Herald endorsement: The best choice in Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Group 8 race | Opinion
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Miami Herald Editorial Board’s 2024 Election Endorsements
In advance of the upcoming primary elections on Aug. 20, 2024, the Editorial Board interviewed and researched candidates to better understand their views on various issues and how their policies will affect their constituents. The goal is to give voters a better idea of who’s the best candidate for each race.
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The race to fill an open Miami-Dade Circuit judge seat in Group 8 pits Jason Edward Bloch, a former judge, and Bonita Jones-Peabody, a longtime public defender.
Jones-Peabody has spent nearly 30 years in the Miami-Dade Public Defender’s Office defending the indigent. Bloch seeks to return to the bench after serving as a Miami-Dade circuit judge from 2014 to 2017, when he lost his seat in his first election. In 2022, he unsuccessfully ran to return to the bench.
“I want to give back to my community, and this is the job where I can be most effective,” Bloch told the Herald Editorial Board during his candidate interview.
Bloch started his local legal career as an assistant county attorney, where he worked for 20 years. In 2014, then-Gov. Rick Scott appointed him to the bench, which means Bloch underwent the rigorous Judicial Nominating Commission vetting process. He was on the bench for three years, assigned to civil and criminal cases.
Since leaving the bench, Bloch has dedicated himself to pro-bono work and community service. He told the Board he provides free legal assistance to nonprofits and handles eviction cases without charge. Bloch is also on the Board of Legal Services of Greater Miami.
Jones-Peabody is a supervising attorney in the public defender’s office and has tried over 200 jury trials to verdict.
“I believe my years as a public defender and the number of cases I have handled make me qualified to be a judge,” she told the Board. We agree that her experience with the underserved would give her a compassionate outlook.
Both candidates agree judges must be organized, punctual and considerate of the time of those who appear in their courtroom. On judicial demeanor, both promise to treat the defendants who appear in their courtroom respectfully and fairly.
While a judge, Bloch came under fire when he ruled in 2014 that the accused teen killer of a North Miami Beach rabbi should be released on bond as Bloch questioned the strength of the prosecution’s case. Bloch was eventually vindicated when, in 2019, Miami-Dade prosecutors dropped the case against Deandre Charles.
In this race, we’re giving Bloch the edge for his more expansive legal career and experience as a judge. On appeal, all his rulings were affirmed, he told the Board.
A recent Miami-Dade Bar poll evaluating sitting judges and judicial candidates also favored Bloch, with 84% of lawyers who answered deeming him “exceptionally qualified” or “qualified” to be a judge and 16% “unqualified.” Jones-Peabody’s rating was 57% “exceptionally qualified” or “qualified” and 43% “unqualified.”
Bloch can again be an asset on the bench.
In the Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Group 8 race, the Herald Editorial Board recommends JASON EDWARD BLOCH.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWho decides the political endorsements?
In advance of local and state elections, Miami Herald Editorial Board members interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The Editorial Board is composed of experienced opinion journalists and is independent of the Herald’s newsroom. Members of the Miami Herald Editorial Board are: Amy Driscoll, editorial page editor; and editorial writers Isadora Rangel and Mary Anna Mancuso. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What does the endorsement process look like?
The Miami Herald Editorial Board interviews political candidates to better understand their views on public policy and how their policies will affect their constituents. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates before making an endorsement. The Editorial Board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. Candidates who decline to be interviewed will not receive an endorsement.
Is the Editorial Board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the Editorial Board consider which candidates are better prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with our editorial stances or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, readiness for office, depth of knowledge of key issues and understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points.
This story was originally published July 30, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
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