Meet The Candidate: Kimberly Best For District Court Judge

CHARLOTTE, NC — In addition to voting for president and vice president of the United States in the Nov. 3 general election, voters in Mecklenburg County, will choose delegates for the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, the North Carolina General Assembly, county commission, as well as superior court and district court judges.

Kimberly Best is a 50-year-old Democrat seeking reelection as a District Court Judge.

As part of its coverage of the 2020 election, Patch has asked candidates in local races to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job they're running for.

Are you running for office in Mecklenburg County? Contact Kimberly Johnson at kimberly.johnson@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Charlotte Patch.

Kimberly Best

Age (as of Election Day)

50

Town/City of Residence

Mint Hill

Office Sought

Local offices (including countywide offices and school boards)

If you are running for local office, or in a district, please specify. (District 1, Commissioner at-large, etc.)

District Court Judge

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Family

4 yr. old son

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
JD Indiana University-Maurer School of Law, Bloomington, IN
MBA University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC

Occupation

District Court Judge 12 years

Campaign website

Www.Best4Judge.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

District Court Judge

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Substance Abuse, Mental Illness, lack of education and employment, child abuse, domestic violence, violence and recidivism. These are all issues that present themselves when a litigant appears in court. For the past 12 years, I have tried to address these issues by collaborating with community organizations who can assist youth involved in delinquent acts and adults and youth who have not completed school. I have participated and served on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Cóuncil, volunteered with Truancy Court, serve on Race Matters for Juvenile Justice, chaired the Juvenile Justice Subcommittee, chaired a psychotropic medication protocol committee and numerous other organizations.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

I support the BLM Movement and the eradication of systemic and institutional racism.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

N/a. I am a judicial candidate and cannot give a position on possible legislation that could go before a Judge.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

N/A. I am a judicial candidate and cannot give a position.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have served as a District Court Judge for 12 years and served in every court possible as a Judge. I further believe in addressing the issues that brought a litigant before the court, which help ensures the safety of the community while simultaneously addressing the issue(s) which caused the behavior and the appearance in court.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Justice is not One Size Fits All- every litigant is unique and deserves a unique resolution.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My past twelve years of experience as well as my involvement and knowledge of the community I serve.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

The elimination of repeat criminal offenders, reduction in those suffering from mental illness being hospitalized and/or cycling in and out of the jail.

Why should voters trust you?

I not only serve in the Courts, I also serve the community. I am one of them. I walk humbly and try everyday to judge justly.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Think of your life as a “Judge as a three legged table. Balance your spiritual health, physical health and mental health.”

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am a licensed foster parent and adoptive mother of a 4 yr. old. boy.

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