The KONK Life Questionnaire:
Donald C. Barrett
Konk Life is inviting candidates in the upcoming elections to answer the following questions about themselves and their candidacy.
Q:Donald C. Barrett, tell us your name, age, what office you’re running for and any previous offices held.
A: I’m 43 years old and a candidate for Circuit Judge, Group 1; First-time candidate; no prior elected office.
Q: Explain your platform and why you are running:
A: I am running for judge because I believe it’s time for a fresh perspective on the Circuit Court bench. I have a balanced legal background, which has given me a broad perspective of the overall justice system. I believe that a judge should be a referee – not an advocate. I believe that a judge should be fair to all litigants and should not prejudge the merits of any case. Nor should a judge ever personally prefer one outcome to another in a case. I also believe that a judge should be courteous to everyone who comes to court and should treat all persons with dignity and respect.
Q: Detail how you differ from your competing candidates:
A: My opponent has been a judge for nearly 18 years. I have spent the last 18 years practicing law; trying cases, dealing directly with clients and victims and starting and building a business from the ground up. I am very familiar with the genuine concerns of the litigants who go to court and the day-to-day practice of law. I believe I have the appropriate temperament for a judge – patience, willingness to listen and am even-keeled, thoughtful and deliberative. If elected, my decisions will be based on what is legally correct, just and fair – not necessarily on what is politically popular.
Q: Tell us your personal history — education; professional career; family life and how long you’ve lived in the Keys or the county and your relationship to the Florida Keys and/or Key West:
A: I was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga. My father was a lawyer; he is now a judge. I graduated from Georgia State University in 1992 with a B.A. in Philosophy, Magna Cum Laude. I graduated from the Stetson University College of Law in 1996. I was a prosecutor in Florida for nine years, six of which were in Monroe County. I served as the Division Chief of the Upper Keys State Attorney’s Office and later as the Chief Assistant State Attorney for Monroe County. I have had my own private law practice for a total of seven years. I moved to Key West in 2001 to work at the State Attorney’s office. I am married to Rosario Barrett and we have two boys, ages 4 and 1. I also have a 16 year-old daughter from my first marriage. My wife and I live in Key West where we are very active in the community.
Q: Touch on your personal passions in addition to the above:
A: First and foremost, I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife and I are very active in our boys’ lives. We enjoy outdoor activities with our sons as often as possible. I am also passionate about the law and its betterment. I strive to contribute to the community, to fight injustice and to try and leave the world a better place for the next generation.
Q: Describe where, in your view, we are going wrong in the Keys and/or Key West:
A: I believe that many things are going right in the Keys! We have an incredibly generous and conscientious community. The cost of living in Monroe County is an ongoing concern, as is protecting and preserving our unique and beautiful environment.
Q: Tell us anything you feel you need to explain or any misapprehension you believe voters may have of you:
A: Some folks have commented that I look “too young” to be a judge. If elected, I will be 44 years old when I take office. I am the same age as my opponent was when he was elected and I am older than other Monroe County judges were when they took office. The law requires five years of experience as an attorney to run for judge. I have been an attorney for 18 years – more than three times the experience required by law. To further put this in perspective, John F. Kennedy was my age (43) when he was elected President.
Q: Name your favorite movie:
A: “No Country for Old Men.”
Q: Your favorite TV show:
A: “Breaking Bad.”
Q: Your favorite TV talking head:
A: Jim Cramer.
Q: Your favorite newspaper columnist:
A: Lewis Grizzard (all-time favorite)
Q: Your favorite book:
A: “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”
Q: Your favorite character in American history:
A: Rosa Parks.
Q: Your favorite person in Florida Keys and/or Key West history: Mel Fisher.
Q: Your favorite quote or proverb:
A: You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.
Q: Is there any secret strength you’d like to reveal about yourself at this point:
A: My wife. She is my inspiration, my biggest supporter and my best friend.
[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]
No Comment