David Ross, a Long Beach resident and deputy public defender, is running for Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Office 131 in the Nov. 3 general election. The nonpartisan race also includes candidate Donna Tryfman.

Asked why he is seeking the bench, Ross said in our candidate questionnaire: "I am running to be an independent judge who listens to all sides, is tolerant and open minded, and ready to deliver honest and transparent decisions on Day One … My promise is that even when one side loses, they will walk out of court knowing the judge heard their case."

Candidate information

Age: 68

Residence: Long Beach, California

Party affiliation: "Democrat," Ross said in our questionnaire. The judicial race is nonpartisan.

Education: Ross said in our questionnaire: "Juris Doctorate, University of West Los Angeles School of Law. Bachelor's degree, Mass Communication, University of California, Davis."

Family: "My wife is a social justice filmmaker and writer, and my son is a local jazz pianist, composer and teacher," Ross said in our questionnaire.

Experience and public service

Asked about his work history, Ross said in our questionnaire: "I've been a Deputy Public Defender for 31 years in Riverside County and now LA County. I've litigated 116 jury trials, 2000+ contested preliminary hearings, and represented more than 10,000 people … I was a professor of legal writing and research at Western State University school of law and have been a Judge Pro Tem in several Los Angeles County courts. Previous to the law, I was a TV news reporter and documentary producer in Washington D.C., Tennessee and Kansas, gathering the facts and telling objective stories. I've also been a Legislative Aide on Capitol Hill."

On the issues

What sets him apart: Asked about critical differences between himself and other candidates, Ross said in our questionnaire: "I bring a unique blend of legal and life experience that no one else in this race offers … I interviewed real people, gathered the facts, and told independent and objective stories. It's the kind of independent and objective experience you want in a judge."

Ensuring fair proceedings: Asked how his public defender experience would shape his approach on the bench, Ross said in our questionnaire: "In 31 years as a public defender, I have represented more than 10,000 clients and learned that being heard begins with being treated with dignity. Many people enter court frightened, unfamiliar with the process, or juggling work, childcare, and transportation challenges."

Court challenges: Asked about the most significant challenges facing the court, Ross said in our questionnaire: "There is a terrible backlog of criminal and civil cases that need to be addressed. Justice delayed is justice denied. I will use my 31 years of legal training to bring all sides together, move cases along, and bring resolution to litigants, victims, witnesses and the public."

Judicial activism: Ross said in a Daily News questionnaire that he opposes judicial activism, stating there is no place in the court system for activist judges who infuse their world views and personal beliefs into courtroom decisions.

Best advice received: "To listen to all sides and keep an open mind before offering your opinion or advice. To be tolerant of others. And to be humble enough to admit you made a mistake and learn from your errors," Ross said in our questionnaire.

Endorsements

Ross lists the following endorsements on his campaign website:

  • Hon. Tammy Chung Ryu, Los Angeles County Superior Court
  • Hon. Eric C. Taylor, Los Angeles County Superior Court / California Judges Association
  • Los Angeles Association of Deputy District Attorneys
  • International Union of Operating Engineers IUOE Local 12
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers IBEW Local 47
  • L.A. Sentinel