BERRIEN SPRINGS — Candidates for the first contested judgeship race in 10 years in Berrien County took part in a candidate forum at Berrien RESA Tuesday evening. It was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Berrien and Cass Counties.

Donna Howard and Stephen Smith are both lawyers running for the county’s District Court seat.

Howard works as the county’s corporate counsel, while Smith works for a St. Joseph law firm.

Howard is in her 17th year practicing law while Smith is in his 16th. Both grew up in Berrien County and both said they have the most experience in civil cases.

Each candidate had two minutes to answer the same question posed by moderator Geoffrey Gilbert.

While both had similar answers for most questions, the two had slightly different opinions on what is an appropriate judicial demeanor.

Smith, who answered first, said judges are asked to do a “superhuman feat,” explaining that they need to maintain an even and steady temperament every day to set the tone for the courtroom.

“When we go before the court we should expect we are going to be treated the same way that others are,” he said.

Howard said she doesn’t think of the job as a superhuman task.

“I believe it’s another extension of being a lawyer,” said Howard, adding that she would use the same demeanor that she has always had. “Treating all participants with respect and integrity is how I expect my courtroom to be run.”

In his closing statement, Smith said people should remember one thing about him: the word “service.” He said he learned the meaning of service from his parents, who worked as teachers.

“That’s how I understood how to find a career — to find a way you are giving back to your community… while putting food on the table,” said Smith, adding that he went into law in order to serve Berrien County and make it a better place.

Howard asked people to remember three things about herself: Experience, respect and integrity.

“I believe through my experience both in private practice and working with the county that I offer the best qualifications to meet the needs of the court,” she said.

“I think that experience in having to deal with the administrative side, having to deal with personnel issues has given me that added perspective that would be beneficial to the bench.”

Howard earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and received her law degree from Wayne State University. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Notre Dame and his law degree from Georgetown University.

The election is Nov. 4.

The last contested judgeship race in Berrien County was for Circuit Court Judge Nov. 2, 2004. Art Cotter, John M. Donahue and Charles T. LaSata were all vying for two open seats. Voters chose LaSata and Donahue.