Who is Chris Bazzle, a Democratic candidate for District Court 26 Seat 1?
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 41
Campaign website: BazzleForJudge.com
Email: christopher.e.bazzle@gmail.com
Occupation: Magistrate
Education: J.D. - DePaul Univ. College of Law, 2008; B.S.- Microbiology, NCSU 2003; B.S.. - Biological Sciences, NCSU 2002.
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
Mecklenburg County District Court Committees for Involuntary Commitment, Domestic Violence, and Criminal Court; Mecklenburg Co. Bar Board of Directors, Chairperson of the Continuing Legal Education Committee; President Elect of the NC Magistrates’ Association; Wills for Heroes Clinics; Habitat for Humanity wills clinics and building projects; Charlotte Pride Estate Planning volunteer, Courageous Conversations; Community Unity 5000 Thanksgiving Feast volunteer; community street clean ups.
Name two personal traits that best qualify you to be a Mecklenburg County judge?:
1. Commitment to fair and equal justice for all members of our community without bias or prejudice.
2. I have chosen to operate in both private practice and in my current position to always act in a way that demonstrates my personal integrity.
Are the courts racially fair? If so, explain why. If not, list the specific steps you’d take to change that.
The history of racist laws and inequitable results are undeniable. Judges must prevent injustices from overt discrimination or racial inequities from systems, institutions, and implicit biases. We must ensure our bail policy is free from racial and economic bias; every person is fairly heard on their case; verdicts are based on facts not presumptions; and the same opportunities and second chances are available to all people—regardless of race, gender, sexuality, culture or religion.
Why should the public, the government or the accused trust that you’ll be a competent judge?
Throughout my 13 years as an attorney and 6 years as a Magistrate, I have gained invaluable experience behind the bench that readies me to hit the ground running as a trial judge. I see and listen to people daily and make judicial decisions in the foundation of our courts. Beyond that, my commitment to continuing education keeps me up to date with relevant changes in the laws, and always ready to learn and improve for the next case that comes into court.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
It is not necessarily a disagreement, but I am committed to our courts remaining impartial—including cases that require the court to rule on political issues. Our country and community have become more politically divided and antagonistic, and this should not influence what happens in the courtroom. The winning party should always be based on the evidence and the law, not any similarities of politics or party.
What separates you from your primary opponent(s)?
Experience. For the past 6 years I have served the people of Mecklenburg as a Magistrate in the foundation of our District Court, upholding the public’s trust and ensuring my courtroom is where fairness and the law win over prejudice and bias. Volunteering on court and legal committees over the past decade, I am dedicated to improving how our court serves our people. My experience, service, and integrity led the attorneys of Mecklenburg to vote me their 2-to-1 preference to fill this seat.
What one professional or political accomplishment are you most proud of?
While working in the District Court Involuntary Commitment Committee, I was able to help craft and implement the IVC Transportation Agreement, that allows us to leverage technology to speed up Court processes to help get people mental health treatment in times of crisis. I feel this experience will become even more important as the court embraces more technology being utilized with new eCourts systems in 2022 and 2023, and beyond.