Circuit Judge Bryan Rendzio faces challenger Alicia Washington

After Circuit Judge Clyde Wolfe died in 2018, attorney Bryan Rendzio was appointed the next year by Gov. Rick Scott as Wolfe’s replacement.

Rendzio is now running for a full term and is facing St. Augustine attorney Alicia Washington in the Aug. 18 primary election.

THE RACE: Rendzio, the incumbent, has raised nearly $87,000, much of it from lawyers and law firms. He had spent $76,000 of it through July 24. Washington has spent $59,000, most of it coming out of her own pocket.

THE POSITION: Circuit judges in Florida earn $160,688 annually and serve six-year terms. The 7th Judicial Circuit represents the state court system in Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns and Putnam counties.

CANDIDATES’ BIOS

NAME: Bryan Rendzio

AGE: 45

CITY: Ponte Vedra Beach

PROFESSION: Circuit judge, overseeing the Unified Family Court in St. Johns County

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None.

RENDZIO’S TOP THREE PRIORITIES: My priorities would remain the same as they are for me on a daily basis as the incumbent judge, namely: to treat everyone with fairness and impartiality, as well as to interpret and apply the existing laws equally for all who come before me without any bias.

NAME: Alicia Washington

AGE: 50

CITY: Palm Coast

PROFESSION: President/owner of law practice, and Guardian ad Litem attorney

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None

WASHINGTON’S TOP THREE PRIORITIES: The single most important duty I will perform as a judge is to uphold the law. In doing so, judges play a vital role in maintaining law and order. My next goal would be ensure judicial efficiency. I would triage any docket I preside over to ensure that each case is given only the time it merits — no more, no less. It is my intent to continue with my active involvement in our community, because I have a commitment to public service.

THREE QUESTIONS:

1. Why are you qualified to serve as a circuit judge?

RENDZIO: Before becoming judge, I was a trial lawyer for 17 years, as well as an arbitrator and mediator. As a judge, it is important to conduct hearings on time, as well as to render timely rulings. I have done both throughout my time as a judge. I am not relying upon my potential contribution to the bench insomuch as my contribution as a judge is being established on a daily basis. The community may review my orders and speak with those attorneys who regularly appear before me to get a sense of my dedication and involvement within the community.

WASHINGTON: I have diligently practiced law and served in our community for the past 22 years. I am a perpetual student of the law having practiced family law, personal injury, criminal law, delinquency law, dependency law, and general civil litigation. Our citizens will benefit from having a judge that is capable of presiding over any docket I am assigned to, having practiced in so many diverse areas. I believe continued learning strengthens me as a legal advocate. That is the same work ethic and common sense that I would bring to the bench once elected.

2. What attracted you to the legal profession?

RENDZIO: I am a first-generation lawyer. My father is a retired school psychologist. My mother retired from Florida’s former Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. They instilled in me the value of hard work. I have always enjoyed writing and analytical thinking. This attracted me to the legal profession. During law school, I had the privilege of interning for a federal judge. The judge possessed all of the tenets that I respected and strived for as a professional, including a positive judicial demeanor. It was during this time that I realized that I one day wished to become a judge.

WASHINGTON: I initially wanted to be a doctor and served as a combat medic. I returned to college and found I enjoyed political science and philosophy classes more than microbiology. I enjoyed examining issues from every angle. The truth is in the details. Changing one detail, no matter how minute, can completely alter perspective. That is the law and the law is the glue that binds us. The law allows us to enjoy the freedoms this country offers while still setting the parameters needed to maintain peace and civility. I simply love the law and recognize the important function it serves.

3. Research has shown Black defendants in Florida are sentenced to harsher penalties than white defendants. How can you, as a judge, attempt to make a difference in eliminating disparities?

RENDZIO: I am a juvenile judge, which means that I watch over youth who have committed delinquent acts — any illegal act committed by a youth under the age of 18. I must make decisions that affect our youth’s lives. I understand this tremendous responsibility and I undertake my duties without any bias. All individuals deserve equal justice under our laws. I think it is important for judges to become active volunteers in our community in order to understand and represent all of our citizens. I have had the privilege of working with our youth in the West Volusia NAACP Youth Council.

WASHINGTON: Race will not be a factor in my rulings. Judges have to examine the facts and apply the law as written. That preserves the integrity of the justice system, not keeping a ledger of what the effects, versus intent, are. Crime victims do not care about eliminating disparities. I will closely examine the specific facts of each case; the impact on the victim; the victim’s wishes; the prior history of the defendant; and whether there is a likelihood that the offender could be rehabilitated with alternative treatment and sanctions which would use tax dollars more efficiently.