Four district court judge candidates in two separate March 4 republican primary races participated in a Round Rock Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development Partnership forum on Feb. 25.

Candidates in the 277th and 368th District Court judge races discussed court challenges as well as their goals for the courts.

In October Gov. Rick Perry appointed Stacey Mathews of Austin as judge of the 277th Judicial District and Rick Kennon as judge of the 368th Judicial District.

277th District Court judge

Mathews had served as an assistant district attorney in the Williamson County District Attorney's Office prior to her appointment.

She said the biggest issue facing the court was getting dockets under control.

"We've had visiting judges, we've added time and extra hearings," she said. "The question is, how can we get this court back on track?"

Mathews took over the court after former Judge Ken Anderson resigned the position Sept. 23 following allegations of misconduct for a murder case he prosecuted in the 1980s.

"My whole life has been dedicated to public service," she said. "There's a lot of talk about trust being restored. We're moving forward."

Her opponent Ryan Larson, who is currently an assistant attorney general in the Texas Attorney General's office, said he also thought dockets were an issue, but said rebuilding trust in the court is also important.

"The courts need to be held accountable to you and to the city," he said. "They need to be given greater responsibility."

Larson said he also wants to serve the community.

"I've made my life about service, being a leader in the courtroom and in the community," he said. "I'm invested in the community. In 30 years I'll [still] be here and will continue to give this community everything I've got. As new issues arise, I'll be there."

368th District Court judge

Kennon, appointed after former Judge Burt Carnes retired, took over as district judge on Oct. 31. The Round Rock resident had previously run a private law practice.

He said the two main issues facing his court were a large number of family violence cases and getting law enforcement access to warrants in a timely manner.

"In the four months I've been there, I've seen a huge number of cases of family violence, particularly with children," he said. "The other big issue is to help law enforcement get better access to judges for warrants. [We are looking at] implementing a program to do warrants online."

Kennon said it was important for the court to have a presiding judge with legal experience.

"I worked as a lawyer for 29 years before I was appointed," Kennon said. "I think we need a judge with experience."

Donna King, who serves as a city of Leander municipal judge, Williamson County magistrate and a private practice attorney, is also seeking to become judge of the 368th Judicial District. She said her goal as judge would be to improve efficiency in the court.

"I've been doing that for 18 years," she said, referring to moving cases through courts. "I fit the bill in that I'm helping law enforcement better meet [its] needs."

King said part of her decision to run was to give voters a choice on the ballot.

"I've been in public service my entire legal career," she said. "This is my community. I want to serve you."