Renee S. Henry has filed for Wyandotte County District Court judge.
Henry, a Wyandotte County attorney and pro tem judge, is running for Division 13, the position held by Judge Michael Grosko, who is retiring at the end of his term.
Henry worked seven years as an assistant prosecutor in the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s office, and also has had her own private practice in downtown Kansas City, Kan., handling criminal defense and family law.
Henry, 40, currently holds a permanent pro tem judge position in Wyandotte County District Court. She presides over Division 15B, which hears criminal juvenile offender cases. She was chosen for the pro tem position by Chief Judge Wayne Lampson, along with a panel of judges. She has worked in that position for two years.
Pro tem judges are part-time judges who often fill in for judges taking time off or for an overflow of work.
“I treat all who appear in my court with respect and compassion. I am uniquely positioned to weigh all sides in a case as in my 16 years of experience I have practiced as both a defense attorney and prosecutor. I understand the unique challenges faced by all sides,” Henry stated.
Henry has an undergraduate degree and a law degree from the University of Kansas, and is a Shawnee Mission South graduate. After graduating from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2000, Henry began her professional career in Wyandotte County, serving as an assistant district attorney for Nick Tomasic. During her seven-year tenure, she successfully prosecuted cases ranging from DUI to rape and homicide.
Henry, who has not run for public office previously, also has served as a judge pro tem in Kansas City, Kan., Municipal Court.
Henry said, if elected, she would be proactive about alternatives including a veterans’ court and more mental health options in the court system. Currently, as a part-time pro tem judge hearing juvenile cases, she looks at different alternatives to sending someone to prison and tries to do more to resolve any issues that may be leading to the person’s criminal activity.
Henry’s family of seven gives her plenty of opportunity to get involved in the community. A member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, she also volunteers for numerous activities and serves on various boards. She is currently involved with Piper High School Project Graduation for her daughter who is a senior at Piper.
Henry also serves as secretary for her homeowner’s association and is the president-elect of the Wyandotte County Bar Association.