As a substance abuse counselor, I have had to advocate on behalf of clients to probation officers, lawyers, and judges more times than I can count.  Legal troubles often accompany substance use disorders (SUDs); so often, in fact, those with SUDs are often treated as criminals, even if they’ve never committed a crime.  What’s more, I have had the unfortunate experience of speaking with judges on a client’s behalf only for the judges to dismiss any discussion of underlying conditions that may be the root cause of the SUD.  Often, mental health issues predicate the SUD, and the SUD then creates conditions through which petty criminality often emerges.  However, the criminal justice system doesn’t seem to give a damn about those underlying conditions, especially when those in elected judgeships hold punitive attitudes towards SUDs.  In Santa Fe County, Magistrate judges are elected; however, it appears as though there are those who hold those positions that have forgotten that they serve at the discretion of the voters.

I am one of those voters.  And for Magistrate Court, Division 1, I endorse, quite strongly, Mr. Jerry Gonzales.    Mr. Gonzales has been directly involved with the criminal justice system through his ownership of Jerry Gonzales Bail Bonds for well over 20 years and his first-hand knowledge of court functions can only benefit our community.  Furthermore, he not only acknowledges that those with SUDs are also voters, but he also pledges to work towards healing the suffering SUDs can cause.

Recently, I had the privilege of discussing his campaign with Mr. Gonzales.  I wanted to understand why he decided to take on a very powerful incumbent judge; I wanted to understand his response to his critics who might argue that he doesn’t have the experience to be a judge.  But mostly, I wanted to understand if he thinks he can win and if so, why.  I do have to issue a bit of a disclaimer: I have known Mr. Jerry Gonzales since we were kids in the ‘hood.  We were neighbors and friends, although the group of us who grew up together were closer than normal friends and remain bound by the time and place we shared.  However, I must admit, I didn’t think any of us would one day run for judge.

Yet here he is, running for Magistrate Judge.  Jerry was gracious enough to meet with me and answer my questions.  He did so with candor and honesty and, while he does acknowledge that his tattooed exterior may raise questions, he also believes his appearance was necessary during his days as a bail bondsman and should be viewed as a strength rather than a weakness. I agree with him.

Our conversation was informal, but yielded a wealth of information. For example, he believes that leadership as a judge is about power distribution.  That is, while he would assume full responsibility for his court, he would also entrust his court administrator and clerks such that an empowering environment would emerge.  He would not be a micromanager; he would allow people to fulfill their roles to the best of their ability.  When he issues conditions of release, for example, he would do so as a contract in which the defendant would have to hold up his/her end of the deal.  Says Jerry, “My job as judge is to be part of a team that includes prosecutors, clerks, the administrator, and everyone on the team is just as important as everyone else.”  His humble approach would be a departure and refreshing change.

Now then, when it comes to SUDs and their associated criminality, Mr. Gonzales believes in progressive approaches that favor treatment to incarceration, “People need to figure out their underlying stuff and if they aren’t violent offenders, why should they be thrown in jail without an opportunity to get help?” However, he also believes that multiple DWI offenders who are resistant to treatment must face stiff consequences, “We have to do more than issue slaps on the wrist, otherwise, DWI offenders will continue to create havoc on our streets.”  To me, these are complimentary statements that present a fair and balanced approach to SUD-associated criminality.  It’s an approach in which I fully believe.

I believe that Jerry Gonzales is far and away the best choice for Magistrate Court, Division 1.  If we, as voters, don’t endorse real change, then the cronyism and status quo will persist and those in power will continue to seek to extend their own careers and forget about their constituency.  Mr. Gonzales may not be as polished as other candidates, but he fully believes in the positive change he will bring to the judgeship, “I won’t let the system change me – I am going to change the system.”  I urge all voters to listen to Mr. Gonzales and allow his heart to convert them into believers.  His candidacy is already a big “F*** you!” to the established order; his victory will signal the end of the cronyism and political has-beens that have plagued our community.  Please vote for Jerry Gonzales for Magistrate Court, Division 1 – he is one of us: community members who have been disenfranchised by a political group that cares more about its own welfare than the needs of the community.  Jerry Gonzales will not let us down.