James Carter is a candidate for 321st District Judge. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

The 321st often is called the family court for its role in overseeing divorce, child support, child custody, Children’s Protective Services and foster care cases. It hasn’t seen a change in leadership in almost two decades, since Judge Carole Clark first took office in 1999.

The candidates running in the Republican primary, family law attorneys James Carter and Robert Wilson, both have experience in the court. But they bring different views to the table in how to administer a court with a very unique docket

Wilson brings to the table some specific ideas for changes to the court. Carter asserts best practices are in play with the way things are administered.

Carter is one of nine contract attorneys used by the court to represent children or parents who have cases before the court.

Wilson said he would consider changing the arrangement with contract attorneys, believing there’s a more efficient, and possibly more cost effective, way to provide representation. He suggests creating two new offices, one to represent parents and one to represent children.

This domestic relations office would have salaried, staff attorneys who serve the sole focus of representing parent or child in cases before the court. Currently, contract attorneys used by the court also balance private practice obligations in addition to their contract work.

Wilson also advocates for other ways to bring more efficiency to the court, including a staggered docket, eliminating some hearings when both parties agree on particulars of a case and spinning off the drug court, “freeing the judge from being tasked with running a nonprofit.”

Both candidates possess the competency to serve, however Wilson’s approach seems to provide the best path forward that may facilitate the operations of this court.

We recommend Robert Wilson for the 321st District Court.