NAME: Kendra Bertschy
AGE: 37
PARTY AFFILIATION: All judicial races are nonpartisan races. The Nevada Rules of Judicial Conduct do not permit candidates to publicly disclose their affiliation in order to maintain the integrity of the judiciary and avoid any appearance of impropriety.
DAY JOB: Deputy Public Defender and Government Affairs Liaison with the Washoe County Public Defender’s Office.
EDUCATION: Juris Doctorate from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge. Honors and History Degree from the University of Puget Sound.
HOW LONG YOU HAVE LIVED IN NEVADA: 10 years
WRITE A BRIEF (TWO TO THREE SENTENCES) SUMMARY OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD ENABLE YOU TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THIS OFFICE:
I have the experience that matters from working in civil, family, and criminal law. My legal background provides me with a balanced perspective and an understanding of the realities of the courtroom from both sides from representing both victims of crime and those accused of it. Outside of the courtroom, I taught at the University of Nevada, Reno and have led several local non-profit organizations. I volunteer with local organizations to teach legal classes to at-risk youth and pro bono work.   I have served on the Washoe County Sheriff’s Community Engagement Committee, the Advisory Commission on the Administration of Justice, and the Northern Nevada Human Trafficking Task Force to help improve our justice system and protect the safety of our community.
WHAT IS YOUR TOP PRIORITY IF ELECTED?
One of my priorities is to improve the efficiency of the Reno Justice Court by increasing access to justice. I have already begun to work with members of the judiciary to find solutions that will reduce the inefficiencies of our current system. I will also address this by expanding our specialty courts capacity. Specialty courts are cost-effective problem solving courts that reduce crime and enhance community safety. I will continue to develop our specialty courts to ensure that we are focusing on the needs of our citizens. Those needs range from the opioid epidemic, homelessness, and the mental health crisis. As your next Justice of the Peace, I will be at the forefront of resolving issues that bring people into contact with the justice system. This will help ensure that Reno is a better, safer place to live, work, and raise a family.
BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY—WHAT MAKES AN EFFECTIVE JUDGE?
A justice of the peace is often a person’s first interaction with the judicial system. In order to be an effective judge, I will be sure to take an individualized approach to every case to provide balanced, legally accurate, and just consideration to the citizens of Reno. My background of representing both victims of crime and those accused of it will allow me to treat everyone in my courtroom fairly, with dignity, and to follow the law.
IN ONE SENTENCE: WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING VOTERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?
My strong work ethic, innovation, and commitment to this community will help me make sure that Reno Justice Court is efficient and provides equal access to justice.
YES OR NO: WILL YOU ACCEPT THE RESULTS OF THIS ELECTION, WHETHER YOU WIN OR LOSE?
Yes.
