Sedgwick County Judgeships
2008-11-01 12:01:00
District Court Judge - Division 27
Answer: Yes. I have been the Municipal Court Judge in Clearwater for the last seven years and in Douglass for the last four years.
Question: Why do you believe this experience is important?
Answer: I have learned a very important truth as a sitting judge: the courtroom belongs to the people, not to the judge. This is more than a campaign slogan for me. An effective judge understands that the litigants, their families and witnesses are most important. This is what separates good judges from great ones.
Question: What else do you believe qualifies you to be a Sedgwick County Judge?
Answer: I have a very diverse legal background. Take criminal law for an example. Not only do I serve as a judge, but I prosecute crimes (I have been the City Prosecutor in Rose Hill for 12 years) as well as defend those charged with crimes (I have been a Public Defender in the City of Wichita for 17 years). I also practice in the areas of workers’ compensation, business, employment, real estate, contracts, and personal injury law as well as courtroom litigation.
I have been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police.
Question: What is an important issue for judges?
Answer: Will they be impartial and follow the law despite their personal beliefs. Judges are not legislators or governors—they take an oath to follow the law regardless of what they personally think of the law. Our courts must be free and independent—free from the influence of outside interests and independent from the judge’s personal beliefs.
Question: Talk about your educational background.
Answer: I was born and raised in Wichita. I graduated from Southeast High School in 1981. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Business Administration from Bethel College in 1985. I graduated in 1987 with Dean’s Honors from Washburn University School of Law. I have practiced law in Wichita for 20 years.
Question: In what capacity have you practiced law?
Answer: I began as an associate in a small law firm. In 1995, I then started my own firm, Syrios Law Office, with my father who is also a lawyer. In June of 2006, I joined the firm of Martin and Churchill as Special Counsel.
Question: Talk about your family.
Answer: I have been married to Susan for 23 years. We have three beautiful boys: Justin (17), Connor (15) and Zach (12).
Question: Any civic activities?
Answer: Susan and I have been active members at First Evangelical Free Church for about 19 years. I am on the governing board at Central Christian Academy. I have served on the HopeNet, Inc. board of directors and resource council since 1996.
