients and handled diverse cases in family court. As a teen mother who worked her way through college and law school, Demo-Vazquez understands firsthand the struggles that families face and is passionate about helping them navigate the legal system.
The race for the family court seats in Monroe County is indeed intense, and each candidate brings their own unique perspective and experience to the table. For voters, it is essential to consider the candidates’ qualifications and track record rather than focusing solely on party affiliations. Family court can have a profound impact on the lives of families and children, and the judges who preside over it must be compassionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to making a positive difference.
In this race, Ruhlmann and Cubillos Reed have received the highest ratings from the Rochester Black Bar Association, indicating their qualifications and sensitivity towards marginalized communities. Ruhlmann is also running on the Conservative Party line, while Cubillos Reed is on the Working Families line. Demo-Vazquez is focused on raising awareness about the role of family court and its significance in the community.
Overall, the candidates for Monroe County Family Court bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to the table. The outcome of this race will undoubtedly have a significant impact on families and children in the county, making it vital for voters to carefully consider their choices.
Ruhlmann’s campaign website is reelectjudgeruhlmann.com, and Cubillos Reed’s campaign website is voteformaria.org.
