Seagle, Mendheim vie for newly created judgeship

By Debbie Ingram

Published: May 22, 2008

Houston and Henry County voters will go to the polls a week from Tuesday to choose a circuit court judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit, which covers Houston and Henry counties. Vying for the seat are Deborah Seagle and Brad Mendheim. Both are on the Republican primary ballot.

In an effort to better inform the voters, the Dothan Eagle recently submitted three questions to the candidates. Their answers follow.

Dothan Eagle: What characteristics are important for a circuit court judge?

Brad Mendheim, 39, district judge: It goes almost without saying that a judge must be honest, fair, hard working and possess the ability to make decisions tempered with common sense. By way of personal character, a judge must have a deep sense of humility and a desire to serve others. A judge must remember that every case is important to the people involved and so they are entitled to his very best work to make a good decision.

Deborah Seagle, 50, attorney: I’m asking people to “think different” this election and acknowledge that different characteristics will bring some much-needed diversity to our courtrooms. Our circuit judges have always been characterized as being exclusively male and, as is the current situation, all former prosecutors. I’m not asking anyone to vote for me because I’m a woman, but it is fair to consider that I am a qualified woman who is firm, fair and respected. I will be firm on the law, fair to all regardless of income or social status and, as Thurgood Marshall said, I will never forget that the only real source of power judges can tap “is the respect of the people.”

Dothan Eagle: Given the busy court docket, the excessive number of cases and the complexity of many cases that come through the 20th District, do you feel you are prepared for the demands of the job?

Mendheim: Having served as a judge for over seven years, I know first-hand the large case loads and demands on a judge. Through the work of an incredibly dedicated courthouse staff, we are routinely recognized by the State for our ability to handle our cases in a timely manner. Because of this reputation, I am often asked by the Chief Justice to travel to other counties to hear cases. Since becoming a judge I have traveled to over 30 other counties to hear cases. I know how to manage large, complex caseloads in a fair and efficient manner.

Seagle: Without a doubt, there is no better preparation for the bench than the demands of a private law practice. Like any market-driven business, managing a law firm demands that you be organized, efficient, and provide excellent service. All of our current circuit judges are former prosecutors but I bring a much wider range of experience in civil as well as criminal cases to the bench. I have defended the rights of families, businesses and individuals for over 20 years, handling everything from child custody to capital murder. This wider range of experience makes me the most qualified.

Dothan Eagle: Particularly difficult criminal cases have the potential of sticking with you for quite some time. How will you find the appropriate balance in your own life?

Mendheim: Simply stated, I can never erase the horrible things that I have seen and heard as a judge. As a judge, such cases challenge me to do all in my power to help people achieve a feeling of justice from the court system. As a husband and father, these cases remind me of how precious our time together as a family is and to cherish each day we have. As a man of faith, these cases remind me that there is much pain that is beyond the power of the courts to heal and that God is the true judge.

Seagle: As a professional woman who is also a wife, mother and grandmother, I am familiar with juggling work, family and household responsibilities while keeping everything in balance. Like most working parents, I have to be very good at multi-tasking and have been blessed with the ability to separate professional from personal activities and focus on the job at hand. Most importantly, I find balance between personal and professional roles in the grace of a loving God and the love of my family, especially the laughter of my three grandchildren.