Meet the candidates: N.C. District Court Judge, District 13, Seat 2, Republican primary
Two Republicans are hopeful they'll be the next North Carolina District Court judge for District 13.
District 13 covers Bladen, Brunswick and Columbus counties.
The primary election is set for Tuesday, May 17, ahead of the November general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8. There is no Democratic challenger on the ballot in November, effectively ensuring the winner of the primary will take the seat.
Preston Hilton
Age: Did not answer
Occupation: Lawyer
Family: Married, one son
Education: University of North Carolina Wilmington; law school
Political affiliation: Republican
Hilton did not respond to the StarNews' questions by the time of publication.
Bryan Wilson
Age: Did not answer
Occupation: Trial lawyer
Family: Married, two children, six grandchildren
Education: College; North Carolina Central University School of Law
Political affiliation: Republican
What makes you a strong candidate for this position?
Wilson: I have been a general practicing trial attorney for nearly 17 years. I am also a combat veteran of the U.S. Military, a husband, a father and a grandfather. I have a large body of legal experience combined with substantial life experience. The combination of the two allow a judge to better understand and identify with the people they are serving. This allows a judge to not only enforce the laws as they are written, but craft the best solutions for our citizens and their families.
What do you perceive as the greatest obstacles to justice and how will you address them?
Wilson: In my opinion, the greatest obstacle to justice today is the impact socio-economic policies have on our court system. These policies impact not only our lives, but they effect the number of cases appearing before the courts as well. I have seen some of our judges stay on the bench until 6:30-7:00 p.m. trying to get through their calendar for the day ensuring all our citizens get their day in court. Their dedication to those they serve goes mostly unnoticed by the general public but should be recognized and appreciated. It is this hard work and dedication that operates as a mechanism to combat the present-day obstacles to justice.
What is your vision for the future of the judicial system?
Wilson: My vision for the future of the judicial system is one from a purist perspective. The judiciary is designed such that personal and political views are not to be considered when rendering judgment. Too often more liberal judges allow these ideas to encroach upon their decision making. This is turn results in an interpretation of the law that is counter-intuitive to its original mandate... a creation of law from the bench. Judges are not meant to create law; that is within the purview of the legislature. My vision is that all judges maintain the integrity of their bench and allow the legislature to craft our laws per the peoples wishes.
What changes would you advocate for in the judicial system and why?
Wilson: Our judicial system, as has been said, is not perfect but it is the best in the world. The changes I would hope for are more philosophical than procedural. I would hope that all judges would strictly enforce the laws as they are written and refrain from creating law, as well as promote a better understanding of those they serve by recognizing and understanding the trials and tribulations, the ups and downs, the struggles that people go through in their lives and attempt to fashion judgments that promote future success for individuals rather than recidivism.
Jamey Cross is the public safety reporter at the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter @jameybcross.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Meet the candidates: N.C. District Court Judge, District 13, Seat 2
