Judge Todd Hernandez of the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge was the guest speaker at the Jan. 28 Zachary Rotary Club meeting.

"I love Zachary and am grateful to the people of Zachary and to the people of Rotary who are a very giving community. I am very proud to be a part of this community," said Hernandez, also a Zachary resident.

One of the issues Hernandez spoke about was the issue of a mayored selection of judges as opposed to an election by the people.

"A mayored selection looks good on paper but I believe the best "judge" of character are the people. Most states and municipalities use the election method of choosing their judges. It works," said Hernandez.

"I see myself first as a public servant and not as a politician. I am passionate about this job and being a judge," Hernandez said.

Something else Hernandez believes in is spending time at Zachary High School in the civics classes with Zachary Judge Lonny Myles. "We stress to the kids that court is where you go to have disputes adjudicated in a fair and just way," explained Hernandez.

"Basically we're trying to ensure that dignity and respect for the court is maintained. I've noticed that in some classes, not a lot of time is spent on laws and how they actually become laws," said Hernandez.

Another observation Hernandez has made is the disrespect kids show in the courtroom by the language they use, the way they dress and their attitudes.

Hernandez, who has tried over 80 criminal cases in eight years, said that one of several important things a person can do for their country, besides enlisting to serve in the military and voting, is to serve for jury duty. "It's a very difficult decision jurors sometimes have to make, especially the daunting task of deciding life or death for one of their peers," Hernandez said.