Journal endorses Judge Ramczyk in 2nd District primary

For 2nd Judicial District judge, Division 6, the Journal endorses incumbent Daniel E. Ramczyk.

Ramczyk served almost 16 years as an Albuquerque Metropolitan Court judge before applying in 2019 for a judicial opening on the 2nd Judicial District, to which he was appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Ramczyk says he hasn’t made a decision in 17 years on the bench that he regrets — a good sign he reasons well throughout his deliberations.

Ramczyk got high marks for his work as a Metro Court judge from the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission, which said he “took pains to explain his decisions.” Attorneys rated him highly for his attention during proceedings, punctuality in starting court, treating self-represented parties fairly, and making sure his personal staff is productive, professional and knowledgeable.

While judicial candidates are ethically prevented from commenting on cases, Ramczyk’s judicial philosophy has come across in the numerous “Judge for Yourself” columns he has written for the Journal. Each shows a solid judicial temperament, adherence to the law and independence from public opinion on issues facing the court and the community.

In his recent candidate interview with the Journal Editorial Board, Ramczyk said he is a recovering alcoholic and his working knowledge of substance abuse has been useful in DWI and other cases. With so much crime attributable to substance abuse, his insight is essential. He told the board it doesn’t do any “damn good” to put most people with substance abuse issues in prison. He instead favors alternative sentencing programs that place cooperative defendants in treatment right away.

Ramczyk’s opponent, former Metropolitan Court Chief Judge Edward L. Benavidez, also has impressive credentials as a supporter of cameras in every courtroom and believer that repeat offenders should be held in jail until their trials. But Ramczyk’s position as the incumbent on the bench, his willingness to discuss his reasoning and his high marks from JPEC and others make him the Journal’s pick in the Democratic primary. There is no candidate on the Republican side.