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Election Q&A

Meet the candidates for N.C. District Court judge District 12, Seat 6

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Democrat Rosalyn Hood and Republican Jonathan Strange are seeking the N.C. District Court judge District 12 seat 6.

CityView asked the candidates why they are running for a seat on the District Court bench. Here are their answers.

Rosalyn Hood

Age: 42

Occupation: Assistant district attorney/Army major

Elected offices held: None

Why are you seeking a seat on the District Court bench?

I endeavor to bring a professionalism to the bench that reinforces the dignity of all participants, free of bias, outside influence, and politics, and shows respect for the law, the litigants, and the litigators who appear in court where only the law and the facts of the case determine the outcome of the case, except where the law as applied is obviously biased or unconstitutional in its application.

What do you want people to know about you as they consider whom to vote for in this race?

I am a combat veteran and Bronze Star recipient with over 20 years of post-9/11 military service and a career prosecutor with over 14 years of trial experience. I will fight for justice and against injustice in our courtrooms as I have on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan.

What do you want people who appear before you in court to take away from that experience?

I want them to say, "I was treated with the utmost respect and held accountable." Win or lose, they were truly heard.

Jonathan Strange

Age: 45

Occupation: Attorney

Elected offices held: None

Why are you seeking a seat on the District Court bench?

I believe that we need a District Court judge with extensive experience beyond the criminal courts. We currently have one judge that handles all matters in Civil District Court, and my experience in civil litigation will contribute to a more equal distribution of justice in the Cumberland County district courts. Over the past four years, I have served as a District Court arbitrator, rendering decisions in civil disputes in Cumberland County. This experience, along with my experience in civil litigation, makes me uniquely qualified as a candidate. Our citizens can be more confident in the decisions of their judges when they bring diverse experience to the bench.

What do you want people to know about you as they consider whom to vote for in this race?

I have been practicing for 14 years as a trial attorney in the criminal and civil courts of North Carolina. I am a solo practitioner, but I contribute about 25% of my practice to pro bono services to the community. These hours are spent in the representation of victims of domestic violence for the Fort Bragg Family Advocacy Center and the Fayetteville Police Department. The remainder of my pro bono hours are used representing tenants in landlord and tenant cases in civil courts. I have to help my clients make hard decisions that have real impact on their lives.  These same types of decisions are the ones that impact our community as a whole. I have proven experience working with people making complicated and life-altering decisions. Those are the same decisions I am ready to make as a judge.

What do you want people who appear before you in court to take away from that experience?

I want people to feel that they have had the opportunity to be heard in my courtroom. A large portion of my practice is spent on giving the unrepresented the opportunity to be heard in court. I want people to know that regardless of the outcome, their story is important, they have been respected, and they have received my undivided attention.

Election 2022, District Court judge, Rosalyn Hood, Jonathan Strange

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