Editor's note: Stories on all six candidates for district judge will run day after day this week in alphabetical order. This is the second.

Inspired by his childhood friend's father who was chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court, District Court senior law clerk Steve Frankino has wanted to be a judge since he was a boy.

"I have a passion for justice and while I view the position as exceedingly important, I find it similar to an umpire calling balls and strikes. I am beholden to no one, will enforce the law as written, and will treat every individual and entity fairly and with respect," Frankino said.

Frankino said his experience and demeanor make him the most qualified of the six candidates vying for the 1st Judicial District judge position vacated by Judge Thomas Honzel, who is retiring after nearly 25 years on the bench.

Before becoming Judge Jeffrey Sherlock's clerk, Frankino was a private practice attorney for 19 years. Since then he has also been appointed to substitute on many occasions as the Lewis and Clark County Small Claims Court judge and as the Lewis and Clark County justice of the peace.

"I think I'm a peacemaker. I am good at defusing contentious situations," he said. "I'm well suited for it."

Frankino, who grew up participating in athletics, said he is ready for the spotlight and the stress it may bring.

During his time in private practice, Helena-native Frankino has been involved in workers' compensation trials, administrative contested-case hearings, state and federal court trials and appeals to the Montana Supreme Court and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. He has worked with clients on both sides of the aisle in personal injury and construction defect cases, product liability cases, insurance coverage issues and local businesses in employment-related issues.

Frankino, a past president of the local bar association, said he has also handled dozens of appeals dealing with everything from water rights to taxation issues.

While other candidates have suggested changes such as changing court hours on occasion, Frankino said he thinks the court should be held in high esteem and people should have to make arrangements.

"It's part of everyone's civic duty," he said.

One change Frankino said he would be interested in researching is a drug court.

"I don't understand why other cities have it and we don't," said Frankino, a member of the First Judicial District Pro-Bono Committee.

After graduating from Carroll College in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in political science and the University of Montana Law School in 1986, Frankino began private practice with the Helena law firm of Hughes, Kellner, Sullivan & Alke, where he attained partnership status.

Frankino, 49, has served on the YMCA Board of Directors, the Helena School District Substance Abuse Committee and the Cathedral Religious Education Board.

His Web site is www.stevefrankino.com.

Reporter Angela Brandt: 447-4078 or angela.brandt@helenair.com