The lifetime ban of Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez from the judiciary is a huge loss to our community, especially to the Reflejo Court that she developed into a national model for battling domestic violence.
Anything that Speedlin Gonzalez did in her court was out of her passion to break the domestic violence cycle.
She has been a lightning rod for controversy because being true to herself meant she did not fit the “judicial mold” dictated by others.
I have been privileged to know Speedlin Gonzalez for decades, and she is one of the most committed, passionate legal advocates I have ever seen.
No one can take her place, which sadly means that domestic violence victims as well as first offenders (the target of Reflejo Court) will suffer, which means we all lose.
Experience vs. energy
The Editorial Board’s recommendation overlooked two highly qualified candidates. Based on profiles from the Express-News, both are retired educators with extensive experience in higher education, student success programs and budgeting.
In previous recommendations, the Editorial Board listed the positives and/or negatives of the candidates. This editorial didn’t do that.
In a race where candidates determine the tax rate, economic impact and workforce development, it’s important to know where each candidates stands.
Also, the use of the word “energetic” gives me pause, as there is more than a 20-year age difference from the other candidates. Was “energy” considered over experience and institutional knowledge?
Endorsements carry influence; therefore, they should be based on a balanced, thorough assessment.
In this case, that opportunity was missed.
While I agree that the capability of bodycams translating English to Spanish could be useful in carrying out police duties, I am concerned that some would support this as a further move to make us a dual-language country.
English has been our language throughout the country’s existence and was finally designated our official language in 2025.
A common language is essential to national unity regardless of your heritage language.