Ten Circuit judges in the 7th Judicial Circuit returned to the bench without opposition. Two won re-election in the August primary, but the Group 14 seat goes to a runoff in the general election The following grace will appear on the ballot of voters in St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam and Volusia counties.
Scroll down to read each candidate’s responses to News4Jax’s questionnaire, presented verbatim as submitted. Because the Florida Bar restricts those running for judge from engaging in political activities and taking positions on issues, the candidates’ responses to our News4Jax questionnaire based on their understanding of that restriction.
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Joan Anthony
Age: (no answer)
Candidate’s family: (no answer)
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Education: I received my Bachelor’s degree in History from Bethune-Cookman College in 1981 and my Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law in 1984.
Political experience: (no answer)
What do you see as the top three issues in this race? (no answer)
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I will provide an effective forum for the fair, efficient, and impartial resolution of legal and factual court-related matters in Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns and Volusia counties.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
As someone who sat on the bench and acted with a high-level of integrity and fairness.
If elected how would you address the calls for racial justice?
I will ensure that the 7th Judicial Circuit Courtroom is a level playing-field where all parties, regardless of their claim or social status, are treated impartially and have access to a knowledgeable judge that will rule swiftly and in accordance with the law.
What challenges does COVID-19 present to the office you are seeking? (no answer)
Campaign website: joananthonyforjudge.com
Campaign’s social media pages: (no answer)
Dan Hilbert
Age: 40
Candidate’s family: Married to my wife, Bethany, and have two children ages 6 and 9.
Occupation: Attorney at Canan Law
Education: Bachelors from Westminster College JD from Florida Coastal School of Law Florida Bar Board Certified Trial Expert
Political experience: None.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race?
As a candidate for Circuit Judge, I have only one priority: To uphold the Constitution and law while serving the people of Volusia, St. Johns, Flagler and Putnam Counties, with honor, integrity and common sense.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Now more than ever we need judges who are ready to take the bench and hit the ground running. I have practiced Criminal, Civil and Family law and am a Florida bar board certified trial expert. Most importantly, I will uphold our Constitution and Laws with common sense and integrity.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
That I was a faithful servant who remained humble. That I applied the law fairly and impartially.
If elected how would you address the calls for racial justice?
Socrates once said, "There is only one good, "knowledge," and one evil, "ignorance."" I believe that a Judge must be impartial and follow the law regardless of race, gender, religion, etc. A Judge must be humble and study the law so as to ensure consistency and fairness. As a Judge I will be impartial and uphold the law, not legislating from the bench.
What challenges does COVID-19 present to the office you are seeking?
Dockets were already packed. COVID-19 has now ground the trial courts to a standstill. We need judges who can hit the ground running with little to no learning curve and the experience to utilize technology to advance the justice system forward!
Campaign website: hilbert4judge.com
Campaign’s social media pages: Facebook