Republican Robby Hicks is challenging Judge Mark Sternlicht, a Democrat, for the N.C. Superior Court judge District 12C seat 2.
CityView asked the candidates why they are running for a seat on the Superior Court bench. Here are their answers.
Robby Hicks
Age: 58
Occupation: Senior assistant district attorney
Elected offices held: None
Why are you seeking a seat on the Superior Court bench?
I seek election to the Superior Court to strengthen our judiciary given these times of great uncertainty about the safety of our community. My broad range of legal experience gives me a unique and diverse perspective for all issues that will come before the Superior Court and thereby distinguishes me from my opponent. After graduating fourth in my law school class at Campbell University School of Law in 1990, I clerked for an outstanding judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals, then practiced civil law and criminal defense with a respected local law firm, and then joined the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office in July 1994. To date, I have served the citizens of this county for over 28 years as a prosecutor handling the most serious cases that can come into our Superior Court. Guided by a simple but profound legal principle throughout my career, I pledge to the citizens of Cumberland County “equal justice under law,” an unceasing commitment to apply the law fairly to everyone without exception. I have been consistent, fair and impartial in striving to bring strong justice to our courts, and if elected, I will bring that same “tough but fair” approach to the bench as an efficient and independent Superior Court judge.
What do you want people to know about you as they consider whom to vote for in this race?
My service to our community and the legal profession further distinguishes me from my opponent. For about 14 years, I was a Boy Scouts of America leader at Pack/Troop 787 where both of my sons earned the Eagle Scout rank before joining the United States military. In addition to having volunteered and/or supported Habitat for Humanity, Operation Inasmuch, Child Advocacy Center, and the CARE Clinic, my wife of over 33 years and I are active members of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Also, I have served the legal profession as a board member on the Fayetteville Area Sentencing Center and the Cumberland County Bar Association and as president of the CCBA, and I currently serve as a board member on the North Carolina Board of Law Examiners. My legal experience and service have earned me the endorsements from retired judges, including two former Cumberland County senior resident Superior Court judges, Coy Brewer and E. Lynn Johnson, and from the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police Greater Cumberland Area Lodge 59 and the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association.
What do you want people who appear before you in court to take away from that experience?
Whether a civil litigant, crime victim, criminal defendant, juror, or witness, I want you to leave the courthouse confident in the knowledge that you have been treated with dignity and respect and that the law has been applied consistently, fairly and impartially by a qualified and independent Superior Court judge.
Mark Sternlicht
Age: 68
Occupation: Superior Court judge
Elected offices held: Superior Court judge since appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper in May 2021 after Judge Mary Ann Tally retired
Why are you seeking a seat on the Superior Court bench?
I sought the appointment as a Superior Court judge to be able to serve more broadly than I could as a lawyer in private practice. I have been able to do that, ruling on hundreds of cases since I became a judge. I make these decisions fairly and impartially, based on the facts and the law. After years of handling civil cases, I have experience that the other local judges, who have criminal law backgrounds, do not have. This diversity of experience is good for the community. I am running to keep my seat as a Superior Court judge so I can continue to serve as an experienced, independent judge with the integrity to follow the law, decide cases fairly, and uphold people's rights.
What do you want people to know about you as they consider who to vote for in this race?
Experience and integrity matter. After 36 years of successful practice with a local law firm and nearly a year and a half as a Superior Court judge, I have the experience to know the law and the integrity to follow the law, apply it fairly, and uphold people's rights. I have taught at continuing education programs for judges and lawyers. In the community, I have served on the boards of arts organizations and dog clubs, as well as volunteered for the High School Mock Trial competition and taught martial arts. I grew up in Fayetteville and graduated from Terry Sanford High School, UNC Chapel Hill, and UNC School of Law. Serving our community as a Superior Court judge is an honor that involves the responsibility to make fair, impartial decisions. I have been fulfilling this responsibility and will greatly appreciate our community's support to keep me as one of our Superior Court judges. More information, including many endorsements from citizens, attorneys, and retired judges, is available at MarkSternlicht.com.
What do you want people who appear before you in court to take away from that experience?
The most important part of being a judge is to treat everyone fairly and impartially, decide cases based on the facts and the law, apply the law to everyone equally, and uphold people's rights. I do this for everyone who appears before me, and I treat everyone with respect. I prepare for court by reviewing files and doing research when necessary. Everyone receives a fair hearing, with the opportunity to make their arguments. People can expect me to have the experience to be a knowledgeable judge and the integrity to treat everyone fairly, follow the law, and uphold their rights.
