Neral Voterguide

Dallas Morning News Voter Guide - HTML Candidate Profiles View file:///C:/DOCUME~1/009900/LOCALS~1/Temp/dallas-html-candidates.
htm
U.S. House, District 3

Description:
Candidates (choose 1):
Christopher Claytor
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Christopher J. Claytor
Street Address: 8717 Mandevilla Dr.
City/Town: Plano
State: TX
Date of Birth: July 1969
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-679-7302
Home Phone Number: 972-679-7302
Mobile Phone Number: 972-679-7302
E-mail Address: chris.claytor@verizon.net
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.ClaytorForCongress.org
Questions:
Q: Length of residency in the district:
A: I have lived and worked in the 3rd Congressional district since moving to TX in 1996 (14
years).
Q: Occupation/main source of income:
A: I work as a Program Manager in a major telecommunications equipment and services
company.
Q: Current civic involvement/accomplishment highlights:
A: I am an active member of Preston Ridge Baptist Church, and currently teach second
grade Sunday School.
Q: Previous civic involvement/accomplishment highlights:
A: I have been a member of Toastmasters International since 2001. I have served in many
club officer roles, providing coaching and mentoring to others to improve their speaking
ability.
Q: Previous public offices sought/held:
A: I have sought election to Congress in District 3 in 2006, and 2008. Previously, I sought
election to Congress in District 27 in 2002 and 2004.
Q: How much funding have you raised for your campaign?
A: I have not yet raised enough money to trigger the reporting requirements.
Q: Who are your top three contributors?
A: Not required.
Q: Have you ever been arrested? If so, explain:
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Dallas Morning News Voter Guide - HTML Candidate Profiles View file:///C:/DOCUME~1/009900/LOCALS~1/Temp/dallas-html-candidates.htm
A: I have never been arrested for any reason.

Q: What changes, if any, would you recommend in the Obama administration’s strategy in
Afghanistan?
A: We should completely withdraw all forces from Afghanistan. We should stop all aid to
Afghanistan. As a nation that has massive amounts of debt, we can no longer afford to be
the world's police force nor a source of funding.
Q: What strategies should the U.S. employ in Iraq after the withdrawal date?
A: We should treat Iraq as any other sovereign nation. We should seek to have free trade,
and a friendly relationship with open communication.
Q: What should the U.S. do to combat Mexico’s drug cartels?
A: Legalize all drugs. The cartels exist on the money they make due the black market for
drugs. Once drugs are legalized, the source of funding for these organizations will go away,
and the purpose for their existance goes away. Then, they will cease to exist.
Q: How should the U.S. respond to the emerging threats in Iran and North Korea?
A: The current policy of escalating threats and sanctions has not produced the desired
results. We should try something different. Let us extend the hand of friendship and free
trade. The ability of a free market to change behavior should not be underestimated. As an
example, look to China.
Q: If you served in Congress this year, how did you vote on the health-care overhaul, and
why? If you weren’t a House member, how would you have voted?
A: The health-care overhaul was nothing more than the Federal Government taking away
more power and rights from the people and the States. I absolutely would have voted, NO!
Q: Does the economy need another stimulus package? If not why not, and if so, what
should Congress include in it?
A: Yes, but not as previous executed. The way to stimulate the economy is to give people
more control over what they make by reducing income taxes. The way to stimulate create
jobs is to give businesses more freedom (less regulations) to conduct business. Congress
should immediately cut spending in every possible area. Then, the savings can be returned
to the people in the form of reduced taxes. The extra money everyone will have to spend
will stimulate the economy.
Q: What role should the federal government play in promoting alternative sources of
energy?
A: Remove barriers to free trade. Remove regulations that prevent energy companies
from innovating.
Q: Do you support a carbon cap to control emissions? If not, how would you combat
emissions?
A: I do NOT support the current cap & trade proposals. A truly free market allows for
consumers to punish companies that pollute, when they stop buying from them. Currently
there are polluting companies and industries that enjoy governement protection and are
therefore difficult for the people to punish directly.
Q: What’s the best way(s) for Congress to keep Medicare’s hospital trust fund from going
bankrupt in 2017?
A: Dissolve the fund, return the money to the people, have them pay for their own
healthcare via a free healthcare market.
Q: The federal deficit is now at its largest share of the gross domestic product since World
War II. What should we do to curb its rise? Raise taxes? Cut benefits? Reduce spending?
Please be specific.
A: Cut benefits! Reduce Spending! The Federal Government has grown way too large.
Congress must take steps to cut all programs that are not specifically enumerated in the
U.S. Constitution. One example is the Department of Education. Education is not
mentioned in the Constitution and as such, the responsibiity falls to the States (or the
people).
Q: What should Congress do to reform immigration policies and on what timetable? What
role should cities and states play in enforcing immigration laws?
A: The illegal immigration problem is out of control. In order to solve this problem we
must take rapid and drastic actions. First, we must seal the borders and entry points. This
can and should be done by using our Armed Forces in the manner described in the U.S.
Constitution (for the defense of the nation). Second, we ensure each person in the country
illegally is given the opportunity to settle their crime and become legal (pay a fine). Third,
we open the boders in a controlled manner and have policies in place that ensure a safe
and free market for all labor.
Q: What specific measures will you take to increase leadership and decrease polarization
within Congress on important national issues?
A: As a West Point graduate, I know that the best way to lead is by example. We need
leaders in Congress that are "dedicated to a lifetime of selfless service to the nation."
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When a few example leaders begin to serve the people they are supposed to represent,
and stop putting themselves first, the polarization will decrease and Congress can get to
the real work of representing the people of their district.
Q: How would you assess President Obama’s performance so far?
A: President Obama has done more than other leader before him. He has spent more of
the taxpayers money. He has driven the country the furthest into debt. He has disregarded
the will of the people more. He has done more to shred the U.S. Constitution than anyone
else. Other presidents have done a great deal in these areas as well. However, Obama is
impressive, as he has done the most.
Q: Name three legislators you have admired and why you have admired them.
A: I admire our nation's founding fathers the most. They had the courage do what is right.
They understood what it takes for a nation to be great. They respected that human rights
do not come from Government, but "are endowed by their creator." Today, our leaders
believe there is no creator, and have concluded that rights must therefore come from
them. Further, they believe, that if the rights come from them (the leaders of the
government), then they can take them away too!
Q: Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
A: I am the only true fiscal conservative on the ballot. The incumbant claims to be, and
although he may be more fiscally conservative today that what he was a few years ago,
his past voting record says otherwise.
Sam Johnson
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Sam Johnson
Street Address: P.O. Box 860096
City/Town: Plano
State: TX
Date of Birth: 10/11/1930
Fax Number: 972-422-4797
E-mail Address: Via the website at samjohnsonforcongress.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.samjohnsonforcongress.com
Questions:
A: Born and raised in Texas and a Woodrow Wilson High School graduate, my family has
called Plano home since 1965.
A: Member of Congress United States Air Force, Colonel, Retired
A: Member of Congress; Member of the House Ways and Means Committee; Ranking
Member Social Security Subcommittee; Deputy Whip; Regent, Smithsonian Institution;
National Medal of Honor Society Patriot Award Winner; Most Admired Republican Member
of Congress (National Journal, December 2009) as voted by my peers; Member,
U.S.-Russia Joint Commission on Prisoners of War and Missing in Action; Paul Harris Fellow,
Rotary Club Member; Sam Johnson Korean War Veterans Chapter.
A: A fighter pilot with the United States Air Force for 29 years. I earned two Silver Stars,
two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two
Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, and three Outstanding Unit Awards.
A: Texas State Representative 1984 – 1991
A: I have raised $866,000 and have over $570,000 cash on hand.
A: The federal election law allows any American to contribute up to $2,400 each election
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cycle.
A: No.
Afghanistan?
A: General Patreaus has my full support. We have got to fight the war to win!
A: It is critical that we back Iraqi law enforcement.
A: I say more troops and more drones.
A: We’ve got to strengthen our military and take nothing for granted. I also back South
Korea to the hilt.
A: I voted against government-controlled healthcare.
A: No. More spending, more taxes, and more bailouts will not lead us to recovery. If that
were the case, then we wouldn’t have an unemployment rate stuck near 10%. The
government is not responsible for creating long-term wealth. New employment should
come from America’s businesses, not the federal government.
energy?
A: Last year, T. Boone Pickens called me an “energy independence crusader” for my
support of the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions (NAT GAS) Act,
H.R. 1835. The bill aims to accelerate the production and use of more natural gas-fueled
vehicles. Make no mistake - our dependence on foreign oil threatens our national security
and makes us vulnerable to dangerous dictatorships. I propose making America energy
self-sufficient. I support an “all of the above” plan. I favor a balanced and fair approach.
We need to try it all and we need to try it now. As a clean energy advocate, I think we can
solve our energy problems faster and cheaper with innovation and new technology than
with more litigation and more government regulation. We also should reward those who
conserve our natural resources. I support tax incentives for those who make their home,
car or business more energy efficient.
emissions?
A: No. The government does enough regulating. I voted against the cap-and-trade national
energy tax. I hope and pray that it does not become law in a “Lame Duck” session in the
Democrats’ last minute attempt to enforce Nancy Pelosi’s agenda. Efforts to reduce
emissions should not be used as an excuse to raise taxes, especially during a recession.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: Reduce spending and lower the cost of healthcare. You can do that by paying for quality
of services, not quantity.
Please be specific.
A: Make no mistake. The Democrats control the House, the Senate, and the White House.
With them at the helm, we recently marked an ominous milestone when the U.S. debt
level hit a record $13 trillion. The out of control government spending must be stopped.
For starters, Congress should pass the common-sense solutions on YouCut. Learn more
here: http://republicanwhip.house.gov/YouCut I also say freeze all federal hiring in
non-defense related jobs. That is why I introduced the Federal Workforce Reduction Act,
H.R. 5348. The bill would institute an immediate freeze in non-national security hires for
all non-Defense/Homeland Security Agencies. The measure would reduce the size of
government by attrition. For every 100 employees who retire or otherwise end their
service in non-defense related jobs, the federal government can only hire 50 new
employees. The Act would make Agencies compete for new hires by establishing a
competitive process under which all agencies must apply for and justify new hires. The
legislation also mandates the public disclosure of hires by requiring regular disclosure of all
new hires to the public and Congress so that Americans can track an Administration’s hiring
priorities.
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A: Secure the border and then we’ll talk. That must be priority number one before
anything else happens. I also believe that cities and states must enforce the laws on the
books vigorously.
A: One of the benefits of tenure in Congress is that I have relationships with Republicans
and Democrats built on trust and experience. Folks know that I’m happy to work behind
the scenes to get things done. In the past I’ve bucked my party leadership to pass the
state sales tax deduction renewal for Texans. I’ve passed legislation with Majority Leader
Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) to help Korean War Veterans – despite years of Republican opposition
to the measure. Also I teamed up with fellow Vietnam Veteran Mike Thompson (D-Calif.),
to change an outdated law so doctors who volunteer to serve in harm's way could keep
their patients and their practice. Fortunately, this bill became law right before a reserve
doctor in Thompson’s district deployed for his third trip overseas. In short, people know
that I don’t care who gets the credit or if my name appears in the paper -- as long as it’s
the right thing for America.
A: Big majorities of mainstream Americans say Obama has the country on the wrong
path. I agree with them. I think he took his eye off the ball. Sadly, with unemployment
near 10%, the only jobs the Democrats seem to create are in the federal government.
A: Former President Abraham Lincoln, Former President Ronald Reagan, and Former
Member of Congress Bill Archer. Each one is a shining example of conservative values and
hope for the future.
A: As a constitutional conservative, I support rekindling respect for the U.S. Constitution.
It’s time to balance the budget, cut the deficit, pay down the debt, grow the economy, and
create jobs. I am honored to run on my record of success. I consider authoring the bill to
repeal the Wright Amendment to free Love Field travelers, resurrecting the state sales tax
deduction for Texans, securing a federal courthouse in Plano, giving the next generation a
voice with the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, writing the first pension reform
legislation in a generation and eliminating the earnings penalty for seniors among my
more recent congressional achievements.
John Lingenfelder
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: John Lingenfelder
Street Address: 2220 Chadbourne Dr.
City/Town: Plano
State: Texas
Date of Birth: August 26, 1947
E-mail Address: John@LingenfelderForCongress.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.JohnForTexas.com
Questions:
A: 22 years
A: Certified Consulting Software Engineer
A: Founder of the "Plano Solar Initiative" a community based group that worked with the
City of Plano to discover innovative ways to fund solar-based energy alternatives for
residences and small business.
A: Along with successfully running businesses over the last 30 years, I have been actively
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engaged in the community as the founding member or President of 4 other organizations.

Those organizations include: Keep Quality in Plano Schools (KQUIPS) which was a local
group I helped lead that worked with the School Board and was successful in retaining our
high quality of education in Plano Public Schools; the North Texas chapter of the ACLU;
Collin County MoveOn Council; and the National Organization for Women of Collin County
that later became the Texas Democratic Women of Collin County. As an IT educator with
Plano Community College I worked with the next generation of IT professionals to
promote vital job-skills in one of the most critical future-employment sectors.
A: None
A: $110,000
A: Pursuant to national election law, I have filed all of my campaign contributions and
expenditures with the Federal Elections Commission and all of this information is available
at www.FEC.gov
A: No
Afghanistan?
A: Our leadership must recognize that the Afghanistan engagement became a debacle 4
years ago, allowing the renewal of the intense tribal civil war. The U.S. spends billions of
dollars supporting a corrupt, weak central government while relying heavily on our
Pakistani ally. This ally has proven to be not entirely trustworthy. Considering these
factors, and in light of the U.S. economic crisis, it is a prudent to craft a strategy to end
this mission and to extract our military from Afghanistan at the earliest.
A: First, the U.S. must completely transition U.S. military based support out of this
country, leaving only sufficient forces to assist the other part of the strategy. Then
recognize the current problem the U.S. faces in Iraq. This is the lack of coordinated
administrative infrastructure and no genuine centralized authority. This has created an
inefficient administration of Iraq by the U.S. The American tax-payer bears the brunt of the
cost of these inefficiencies. To end this, a centralized authority needs to be put in place.
Right now every entity in the various departments of the U.S. government - Defense,
State, Agriculture and others work independently of one another and report up the chain to
their specific department leaders. Each has unique and often conflicting goals and agendas.
To overcome this, a specific, quasi-independent office must be created for Iraq, residing in
the State Department. Each of the other departments (Defense, Agriculture and the
others) will place necessary resources at the disposal of this new office and those resources
will report only to this new office. With genuine centralized authority the U.S. can achieve
success in restoring confidence in our role in Iraq.
A: There are three issues in dealing with Mexico's drug cartel – 1) the export business of
illicit drugs to the U.S, 2) the flow of guns purchased in the U.S. imported to Mexico and 3)
the impoverished state in which the majority of Mexican people exist. As long as drugs are
illegal in the U.S. there will be criminals supplying drugs to this market. Our society needs
a serious discussion of how to remove this profit motive for these cartels. To address illegal
gunrunning, the role of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) must be
expanded to end the practice of unscrupulous gun dealers who ignore existing laws and
supply weaponry to the cartels. These criminals must be brought to justice and held
accountable for their role in the violence, without impinging on our 2nd Amendment rights.
Finally, the U.S. must modify its trade policies that negatively affect the Mexican economy.
As long as the Mexican government remains corrupt and the majority of Mexican citizens
remain impoverished, we will be subject to the stranglehold of the cartels. The creation of
strong middle class in Mexico will be the ultimate device that diminishes the cartels’
influence.
A: Iran and North Korea represent two different problems for U.S. security and must be
approached in different ways. 1) North Korea is a nation teetering towards collapse. Our
continued work with the governments of China and South Korea must support the goal of
stabilizing the region around the collapsing dictatorial regime in North Korea. It is going to
take decades for North Korea to recover from 60 years of Communist rule and have the
structure to be an independent nation. To support independence, the U.S. and other
governments must have a plan in place for the United Nations to take this country over
through a governing mandate. 2) Iran is an economically stronger country. It is governed
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by a repressive regime holding its citizens hostage. It also is working to assemble nuclear
bomb capability. The U.S.'s only strategy in the near term is to continue working with its
allies to apply pressure on the leadership.
A: As imperfect as the health-care overhaul was, I would've voted for it. There is much
that is good in the legislation that will benefit all Americans
A: Unemployed Americans are in desperate need of relief. However, instead of creating a
package directed to stimulate the overall economy, we need stimulus applied to generating
work for the tens of millions who are without it. The specific things that would have
immediate, positive impact would be to channel funds to state, county, municipal and
school boards & governments to augment the wages and benefits for public safety and
health workers, educators, infrastructure maintenance workers, engineers and other
American workers who will soon join the ranks of the unemployed. People at work in labor
intensive, service oriented jobs would spell relief... something that spending time in an
unemployment line does not.
energy?
A: The existing federal funds directed now towards supporting fossil fuel energy production
must be redirected to investments in smart energy technologies and research towards
improvements in existing alternative energy sources.
emissions?
A: Pollution caused by fossil fuel consumption will not be curtailed without a well designed
mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One such mechanism is a cap & trade
mechanism. However, this does come with up front costs that could have minimal
economical damages in the short term, but enough to be cautious. The U.S. must set
Clean Energy Targets over the next several decades so that the worst greenhouse gas
emitters are removed from energy production and replace with renewable energy sources
and natural gas energy sources.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: The Medicare Hospital trust fund will not be insolvent that soon. With certain provisions
of the health-care reform, projected insolvency is not expected for another 15 to 20 years.
Even so, our society must ensure that this trust fund is made permanently solvent. There
are only two ways to do this - increase revenues and/or decrease expenditures. Revenues
come either from taxes or from Medicare premiums. A tax increase is not warranted.
Premiums need to be reviewed with an eye to ensuring that value to all Medicare
beneficiaries is maximized. However, to achieve permanent solvency reductions in
expenditures are needed. This will happen with modifications to the health-care legislation.
This legislation needs to be reviewed to discover those savings missed in the first
legislative go around. Further, Medicare recipients must have an incentive to be smarter
health-care consumers. Several plans have been put forward by various health-care
economists to achieve this goal. In Congress, I will work with such experts to craft plans to
bring costs under control.
Please be specific.
A: Raising taxes and cutting benefits is not the answer to this problem – we must increase
efficiency and reduce the wasteful spending that continues to run rampant in Washington. I
have run businesses for over 30 years and one of the most important skills I mastered is
managing a budget. I was a Republican for over 20 years. I championed responsible
budgets, but I left the party because the Republican Party became and still is the party of
"Borrow and Spend". I do not agree with deficit spending, not for me, my business or my
country. My opponent voted for almost all of the 8 deficit budgets championed by the Bush
Administration. I believe that demonstrated a serious lack of judgment while in a booming
economy. We must use our national budget to set spending and revenue goals and stick to
our agenda, just like we do with our homes, families and small businesses.
A: There is proposed legislation for comprehensive immigration reform. The solutions to
immigration are in this legislation and it needs to be passed at the earliest. Regarding the
role of cities and states, they have the responsibility to report immigration violations to the
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appropriate federal authorities so quick action can be taken.

A: For 20 years I was a member of the Republican Party. I appreciate and understand the
values that are important to the opposition. I can speak with authority to those values and
I can reach a consensus with members of the opposition, particularly to work on reducing
unemployment and bringing deficit spending under control. Confronting unemployment and
deficit spending are my two main goals for my first term in office.
A: President Obama bravely took office in the face of the worst worldwide economic
disaster since the Great Depression. He made it his responsibility to work through that
disaster despite assuming a Federal Debt of $10 Trillion. He made it his responsibility to
turn around the worst unemployment crisis despite given little tools to work with. He made
it his responsibility to work with a budget handed him that would explode to over $2
Trillion. He made it his responsibility to guide this nation through a completely misguided
war in Iraq that he had opposed from the first. He made it his responsibility to stand for
America in the war in Afghanistan, which had become a debacle three years earlier. He has
done a remarkable thing for this country. He has done this with honor, intelligence and
honesty. Qualities this nation has not seen in its leadership for much too long. He has done
this despite the worst venal expressions and cacophony of personal hatred for a sitting
president since Franklin Roosevelt.
A: Sam Rayburn, Lyndon Johnson and Hubert Humphrey – all three faced times in America
when the very foundations of this country were under great stress. Each stood bravely by
their principals and guided America through those challenging times. I promise that I will
make it my responsibility to honor their memories by remaining true to the principles that
have been the guide in my life.
A: My opponent has been a do nothing Washington incumbent for 20 years - as we say in
South Texas where I was raised, "He is all hat & no cattle". My opponent has spent so
much time in Washington that he is out of touch and pays minimal attention to our needs in
this district. Look at his record. In a 20 year Washington career he has managed to get two
minor pieces of his own legislation into law. All the while ignoring the fact that our entire
district is soon to be encircled by toll roads. Does my opponent believe that working
Americans in this district should pay private firms for the privilege of driving to and from
work? Why does he earmark millions of our hard earned tax dollars for out of state
spending when we have so many needs here - like job growth, transportation
infrastructure, air quality, health-care, and rising costs of higher education? Our area
grows by hundreds of thousands of new residents, yet the tax dollars we send to
Washington fail to be returned to assist in our growth. It appears he cares more about his
special-interest donors in banking, insurance and energy sectors more than our district and
Texas. Why does he not make public appearances to answer to his constituents? Why is he
avoiding all debates in this election? Is it because that is business as usual in Washington?
Look where business as usual has gotten us – two unfunded wars, a conflict at our border
threatening American lives, sky high unemployment rates which may be here for years
and an economic crisis that threatens our very way of life. I will bring a fresh new energy
to Capitol Hill. I am a small businessman and IT Professional who has lived and worked in
this district for going on 25 years. I do know the people in this district and will bring the
energy & determined spirit to be a complete representative for you. I promise you, I will
make it my responsibility to have the voice of this district heard in Washington each and
every single day. My opponent has had ample opportunity, has failed and his time is up.
It’s time for someone new to bring real representation to Texas and the Third
Congressional District. Thank you and I appreciate your vote for John Lingenfelder on
November 2, 2010.

Description: Related link:
Shane Shepard: Partisan politics is a national security threat
Ralph Hall
Party: R
Biographical Info:
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Name: Ralph M. Hall

Street Address: 1500 Sunset Hill Drive
City/Town: Rockwall
State: Texas 75087
Fax Number: 972-722-0907
E-mail Address: rmhall@mail.house.gov
Campaign Web Site Address: www.ralphhallcongressman.com
Questions:
A: I was born in Fate, Texas, in the Fourth Congressional District. I was raised in Rockwall,
Texas, and other than the time I served in World War II, I have resided in the Fourth
Congressional District my entire life.
A: U.S. Representative, Fourth Congressional District. Investments in land and banking.
A: Church and ordinary civic involvement.
A: Affiliation in local organizations, such as former President of Rockwall Rotary Club,
member of Chamber of Commerce, honorary Texas Aggie, etc.
A: Member of U.S. House of Representatives, 1981 to present; Texas State Senator, 1962 -
1972; Candidate for Lieutenant Governor, 1971; Rockwall County Judge, 1950 - 1962.
A: Approximately $400,000 for the primary and am on target for $300,000 for the general.
A: Full disclosure is available on the FEC website. Among top contributors are DAYPAC for
Day & Zimmermann, EnergyPAC for TXU Energy Retail Company, and AT&T.
A: No
Afghanistan?
A: I am committed to supporting our troops in the War on Terror and oppose mandating
artificial withdrawal deadlines. All Americans want to see an end to the war in Iraq and
Afghanistan– but pre-determined deadlines undermine the Generals, put the troops at risk,
and compromise progress in the overall war on terror. I was pleased to see the President
ultimately took the advice of the Generals on the ground and added 34,000 more troops to
Afghanistan. This move shows that the strategy in the Afghan war relies in part on General
Petraeus’ surge strategy that has been so successful in Iraq. As witnessed in Iraq, once
stability can be achieved and the civilian population can see that the U.S. is there to help
them and not rule them, we can begin to achieve peace and stability and begin to bring the
troops home. In Afghanistan, it is important to remember that with any surge there are
often spikes in casualties, and General Petraeus recently noted that “there will be nothing
easy” about the mission in Afghanistan and that it is “likely to get harder before it got
easier.” The recent attacks by both Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan at Ft. Hood and the Christmas
Bomber on Flight 253 are sobering reminders that the enemy is constantly looking for
weaknesses in U.S. defenses. It is imperative to remain on the offense by eliminating
terrorist strongholds and keeping Islamic fundamentalists in retreat. Efforts in Iraq and
Afghanistan, as well as drone attacks on the Pakistan border, bring the fight to those who
wish America harm and help ensure that their operational capacity is diminished. The
troops need to know that America supports them and honors their sacrifice –and they need
the prayers of a grateful nation.
A: After removing a violent dictator and aiding in the establishment of democratic
institutions, America now needs to help ensure that the Iraqis have the competencies and
institutions that will allow them to determine their future. We will need to be vigilant and
ensure that Iraq has the necessary resources to defend their country, as we have done for
Israel, but as they begin to take responsibility for their affairs, we can start to bring
American troops home in victory. Ultimately, Iraq must defend its own freedom, just as
America did and Israel is still doing.
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A: The Texas Delegation in Congress and Governor Perry recently sent letters to President
Obama that emphasized the growing danger from Mexico's drug cartels along the Texas
border and the need for more troops on the ground as well as more surveillance from
unmanned aerial vehicles. The safety of our citizens along the border should be a top
homeland security priority, and I support deployment of a sufficient number of troops to
help secure our border. I was pleased that my border security bill that passed in the last
Congress has been included in the Homeland Security bill this year. This legislation includes
research and development for technologies to detect tunnels, improvements in unmanned
aerial vehicles, and anti-counterfeit documentation technology. The situation along the
Texas border is growing more serious, and we need to take immediate and decisive action
to protect our families and communities.
A: The US has been engaged in multi-party talks with both Iran and North Korea for many
years. Unfortunately, these talks, as well as UN sanctions, have had little effect on
producing productive discussions and meaningful actions by either country. It is clear to me
that the UN has little authority and power in influencing our enemies to renounce nuclear
weapons, and both countries have denied inspectors and IAEA scientists access to
information relating to their nuclear efforts. It is of great concern that shortly before
September, the Iranians will have their first fully-operating nuclear reactor. This technology
will doubtlessly be used to enrich uranium for a clandestine nuclear weapons program that
could then be used to prop up a bellicose Iranian regime that, in light of last year’s
electoral scandals, is illegitimate. To counter hostile actions by Iran, I am cosponsor of a
bill that would make it U.S. policy to encourage foreign governments to cease all
investment in Iran's energy sector and all exports of refined petroleum resources to Iran.
Furthermore, the bill would persuade and, where possible, require private entities to cease
all investment in Iran's energy sector and all exports of refined petroleum resources to
Iran. I was also pleased to cast my vote last December and again in June in favor of HR
2194, which, since being signed into law, has imposed sanctions on any entity providing
refined petroleum or its transportation to Iran. With Iran listed on the State Sponsors of
Terrorism list and the government contemplating relisting North Korea as a state sponsor
of terror, we should recognize that both governments are working to undermine our
security at home. We must show North Korea and Iran that diplomacy is an option, but it is
not an inexhaustible source of one-way benefits. While the State department has cracked
down on North Korea’s access to capital markets and is no longer as enthusiastic in seeking
multi-party talks (a common stall tactic used by the North to gain concessions), the United
States needs to bring clarity to the issue of reunification on the Korean peninsula. I believe
a more assertive stance regarding our interest in seeing a reunified, democratic Korea
would be appropriate, particularly since North Korea’s brutal dictator, Kim Jong Il, has
been in declining health. This is an opportunity for the United States to play an active role
in shaping a more prosperous future for millions of starving, oppressed North Koreans, and
foster a more peaceful and stable region for the entire world.
A: The President’s government expansion of health care passed the House in March by a
narrow margin of 219 – 212. I voted “no” along with all Republicans and 34 Democrats. A
second vote on a Reconciliation bill to resolve differences between the House and Senate
bills passed by a vote of 220 – 211, and again I voted “no” along with all Republicans and
33 Democrats. House action cleared the bill for signing by the President. A reform bill of
this magnitude – one that affects all Americans and a significant portion of the economy –
should have the support of a majority of Americans and bipartisan support in Congress. It
is not surprising that Rasmussen Reports released figures in July showing that 60 percent
of voters want the law reversed, and an overwhelming majority of folks in the Fourth
District would agree. This bill affects all segments of America. Small businesses will be hit
hard with more taxes, fees and other mandates, likely forcing many to drop coverage for
their employees or go out of business. Larger businesses have lost millions in the first
quarter from health care overhaul. For the first time, a Medicare tax will be placed on
investment income and a 40 percent excise tax will be placed on premium insurance plans.
Other increases for middle-class families will include taxes on health savings accounts,
health insurance plans, prescription drugs, and medical devices, among others. In
addition, more physicians are considering dropping out of Medicaid and Medicare, and it is
estimated that more than 87 million Americans could lose their benefits under the current
plan. I have signed on as a cosponsor of several bills in the House that would repeal these
onerous provisions. In the meantime, Texas and 12 other States are challenging the
constitutionality of the new law. We need common-sense reforms that make health care
more accessible and affordable for all Americans, preserve current health plans, expand
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patient choices, ensure that medical decisions are made by patients and their doctors – not
government bureaucrats, and provide market incentives to bring down costs. As a
long-time member of the Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee,
I will work to achieve these goals.
A: The recent stimulus packages have done some good, but they have not done nearly
enough good when compared to the tremendous damage they have done to the federal
deficit. In particular, the $862 billion stimulus bill that passed in January of 2009 has not
created nearly enough jobs nor has it reduced the unemployment rolls. The unprecedented
spending package has, however, raised the deficit by nearly a trillion dollars once interest
is figured into the cost. Furthermore it has created an accounting nightmare, where much
of the money remains unspent, and those dollars that have been spent are often
unaccounted for and untracked. Rather than shoveling taxpayers' hard earned money out
the door, allowing the Federal Reserve to print money, and courting future inflation, we
should be concentrating on creating a stable tax environment that will encourage
employers to create jobs. The current thinking by many policy makers is that if we spend
enough money, the jobs will follow. Unfortunately the jobs haven’t followed, and promises
that stimulus spending would keep unemployment at or below 8% has proven grossly
inaccurate. On the other had, the German model of avoiding “stimulus” and eschewing
debt is starting to pay dividends. Recent reports show German GDP rose 2.2% quarter-
on-quarter, its fastest quarterly rate since the country reunified in the early 1990s
following the fall of the Berlin Wall. In our case, growth remains anemic despite
extraordinary deficit spending, and the only bang we have gotten for this buck is a legacy
of debt.
energy?
A: I stand behind an “all of the above” energy policy that supports greater conservation
and efficiency, development of nuclear, renewable, and alternative energy sources, and
expansion of domestic and offshore drilling. A comprehensive energy policy will increase
energy independence, increase jobs, contribute to a cleaner environment, and help secure
the resources that America needs for the future. The most important role of the Federal
government in promoting alternative energy is investment in research and development
(R&D) to enable innovation and commercialization of new products. As Ranking Member of
the House Science and Technology Committee, I am responsible for helping to guide these
investments. A key investment priority in this area is to strengthen Federal support for
basic research at universities and national laboratories. Basic research is critical to
overcoming fundamental technology hurdles necessary to make alternative energy sources
more cost-competitive. In addition to R&D, the Federal government utilizes a number of
tools to promote adoption of alternative energy technologies. These include tax incentives,
loan guarantees, and public-private technology demonstration partnerships, for example.
Further, as the Nation’s largest single user of energy, the Federal government plays an
important role as an “early adopter” of alternative energy technologies. For example,
many Federal agencies employ alternative fuel vehicles and renewable electricity
generation to meet mission needs and demonstrate commercial feasibility. These early
adoption efforts can help to drive down production costs and increase the competitiveness
of alternative sources of energy. Last, it is important for the Federal government to
pursue economic policies that encourage entrepreneurial activity. Because most
transformative technologies are ultimately developed and commercialized by the private
sector, the tax and regulatory environment must be improved in order to allow for the
investment and risk-taking that will accelerate development of the energy technologies of
the future.
emissions?
A: Cap and trade regulations effectively function as a tax on energy by rationing America's
carbon emissions -- without producing a cleaner environment or more jobs. The corporate
costs of buying expensive permits would be passed along to consumers, and small
businesses would be subjected to higher energy costs, making it more difficult to sustain
business growth and create new jobs. Reliable reports estimate that temperature would be
lowered merely hundredths of a single degree over the next 40 years -- at tremendous
cost to the economy. The Science and Technology Committee, where I serve as Ranking
Member, explored the practical implications of Cap and Trade with a special focus on
enforcement and monitoring. Cap and Trade would require accurate scientific observations
and verification, but such monitoring and verification systems are not in place.
Furthermore, technologies to remove carbon emissions are not commercially available and
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won't be for decades to come, yet our economy would suffer immediately. Energy
Secretary Dr. Steven Chu testified before our committee that we don't know today what
the best technology will be to reduce carbon and it will take roughly ten years to prove the
technology. He laid out what Cap and Trade will accomplish: energy prices will increase,
costs will be passed on to consumers, the U.S. will be at a disadvantage to other nations,
and the government would need to impose duties on imported goods. The best alternative
is to create incentives for development of clean and renewable energy as well as new
technologies to produce traditional forms of energy that are cleaner and more efficient. I
support an "all of the above" energy plan that will provide energy independence, create
more jobs and promote a cleaner environment, without imposing a national energy tax.
Emissions free nuclear energy needs to play a larger role in our energy portfolio as we
transition to alternative forms of energy in the years to come.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: The best way to extend the solvency of the hospital trust fund is to get people back to
work. Since the trust fund is solely funded through payroll taxes, we need more people
working. The Republican substitute to the stimulus bill would have, according to the
President’s chief economist, created twice as many jobs at half the cost. Entitlement
expansions would exacerbate the problem particularly in a program that is already riddled
with fraud. We cannot afford to take $500 billion out of Medicare to pay for an expansion of
government like the House bill does, and we need to crack down on the tens of billions of
dollars a year that are lost to fraud in the Medicaid system.
Please be specific.
A: The Federal debt is currently over $13 trillion, a factor that is slowing the economy and
destroying American jobs. In July, the Congressional Budget Office reported that the
budget is on an unsustainable path and that the federal debt will reach 62 percent of the
nation’s economic output this year – the highest level since shortly after World War II.
Admiral Mike Mullen, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently renewed his
warning that the nation’s debt is the biggest threat to U.S. national security. Everywhere I
travel in the District, folks worry about the future of our country and about President
Obama’s drastic expansion of government and spending. The Democratic Congress
continues to increase spending and raise the debt ceiling rather than make the difficult
decisions necessary to reduce the deficit. Since January 2009, the President has signed into
law $1.8 trillion in new spending and $670 million in new taxes. To make matters worse,
House Democrats decided not to offer a detailed budget for fiscal year 2011 and will
continue spending at current high levels into next year. This is the first time the House has
failed to propose and pass an annual budget resolution since the current budget rules were
put in place in 1974. Now, more than ever, we need a budget that will begin to restore
America’s fiscal health. We need to take immediate and drastic action to cut federal
spending, reduce the deficit, reduce taxes, and help put America back on course for
economic strength and security. As a longtime fiscal conservative and one who has always
supported a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, I voted against the bailout,
against stimulus spending, against costly health care reform, against higher energy taxes,
against raising the debt limit, and against spending increases. Unfortunately, these
measures passed the House, largely along partisan lines. This year my Republican
colleagues and I instituted a moratorium on earmarks as well as a “YouCut” initiative. This
program allows Americans to cast a “YouCut” vote via the internet, and Republicans bring
the winning spending cut to the House floor for a vote each week. These cuts would have
saved taxpayers billions of dollars, but the votes failed due to Democratic opposition. I
recently became a cosponsor of the Republican Study Committee’s (RSC) balanced budget
plan that improves the budget outlook in every year until achieving surpluses in 2019. The
RSC plan: • Balances the budget and provides $1.7 trillion of tax relief over the next five
years; • Returns to fiscal year 2008 spending levels for discretionary spending; • Fully
funds Defense and preserves current Social Security law; • Strengthens Medicare and
Medicaid; • Prohibits further spending under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP),
saving taxpayers $36 billion; • Repeals the President’s costly health care reforms and
institutes common-sense measures; • Increases revenue by opening the Arctic National
Wildlife Refuse (ANWR) to leasing, reforming food stamp spending and selling a small
percentage of federal assets, among other reforms.
A: President Obama recently gave a broad speech calling for immigration reform, but I am
wary of the types of reforms that he may propose. It is important to recognize the
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significant contributions that legal immigrants have made to the U.S. However, I do not
support granting citizenship to those who break immigration laws. It is noteworthy that a
majority of Americans support the new State of Arizona law, recognizing that this law is a
direct response to the federal government’s inability to prevent the influx of illegal
immigrants. The federal government needs to enforce current immigration laws first,
secure the borders, and bring immigration under control. I am pleased that the thrust of a
border security bill that I introduced will be included in comprehensive Homeland Security
legislation that is under consideration by the House. My bill focuses on three pivotal
technologies that could help law enforcement agents improve the security of the U.S. –
Mexico border: unmanned aerial vehicles, tunnel detection and anti-counterfeit
documentation technology. I am a cosponsor of the following legislation that would
strengthen and improve current immigration laws: H.R. 997 – English Language Unity Act
of 2009 makes English the official language of the United States. H.R. 1868 - Birthright
Citizenship Act of 2009 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act by clarifying that a
person born in the United States gains citizenship if the parents are: a) a citizen or national
of the United States, b) a lawful permanent resident alien who resides in the United States,
and c) an alien performing active service in the United States Armed Forces. H.R. 3713-
American Health Care Solutions Act of 2009 is a bipartisan solution to lower health costs,
increase access to affordable coverage, and give patients more choices and control.
Included in the legislation are verification requirements to prevent illegal aliens from
receiving Medicaid benefits. H.R. 5016 prohibits the Secretaries of the Interior and
Agriculture from taking action on public lands which impede border security on such lands.
H.R. 5357, the Deploy National Guard Troops to the Border Act provides for the
deployment of additional National Guard troops in support of border control activities of the
U.S. Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security. The federal
government must give cities and states the resources they need to help enforce
immigration laws. We need to secure the borders first, then provide a reliable nation-wide
verification system and a consistent policy for dealing with those who are here illegally.
A: As a former Democrat and now a Republican, I have always reached across the aisle to
work with Members of the opposite party to advance good public policy. As Ranking
Member of the Committee on Science and Technology, I have worked closely with
Chairman Bart Gordon to advance a bipartisan reauthorization of NASA, suupport energy
efficient technologies and alternative fuels, and bolster small business innovation research
and STEM education, among other key initiatives. We respectfully disagreed on other
policies, such as spending levels, funding priorities, and creation of a national climate
service. Effective leadership emphasizes policy differences -- not political differences -- and
that's what we need more of in Congress. In the past, when Republicans and Democrats
worked together, we were able to achieve a balanced Federal budget, welfare reform,
Medicare/Prescription Drug reform, the Telecommunications Act, the Energy Policy Act,
and other key initiatives.
A: I believe the President is taking our nation in the wrong direction. His lack of policy
experience is apparent in his desire to institute over-arching, radical reforms -- in finance,
health care, energy, space exploration, immigration, etc. He pledged to work in a
bipartisan manner, but his policy objectives reflect just the opposite. The result is a
politically divided Congress and a nation that is very worried about the rising debt,
increased spending, record-high unemployment, bail-outs, government mandated health
reforms, and higher taxes, among other concerns. The polls speak for themselves -- most
Americans disapprove of the President's performance thus far.
A: Ronald Reagan is one of our nation's great Presidents and someone that I greatly
admired. He had the communications and leadership skills necessary to advance good
conservative policies that strengthened America's economy and led to the fall of the Soviet
Union. He led by example and had a great sense of humor and humility. Speaker Sam
Rayburn, whose Congressional seat I have the privilege of holding, was renowned for his
leadership abilities and, as a result, holds the record as the longest-serving Speaker of the
U.S. House of Representatives. I met Mr. Sam early in life -- he and my mother were
classmates in college -- and he was a role model for me for many years. John Connally
was the most talented legislator with the most potential of anyone I ever met. He had
intelligence, authority, charisma, and ambition, and I always thought he would one day be
President. I still think he would have made a great President.
A: I always say that the Lord gives each of us gifts. Mine seems to be stamina. At 87, I still
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work a full day, jog a mile a day when I have the time, and bring to my job more than half
a century of experience as a public servant -- as a County Judge for 10 years, a Texas
State Senator for 10 years, a businessman and banker and attorney, and as U.S.
Congressman for 30 years. In these challenging times, I think it's important to have a few
of us older guys around who lived through the Depression, through a world war, and who
understand the value of hard work, going to bed tired at night, and the important role of
representing the interests of hard-working Americans in Congress. I stay in touch with the
Fourth District by returning home every weekend and traveling throughout my district to
talk to folks and to listen to their views and concerns. I make sure that I vote the way they
want me to vote -- and I work hard to make America safe and secure for our children and
grandchildren by voting for sound economic policies and for a strong defense. It is a great
privilege to represent the Fourth Congressional District, and I hope that voters will give
me a chance to continue to represent them in the next Congress.
VaLinda Hathcox
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: VaLinda Hathcox
Street Address: 1416 South Broadway
City/Town: Sulphur Springs
State: Texas 75482
Date of Birth: December 14, 1947
Fax Number: 903-383-2423
E-mail Address: valindahathcox@peoplescom.net
Campaign Web Site Address: www.VaLindaHathcox.com
www.HathcoxForCongress.com
Questions:
A: I, VaLinda Hathcox was born in Sulphur Springs and have essentially lived in the
District, even though the District lines have changed, for all my life, except for living in
Austin from 1972-1992. I am a 5th generation Texan on both sides of my family. My
Mother Margie Dale Hathcox was born in the Liberty Community of Hopkins County in the
same house where her mother Dora Bell Nabors was born; her father came from Collin
County (Blue Ridge) to Hopkins. My late Father, Bill Jack Hathcox was born in Yantis,
Texas; his mother Ella Maud Craver was born in Harleton, Harrison County and his father
John William Hathcox was born in Coffeeville, Upshur County.
A: Attorney, family interests Education: University of Texas Law School, Doctor of
Jurisprudence 1975; Texas A&M Commerce, Master of Arts in political science 1971; Texas
A&M Commerce, Bachelor of Arts with High Honors in English, French & Education; Alliance
for International Studies, French Certificate, Leysin, Switzerland 1967; Sulphur Springs
High School, Honors Post graduate: Austin Community College, 27 hours accounting State
Bar College
A: Texas Comptroller/ Tax Practitioner Liaison Committee, Hopkins County Community
Chest, Board of Directors and Past President, Bluebonnet Garden Club, Past President,
Lena Day Garden Club, reporter, Texas Bar Foundation, Hopkins County Bar Association,
Northeast Texas Bar Association, Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Leadership
Alums, VITA Volunteer Income Tax Assistance -- AARP, First Baptist Church
A: Hopkins County Attorney 1996-2001; Texas A&M - Commerce, Outstanding Political
Science Alum/Ambassador; American Bar Association, chair of the national Rule of Law day
committee; State Bar of Texas Presidential citations for child abuse advocacy and
legislative programs; Special Assistant Attorney General of Texas for legislation to Jim
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Mattox; Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Bob Bullock, administrative tax judge; Texas
Association of Counties, director of legislative affairs; Governor Dolph Briscoe's Public
Service Intern to Texas Land Commissioner Bob Armstrong; Travis County Bar Association,
board of directors; Travis County Young Lawyers Association, first woman president;
Women and the Law Section, State Bar of Texas, founding mother and past president;
Texas Democratic Women, founding mother; Hopkins County Democratic Women, founding
mother; Austin Women's Political Caucus/Travis County Women
A: Texas House of Representatives; Texas Senate; Hopkins County Attorney 1996-2000;
62nd District Judge 2000; General Land Office Commissioner 2006; U.S. Congress 2008;
A: Haven't sought funding. The incumbent Ralph Hall has over $1 million in his war chest
from special interest groups and persons in the industries that the House Committees he
sits on regulates. Representation should not be bought by only the few that can afford it.
In 2006, I ran for Commissioner of the General Land Office, a statewide office. I traveled
through all 254 counties in Texas. Even though I was not elected, I received more votes
than Rick Perry received to become Governor. I spent the least of nearly every candidate.
I believe that money is not and should not be the measure to value a candidate. In this
race, I was fortunate enough to be one of 5 persons whose name was drawn to win an
automobile. I chose the winning set of keys that opened the doors to the car. I took the
$35,000 instead of the car and campaigned on it. Unfortunately, I have not won an
automobile this time and the stock market decimated my retirement, but I am old enough
now for early withdrawal of Social Security!
A: Me, myself and Mother. If you wish to contribute to my campaign, send your
contribution to VaLinda Hathcox, P.O. Box 193, Yantis, Texas 75497, include your name,
address and occupation. But more importantly, Vote for VaLinda Hathcox for U.S. House of
Representatives on November 2.
A: No.
Afghanistan?
A: A1. The U.S. government has not published a formal strategy for Afghanistan, along the
lines of the November 2005 National Strategy for Victory in Iraq. Before recommending
changes or not, it is necessary to review the background leading to determine the Obama
administration’s strategy. The Congressional Research Service Report for Congress,
entitled “War in Afghanistan: Strategy, Military Operations, and Issues for Congress” by
Steve Bowman, a specialist in national security, and Catherine Dale, a specialist in
international security, (CRS 7-5700, June 8, 2010) provides, almost verbatim, the
following background and timeline, which I have edited only slightly with added captions,
emphasis and some comments to prepare my answer. (Refer to CRS 7-5700 for footnoted
authority). WHY DID THE U.S. GET INVOLVED IN AFGHANISTAN? . The proximate cause
of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan was the linkage of the September 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks to al Qaeda, which trained and operated under Taliban protection in
Afghanistan. On September 20, 2001, in an address to a joint session of Congress,
President George W. Bush stated U.S. demands on the Taliban, warning: “The Taliban must
act, immediately. They will hand over the terrorists or they will share in their fate.” On
October 7, 2001, following the refusal of the Taliban regime to cease harboring al Qaeda,
the U.S. government launched military operations in Afghanistan with the stated purpose
of “disrupting the use of Afghanistan as a terrorist base of operations and attacking the
military capability of the Taliban regime.” Bush’s Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld’s
concept of operations in Afghanistan was defense transformation, which would rely heavier
on technology and precision weaponry and the deployment of fewer conventional troops.
Military victory, including the demise of the Taliban regime, came quickly, In November
2001, the Taliban fled Kabul, and in December they left their stronghold, the southern city
of Kandahar. “It is generally understood” that in December 2001, key al Qaeda and Taliban
leaders fled across the border into Pakistan. WHY DIDN’T WE LEAVE AFGHANISTAN IN
2001 AND COME HOME? To fill the political void of no government, the United Nations
hosted the so-called Bonn Conference in Bonn, Germany in December, 2001. Participants
included representatives of four Afghan opposition groupings, and observers included
representatives of neighboring and other key countries including the United States. The
resulting Bonn Agreement created an Afghan Interim Authority to serve as the “repository
of Afghan sovereignty” and outlined a political process for producing a new constitution and
choosing a new Afghan government. To help provide security to support the fledgling new
regime, in December 2001, the United Nations authorized an international force – the
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International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) – with the mandate to help the Afghans
maintain security in Kabul and surrounding areas. In March, 2002, the “lead nation” model
of international assistance to Afghanistan was agreed to at a donor’s conference held in
Tokyo. Five countries each agreed to assume lead coordination responsibility for assistance
to a single area of security-related Afghan administration; the United States for the army,
Germany for the police, Italy for the judiciary, the United Kingdom for counternarcotics,
and Japan for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of militias. IN
2008, WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AFGANISTAN? In 2008, with the Presidential campaigns and
debates occurring in the United States, international interests remembered Afghanistan
and observers stressed the need for a strategy to guide Afghan and international efforts.
Strategy-making for Afghanistan was determined to be particularly complicated for two
main reasons: First, the range of strategic objectives is quite broad, encompassing not
only security progress but also civilian capacity building, the rule of law, counternarcotics,
and economic development; and second, the range of actors providing some support to
GIRoA, including NATO, the United Nations, and other international organizations, as well
as individual states, each of which may have its own interests and priorities is quite broad
too. WHAT IS THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATIONS’ STRATEGY? Upon assuming office,
President Obama initiated an interagency policy review and consultations with both
coalition allies and the governments of both Afghanistan and Pakistan. On March 27, 2009,
President Obama outlined a strategy for continuing operations in both Afghanistan and
Pakistan based on this review, which included consultations with coalition allied
governments and those of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The white paper summarizing the
review report listed five objectives: 1. Disrupting terrorist networks in Afghanistan and
especially Pakistan to degrade any ability to plan and launch international terrorist attacks.
2. Promoting a more capable, accountable and effective government in Afghanistan. 3.
Developing increasingly self-reliant Afghan security forces that can lead the
counterinsurgency and counterterrorism fight with reduced U.S. assistance. 4. Assisting
efforts to enhance civilian control and stable constitutional government in Pakistan and a
vibrant Pakistani economy. 5. Involving the international community to actively assist in
addressing these objectives for Afghanistan and Pakistan, with an important leadership
role for the United Nations. In June, 2009 General Stanley McChrystal assumed command
of U.S.-NATO forces in Afghanistan and undertook another review of the security situation
in Afghanistan, resulting in a report submitted to the Department of Defense in August
2009, which emphasized (1) a comprehensive counterinsurgency strategy focused on the
welfare of the Afghan population; (2) improving the ISAF’s unit of effort and command; (3)
increasing the size and capability of Afghan security forces and operational “partnering”
with allied forces; (4) improving Afghan civil governance and reducing governmental
corruption; and (5) gaining the initiative against the insurgency throughout the country. In
response to General McChrystal’s report, and the tenuous political situation in Afghanistan
in the aftermath of the flawed presidential election, the Obama Administration undertook
an extensive review of strategy regarding Afghanistan. The review’s conclusions, outlined
in President Obama’s December 3 speech at the U.S. Military Academy, essentially
endorsed the principals of the March white paper. The white paper had defined two priority
missions for U.S. military forces in Afghanistan: (1) to secure Afghanistan’s south and east
regions against a return of al Qaeda and its allies, and provide a space for the Afghan
government to establish effective control and (2) to provide Afghan security forces the
mentoring required to expand rapidly and take the lead in counterinsurgency operations,
thereby allowing U.S. forces to “wind down” combat operations. To carry out these
missions, the Administration’s review called for “executing and resourcing an integrated
civilian-military counterinsurgency strategy”. To accomplish the white paper objectives
and these missions, President Obama ordered deployment of 30,000 more troops bringing
the U.S. total to almost 100,000 troops by 2010 summer's end. NATO and coalition allies
have pledged 9,000+, for a coalition total of about 150,000. In July, 2010, General
Petraeus replaced General McChrystal. On August 15, 2010 in an interview on "Meet the
Press", General Petraeus reiterated his responsibility to furnish the President with the "best
professional military advice", including advice for a "conditions based" withdrawal in July,
2011. VaLinda Hathcox’ Recommendation: At this point, let’s forget about what “would-a,
could-a, should-a” been done. Let’s all give President Obama and General Petraeus, the
support they both need to meet their objectives and accomplish their missions. General
Petraeus produced a level of stability in Iraq that allowed us to bring down our forces. With
General Petraeus’ proven ability to accomplish military missions, I will rely on his
professional advice as trustworthy and competent when asked to support or oppose any
legislation needed in furtherance and conclusion of the war in Afghanistan. Operation
Enduring Freedom should not endure forever. Each week when I read the casualty reports,
it is difficult to accept that many of the casualties were only 9 or 10 years of age, when the
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Afghan war began. Specifically, when elected in November, I will urge ISAF troop
contributors to drop or ease their national caveats, which inhibit commanders’ freedom to
apportion troops across the battle-space. I will make sure that troops have appropriate,
safe ground vehicles, suited to Afghanistan’s unpaved roads and off-road requirements;
sufficient engineers to support both the construction of any additional defense
infrastructure still required by the deployment of additional forces, and to play a
supporting role in reconstruction efforts; and provide sufficient Current Intelligence,
Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, such as constant unmanned aerial vehicle
and close-air-support coverage, to each battalion-sized task force. But, I will not continue
to support long-term nation building, except for the United States. President Eisenhower
admonished: “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired
signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are
cold and not clothed.” And Eisenhower cautioned: “When people speak to you about a
preventive war, you tell them to go and fight it. After my experience, I have come to hate
war. War settles nothing.” SOURCES: War in Afghanistan: Strategy, Military Operations,
and Issues for Congress by Steve Bowman, national defense specialist, and Catherine
Dale, international security specialist, Congressional Research Service Report June 8, 2010
(71 pages). Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and U.S. Policy by Kenneth
Katzman, Middle Eastern affairs specialist, Congressional Research Service Report, July 21,
2010 (97 pages).
A: In the August 19, 2010 web edition of Foreign Policy magazine, John D. Negroponte,
ambassador to Iraq from June 2004 to April 2005 under President Bush, recommends that
the United States continue “to maintain a robust civilian diplomatic and developmental
presence in Iraq for the foreseeable future” in order not “to jeopardize the hard fought
gains of the last seven years.” He feels that the sending of senior diplomat James Jeffrey to
Baghdad is a signal of continued ‘high-level’ interest and concern for the stability and
wellbeing of Iraq, but he writes that this “signal needs to be reinforced by congressional
support for the funding requests that have been submitted for programs in areas, such as
technical assistance, rule of law, poverty reduction, women’s issues, and economic
development.” As the troops were shown exiting Iraq live on TV on August 18, 2010, U.S.
State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said that after spending $1 trillion in Iraq and
with 4,400 lives lost, the conflict had come at high expense: “We’ve invested heavily in
Iraq and have to do everything we can to preserve that investment to integrate Iraq,
along with the neighborhood, into a much more peaceful situation that serves their
interests as well as ours. But this is a historic moment.” With 50,000 ‘non-combat’ troops
remaining in Iraq, President Obama reiterated: “My administration will continue to do our
part to support the brave men and women in uniform that have sacrificed so much. But
supporting our troops and their families is not just the job of the federal government; it’s
the responsibility of all Americans.” Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morell told MSNBC on
August 18, 2010, “I don’t think anybody should be under illusions our forces will not be
armed. They will be armed. They very well could be in combat situations even after the
end of the month.” The 50,000 remaining soldiers and Marines will stay in Iraq until
December 31, 2011. The unanswerable question at this time is: “Can Iraq really remain
stable once U.S. troops have completely withdrawn?” And what can be done to secure the
costly investment of 4,400 lives and $1 trillion already spent? When the war Operation
Iraqi Freedom began in March 2003, the Bush administration promised a “shock and awe”
campaign that would deal a quick, one-two punch to Saddam Hussein’s regime and any of
his supporters. Less than two months later, President George W. Bush landed in a fighter
jet on the USS Abraham Lincoln and famously heralded victory under a banner that read
“Mission Accomplished.” However, it was the United States that suffered the one-two
punch. The United States invaded Iraq in 2003 with three objectives: (1) the destruction of
the Iraqi army, (2) the destruction of the Baathist regime and (3) the replacement of that
regime with a stable, pro-American government in Baghdad. The first two goals were
achieved within weeks; however, Iraq still does not yet have a stable government.
VaLinda Hathcox’s Recommendations: Iraq is not ready to deal with the enforcement of
the will of its government, because it has no government. Convivial pressure should be
applied to the Iraqi officials elected five months ago to have some type of government in
place by or near the end of Ramadan in September. Even with the deaths of 34 of the 42 al
Qaeda leaders in the last three months, confirmed by General Ray Odierno, top US
commander in Iraq, we must take a vigilant wait and see position on the re-emergence of
sectarian violence. Al Qaeda has taken credit for the August 17th suicide bomber in
Baghdad, which killed 57 Iraqi Army recruits. When elected, by the time I take office, I will
review Congressional spending in line with the circumstances at that time. I support the
United States’ continuing responsibility for the safety and protection of our 50,000 troops
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remaining until their withdrawal next year. The troops should be supplied with air
surveillance and MRAP (mine-resistance, ambush protected) vehicles. Civilian contractor
agreements should hold the U.S. government blameless and look to the private security
for any legal liability. No payments should be paid to private contractors, until the
contracted services have been supplied and a stringent audit trail should follow all
disbursements of funds.
A: To combat Mexico’s drug cartels, the U.S. must eliminate or greatly lessen the demand
for drugs in the United States. The illegal drug market is a textbook example of supply and
demand economics. The Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) released a
report on August 12, 2010, entitled Cooperative Mexican-U.S. Antinarcotics Efforts, by
Sidney Weintraub and Duncan Wood . According to the report, Mexico has become the
main transit country for cocaine from Colombia. Before the 1980’s, Mexico was a small
player in the movement of cocaine into the United States, when the main route was from
Colombia through the Caribbean to Florida. Because of U.S. sea and land interdiction, that
route was largely abandoned. When the Columbian drug cartels shifted their operations,
the Mexican drug cartels took product rather than money. As the Mexican cartels grew,
they now control the Columbian cartels. The CSIS Report includes data compiled by the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies: In
2008, an estimated 20.1 million persons aged 12 or older living in the United States had
used an illicit drug in the month before the survey. Illicit drugs for the purpose of the
survey included marijuana, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and inhalants, as well as
nonmedical use of prescription-type pain relievers, tranquilizers, stimulants, and
sedatives. Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug of persons aged 12 and older
living in the United States. Marijuana was the only drug used by 57.3 percent of illicit drug
users. Cocaine users were estimated at 1.9 million; crack/heroin users 359,000 or 0.1
percent; heroin at0.2 percent; and methamphetamine users 314,000. Mexico produces
heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamines. The drug cartels have not confined
themselves to selling narcotics. They engage in kidnapping for ransom, extortion, human
smuggling, and other crimes to augment their incomes. They have spread their activities
into the United States and at least 19 Latin American countries, and according to the U.S.
National Drug Intelligence Center, have reached as far as Australia. Central to their
operations is the laundering of their profits; the estimated profits of the drug-trafficking
organizations from narcotics sales to the United States range from $10 billion to $40 billion
a year. Mexican President Calderon, which has waged a war on drugs since taking office
three years ago, has expressed concern about what has been called the “iron river” of
small arms and ammunition that crosses the border from the United States into Mexico.
These include various weapons, such as AR-15s, AK-47s, MPa5a submachine guns, 50-mm
machine guns, ground-to-air missiles, bazookas, Belgian Five-SeveN pistols, .50 caliber
Barrett sniper rifles, and fragmentation grenades. The tracing of guns captured in Mexico
through e-trace indicates that more than 90% of the guns captured in Mexico have been
traced back to the United States. Since December 2006, more than 22,000 drug-related
death have occurred, with countless more wounded, in Mexico. Attacking the supply side
of the drug war is unwinnable as long as the United States is unable or unwilling to reduce
the demand for illicit drugs. I have never smoked a cigarette; I don’t do drugs; I have only
tasted a beer, which I did not like; but I drink an occasional semi-virgin Mary. However, to
decriminalize or to legalize marijuana in the United States is a proposal that should be
considered. Marijuana is the most used illicit drug in the United States “Decriminalization”
in drug parlance relaxes punishment for users, not sellers or producers. Use of drugs
remains an illegal activity but does not involve criminal prosecution. Decriminalization may
in fact raise drug prices above what prevails under “prohibition”, because the seller is
aware that incarceration of the user will not occur. Decriminalization does not appear to
have had much effect on drug use in countries that have tried it. “Legalization,” by
contrast, would lead to a system that creates a regulated cultivation and distribution
system and licensing requirements for both sellers and buyers. Excise taxes could be
imposed on drugs under legalization, but if the taxes were too high, a black market to
undersell the official prices might be the result. Excise taxes cannot be imposed on illegal
product or, should I say, collected on illicit taxes. When I worked for Texas Comptroller of
Public Accounts, he proposed to the Texas Legislature a stamp tax on drugs that if drugs
confiscated without the stamp, like cigarettes, another penalty could be imposed. To
legalize would decrease the need for more prison and jail beds and monies could be put to
drug treatment facilities and education. On the issues of the gun and arms flow, I have
and have had a concealed gun permit for several years and I do not want to remove guns
from any American citizen; however, many of the guns purchases have been traced to
“straw” purchasers at gun shows. Conservatives who agitate and advocate for stronger
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border security should want to quit arming the drug cartels. Further, I support the Obama
Administrations funding of additional support for border security. SOURCES: Cooperative
Mexican-U.S. Antinarcotics Efforts by Sidney Weintraub and Duncan Wood, Center for
Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) August, 2010 (51 pages). Securing America’s
Borders: The Role of the Military by R. Chuck Mason, legislative attorney, Congressional
Research Service June 16, 2010 (7 pages).
A: IRAN According to George Friedman, chief executive officer of STRATFOR, a private
global intelligence firm, writes in “U.S. Withdrawal and Limited Options in Iraq” in Real
Clear World.com on August 17, 2010: “Iran holds the key to the success of the American
strategy in Iraq.” He writes further that “the United States has nothing but unpleasant
choices in Iraq”: (1) It can stay in perpetuity and remain vulnerable to violence. (2) It can
withdraw completely and hand over the region to Iran. (3) It can go to war with yet
another Islamic country; or (4) It can negotiate with a government that it despises and
which despises it right back. The Summary of the Congressional Research Services, CRS
Report 7-5700 on July 23, 2010, by Kenneth Katzman, a specialist in Middle Eastern affairs,
entitled Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses reads as follows: The Obama
Administration has continued the long-standing characterization of Iran as a “profound
threat to U.S. national security interests.” This threat perception has been galvanized not
only by Iran’s nuclear program but also by its military assistance to armed groups in Iraq
and Afghanistan, to the Palestinian group Hamas, and to Lebanese Hezbollah. In its first
year, the Obama Administration altered the previous U.S. approach by expanding direct
diplomatic engagement with Iran’s government and offering Iran’s leaders an alternative
vision of close integration with and acceptance by the West…. Iran’s refusal to accept the
details for an October 1, 2009, tentative agreement to lessen concerns about its nuclear
intentions – coupled with Iran’s crackdown on the domestic opposition Green movement –
caused the Administration, in 2010, to shift away from engaging Iran’s leaders and toward
building multilateral support for economic sanctions against Iran. On June 9, 2010, the
U.N. Security Council adopted Resolution 1929, by a vote of 12-2 (Turkey and Brazil) with
one abstention (Lebanon) which includes these main points: • It adds 15 Iranian firms
affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard firms to the list of U.N.-sanctioned entities,
although some of these firms are alternate names for the Khatem ol-Anbiva (Seal of the
Prophet) engineering firm under Guard control. Twenty-two other Iranian entities,
including the First East Export Bank, and one individual is added to the list, which is
cumulative of earlier sanctions. • It makes mandatory a ban on travel for Iranian persons
named in it and in previous resolutions—including those Iranians for whom there was a
non-binding travel ban in previous resolutions. • It gives countries the authorization to
inspect any shipments—and to dispose of their cargo—if the shipments are suspected to
carry contraband items. However, inspections on the high seas are subject to concurrence
by the country that owns that ship. This provision is modeled after a similar provision
imposed on North Korea, which did cause that country to reverse some of its shipments. •
It prohibits countries from allowing Iran to invest in uranium mining and related nuclear
technologies, or nuclear-capable ballistic missile technology. • It bans sales to Iran of most
categories of heavy anus and requests restraint in sales of light arms, but does not bar
sales of missiles not on the “U.N. Registry of Conventional Arms” • It requires countries to
insist that their companies refrain from doing business with Iran if there is reason to
believe that such business could further Iran’s WMD programs. • It requests, but does not
mandate, that countries prohibit Iranian banks to open in their countries, or for their banks
to open in Iran, if doing so could contribute to Iran’s WMID activities. • The resolution sets
up a “panel of experts,” which the Obama Administration announced on June 10, 2010,
chaired by longtime arms control official Robert Einhorn, to assess the effect of the
resolution and previous Iran resolutions and to suggest ways of more effective
implementation. • The resolution did not include some measures discussed in press reports
on the negotiations, including barring any foreign investment in Iranian bond offerings;
banning insurance for transport contracts for shipments involving Iran; banning
international investment in Iran’s energy sector; and banning the provision of trade credits
to Iran. President Obama, in a statement, said it “put in place the toughest sanctions ever
faced by the Iranian government.” The U.S. Congress followed with the passage of major
new sanctions, P.L. 111-195, signed July 1, 2010. Yet, the Associated Press, yesterday,
August 21, 2010 reported that with Russian uranium, Iran’s first reactor at the
Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant began the startup of Iran’s “symbol of the
country’s peaceful intentions to produce nuclear energy as well as a triumph over the
United States and Western pressure to rein in its nuclear ambitions.” Iran finally agreed
to a compromise to allow the plant to be internationally supervised, and the Russians have
pledged to safeguard against the spent materials from being diverted for any possible use
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in creating nuclear weapons. Russia has delayed in the completing the facility for years,
but now have taken the position that the project’s completion was necessary to persuade
Iran that the international community is not opposed to Iran’s peaceful use of nuclear
power, but that Iran must cooperate with international efforts to ensure it does not develop
nuclear bombs. SOURCES: Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses by Kenneth
Katzman, Middle Eastern specialist, Congressional Research Service, July 23, 2010 (64
papges). VaLinda Hathcox’s Recommendations: Personally, I do not feel that the United
States can afford another war in the Middle East at this time. It is said that “War is about
the organized use of violence to achieve political ends.” U.S. military forces are stretched
thin and troops returning from Iraq, who know that they may be returned to Iraq if
conditions worsen or sent to Afghanistan, cannot in good conscience be asked to
contemplate another war in the Middle East. This does not change the fact that Iran has
missiles aimed at its neighbors. Even though Iran boasts that sanctions have not deterred
their efforts, sanctions should remain in place. One of the stated purposes of the Bush
Administration taking the United States into war in Iraq was to create a pro-American Iraqi
government to complete a ring of relatively U.S. friendly countries around Iran. Instead,
the Bush war destroyed one of two natural enemies, who had already fought it out in the
Iran-Iraq war to Iran’s defeat. For a degree of a successful Iraqi government, some
arrangement must be made between the United States and Iran before we withdraw all of
our troops next year. If the U.S. does not reach some type of agreement with Iran, the
Iraqi Government, when formed, surely will after we leave. One avenue for discourse
would be counter-narcotics. On March 8, 2010, at a meeting at the United Nations in
Geneva, the United States and Iran were in agreement on the major issue of counter-
narcotics coming from Afghanistan. This avenue should be pursued. NORTH KOREA Like
the show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” I called a friend, a retired army intelligence
colonel, who now works in private industry, to assist in answering this question. He
seemed optimistic that there would be a reunification of the North and South, but the North
snubbed the entreaty. In March, 2010, North Korea “allegedly” was responsible for sinking
the South Korean warship, the Cheonan, in South Korea’s waters, killing 46 South Korean
sailors. The U.S. and South Korea planned military exercises in the Sea of Japan in July in
response. On July 23, 2010, he North vehemently denied the allegations and called the
military exercises as “unpardonable” provocation and threatened to launch a “retaliatory
sacred war”, saying that it would use “nuclear deterrent”, if the US/South Korean exercise
took place on the weekend of the 24th. The exercises took place as planned and there has
been no retaliation -- yet. Ever since tales of North Korean lead Kim Jong Il’s imminent
demise after a stroke last year, the question has been “Is the worst yet to come?”,
according to Michael Moran writing in the globalpost on July 24, 2010. He cites “a botched
currency ‘reform,’ which led to suicides and bankrupted what passes for the middle class in
the country, prompted the executions of several old Kim loyalists – widely viewed as
scapegoats by outside analysts.” Kim’s regime even issued an unprecedented apology to
his people; this apology suggests to the expert observers that the regime may be on its
last leg. The U.S. increased sanctions against North Korea went into effect on July 25th;
the sanctions target luxury goods purchases by the secretive elite that serve the dictatorial
state. The scary question is what will a nuclear-armed military do to forestall the end of
the dictatorship? Even China would like to see the North’s regime go, according to the
writer, because it fears the unpredictable consequences of a sudden regime collapse. North
Korea has 11,000 artillery tubes in place just over the demilitarized zone aimed at the 10
million residents of Seoul. VaLinda Hathcox’ Recommendation: If there is another attack,
such as the Cheonan, occurs, I agree with Secretary of State Clinton and Defense
Secretary Gates that a direct, targeted military response must be made by South Korea
and its ally the U.S.
A: My 90 year old, in October, Mother basically does not have a prescription in her name,
except for some salve. At this moment, she is on her grasshopper lawnmower maintaining
part of our very expansive lawn of several acres at the farm. She has never smoked, has a
frozen margarita every now and then, has worked all of her life, works in her yard
everyday or gets some sort of exercise, and watches how much she eats, but includes
within her diet ice cream and Cheetos; ditto for me at 62, except I leave off the Cheetos,
because of MSG. So, it is difficult for us to want to pay for the looming healthcare expense
for people we see at the all-you-can-eat buffet, who have taken the challenge as a
mandate. That being said, I was not a member of Congress during the health-care
overhaul. When I was director of legislative programs for the Texas Association of Counties
in the 198os, I helped usher to passage the first Texas Indigent Healthcare Act. Its purpose
was to meet state constitutional mandates in furnishing healthcare. The Act helped reduce
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our taxes by spreading the costs over a larger pool of payers. Most persons without
coverage obtain their healthcare through emergency rooms which greatly increases the
costs to us all. The national health care reform package was passed by Congress to do the
same. I read a non-partisan comparative analysis of the Senate and House versions to see
what was actually in the legislation, not what was rumored to be in the legislation. There is
no need to discuss how I would have voted, it has already passed. The passed healthcare
reform legislation closes the coverage gap in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage,
the so called “doughnut hole”. It is aimed at lowering drug costs; thus, providing peace of
mind to millions of seniors. Hopefully, it will make Medicare more financially sound, so that
its benefits will be there for our children and grandchildren. It provides free preventive
services, like check-ups and screenings for conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis, and
diabetes and it eliminates insurance companies from denying coverage due to pre-existing
conditions. It also helps prepare for any long-term-care needs, so that the older we get
the longer that we can remain independent and in our own homes, if we are faced with a
moderate disability. When I am elected, I will monitor how the reforms are working, since
some do not go into effect until later years. I am especially interested in increasing
Medicare fraud investigations, bringing down costs and preventative health programs for
all ages, especially children. I would like to see recess and P.E. returned to the school
curriculum, but will not mandate it. The federal government
A: The economy does not need another stimulus package at this time. The U.S.
government through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has already
paid Texas entities $21,748,775,909. The disbursement and tracking of this money that
Texas has received can be tracked on-line weekly through the Texas Comptroller’s office
website. Most of the counties in the 4th Congressional District have received a share of
these taxpayer dollars: from Delta and Rains on the bottom of the range ($83,000 to $1.4
million); Red River and Morris ($1.4-$3.8 million); Franklin ( $3.8-$8.2); needs to be put;
Fannin, Lamar, Hunt, Hopkins, Rockwall and Cass ($8.2-$21 million); and Grayson, Collin
and Bowie in the $21 million to $11 billion range. The site gives a break down of how much
went to each entity and for what purpose. The money that is still available should be used
for infrastructure projects and those projects that fulfill essential needs.
energy?
A: The question is who will look to the future and explore new technologies for the future
without carrots or sticks. Is the private sector without taxes or regulations? Or is it
incentives, credits and tax cuts. A combination of all of these approaches will continue to
be government’s role. It will involve trial and error as in the past. American industry
should want to get on the alternative bandwagon now. Chinese companies are
manufacturing the solar panels that are being used to refit U.S. buildings and retail
establishments. After reading the literature on both sides from the Brookings Institute and
the Cato Institute, it would just make good sense for private industry to develop new
technologies for energy production. There is uncertainty in any new exploration and there
will be failures, but that should not stop the federal government from funding research and
development programs at our nations’ colleges and universities. Advocates “for”
government intervention in energy policy are the following: (1) Energy prices are too high;
(2) We need to conserve energy; (3) We need to invest in alternative energy; (4) Energy
markets are broken; (5) Conventional crude oil is becoming scarce; and (6) National
security is exacerbated by our foreign dependence on oil. The nays counter with the
following: (1) Periods of high and rising gas prices are typically caused by normal market
forces, supply and demand; (2) Energy efficiency technology, such as improved household
appliances, and oil and gas extraction methods have improved especially since the 1990s
federal regulations for efficiency. (3) No one knows which particular energy sources will
make the most sense years and decades from now; (4) Let the elasticity in the market fix
itself; (5) We need to explore more – 70% of the exploration has been in the U.S. with 3 %
of the reserves, whereas 3% of exploration occurs in the Middle East, which holds about
70% of the world’s reserves; and (6) International terrorism is a foreign policy and
criminal problem, not an energy problem. There are no easy answers or solutions, but we
all, including the federal government, must continue to explore all avenues of energy
production. In the 1970’2, when I was Governor Briscoe’s Public Service Intern in the
legal division of the General Land Office, under Commissioner Bob Armstrong, I re-wrote
the State of Texas’ oil, gas and mineral leases to include geothermal and other alternative
energy sources. I was also part of an agency task force that began implementation of the
federal Superfund clean-up monies to be used to cap abandoned wells to protect Texas
groundwater. Only within the last couple of years has the State or private industry moved
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to develop wind energy and many abandoned oil wells still degrade our underwater
resources. When my parents married in 1938, they installed the first telephone in the
community of Yantis, including the 12 miles of lines from Sulphur Springs to Yantis. My
Mother complains that she was the “Wichita Lineman” from SS to Yantis: “I had to watch
when we drove into Sulphur Springs for supplies to see if the line was down; if so, we had
to stop and repair it.” Twenty years ago my parents built a 10,000 sq. ft. lodge on our
farm heated and cooled with geothermal wells. After the fact, they may have received
some rebates, since the installing company, electric co-op and connected groups used it as
an example. The electricity bills were consistently less than their 3,500 sq. ft. home they
used to have in town, when equal use was compared. They also installed a pump into the
lake they had built another 20 years earlier to irrigate the landscaping. Every tree around
the Lodge about 500 were left; only 4 or 5 have died, but beavers cut down about 20 in
two weeks before each tree had a wire shield around its base. We also have had a working
wind generator, which I grew up calling a windmill, to pump well water for the livestock.
We gave easements for a three-phase electrical transmission line, which we needed when
we operated a 1,000 cow dairy farm. Natural gas pipelines crisscross the ranch from
nearby wells, from which we have received little or no surface damages or royalties, to
nearby refineries. We turned down a contract to site a communications transmission tower
on our side of the highway, but the landowner across the road took the contract and we
enjoy better cellular service.
emissions?
A: I did not like the methodology of the cap-and-trade legislation that failed, even though I
support the purpose of cutting emissions. The methodology was analogous to the smoker
who is quitting smoking, but keeps bumming cigarettes from everyone, until he finally
breaks the habit, because he dies. This nicotine patch approach would create another
speculative market of buying and trading allotments. It might have had some benefits to
landowners who could collect some money from their good stewardship of their resources.
Like going to the moon, let’s just make cutting emissions a national priority. Instead of the
private sector spending their money to fight regulations forcing them to be better
corporate citizens, let’s ask them to come forward with solutions. The major purpose for
controlling emissions is to affect climate change. Climate change will impact water
supplies, exacerbating existing pressures on water resources caused by population and
economic growth. For those who do not believe that our water supplies are in peril, let
them drink the sand. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) commissioned a
study to evaluate the sustainability of projected water demands in 2050 under climate
change scenarios. Tetra Tech Inc. performed the study using the actual water consumption
figures in each county of the United States. The climate model was developed by the U.S.
Geological Survey and other climate experts. Projections were made for 2030 and 2050
using climate change models and another was projected using no climate changes just
conditions continuing as in the past. SOURCES: Evaluating Sustainability of Projected
Water Demands under Future Climate Change Scenarios, prepared by Tetra Tech Inc. for
NRDC, July, 2010. Climate Change: Comparison of the Cap-and Trade Provisions in H.R.
2454 and S. 1733, by Brent D. Yacobucci, energy and environmental policy specialist,
Jonathan L. Ramseur, environmental policy specialist, and Larry Parker, energy and
environmental policy specialist, for the Congressional Research Service, November 5,
2009.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: Keep people from going to the hospital.
Please be specific.
A: Q10. The federal deficit is now at its largest share of the gross domestic product since
World War II. What should we do to curb its rise? Raise taxes? Cut benefits? Reduce
spending? When I ran in 2006, I expressed great concern about the monstrous increase
in the federal deficit created by George W. Bush, who had inherited a surplus from
President Clinton. I am still concerned about the deficit. However, expenditures to jump
start the economy, bail out the banks and the auto industries, fight the two wars inherited
from Bush, clean-up the BP oil spill, secure our Mexican border, and deliver humanitarian
aid to Haiti and now Pakistan were all necessary to keep our ship of state afloat; yet, were
sinking it at the same time. To regain our neutral buoyancy, we must now balance the
load. Who should be thrown overboard first? Let’s look at the major components of the
2010 federal budget: 21% Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP; 20% Social Security; 20% Defense
and Security; 14% Safety –net programs, 6% Interest on Debt; and 19% for all other
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programs. The safety-net programs include the refundable portion of the earned-income
and child tax credits; programs that provide cash payments to eligible individuals or
households, including Supplemental Security Income and unemployment insurance;
various in-kind assistance for low-income persons, including food stamps, school meals,
low-income housing assistance, child-care assistance and assistance with home energy
bills; and other programs such as those that aid abused and neglected children. The major
entitlement programs --Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and the Children’s Health
Insurance Program (CHIP) -- account for 41% of federal spending in 2010. “Safety-net”
programs represent another 14 %. An entitlement is a government program that
guarantees benefits to a person by virtue of their belonging to a specific class defined in
law. Number-crunchers call such programs “mandatory spending,” since population and
federal laws – rather than Congress -- determine the amounts spent on them. The
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that as the 78 million of us baby boomers
enter into these programs, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security alone will account for
47% of all federal spending by 2020. The bill for this spending falls largely, but not entirely,
on federal taxpayers. The federal and state governments jointly fund Medicaid. Texas
anticipates spending $9.5 billion in state funds on the program in fiscal 2011, or about 20%
of all state-funded appropriations for the year. You contact me at my e-mail address and
tell me whom to throw from the lifeboat. In an interview with Bruce Wright of the Texas
Comptroller of Public Accounts, published in the June/July 2010 edition of Fiscal Notes, Dr.
Michael H. Granof, the Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting at the University of Texas at
Austin, says that Social Security can be fixed by raising the retirement age and removing
the cap on contributions. Currently, one pays a Social Security tax of 6.2 percent on the
first $106,800 of salary. He suggests that the cap could be removed or increased to solve
this problem. Further, Dr. Granof states that the big problem is the administrative costs in
the Medicare and Medicaid programs: “Eventually, we’re just going to have to bit the bullet
and make some really major changes to the health care system. In some countries,
doctor’s offices don’t keep medical records or financial records. You give the doctor a card,
like a credit card, that has all of you medical records embedded in it. For billing purposes,
the doctor just has to slide it through a reader, again like a credit card, and the doctor’s
automatically paid. That’s efficiency.” He concludes: “I was in favor of the recent health
care bill. But it doesn’t solve the problem of increasing long-term costs. We’ve got to figure
out a way both to control those costs and to pay for them, and we haven’t done that yet.”
You contact me at my e-mail address and tell me how to cut costs in entitlement programs
and how to bring down the deficit. Raise taxes? Cut benefits? Cut spending? I will vote
your choices. Think of the problem like American Idol, pick your finalists and cast your
vote for VaLinda Hathcox for the U.S. House of Representatives. We need a tax system
that supports economic growth, that fosters investment in America and is faair and simple.
A plan proposed by Michael J. Graetz, a Columbia Law School professor, has merit. He
proposes a value-added tax (VAT) - a tax on sales of goods and services. Second, use
some of its revenues to exempt $100,000 of family income and to lower tax rates on
income above that amount. Third, Lower the corporate income tax rate to 15 to 20
percent. Fourth get rid of the earned-income tax credit and instead provide lower and
middle-income families with tax relief from the VAT burden and payroll tax offsets.
A: It is the United States responsibility to protect our borders. Congress should work on an
immigration policy in this session of Congress. According to Homeland Security Secretary
Janet Napolitano, Congress better. She told the Center for American Progress on
November 13, 2009, that the current situation is “simply unacceptable.” We need a “three-
legged stool,” with provisions to strengthen enforcement, legalize some illegal immigrants
and improve “legal flows for families and workers.” Her proposals sound a lot like the
comprehensive legislation, backed by the Bush administration, that never cam to a vote in
the Republican House in 2006 and was rejected by the Democratic Senate in 2007. But, as
Napolitano correctly reported in November 2009 and even more so in August 2010, the
facts on the ground have changed even more drastically in the last two years. The Center
for Immigration Studies estimates that the number of illegals in the U.S. declined by 1.7
million, or 14 percent, in 2007-2008. Much of this reduction can be attributed to the 600
miles of border fences, the expanded Border Patrol, and the e-Verify system for
determining whether job applicants are legally in this country. But the main reason is the
U.S. lagging economy. A bipartisan panel assembled by the Brookings Institution and
Duke University’s Kenan Institute made recommendations to provide for legalization of
less than half of current illegals, with stringent requirements and only after stepped-up
workplace enforcement provisions reach stated level of use and effectiveness. Technology
should allow programs like e-Verify to screen job applicants for legal status in a way that
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was promised by never delivered by previous immigration laws. In addition, the

Brookings/Kenan panel urges a sharp reduction in the number of green cards for relatives
beyond the nuclear family of current legal residents and a sizeable increase in admissions
of high-skill immigrants. According to Michael Barone, a political analyst for The
Washington Examiner, “The 1965 and 1986 laws resulted in a large illegal immigrant
population because they promised things that proved beyond the capacity of government
to deliver.” For less skilled workers, Congress should, after the U.S. unemployoment rate is
reduced to below 6%, create a legal guest worker program for Mexico and Central
American workers to furnish essential labor to the food production industry in the United
States, to diminish the illegal market in human smuggling, and to offer some opportunities
to the youth of these countries to keep them out of the drug trade. It would also provide
certainty to employers, a source of hardworking, efficient labor, and a means to identify
the good from the criminal. Guest workers would not be citizens, but they could legally
come and go with documentation that can be verified and quantified. Similar to Canadian
regulations, they would be prohibited from leaving or entering the U.S. with any firearms.
Guest workers with vehicles would be required to purchase insurance in the United States
or from a foreign agent with registered agents for service in the United States and
coverage for incidents in the U.S. and the vehicles would meet state of employment
inspections. Employers without penalties would be able to collect taxes and a special tax
could be withheld from the guest workers to cover their own healthcare. SOURCES: Parr
Rosson, director of the Center for North American Studies at Texas A&M University and an
AgriLife Extension economist.. “It All Starts Here”, by J. Neil Orth, American International
Charolais Association, Executive Vice President, Charolais Edge, January 2010. High Plains
Journal, feature by Jennifer Latzke, November 23, 2009, www.hpj.com/archieves
/2009/nov09/nov23/1109OpenFlexMACOHispanicbee.cfm. Brookings/Kenan panel “Losing
Immigrant Labor,” by Burt Rutherford, Beef, May 2008.
A: First, I will confuse myself with the facts. Then, I will try to do the same with my
colleagues. Second, I will educate myself, as I did with these questions with divergent
viewpoints. Many non-partisan resources are available for obtaining factual information on
which an opinion can be formed for making an informed decision. Rather than the
Democratic Caucus or the Republican Caucus, I subscribe to the Listening Caucus. Very few
of the members of either party seem to have America’s pulse or if they do, they do not
seem to care. I even feel sorry for former President Bush, whose own party treats him as
a RINO – Republican In Name Only. Republican Governor Bush worked with Democratic Lt.
Governor Bullock and visa-versa for the good of Texas. Even though I did not support his
election, George W. Bush went to Washington with the same anticipation for cooperation
that he had experienced in Texas. Barack Obama went to Washington desiring the same
non-partisan cooperation for the good of America. Our government has been moving
toward a parliamentary government with the ruling party dominating all dissent. I plan on
being an idealistic Mr. Smith-Obama-Bush optimist. Just as former presidents can work for
the good of all, I will work for the return of a true democratic process – that’s with a little
“d”.
A: I will give President Obama the same grade he gave himself – a B+. I respect the
Presidency and I hope that he succeeds, because I want America to continue succeeding. I
will, when elected, work for US All.
A: Since you specifically asked for “legislators”, I will name three lawmakers that I
admire. On the Texas level, Bob Bullock, not only believed in good efficient government,
he demanded it and got it. Though a Democratic, he worked across the aisles appointing
state senators, such as Bill Ratliff and Ike Harris, as committee chairmen. Nationally, Mr.
Sam and his protégé, LBJ, were both masterful strategists in the legislative process, but
both maintained a reading of the pulse of their constituents. Sam Rayburn always came
home to Texas and visited with the general populace. When he came to Sulphur Springs
courting Miss Daisy, he would stop in for coffee at my parents’ restaurant to talk and visit.
Lyndon Baines Johnson brought rural electrification to Texas and the nation. As a senator,
he championed the Voting Rights Act and other legislation, because it was the right thing to
do, even though he knew it would change the political character of the South. I also
admire Wright Patman that served most of the counties in this district for 40 years. He ran
with the slogan: “give a young man a chance” and then served for 40 years. He wrote
most of the banking regulations that kept our economy safe, until the principals behind
good banking were destroyed by the Republican administrations.
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A: Will Rogers once said, "The short memories of American voters is what keeps our
politicians in office." The Republican incumbent Ralph Hall has served 15 terms or 30 years
in offices, but he is no Wright Patman. When Senator Byrd died, Hall became the oldest
member of Congress. His continued running for office is a desire to perhaps make the
record for the longest tenure – to set an endurance record. The Texas Monthly magazine
rates Texas legislators every two years after a session. If they rated the United States
Congress, I feel that Congressman Hall would be rated as a piece of “furniture” in the
House of Representatives. He is amenable, affable and tells a clean joke, but a little dated
about “buggy whips”. His switching political parties evidenced more of a desire to further
his own re-election rather than serve his constituency. If he had not changed parties, he
would have been Dean of the House when the Democrats were re-elected as the majority
and he could have been a real leader. As a Republican, he just says “No”. Two years ago, I
went to his office to help an individual with an immigration problem to be told by his aide
that “Mr. Hall is not going to get involved with the immigration issue.” Congressman Hall
says that "When I go to Washington, I should carry your voice with me". He should, but he
doesn't. During the primary, I came upon a Ralph Hall billboard at the top of Ridge Road in
Rockwall, but before I could read only the name, another billboard half-appeared , so I
read: “Ralph Hall” – “Beef Jerky”. And that sums it up. There is still some flavor left in the
hide, but not much substantive protein. I do not know much about the Libertarian or
independent who just entered the race. Other than, Ralph Hall has been in office longer
than the independent has been in the world, so the 30 year old independent is pushing
“term limits”. I have never known a candidate who supports terms limits to continue to
push the issue once elected. The best term limit is the ballot box. I would not oppose
changing the House terms to 4 rather than 2 years and then limiting officeholders to a two
or three year term limit. How am I different? Well, most obvious, I am a woman. To
assuage my ego, I would be the first woman elected Congresswoman in District 4. Being a
woman is not a qualification, per se – just look at Sarah Palin, but I have a different
perspective for three reasons: First, I am a 62 year old Baby Boomer. I am old enough to
understand the struggles of my parents and grandparents in the Great Depression.
Second, I have life experiences; I was of age during the Vietnam War and experienced the
disruption of families and the dread every day that my husband would be drafted; in the
private sector. I personally faced discrimination for jobs because I was a woman; I
received less pay for the same job that my male counterparts earned; I was unable
medically to have children; I was divorced for the other woman, after working to get him
through law school; and on and on ad nauseum. Third, I am still young enough to care
about the future generations. My life experiences have given me empathy and a desire to
serve. Since I do not have family’ obligations, I can serve my constituency. Also, like all
women, we have learned to accomplish tasks with limited resources, especially with little
money. Give me an opporturnity to quilt US together. Government is not the panacea for
all that is wrong or right with the United States. It is however necessary. Our government
is the true expression of the “rule of law.” I will work harder for you than I do for myself
and that’s more than 100%. Vote for VaLinda Hathcox for U.S. House of Representatives,
District 4.
Jim D. Prindle
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
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Afghanistan?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
energy?
A: - no response -
emissions?
A: - no response -
bankrupt in 2017?
A: - no response -
Please be specific.
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -

Description:
Ken Ashby
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Ken Ashby
Street Address: 11837 Lochwood Blvd
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
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E-mail Address: KenAshby at aol.com

Campaign Web Site Address: lptexas.org & lp.org
Questions:
A: I have lived in the Lake Highlands area of northeast Dallas for 25 years.
A: I am now retired. I was a semiconductor engineer in private industry, a college
mathematics instructor, and a public high school teacher and coach.
A: I am active in several local running clubs, and am a neighborhood Volunteer in Patrol.
A: - no response -
A: I ran for U.S. Representative in District 5 in 2008, and received 31,847 votes (16.4%).
A: My campaign is entirely self-funded. Unlike my opponents, I accept no outside
contributions.
A: I, me and myself.
A: I have never been tried or convicted for any crime. Once, many years ago, I was
falsely arrested and the charge was dropped. I have never been a party to any civil action.
I have never defaulted on a legal obligation or financial debt.
Afghanistan?
A: Our mission in Afghanistan is to eliminate Al Quaeda operations. It should not be to
impose a particular government or regime. I doubt that continued military occupation of
Afghanistan will ever eliminate Taliban resistance. But perhaps they can be convinced that
it is not in their best interests to give sanctuary to terrorists.
A: We accomplished our mission in Iraq. We replaced the dictator Saddam Hussein with a
more democratic government and verified there were no WMD's. It is not our job to police
their streets forever, or to pay for rebuilding their infrastructure when they have plenty of
oil revenue. Therefore, I support the orderly withdrawal of our troops.
A: Decriminalize drugs to remove the profits and organized crime, just as we repealed
Prohibition in 1933. Treat marijuana like alcohol and tobacco, and dangerous narcotics as
we do prescription medicines. The War on Drugs has been a costly 40-year failure.
A: The US should try to better relations with both countries, but also make it clear that the
world community will not tolerate threats of military aggression or terrorism against their
neighbors.
A: I was absolutely opposed to "Obama-care" and will work to repeal it. Health care is a
personal and family responsibilty, and not the government's job. I support extending to
everyone the same tax deductions and credits which Congress has given only to
employers. That way, you do not have to lose coverage whenever you change jobs.
Government should never dictate how much and what type of insurance; that is a matter
of individual choice.
A: The economy needs another stimulus in the same way an alcoholic needs another drink.
It is addicted to pork-barrel spending that doesn't satisfy people's real needs. Employers
aren't hiring because of new costs imposed by health-care mandates and tax-cut
expirations. So, repeal the health-care law and extend the tax cuts.
energy?
A: I would abolish the Department of Energy's costly regulations and subsidies, and let
markets work. Government is not competent at planning our future; it responds instead to
powerful interests and lobbyists. If alternative fuels are truly more efficient, then they will
not require subsidies to succeed. It makes no sense to spend on "energy independence"
when we are already 13 trillion dollars in debt to the world. We are merely trading energy
dependence for financial dependence.
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emissions?
A: Congress must not act to destroy industry and our economic well-being on the basis of
unproven greenhouse theory. In Congressional hearings, scientists were unable to explain
why global warming in the past 200 years does not correlate with carbon emissions.
Climate change must continue to be studied until it is better understood.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: Medicare and Social Security are both headed for insolvency. They are structured as
unsound pyramid schemes, so it could require an unrealistic payroll tax rate of 50% to
preserve the current level of benefits. The politicians' solution is to ration medical care and
to raise the age of elgibility to as high as 80. A better long-term solution is to allow
voluntary privatization of accounts, so that contributions can be invested to grow the
economy, instead of being stolen from future generations.
Please be specific.
A: We have not only $13 trillion of debt, but $60 trillion (a half-million per household) in
future obligations. To keep down interest payments, the Federal Reserve Bank has
resorted to dollar inflation, eventually wiping out everyone's life savings. There are no
gimmicks; the debt can be reduced only by seriously reducing spending, including
entitlements, which Republicans and Democrats seem unable to do. They refuse even to
pass a Balanced Budget Ammendment. I absolutely oppose tax rate increases, which
counterproductively drag down the economy and lower revenues over the long term.
A: Congress has been unable to act on immigration because extreme liberals and
conservatives refuse to compromise. Thus, we remain in a mess of unenforceable laws. A
reasonable policy approach is: (1) to legally admit guest workers who pay their taxes and
abide by our laws; (2) to abolish welfare benefits such as free education and medical care
which attract the freeloaders; and (3) to secure the border and incarcerate violent
criminals, gangsters and terrorists.
A: Polarization and gridlock are good if they prevent harmful legislation. What we need is
less corruption and more transparency. Eliminate seniority and ban conflicts of interest. I
support procedural reforms such as Read the Bills, One Subject at a Time, Write the Laws,
and Enumerated Powers. See downsizedc.org for details.
A: Barack Obama's incompetent mishandling of the economy and the federal budget,
through reckless spending and taxpaid bailouts, make him one of the worst presidents
ever, possibly even worse than George W. Bush.
A: (1) Republican Congressman Ron Paul, who puts principles of fiscal responsibilty and
constitutional government ahead of partisanship; (2) the late Democratic Senator William
Proxmire, who refused all campaign contributions and fought his own party on wasteful
spending; and (3) the first elected Libertarian legislator, Dick Randolph, who led the repeal
of Alaska's state income tax in 1980.
A: Republicans and Democrats have taken turns in power, and the result has been out-of-
control government, a wrecked economy, and loss of personal freedoms. The Libertarian
Party and I fully understand and passionately defend individual liberty, the free market,
limited government, and principled politics. Isn't it about time to give us a chance?
Tom Berry
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Tom Berry
Street Address: 3124 San Jacinto St.
City/Town: Dallas, TX 75204-5525
State: Texas
Date of Birth: October 31, 1940
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Fax Number: 214-321-6312
E-mail Address: tmichaelberry@sbcglobal.net
Campaign Web Site Address: www.tomberryforcongress.com
Questions:
A: 2 years, 4 months
A: Retired
A: Serve on Dallas Board of the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU Founder, College of
Complexes, Dallas, A Weekly Free Speech Forum
A: Life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars In February, 2009 founded the College of
Complexes in Dallas, TX, a local Weekly Free Speech Forum, website
http:www.collegeofcomplexes.org/2.html Serwe on the Dallas Board of the American Civil
Liberties Union (ACLU) Active in Democratic politics in Dallas County
A: Served 25 years as an elected Democratic Precinct Committeeman in DuPage County,
IL, was elected and served on the DuPqge County Democratic Party Executive Board, and
was the Democratic Nominee for Congress in 1994 and 2002, and for State Representative
in 1996
A: $2,600.00
A: United Transportation Union PAC, Garland Democratic Club PAC, Allen Vaught
A: No
Afghanistan?
A: We need to take the bull by the horns. We have been propping up a corrupt government
in Afghanistan for nine years, and the Taliban influence is back on the rise along with our
casualty count. If we are going to stay the course in Afghanistan, we need to ramp up
infrastructure projects that will gainfully employ Afghanistan citizens with greater wages
than they would receive from the Taliban to kill Americans. If we can't do that and make it
work, then it's time to declare victory and leave.
A: Maintain friendly relations, and stay out of the way for Iraq to govern its country.
A: Legalize Hemp, control it and tax it. This would do much to diminish the ability of drug
cartels to operate.
A: Keep a very watchful eye and work through the United Nations to insure that these
countries are continually inspected to verify that nuclear weapons are not in the making.
A: I would have held my nose and voted for health care.
A: Our infrastructure is wearing out. We need to invest in infrastructure and put our people
to work on projects that will enhance our capabilities, improve our living and working
conditions, and stand the test of time.
energy?
A: The federal government should take a leadership role to foster conditions that will lead
to the development and full potential of alternate energy.
emissions?
A: Reluctantly yes, although I would prefer use of improved technology, scrubbers for coal
fired plants, and conversion to alternate uses of energy to be the central method to reduce
emissions.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: Either extend the amount of earnings that are taxable for Social Security and Medicare,
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or raise payroll taxes at the appropriate time to balance the system.

Please be specific.
A: We need to put our nation back to work. In 1938 we shortened the work week from 60
to 40 hours and the work day from ten hours to eight hours without a cut in basic daily
pay. It was a federal law, and only applied to Interstate Commerce. Within fie years big
business and labor went to each state legislature to put eight hour days in the states. We
need to amend the Adamson Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act to provide for a
six-hour-day, thirty-hour-workweek. This will have more people working paying taxes, less
people not working draining taxes. Our governments will gain increased tax revenue
without raising taxes, and less bills to pay for people who are not working, because they
will be working. This will put purchasing power back in the hands of working people, who
will spend it and drive the economy. We will percolate the economy up instead of trickle it
down. A rising tide lifts all boats. The only way a society can possibly share in the wealth of
its capacity to produce is in working hours. It's the only way it can be done. It has been
going on since the industrial revolution. Productivity is both a cause and a cure to our
economic dilemma.
A: Police officers take an oath to enforce all laws, which includes immigration laws. The
Federal government sets the immigration laws to uniformly apply them. The Immigration
service alone cannot effectively enforce them. It takes all law enforcement at every level
to enforce the federal laws on immigration. There should be no sanctuary cities. All police
officers should do their part to enforce all laws including immigration laws, and hand over
people to immigration who are found to be illegal aliens, so they can be promptly returned
to their country of origin.
A: Get the money out of elections. Have Congress act in its own interest to instruct the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to have the media provide sufficient free air
time for all federal candidates in general elections to air their views. This will reduce
corporate control of Congress, have our representatives more responsive to the people
who elected them,and leave them able to pass legislation without having it blocked by
corporate interests.
A: He is doing the best he can, and with time he will be more effective.
A: Jack Kennedy. He wrote Profiles in Courage. He was courageous himself. He motivated
and led our country into better days. Dan Rostenkowski. He knew how to get things done.
Robert Byrd. He knew how to disturb the pecking order and get away with it. I remember
when he stood on the floor of the Senate railing against his president, Bill Clinton over the
line item veto. He said: "Listen to the words of Madison. Congress has the power of the
purse. If you give it to the president, he will be king!". Congress gave the president the
line item veto, and then it was thrown out by court action for being unconstitutional.
A: My opponent for all practical purposes is owned by the corporations. He believes in the
trickle down theory of which Hubert Humphrey once said he "preferred the oats, before
they went through the horse". Trickle down doesn't trickle down. We need to put our
nation back to work and percolate our economy up. I've spent a lifetime disturbing the
pecking order and getting away with it. We need a new direction in Congress, and I'm
ready to work with others and deliver it.
Jeb Hensarling
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
30 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Afghanistan?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
energy?
A: - no response -
emissions?
A: - no response -
bankrupt in 2017?
A: - no response -
Please be specific.
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -

Description:
Joe L. Barton
31 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Joe Barton
Street Address: 5005 Willow Park Dr
City/Town: Arlington
State: TX
Fax Number: 972-875-8777
Campaign Web Site Address: www.JoeBarton.com
Questions:
A: 28 years
A: US Representative
A: I currently serve as the Ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce
Committee and have led the fight against Obamacare, the Democrat’s wasteful spending
and their Carbon Cap and Tax scheme.
A: White House Fellow 1981-1982
A: None
A: >$2,000,000
A: Federal law sets a maximum limit for contributions. More than three contributors to my
campaign are at this level, and lists of all contributors are available through the Federal
Election Commission and other public websites.
A: No
Afghanistan?
A: I recently returned from a fact-finding trip to Afghanistan. I was one of only six
Members of Congress and the only Republican on the trip. I observed our military
personnel from the enlisted man to the highest ranking officer demonstrate solid
confidence in and commitment to their mission. Considerable progress is being made
training Afghan military and police, although much more must be done before we can pull
back our military presence there. I also observed a great many infrastructure and other
civil projects being constructed by American contractors, including roads, bridges, schools,
and hospitals. So, I give the President high marks for listening to our military leaders and
staying the course in Afghanistan, although, his announcement of troop withdrawals next
year is, to me, imprudent and premature. By far the greatest challenge in Afghanistan is
the reliability and long term viability of the civilian government, which operates much
differently from our own. What is certain is we cannot allow the country to once again be
overrun by the Taliban and be a safe haven for terrorists.
A: In compliance with our agreement with Iraq initiated by the Bush Administration, all
American military personnel are to be removed, except for a relatively small force of
50,000 to help bolster Iraqi forces. Violence, mostly Iraqi on Iraqi, continues to erupt, but
the Iraqi military and police are responsible for the peace and security of the country. Like
Afghanistan, but to a much lesser extent, the greatest challenge in Iraq is the long-term
viability of the civilian government. The Iraqi people continue to participate widely in and
enjoy the fruits of their fledgling democracy, and there is considerable hope that the
turmoil of the recent elections will subside, which will allow Mr. Al-Maliki or Mr. Allawi to
form a workable government that can, over time, unite the country. It is in our interests
that the Iraqi government succeeds. Western democracies need to continue to assist Iraq
in developing its resources and improve its infrastructure through aid and increased trade.
A: We must support the Mexican government in their efforts to fight the cartels, secure our
border, and enforce our laws currently on the books. We must have an “enforcement first”
approach for our border security. Our border agents need more manpower with the proper
technologies and infrastructure to stop the flow of illegal drugs coming into the country. We
should supply Mexico with additional equipment such as helicopters and high-tech
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surveillance technology. We can also assist them in training honest, non-corrupt police and
military personnel.
A: We must maintain the sanctions and support democratic opposition in Iran. In North
Korea we must insist on international verification of the nuclear program, support our allies
in South Korea and maintain our military presence on the DMZ.
A: I was one of the leaders in opposition to the healthcare bill earlier this year and I voted
against it. While I do agree with a few sections of the law, like coverage of pre-existing
conditions, children staying on their insurance until they are 26, and bio-similar drug
patents, overall it spends too much, taxes too much, and will fundamentally weaken the
current healthcare system.
A: NO! If our last stimulus package taught us anything, it is that even the best-intentioned
programs managed from Washington rarely work as intended. Despite numerous
programs funded by the stimulus to advertise its success, most Texans would be
hard-pressed to find a way the stimulus helped them. On the other hand, examples of
wasteful stimulus spending abound. Money from the stimulus has gone to fund research
programs on exotic ants, dog domestication and mouse reactions to cocaine. If we focus
federal programs on the fundamental problems that face the American people, with input
from the people, there is a greater chance of long-term economic growth.
energy?
A: In 2005 I authored the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct) which set into motion many of
the alternative energy initiatives that we have today. Research grants and proof of concept
demonstration projects are reasonable uses of federal alternative energy funds. However,
the private sector should be responsible for commercialization.
emissions?
A: I do not support a cap on carbon to control emissions. The science is not persuasive and
the proposed benefits do not equal the guaranteed costs in terms of lost jobs and economic
output. In fact, the science is far from settled. In addition to public reports of falsified
scientific data there is a suppressed EPA report that raises doubts about the need for
capping carbon emissions at all. It would not be responsible to impose carbon caps until we
know exactly how carbon poses a threat to public health. I do support low emission
energy production such as wind, solar, hydro, natural gas and nuclear.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: The Medicare trust fund is in financial turmoil, a problem that was exacerbated by the
new health care law. We should have modernized Medicare so that it begins preventing
disease rather than simply waiting to treat people when they become sick, which strains
both the health of patients and the solvency of the program. Instead Congress cut the
funding by $350 billion dollars. The solvency of the program is not helped by the
deterioration in the program’s financing due largely to the economic slowdown and a
concurrent reduction in payroll tax revenues. We cannot rely on an improved economy to
solve the Hospital Trust Fund problem. Common sense reforms such as improving the
system’s efficiency through technology, increasing transparency in the system to know
what is being paid for and weeding out fraud and abuse from the system would be the
initial steps towards financial stability and viability.
Please be specific.
A: The best long-term solution to reduce the deficit is to cut spending, reduce the size of
the federal government and encourage greater productivity. Entrepreneurs and private
individuals lead economies out of recessions, not the federal government. We should cut
spending and extend the Bush tax cuts. In order to reduce budget spending, I introduced
the STRONG Budget Act, which would cut spending across the board by two percent each
year, except for earned entitlements, until we are no longer operating at a deficit. If
Americans have to balance their budgets every month, it is the federal government’s
responsibility to do the same.
A: The best way for Congress to reform immigration policies is by enforcing the laws we
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currently have on the books and focusing on securing the border. After completing these
two steps we can evaluate the need for further reform. I have always been a supporter of
legal immigration, but we must not give amnesty to those who have broken our laws.
Citizenship is a privilege, as are the entitlements that come with it. Rewarding illegal
behavior only encourages others to break the law and enter our country on their terms
rather than comply with our nation’s system.
A: When I was Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I was applauded on
both sides of the aisle for my fairness and inclusiveness. I made sure the representatives
in the minority were not shortchanged and always had the opportunity to provide input.
And I was never afraid to reach out and ask for the assistance and counsel of the Ranking
Democrat on the committee, John Dingell of Michigan. I would take this same tact again if
Republicans regain the majority in the House. The key to doing this is to be open, be
transparent, and take ideas that make sense from all sources, both Republican and
Democrat.
A: I have had the privilege of meeting with President Obama several times and found him
to be a very personable, likable, and intelligent man who wants to do good things for the
American people. Unfortunately, Mr. Obama’s worldview, his political philosophy, and his
policy positions are substantially different from my own and many of the people I
represent. Based on the policies he has put in place since his inauguration in 2009, it is fair
to say that he is far to the left of me, my district, and my state. I give him high marks for
staying the course in Afghanistan and Iraq, but I give him low marks for some of his
apologetic remarks to the rest of the world. His domestic policies are crippling our country.
We cannot regulate and spend our way into prosperity. It hasn’t worked in the past, and it
clearly is not working today. His health care policy places too much emphasis on
government. His energy policy is more regulatory than production oriented. He is too
willing to intervene in the market economy, and too prone to force top-down government
mandates on America
A: Senator Phil Gramm (TX) is a personal friend who was able to explain complex issues in
simple terms; Speaker Newt Gingrich (GA) could inspire others to do more than they
themselves thought they could do and Speaker Sam Rayburn (TX) was known for his
personal integrity and ability to work across partisan lines.
A: I have a proven record of accomplishment in Congress, both in terms of my legislative
record in Washington and my constituent service record in Texas. My lifetime voting record
is over 90% on all conservative scorecards and my commitment to hands-on, face to face
constituent service is unquestioned.
David E. Cozad
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: David E. Cozad
Street Address: 4104 Coronet Lane
State: TX
Date of Birth: 26 April 1948
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 817 855 5180
Home Phone Number: 817 483 1192
Mobile Phone Number: 682 367 3546
Fax Number: 817 855 5181
E-mail Address: CozadforCongress@sbcglobal.net
Campaign Web Site Address: www.CozadforCongress.com
Questions:
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A: I have lived in the same location for the last 28 years. During that time, the district
boundaries have moved around me.
A: I am a full time candidate, drawing on my retirement funds to run. My wife still works
full time.
A: During the campaign, I have removed myself from all non-political activities. I am a
member of the Metroplex Democrats, Greater Arlington Mansfield Democratic Women, 360
Corridor Democratic Action group, and 820 Corridor Democratic Action group.
A: I am a 20 year member of the Optimist Club of Arlington where I held the following
positions: Peewee football coach for 18 years with 13 seasons as head coach. Peewee
football administrator for 5 seasons Peewee football assistant chairman for 4 seasons
Junior Olympics assistant chairman for 1 season Junior Olympics chairman for 4 seasons
Junior Olympics mentor for 4 seasons Vice President of Club Permanent member of Youth
Activities Committee Member of All Saints Lutheran Church for 18 years and held the
following positions: Church Treasurer and Trustee for 3.5 years Member of Church Finance
Committee for 8 years Counters Coordinator for 14 years Sunday School teacher for 4
years as teacher for high school age students and 1 year as 6th grade teacher
A: None, however, I have worked on the campaign staffs of other candidates for Texas
State House and US House.
A: As of 11 August 2010, contributions are $9940.41. I have loaned the campaign $10,900
from my personal accounts.
A: Myself, a gentleman from my treasurer's church, and a gentleman who contributed
through my online account right after my opponent had his incident of foot-in-month
syndrome.
A: No
Afghanistan?
A: I would side with the part of the military that wants an anti-terror strategy instead of
the anti-insurgent strategy. I would advocate a policy very similar to the one that Vice
President Biden has proposed. Trying to "nation build" a country that has to move forward
economically, technologically, and culturally by several centuries is not something this
country should even think about trying to do during active combat.
A: I would continue to draw down combat troops and replace them with trainers of police.
The Iraqis still don't have a professional police force worth mentioning. The number of
combat troops should be no more than it takes to continue the training of the National
Iraqi Army, National Guard, and to protect a very few, very carefully selected US facilities
and their personnel. Any large reaction force should be stationed in Kuwait.
A: Unless the US is ready to duplicate Black Jack Pershing's pursuit of Pancho Villa through
northern Mexico (my grandfather was in on that one), we need to seal the border for about
3 years. No movement of guns and money going south and no drugs and human slaves
going north. This could be done by declaring a 3 mile strip along and north of the border as
a National Guard training zone where every National Guard unit goes to do their annual
training in ground warfare. The Border Patrol would be concentrated at all border crossing
points and urban and suburban areas. The border crossing points would be expanded as
needed to ensure that every vehicle is inspected going north and south. I would also place
as many remote piloted vehicles as possible along the border to gather intelligence on any
movements on both sides of the border. I think 3 years of this should weaken the cartels
enough to enable the Mexican government to regain control of their country and especially
the border. This policy would cause a lot of individual grief and trouble. But if three years
of this policy gives the Mexican people their country back, wouldn’t be worth it?
A: I wouldn’t define the situation in Iran or North Korea to be "emerging" threats. Iran and
North Korea have been serious threats for decades. My father spent several tours of duty
training South Koreans to shoot down North Korean aircraft. Iran is an interesting case. If
the aftermath of the Iraqi War had not been botched so badly by the Bush administration,
we might have some real options in dealing with the Iranian in power in Iran. The Obama
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administration is getting close to having international support for closing all of the
loopholes and having an effective blockade of Iran's oil going out and gasoline & diesel
going in. The last major loophole is China's desperate need for Iranian oil to fuel their
growing economy. The problem is, the world and especially China may not be able to
remove that much oil from the world's economy without triggering another 2008-like oil
price spike. And we have a deadline. Israel will not wait for Iran to develop even a very
small yield nuclear device that could be transferred to Hamas. Israel will strike as soon as
they perceive the threat is real. How soon that happens is anyone's guess, but it is still
probably18 to 36 months away. Hopefully, the Obama administration will have gotten
around the China loophole before then and hopefully, Iran never develops a nuclear
device. North Korea is a waiting game problem. If North Korea waits too long, their
military strength will evaporate through starvation of both solders and equipment. Then
the country will collapse into itself and South Korea will be faced with the same problem
that West Germany faced when it took control of East Germany, but it will be much worse.
However, the North Korean military will not let it get that far before overthrowing the civil
government and marching south for a final showdown. What the US and South Korea must
do is keep a balancing act of diplomacy and military strength going until it is too late for
the North Korean military to act and start a second round of the Korean War. The incident
of the torpedoing of the South Korea frigate was a strong indication the North Korean
military is getting restive and belligerent because of the perceived weaknesses of Kim Jung
Il. The critical component in our presentation of military strength would be the capability of
very quick destruction of the tube and rocket artillery the North Koreans have aimed at
Seoul. But I suspect this would be a secret of the highest level possible. It would not be
good, if the North Koreans suspected we have taken that threat out of their arsenal.
A: I am a candidate. I would have voted for the health-care reform act. I would not have
been happy with all of the compromises, but I would have held my nose and voted for it.
A: The Bush stimulus of 2007 only delayed and might have softened the inevitable crash.
The Obama stimulus of 2009 was too small by a third. The continuing patchwork of
targeted stimulus has missed their mark or failed because they relied on industries to fix
what they broke with no incentives to actually fix the problem. The economy still needs
stimulus that is focused on saving jobs or creating new technology jobs in energy and
transportation. The recent bill saving teachers, police, and fire protection jobs is a good
example of the first. If the new energy focused stimulus bill has the right items in it, I
would vote for it, too. The right items would be no funding for new coal powered plants,
solar supplemental or additions to existing power plants, no more funding of new concrete,
rubber, and gasoline highway construction, more or new funding of new transportation
technology that reduces the demand for gasoline or diesel as fuel, no subsidies for ethanol
production, etc.
energy?
A: The federal government should play three roles in promoting the new masters of the
energy scene. First: It must step up research in three major areas. Increasing the
efficiencies in various solar conversion systems. And increasing the capacity and efficiency
of energy storage systems. Creating "demand destruction" of gasoline and diesel as fast as
possible but not trigger another great recession. Second: It must remove any political or
bureaucratic obstacles that prevent the expeditious granting of patents, allow start up
companies to get into implementing and engineering of those patents, and allow
investment into those companies. Judicious use of earmarks and tax credits are two
methods, but not the only ones. The biggest problem is the bureaucratic mindset that says
"if something is not invented/thought of here, then we can't do it or allow someone else to
do it". There is even an acronym for it "NIH". And it is found both in government and
corporations. Third: It must be prepared to build or help to build the same level of
infrastructure that was built for oil, coal, and natural gas. The main reason that alternative
energy has such a small share of the energy picture is its infrastructure is almost
non-existent. The most prominent example is the on-again/off-again tax code. Tax credits
are passed for solar power systems for 2 or 3 years and then cut off for 10 or 15 years. I
know from personal experience what this means for individuals and companies.
emissions?
A: I don't support a carbon cap to control emissions. I think it would take too long and
would be too cumbersome to implement. From my readings, carbon based fuels will soon
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hit a cliff in the rate of production. This cliff is best described by the equation Energy
output minus energy input = zero. In other words, when it takes more energy to find,
extract, refine, and distribute energy than the amount of energy produced, you must stop
using that resource as a source of energy. Oil and coal are rapidly reaching that point in
many places in the world. The main reason BP was taking so many risks on the Macondo
#1 well was the energy they were putting into the well was quickly reaching the amount of
energy they were expecting to get out of it in the form of oil. As Rex Tillerson has said,
"That is not a good return on investment." Oil and later coal will become too expensive to
burn - - so, instead, they will be made into recyclable products like plastics. We had better
get ready for those days. And oil and coal will stop being a source of carbon emissions.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: The Congress, in order to preserve Medicare, needs to do the following: First: Develop
as fast as possible a complete set of medical "best practices" or "comparative
effectiveness" medical processes and procedures for all known medical ailments. This will
take time and lots of funding, but it will cost less than letting Medicare collapse or continue
the way it is. This is not a new concept, hospitals have been developing “DRG” standard
costing elements for years. Second: Require all doctors to implement these "best
practices" or "comparative effectiveness" processes and procedures as quickly as possible.
To increase the incentives for the doctors to implement these requirements quickly, they
will receive reduced rate on their malpractice insurance and limited protection against
medical malpractice lawsuits. One estimate that was reported on CNN is that these
changes would save Medicare about $250 billion per year by the 5th year of
implementation. My opinion is that Medicare would survive for a very long time by
implementing those cost reductions. And, NO, this is not Palin's death panels. She made
that up.
Please be specific.
A: We do the same thing that Clinton did. We put people back to work and in jobs that pay
good wages. The primary cause of the rising federal deficit is lost tax revenues from
people losing their jobs or cutbacks in their wages.
A: Immigration built this nation. I am told that my family started out in this nation when
the Dutch settled New Amsterdam. But open/free immigration started to change after
World War II. During the war, we found we had people living among us that we were not
sure we wanted here because the nation they had come from had attacked us. Out of near
panic and fear, we treated these people very badly. But their young men put on the
uniform of the US military and fought against our common enemy. This proved their
loyalty to the US and we rebuilt our trust in each other. This has been the hallmark of how
the outsiders even if they live among us have been accepted as common and equal
citizens. I believe this is how we determine how we accept any newcomers.
A: The leadership problem in Congress is too many leaders and not enough grunts. And
the deadwood is piling up too high. Polarization within Congress has nothing to do with
leadership, but everything to do with the plans of the leaders. The Republicans are in
hedgehog mode and don't have a clue on how to reconnect with the majority of the
American people. With their core "values" laid waste by the Bush administration and by the
likes of Newt Gingrich and Tom Delay, they need to rebuild credibility with the American
voter. Any attempt by the Democrats to reach out to the Republicans during their moral
crisis recovery period will result in a bloody stump. It took the Republicans 18 years to
recover from their last political meltdown in their handling of the start of the Great
Depression. The Democrats will have to carry the load alone for a while.
A: President Obama has been brilliant but a bit timid in political implementation. His
performance is uneven. I just don't know how much of each is a reflection of his various
levels of staff's influence on him in each incident or his own strengths and weaknesses. But
this is to be expected of a President that did not have executive experience before taking
office. No matter how smart you are, you can only evaluate a person's fitness for the job
by actual performance. Now that he has had time to evaluate some of the people in those
staff positions, he has started to weed out the ineffective, inefficient, and the guessers. A
true mark of his greatness or failure will be attested to by who is still with him by mid
2011.
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A: Sam Nunn – I think Senator Sam Nunn displayed a level of legislative courage and
foresight that is not found in the modern US Senate. When he pushed the “Nunn-Lugar
Cooperative Threat Reduction act through Congress, his foresight probably saved this
country from nuclear attack by terrorist groups like Al Qaeda. After the implosion of the
old USSR, there were nuclear weapons and fissile material all over the old Soviet empire;
just waiting for someone to sell to the highest bidder. His courage was to stand up to the
prevailing attitude of a victor dancing on the prostrate body of a foe. Senator Nunn knew
he needed the cooperative help of old Soviet military men and party members. So, he
paid the new Russia for helping to collect, protect, and dispose of those weapons. Lyndon
B. Johnson – While Johnson was a legislator, he wielded negotiation power like a master
swordsman. He knew when, where, how, and who to apply power to get what he was
determine to achieve. Those achievements include the Civil Rights bills and the various
parts of his Great Society. His big weakness was that he could not read or understand the
motivations of military officers. This lead to the failure in Vietnam. Wendy Davis – Senator
Davis fought a courageous battle just to get on and stay on the ballot against a foe that
was willing to use any device to prevent her election. Then she was brilliant in her first
session of the Texas Legislature, winning much acclaim for her work on the Senate floor
and in the back rooms where legislative power is made or lost. She won.
A: The District has suffered enough. I intend to bring the District into the 21st Century by
cleaning up the mistakes of my opponent and by improving the economic infrastructure
-this will create opportunities for business and create new and higher paying jobs. My
opponent has shown very publicly that he only serves the corporations that contribute the
most to his re-election. As a consequence, he has neglected the District since he was first
elected to it in 1984. Most of these corporations don't operate in the District and therefore
don't improve it in any way. Those corporations that do operate in the District have been
allowed to run rampant over the rights of those who live here. My opponent refuses to
protect his constituents by requiring these corporations to be good citizens by cleaning up
their operations in the District or anywhere else. The result of this neglect is the District is
avoided by corporations seeking to establish new businesses with new jobs. They are
afraid of the air and water pollution from the misbehaving corporations that has raised the
death rate and has raised health care costs to prohibitive levels. It will take time, but I
intend to replace the old polluting technologies with newer and cleaner technologies that
will preserve the jobs already in the district. With reduced pollution levels, the District can
attract those new businesses and jobs. While the District is served with a major highway
(US 287) through its length and an Interstate to connect it to Dallas, the district has
several major deficiencies in transportation, especially the City of Arlington. The City of
Arlington is the largest metropolitan city in the US and possibly the world without any
alternative form of transportation other than the private car or truck or motorcycle.
Normally, this works fine as long as gasoline stays below $3.00 per gallon. But, in 2008,
gasoline reached $4.00 per gallon and Arlington almost came to a halt as its drivers were
looking at $80+ per fill up. Since the low social economic status citizens of Arlington did not
have an alternative and cheaper form of transportation, they either stayed home and lost
their jobs or went further into debt. From my studies of the oil market, I fear another price
increase to or even higher than $4.00 per gallon will occur within the next couple of years
and not in decades. And there are strong indicators that this increase will not last for a few
months, but years. I have been working with a high technology company that could
provide the answer to these problems. I will be introducing this company to Mr. Michael
Morris, Director of Transportation, NCTCOG, to see when the solutions of this company can
be implemented not only in Arlington, but the entire Metroplex and the cities surrounding
it. As a lifelong engineer, I prefer to find solutions to problems instead of endless
arguments. If words don’t lead to results, they are just words blowing in the wind.
Byron Severns
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Bryon Severns
38 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

Street Address: 6119 Castle Creek Rd

State: Texas
E-mail Address: bryonss@yahoo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://bryonseverns.com
Questions:
A: Pharmaceutical Research Chemist
A: I recently volunteered with a church group to help at a Fort Worth food bank. I also
helped fix some of the windows of an old church in Dew, Texas.
A: I was a volunteer firefighter in Gold Beach, Oregon, in 1984.
A: None
A: I have raised less than the amount required for reporting according to the Federal
Election Commission guidelines (5,000.00).
A: Myself.
A: At age 19 I was arrested for driving my grandmother's truck without permission. The
charges were dropped. I learned that it is better to walk fifteen miles rather than borrow
a truck without permission.
Afghanistan?
A: Leave Afghanistan as soon as possible.
A: Protect the Iraqi oil fields, pipelines and ports, but leave the cities alone.
A: Securing the U.S. borders will put the Mexican drug cartels out of business. Instead of
giving the Mexican government five billion dollars to fight drug cartels, use that money to
secure the U.S. borders. Unguarded fences have not stopped the drug cartels, so we need
the National Guard to secure the U.S. borders.
A: The U.S. Navy can protect oil shipping lanes near Iran. South Korea can defend itself
against North Korea.
A: I would have voted against mandatory health insurance because it cannot lower the
cost of health care. In economics a fundamental lesson is that price depends on supply and
demand, but health insurance does not increase the supply of physicians and nurses. I
would have suggested that the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE)
Board change their mission statement. Currently, the USMLE has the mission "To
continuously increase quality" by raising the minimum test score, which limits the number
of licensed physicians. To lower the cost of health care we must increase the number of
doctors. Consequently, the USMLE should adopt this mission statement: "To make health
care affordable for Americans".
A: To give banks a reason to lend to businesses and people, Congress must stop all federal
borrowing. Otherwise, banks will continue to invest in U.S. Treasuries instead of making
loans to people that will boost the economy.
energy?
A: The Department of Defense can give contracts to suppliers of bio-diesel and renewable
diesel. For example, there is a start-up company, LS9, that makes diesel fuel from Florida
sugar cane syrup. If LS9 had a DOD contract, they could scale up production and lower the
cost of production of renewable diesel. This would provide domestic fuel and improve our
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energy independence. It would also reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of our military.
emissions?
A: No, there should be no carbon cap. As the cost of petroleum rises, the production of
alternative fuels rises to meet demand. Bio-diesel and Renewable Diesel can be used in
diesel engines without modification and they lower the net emissions of greenhouse gas.
For more information about bio-diesel see biodiesel.org.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: Give each individual the option of a higher retirement age or a higher Medicare
withholding tax.
Please be specific.
A: Cut spending in Afghanistan. Our economy will not be helped by spending a trillion
dollars in Afghanistan. Cut spending in Iraq. Our economy will not be improved by
patrolling cities in Iraq. Protect the oil and let the Iraqis manage themselves. Stop giving
money for International Aid. America should not borrow money to give it to other nations.
For example, it is a waste of five billion dollars to give it to Mexico. The cost effective way
to end Mexican drug cartels is to secure the U.S. borders with the U.S. National Guard.
A: Immediately securing the U.S. borders with the National Guard will stop illegal
immigration. States should have the right to fine illegal immigrants or hold them until
federal agents can deport them.
A: Libertarians in Congress could end the deadlock between the two major parties because
Libertarians are not controlled by either of the major parties. The major parties would try
to get cooperation from the Libertarians when a major party lacks some of the votes
needed to pass a bill.
A: I think that President Obama has done most of what he promised, but I was
disappointed that he increased the number of troops in Afghanistan. I am also frustrated
that he tells banks that they should make loans to people and businesses, but he doesn't
suggest that Congress should stop borrowing money. As long as banks can make billions in
profit by investing in Treasury bills, then they have little motivation to make loans to
people. With deficit spending in Afghanistan and federal borrowing to pay for war
spending, the banks can continue to invest in Treasury bills instead of making loans to
businesses that would grow and create jobs for Americans.
A: I admire Representative Ron Paul for opposing the wars and for opposing deficit
spending. He stood against the crowd of deficit spenders during the Bush administration
and the Obama administration. Former Representative Bob Barr has my respect for
mentoring candidates in the Libertarian Party. I like the way Representative John
Culberson reported his voting record against deficit spending.
A: I am not a puppet of international corporations because I don't accept campaign
contributions from corporations. When Representative Joe Barton apologized to British
Petroleum, it became apparent that he did not represent the people of Texas.

Description:
Kay Granger
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
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A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Afghanistan?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
energy?
A: - no response -
emissions?
A: - no response -
bankrupt in 2017?
A: - no response -
Please be specific.
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Tracey Smith
Party: D
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Biographical Info:
Name: Tracey Smith
Street Address: 1100 Miller Ave.
City/Town: Fort Worth
State: Texas
Date of Birth: June 23, 1948
Fax Number: 817-534-1127
E-mail Address: tsmith3797@sbcglobal.net
Campaign Web Site Address: www.traceysmithgoestowashington.com
Questions:
A: 32 years
A: Real Estate Broker
A: - no response -
A: Tarrant County Historical Commission, member Fort Worth World Affairs Council,
former President 2002
A: U.S. Congress, District 12, 2008.
A: See Federal Election Commission reports.
A: See Federal Election Commission reports (all individuals, No PACs).
A: No.
Afghanistan?
A: Soldiers say they are making progress and would hate to see their work go for naught.
But voters are getting tired of this war with no end in sight and billions spent while states
and cities are laying off employes and having trouble paying their bills. The best way to
support the troops is to being them home. Keep check on the Taliban through intelligence
and satellite observation. Afghanistan will never have a successful democratic government.
Accept it.
A: As long as we have diplomatic relations with Iraq (an embassy), we must have support
for them. This will be provided by contractors once troops leave. There will be unrest in
the country, now and in the future. Our mission is finished and successful. The rest is up to
the people of Iraq.
A: Unless Mexico invites us in, there is little we can do on this side of the border.
A: I will support the decision of the President. The Executive branch is responsible for
foreign policy.
A: I would have supported the President's and Democrats' bill.
A: No, the public will not stand for another increase in the national debt. The nation, the
states, the cities, the counties must work through our financial problems. Cut spending,
increase revenue any way possible and acceptable to the public and elected officials.
energy?
A: Whatever is needed should be provided. There is nothing more important than weaning
ourselves of our reliance on fossil fuels, most of which comes from the unstable nations of
the Middle East.
emissions?
A: We have clean air laws. Enforce them.
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bankrupt in 2017?
A: No comment. I do not have expertise on this issue.
Please be specific.
A: One friend says we can easily trim our national debt: convert all our interstate
highways into toll roads...raise the age to receive Social Security...have all Medicare
patients go to regional clinics instead of individual doctors. How badly do citizens want to
cut the deficit? Congress should follow the will of the people on this one. I once watched a
C-SPAN broadcast of a House budget debate in which Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) proposed
eliminating a series of small projects involving agriculture--weather forecasting, crop
maintenance, insect control. He brought up one appropriation after another, each very
small and affecting a specific region. Each cut he proposed brought a defense from the
member of Congress (party did not matter) affected by this. Each said this $200,000
program is very important to the university in my area...it provides seven jobs and
performs an important benefit to my area...this is so small, it cannot begin to solve our
deficit problem. In other words, once a program is funded, it is almost impossible to
eliminate because someone depends on it. Programs must be eliminated in every district
for the effort to work. Will we continue to be the world's policeman? Do we need a
military as large as we have? What about the jobs at Lockheed that may be lost if there
are cutbacks? Who wants to sacrifice? The people must lead the Congress on this one.
A: Every court with a local immigration case has ruled that immigration is the sole
responsibility of the federal government, not state or local government. Congress would
have to pass legislation authorizing other law enforcement agencies to assist. It can be
done and might be a good idea.
A: I would eat at Republican tables in the House cafeteria. Former Sen. Howard Baker
began his Washington career working in the office of Sen. Everett Dirksen. He told of a day
President Johnson called Sen. Dirksen inviting him to come to the White House for a drink
at the end of that day. Dirksen begged off saying he had too much work to do. So Johnson
showed up at Dirksen's office a few minutes later saying, "Ev, if you won't come drink with
me, then I will come drink with you." We need more of that.
A: President Obama has done a terrific job, coming into office with more problems
presented to him than anyone since Franklin D. Roosevelt. We have better relations with
other nations. We have an equitable health insurance policy. We have a schedule to
remove troops from Iraq and, hopefully, soon we will have the same for Afghanistan. Our
economy is slowly, very slowly, improving. Those who criticize the auto industry and
financial market bailouts should remember: No one knows what would have happened if
the government had done nothing after the stock market crash of 2008. But we do know
what happened when the government did nothing after the stock market crash of 1929 and
no one, including those in the Bush Administration, wanted a repeat of that. We are
slowly creating jobs. General Motors and Chrysler are now on their own. AIG and Citibank
are again solvent. The gulf oil spill has stopped flowing and cleanup is beginning because
President Obama let the people with the expertise do their jobs while letting them know
that they had better succeed.
A: 1. Lyndon B. Johnson. Civil rights, voting rights, equal employment, open housing. He
did more than any other President for people who have no influence. 2. Ann Richards. She
gave hope and help to women around the world. And she was funny while she did it. 3.
Jim Wright. The model of a congressman. He worked with both sides. He helped General
Dynamics/Lockheed become a worldwide influence and created a few jobs in the
meantime. He voted for civil rights when it was not popular.
A: My opponent votes for whatever the Republican Party wants. I would vote for what is
best for the nation and for my district. I will ask the voters for their opinions on spending
$909 million on Trinity Uptown, a river development project. So far the decisions on this
have been made by a handful of people. And it began as a $9 million flood control issue.
As a Democrat, I will be in the majority and in a better position to bring jobs and dollars to
the district. And I will be a Democrat who will set a standard for being known as someone
who works with and gets along with Republicans. I will meet with Republicans in my
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district and in Washington. It is hard to demonize someone you know. Government should
work for the people, not just for someone to get reelected.
Matthew Solodow
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Matthew J. Solodow
Street Address: 9025 Silsby Drive
City/Town: Keller
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (817) 320-7557
Home Phone Number: (817) 320-7557
Mobile Phone Number: (817) 320-7557
E-mail Address: matthewsolodow@yahoo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.mattsolodow.com
Questions:
A: 3 years
A: Senior project manager
A: N/A
A: N/A
A: N/A
A: N/A
A: N/A
A: No
Afghanistan?
A: Gradually remove our forces from Afghanistan at an accelerated rate within a few
months but do not make it public so as not increase American fatalities.
A: The U.S. should maintain economic relations (free trade) with Iraq and the entire
Middle-East as a whole. This relationship should be protected by honoring contract law but
our military involvement should be significantly reduced or eliminated completely.
A: The current cartel issue in Mexico is not a drug issue as so much as an economic one.
By decriminalizing our current drug laws, the cartel activity would be brought out into the
open and the violence attributed to the current situation would be significantly reduced.
A: The U.S. should not respond. South Korea has a GDP three times larger than North
Korea's. They should be responsible for defending their own interests. Additionally, Japan
would be able to assist in South Korea's efforts if they believe their interests are at risk
due to North Korea. Regarding Iran, the other Middle-Eastern nations need to assess
whether Iran poses an immediate threat to their citizens. If they deem Iran dangerous,
those nations should act accordingly. That said, there are no indications either North Korea
or Iran have suicidal tendencies where they wish to destroy themselves by acting against
the U.S. directly.
A: Since I did not serve in Congress this year, I will answer in terms of "how would you
have voted?" I would have voted against the health-care overhaul. The passed version
merged both the House & Senate versions totaling over 2000 pages. With medical costs
growing 2.6 times faster than the economy, the current bill does not address this issue. In
fact, the Massachusetts health care system is the basis for the law. Massachusetts is seeing
significant cost above their projections. Initially, the budget projected annual costs of
approximately $700M annually. Currently, the annual costs for their health care system is
over $1B.
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A: No. The lagging job growth stems from uncertainty of business based on what
government policies may or may not be enacted. In 1938 Gallup polled over 250 business
owners nationally. They asked each business owner if they planned to reinvest in their own
business over the next year. Overwhelmingly, the business owners said, "no." When asked
why they would not reinvest, they responded by saying in kind, "they did not now what the
government would do next." The same concerns exist today with business owners.
Historically, government intervention and the belief of "do something" has been
detrimental to the economy. Case in point, there were depressions in 1902 & 1920. The
government did very little during each cycle and the economy self-corrected within one
year for each. The Great Depression became "great" when both the Hoover & FDR
administrations tried to "do something." In fact FDR's treasury secretary Henry
Morgenthau lamented to FDR in 1938 that the economy had gotten worse over the past 8
years because of poor policy planning.
energy?
A: None, the market will better drive productive solutions.
emissions?
A: No. The average consumer can leverage the power of their wallet if they so chose by
compensating (through providing business) to companies who innovate and improve
emissions.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: Medicare has approximately $37T in unfunded liabilities. We need to eventually get
away from taxpayer funded services. Regardless, in the more immediate term here are
three high-level approaches to take: (1) Gradually shift the burden of health care spending
for the elderly away from government and back to individuals. This includes, raising the
age of eligibility, encourage health savings accounts (HSAs), reduce incentive for those
with means to use Medicaid to pay for nursing home care, encourage more careful
evaluation of costs & benefits for medical procedures, establish Medical Guidelines
Commission to coordinate research & recommendations for medical schools. (2) Encourage
innovation & efficiency in the market for health insurance. This includes, treat employer-
provided health insurance as taxable income (or put cap on the amount of health benefits
that may by provided as tax free), eliminate barriers to offer policies across state lines,
eliminate barriers to offering cumulative catastrophic health insurance, event-based
insurance, or other potential solutions to the problem of illness with long-term expense
profiles. (3) Encourage innovation in the provision of medical care by deregulating the
health care sector. This includes, Single-point accountability, licensing restrictions on health
care supply might be eased.
Please be specific.
A: 1. Repeal the 16th Amendment (established the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)) of the
United States Constitution in favor of a national “fair tax” on ONLY purchased goods. 2. Add
a “Balanced Budget” Amendment to the Constitution of The United States requiring the
federal budget must be financially balanced each fiscal year. Failure to do so will result in
the loss of ALL federal benefits (including health coverage, franking privilege, travel, etc.)
to ALL federally elected officials until the budget is balanced. Additionally, ALL incurred
expenses by federally elected officials while the budget remains unbalanced will NOT be
able to be claimed as a tax deduction. 3. Adding a “Term Limit” Amendment to the
Constitution of the United States for ALL federally elected officials. Meaning the following:
a. US President’s limit will remain at 2 terms or 8 years (per 22nd Amendment) b. US
Senator’s limit will be set at 2 terms or 12 years c. US Representative’s limit will be set at
4 terms or 8 years d. Additionally, no federally elected candidate can be elected to another
post (i.e. Senator to Representative or vise versa) more than once in a lifetime. If a
candidate who has served the maximum number of terms in their respective post (i.e.
Senate for 2 terms or 8 years), they may only be elected to another post for one term
regardless of their new post. 4. Adding a “Anti-Subsidy” Amendment to the Constitution of
the United States banning the federal government & all of its entities from providing
financial assistance to companies/industries which could not support itself without such
subsidies. 5. Recalling all United States military personnel from foreign posts
(approximately 130 countries) and transferring defense ownership back to the host
countries.
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A: Open up our borders to allow people who want to work in the U.S. an opportunity to do
so (i.e. work migration programs, etc.). This does not mean, letting people in with criminal
backgrounds but instead means make the road to citizenship easier.
A: I would take measures to scale back government scope to the following: 1. Protecting
our borders from foreign invasion (minus the Patriot Act) 2. Mint money (minus Fiat
money) 3. Keep the judicial system prudent (honor property rights, contracts,
reduce/eliminate eminent domain) In other words, many of the polarizing issues are not
Constitutionally justified and should not be placed within their jurisdiction.
A: On an "A" through "F" grading system, I would provide President Obama with either a
"C-" or "D+". He has not proven himself as an executive. He is an ideologue who does
need seem to be capable of understanding the differences between correlation & causation
when dealing with issues. Plus, he does not have a strong sense of historical consequences
to actions.
A: N/A
A: I have no desire to become a "career" politician. Both the Republican & Democratic
parties have increased spending & government powers. This is reflected in the TARP, auto
& Wall Street bailouts. I would work to implement cost cutting measures as reflected in my
platform. Additionally, I would keep to my platform & self-limit myself to a maximum of 8
years of service.

Description:
Chet Edwards
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Chet Edwards
City/Town: Waco
State: TX
Fax Number: 254-776-5097
E-mail Address: campaign@chetedwards.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://chetedwards.com/
Questions:
A: I have lived in the 17th Congressional District of Texas for 20 years and am a lifelong
Texan.
A: U.S. Representative
A: Member, U.S. House of Representatives, 1991-present; Chairman, Military Construction
and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee; Member, House Committee on
Appropriations; Member, House Committee on the Budget; Vice Chair, Energy and Water
Development Appropriations Subcommittee; Member, Agriculture Appropriations
Subcommittee; Co-Chair, House Army Caucus Awards include: 2010 U.S. National Guard
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Bureau Minuteman Award; 2009 American Veterans Congressional Silver Helmet Award;
2009 U.S. Army Commander’s Award for Civilian Service; 2009 U.S. Navy Distinguished
Public Service Award; 2009 Fleet Reserve Association Pinnacle Award; 2008 American
Legion Distinguished Public Service Award; 2008 Veterans of Foreign Wars Congressional
Award; 2008 National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Congressional Award; 2008 National
Disabled American Veterans “Going to Bat for Veterans” Award; Congressional
Achievement Award from the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), 2007; The
Military Coalition Award of Merit, 2006; Recipient of the National Federation of
Independent Business (NFIB) Guardian of Small Business Award, 2006; U.S. Chamber of
Commerce’s “Spirit of Enterprise” Award, 2005, 2006, 2007; American Legion’s “Unsung
Hero” Award, 2004; Association of the U.S. Army’s “Legislator of the Year,” 2003; Interfaith
Alliance’s Walter Cronkite Award, 2001; Member, Calvary Baptist Church, Waco
A: Texas State Senator, 1983-1990; Former Chairman, Texas Sunset Commission; “Ten
Best” Legislators, Texas Monthly Magazine; Recipient of the Earl Rudder/Brown Foundation
Award, presented to two outstanding seniors at Texas A&M University
A: Texas State Senator, 1983-1990; U.S. House of Representatives, 1991-present
A: As of the July Quarterly FEC reports, my campaign has raised $2,593,057.28 and our
cash-on-hand is $2.14 million.
A: My campaign has broad bipartisan support from thousands of contributors. Since federal
election law limits contribution amounts from individuals and political action committees, it
is not possible to identify just three contributors.
A: No
Afghanistan?
A: I supported the addition of 30,000 U.S. troops in Afghanistan because it is where
terrorists plotted to kill Americans on September 11th and they remain committed to
killing Americans today. While the challenges we face in Afghanistan are significant, I
strongly believe we have a responsibility to give Defense Secretary Gates, Gen. Petraeus,
and our troops the flexibility and support necessary to see this mission through to ensure
the safety and security of the American people. We must step up efforts to help Afghan
farmers develop profitable, legal crops as an alternative to poppy production that is used
to make heroin.
A: Now that the majority of U.S. combat troops have been withdrawn from Iraq, I support
continued training and support of the Iraqi police force so that the government can begin
to protect their own citizens. The “surge” was effective in reducing support for terrorists,
and now it’s time for Iraqis to take more responsibility for their own country’s future.
A: Mexican drug cartels have existed for quite some time but have recently become
increasingly violent. Most importantly, we must ensure this threat of violence does not spill
over to the United States. In August of 2010, I was one of thirteen co-sponsors to pass the
Emergency Border Security bill, which was signed into law, to address the threat of
increased violence along the southwest border by ensuring proper resources are available
to those defending our border. Additionally, earlier this year, I supported authorizing
funding for 1,200 National Guard troops who are currently deployed along the SW Border.
To address this serious issue, we must both address the U.S. drug demand and reducing
the supplies and resources available to Mexican drug trafficking organizations.
Domestically, we must interrupt the flow of bulk cash, estimated to range from $15 billion
to $25 billion, and illegal military-style firearms traveling to Mexico from the United States.
Congress, the State Department and U.S. law enforcement agencies should continue work
with Mexican authorities to disrupt criminal groups and restore the rule of law in Mexico.
A: North Korea and Iran are nations with whom we do not maintain diplomatic relations
because they have supported terrorists and repeatedly engaged in provocative actions that
threaten their neighbors and defy the will of the international community. Each of these
nations have large militaries and pose a genuine nuclear proliferation threat; a risk that
the United States cannot ignore. The United States must take a leadership role to hold Iran
and North Korea accountable for their nuclear programs. Iran, a nation with a leader that
denies the Holocaust, cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. That would endanger
Israel and destabilize the entire Middle East. I have supported strong sanctions against
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Iran aimed at their energy and financial sector. Sanctioning Iran's energy sector is key
because Iran's government revenues are approximately 80% dependent on oil revenues
and in need of substantial foreign investment. Enacting strict penalties against foreign
companies that do business with Iran also persuade foreign firms to choose between the
Iranian market and the much larger U.S. market. By imposing tough new sanctions on
Iran that weaken their economic security and further isolate them from the world, the
United States sends a clear message that their irresponsible actions have consequences.
Regarding North Korea, the United States must continue to impose strong sanctions while
working closely with South Korea, Japan, China, and Russia to put economic and
diplomatic pressure on them. Unlike Iran, North Korea likely possesses nuclear weapons
today and, as such, they pose a real threat that cannot be left unchecked. The U.S. must
maintain its strong military presence in South Korea.
A: I voted “no” on the final health care bill. My "no" vote reflected the views of a clear
majority of my constituents and reflected my strong concerns about the level of new
spending in the bill and the $500 billion in cuts to Medicare to fund other parts of the bill.
Given our massive federal deficit and $13 trillion national debt, the bottom line is that we
cannot afford a trillion dollars in new health care spending or the increased taxes and
Medicare reductions and regulations that go with it -- concerns constituents expressed
throughout our district. Our country needs health care reform that holds down costs and
makes health care more affordable and accessible for businesses and families alike, but
Congress should have passed a less expensive, bipartisan bill that could have united, not
divided, our nation.
A: I agree with leading economists and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce who said that the
American Recovery Act was necessary to pull our economy back from the edge of a second
Great Depression, and I have recently supported efforts to help unemployed Texans and to
prevent the layoff of 14,500 Texas teachers and educators. Moving forward, I believe our
focus must be on reducing excessive spending and lowering our record high deficits. This is
what led to budget surpluses in the 1990s, when Pay-As-You-Go Rules were in place, and
this year, I wrote the provisions that made the Pay-As-You-Go rule permanent law. It is
important that we take a responsible approach to growing our economy and creating jobs.
Families throughout our district are having to make hard choices in order to balance their
family budgets, and Congress needs to take the same approach to cut spending and lower
our national debt.
energy?
A: I strongly support increased investments in proven alternative sources of energy and
research to help our nation reduce its dependence on foreign oil, create new jobs, and
strengthen our economy for the future. I support public-private partnerships to encourage
energy conservation, along with tax credits and increased investment in clean coal
technology and renewable energy such as solar, wind and biofuels. The federal
government must play an important role with nuclear power. As a member of the
Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, I led the fight to ensure federal loan
guarantees were included in our 2011 annual appropriations bill. The federal loan
guarantees for new plants are fully financed by the nuclear industry at no cost to the
taxpayer. I believe we are at the dawn of a nuclear power renaissance in the United
States, which will create hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs and the clean energy
our nation needs. To eliminate or dramatically cut funding for nuclear loans would be
devastating for the jobs and economic growth our country desperately needs.
emissions?
A: I voted against the House Cap and Trade bill, because I believe there is a better way to
deal with the issues of global warming and reducing our dependence upon foreign oil. I had
specific concerns that this bill could significantly increase the cost of utility bills and gasoline
prices for families and businesses in our district and throughout the country. Some
estimates suggested the annual cost increase per family could be more than $1,000 a year.
Additionally, I had a real concern that this Cap and Trade bill could just add another burden
to our farmers and ranchers at a time when they are already struggling with high oil costs
and drought. Nuclear power does not emit any carbon dioxide and is a safe, reliable
source of energy. We need a national energy policy that aggressively supports the
expansion of nuclear power. Natural gas is also a relatively clean source of energy, and its
domestic production should be encouraged.
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bankrupt in 2017?
A: Medicare, along with Social Security, is a critical program for our seniors, and I oppose
any proposal that would cut or weaken existing benefits. With health care costs rising at an
unprecedented rate, the solvency of the Medicare trust fund is in jeopardy. One of the first
and most logical steps that should be taken is to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in the
program, for example not allowing additional claims from companies that have been found
to be fraudulent. Right now, the bipartisan Fiscal Commission is examining ways to extend
the solvency of the trust funds and address the rising costs of care. Congress will have an
opportunity to vote on those proposals later this year, once they are released. A focus on
preventative care, whether it is colonoscopies or weight reduction to reduce diabetes,
must also be a key component of protecting the solvency of Medicare.
Please be specific.
A: The American people understand that with two wars and the deepest recession since the
Great Depression, we cannot balance the budget over night, but they do want Congress to
start reducing the projected long-term deficits. I strongly agree. Reducing federal deficits
should be a high national priority, which is why I voted for budgets that led to surpluses in
the 1990’s, and why I opposed irresponsible budgets over the last decade that turned
those surpluses into massive deficits. To get spending and deficits under control, I have
authored permanent Pay-As-You-Go budget rules that were passed into law this year to
help reduce spending and return Congress to the proven budget policies that helped
balance the budget in the late 1990s and created surpluses. I opposed the elimination of
the House pay-go rules in 2002, an ill-advised action that opened the floodgates to today’s
deficits. By making pay-go permanent law, we can see that Congress never makes that
mistake again. I have authored and supported legislation that would root out waste,
fraud, and abuse to reduce our deficits by hundreds of billions of dollars. I have frozen my
office budget at 2009 levels and opposed pay raises for members of Congress during a
recession. I supported a 2011 budget enforcement resolution that cuts spending by $7
billion below what the Obama Administration proposed for 2011, and I opposed the health
care bill which would have added a trillion dollars in new spending. Given the concern
about long-term budget deficits and entitlement reform, I want to see the
recommendations from the Bipartisan Fiscal Commission later this year. I have also
supported a three year freeze on federal domestic appropriations, and do not believe we
can afford to make permanent all of the Bush tax cuts. Anyone proposing to make all those
tax cuts permanent should say specifically what programs they would cut to pay for the
hundreds of billions in added deficits. For the sake of our present economy and our
children’s future, we must reign in deficit spending and crack down on waste, fraud and
abuse.
A: First, Congress must ensure that we stop the flow of illegal immigrants along our
border, and we have taken steps to secure our border. Since 2006, I have voted to:
increase the number of border patrol agents by 9,000 or 73 percent, purchase new
surveillance technology, construct border fencing in high-traffic areas and crack down on
criminal aliens. In addition to securing our borders, Congress must work together in a
bipartisan manner to craft a comprehensive immigration reform plan that addresses those
who are here illegally. We are a nation of laws, and federal law enforcement officials have
a responsibility to strictly enforce our current immigration laws and crack down on illegal
immigration. Present federal laws allow federal and local law enforcement officials to
cooperate on immigration issues. As a member of the Homeland Security Appropriations
Subcommittee, I helped write the laws that established a new system, Secure
Communities, to streamline the identification of illegal aliens who have been convicted of
serious crimes. Secure Communities allows local law enforcement agencies to check the
fingerprints of individuals booked on criminal charges against both national criminal and
immigration databases.
A: As Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations
Subcommittee since 2007, I am proud of the fact that our subcommittee has worked in
bipartisan way to address the needs of America’s veterans and military families. The 2011
Military Construction and VA Appropriations bill I authored, recently passed the House by a
vote of 411 to 6. Congress needs more bipartisan cooperation of this kind on major issues
such as energy, immigration reform, and national defense if we are to be effective. No
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political party has a monopoly on wisdom, which is why we must work together for the
good of the country to reduce the cynicism and lack of civility we see in politics today. Our
future depends on it.
A: I have supported the Administration’s increased budgets for veterans, our military
mission in Afghanistan, nuclear loan guarantees and financial aid for college students, as
well as the middle class tax cut for 95% of working families, but I have disagreed in other
areas where I have felt that our country and my constituents were not being well-served.
Whether it was the health care reform bill that costs too much, the Cap and Trade energy
bill that penalizes families, farmers and ranchers, or the financial regulation bill that
unfairly burdened community banks who did not cause the financial crisis, my position has
never changed. If I believe what a president is doing is right for our district and our county,
I will support them, but if I believe what they are doing is not right, I will respectfully
disagree.
A: The legendary Texas Congressman Olin E. “Tiger” Teague. Teague was the most
decorated World War II veteran serving in Congress and for 32 years was known as “Mr.
Veteran”. It was Teague who encouraged me to run for public office and instilled in me a
lifelong commitment to serving veterans.
A: It has been the greatest honor of my life to represent this district, and to serve our
veterans, active duty military and their families. During my time in Congress, I have
fought to expand economic opportunity, create jobs and honor our veterans. In my three
and a half years as Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs
Appropriations Subcommittee, I have authored legislation that provided a 70 percent
increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits, and created over 10,000 new
claims processors to reduce VA case backlogs, 3,389 doctors, 14,316 nurses, 145
community-based outpatient clinics, and 92 new vet centers. I have also fought tirelessly
to protect and create jobs in our district. I worked with Greenbrier Rail Services in
Cleburne to solve a contract dispute which would have cost more than 100 jobs, I helped
Frazier & Fraizer in Coolidge, a family-owned foundry which needed a critical loan to stay
afloat, and I have supported L3, who not only bring jobs to our district, but who provide
critical technology for our military. And as a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee
on Energy and Water, I led the fight to ensure federal loan guarantees for nuclear power
plants were included in our annual appropriations bill. The federal loan guarantees for new
plants are fully financed by the nuclear industry at no cost to the taxpayer and they are
critical to the expansion of the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant which will bring over
5,000 jobs to our district. My opponent, Bill Flores, has taken positions on issues from
nuclear loan guarantees, to education, to veterans health care which would be disastrous
for our district. He opposed nuclear loan guarantees which would kill the expansion of
Comanche Peak and the 5,000 jobs it would bring. He opposed the recent jobs bill which
saved 14,500 teaching and educator jobs in Texas, and he supports privatizing veterans
health care, an extreme proposal, opposed by all major national veterans organizations,
that would be devastating for the VA and veterans care. Hurting jobs in our district is no
way to earn the job of representing our district in Congress.
Bill Flores
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: William H. Flores
Street Address: 4715 Copperfield Drive
City/Town: College Station
State: TX
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 888-704-BILL (2455)
Fax Number: (254) 230-1696
E-mail Address: bill@billfloresforcongress.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.BillFloresForCongress.com
Questions:
A: I lived as a resident in College Station while attending Texas A&M University from 1973
through 1976. During the years that followed, we spent scores of days and nights in
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Bryan/College Station while I participated in numerous volunteer activities for the

University and affiliated organizations. In 2002, Gina and I decided that we would
ultimately retire in Aggieland and we purchased property (and began paying property
taxes) in Bryan for that purpose in 2004. In late 2006, we completed our move to the area
and plan to make this our final home. Since our move, both of us have become very active
in local organizations and causes.
A: Retired
A: Recipient—Texas A&M University’s Distinguished Alumni Award (2010) Member—Board
of Trustees—Houston Baptist University Director—Private Enterprise Research Center
Member—Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Board of Visitors Member—Texas A&M University
Galveston Board of Visitors Advisory Director—Yellowstone Academy, Houston Advisory
Director—Ranch Heritage Association, Lubbock Co-Chair—Houston Baptist University Spirit
of Excellence Gala (November 2010)
A: Recipient—TAMU Mays Business School Outstanding Alumni Award (2003)
Chairman—TAMU Association of Former Students (2007), Board Member from 2002-2008
Member—Oil & Gas Investor magazine Advisory Board Commissioner—Texas Real Estate
Commission Member—three executive search committees for Texas A&M University
Member—Texas A&M University Vision 2020 Task Force (1997-1998) Member—Texas A&M
University Academic Master Plan Research Roadmap Committee Member—Texas A&M
University 12th Man Foundation Council of Athletic Ambassadors (2005-current)
Member—TAMU Mays Business School Development Council Member—Texas A&M
University System—Chancellor’s Century Council Member—TAMU Corps of Cadets
Development Council Member—Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association Member—Houston
A&M Club Member—Brazos County A&M Club Member—American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants Member—Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants Member—Brazos
County Chapter—Texas Society of CPA’s Member—Research Roadmap Committee
component of the TAMU Academic Master Plan project
A: None
A: As of our second quarter FEC report which ended June 30, 2010, we have raised over
$1.1 million (excludes loans to campaign) since December 2009 and have over $415,000
cash on hand.
A: Many Texans have contributed the maximum contribution allowed to a candidate for
federal office. Gina and I have also invested significant personal resources in this campaign
because we feel that it is important to reinvest in our Country to restore the opportunities
for future generations.
A: No
Afghanistan?
A: I believe we must achieve success in Afghanistan by preventing the Taliban from
returning to power and denying the country from becoming a sanctuary for al Qaeda to
plan and carry out attacks. Also, by helping to stabilize Afghanistan, we can also help the
stability of Pakistan, one of our important allies in the region. President Obama was right
to surge troops into Afghanistan, to move to a counterinsurgency strategy, and to further
improve our relations with its citizens. I do not agree with his timetable for withdrawal and
I hope that he will allow conditions in the area to set the actual withdrawal timetable. We
need to give our new commander, General David Petraeus, the opportunity to achieve our
objectives in the region.
A: I support counterterrorism measures in Iraq in order to keep al Qaeda in Mesopotamia
from posing a threat to the United States of America or its interests. Our assistance to the
sovereign and democratically elected Government of Iraq should entail diplomatic and
training support, as well as over-the-horizon capabilities should the President and our
military determine that one is needed to protect our national interests.
A: In order to combat Mexico’s drug cartels we must fully and completely secure our
southern border. This effort should include a multi-layered system of security (including
greatly increased border patrol personnel, the use observation technology, physical
barriers in high traffic areas, and drone aircraft) along our border to stem the flow of
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firearms, human trafficking, and illicit drugs. We should also consider providing additional
financial aid and training to the Mexican government.
A: I have always agreed with the maxim Peace through Strength. While I believe the
threat of force must always be a last resort, our friends and enemies should know that it is
always an option when rogue regimes threaten the United States or our interests in the
world. Both Iran and North Korea represent a clear and present danger to the United
States and must be treated with firmness and resolve, not apologies and weakness. I
support efforts to destabilize regimes that sponsor terrorism and believe that steps to
foster isolation and support democratic movements in these countries must be undertaken.
We cannot allow the world’s most dangerous regimes to acquire nuclear and/or biological
weapons.
A: I would have voted against the House health care bill. On January 18, 2010, I was the
first candidate in the state of Texas to sign the Club for Growth’s pledge to repeal the
government takeover of health care. If and when I am elected to Congress, I will support
efforts to defund the implementation of the bill and to ultimately repeal it entirely. Recent
Congressional Budget Office estimates and a number of other evaluations show that Nancy
Pelosi, Harry Reid, and Barrack Obama’s plans for health care will increase costs, increase
our federal debt, reduce coverage, remove millions of seniors from their current Medicare
plans, harm the relationship between patients and doctors, and punish our doctors,
hospitals, and small businesses. The arrogance with which the majority in Congress
ignored the will of American people and proceeded down this devastating path is simply
astounding. We need a leader in Congress who is willing to aggressively stand up and stop
these destructive policies while promoting common sense, free market solutions to lower
costs and expand coverage. Millions of Americans would be better served by several
simple changes we can make: 1) Allow small businesses to band together so they can
negotiate across state lines for more comprehensive and affordable plans just like big
businesses and labor unions do; 2) Enact permanent tax deductions for the premiums
individuals pay for the health care of their families; 3) Pass medical malpractice and tort
reforms so we can stop runaway lawsuit abuse which adds hundreds of billions of dollars to
annual health care system expenses; 4) Allow expanded coverage for wellness and
prevention programs and; 5) End the practice of denying coverage based on pre-existing
conditions. These are simple, common sense changes and should I be elected to Congress,
I will fight for them.
A: We need to take four actions as quickly as possible—first, freeze the current stimulus
bill, second, eliminate the tax increases scheduled to occur January 2011, third, make
targeted tax reductions to ease burdens on employers, and fourth, remove overreaching
regulations that strangle economic development. Our focus should be based upon relying
upon our citizens and private sector businesses to do what they do best—efficiently
growing our economy and jobs. The stimulus bill that Congress passed and President
Obama signed into law cost $862 billion of taxpayer money and only really stimulated the
public sector by growing the government. Since the signing of the stimulus bill,
approximately ½ trillion dollars have been spent, and yet, about three million more
Americans have lost their jobs. Americans are sickened by the endless string of bailouts,
massive spending on pork barrel projects, and the trillions of dollars piled onto our national
debt since the Democrats assumed control of Congress in 2007. Our government and tax
dollars were never intended as a slush fund to prop up failed policies, bad decisions, or
Wall Street greed. The best social program ever designed by man is a private sector
job—it is the vehicle which helps families get off of public assistance, which feeds, houses,
and educates them, which grows the local tax base, and which grows the national
economy. America’s economic recovery will come from men and women who are working
every day to come up with new products, new innovations, or new ways to grow their
operations. Congress should be promoting these activities instead of new government
programs.
energy?
A: If there is one aspect of America’s economy that I know well it is the energy industry. I
can tell you first hand; this is one industry that has been hamstrung by people in Congress
who put politics, radical ideas, unsound rhetoric, and grandstanding ahead of AMERICAN
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE. For the past thirty years, I have helped explore, produce, and
develop oil and gas resources with which our nation has been so richly blessed. I am proud
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to have helped our nation power our cars, warm our homes, and keep our businesses
growing with reliable American energy sources. I know we can make America the world’s
energy leader and create thousands of good paying jobs for our families. Americans know
that if we do not have energy security, we will not have economic opportunity. It is time
we stopped putting petty politics based on dubious “agenda-driven, scientific” research
ahead of creating more American energy. We vast supplies of energy resources in our
country which can be produced with safe, environmentally sound practices – we just need
the will of Congress to change so we can begin developing more of our own oil, natural
gas, clean coal, and geothermal resources. The Obama administration was unwise to
institute an offshore drilling moratorium in our Gulf waters. This moratorium has cost us
thousands of good American jobs, it will increase energy costs for consumers, and it will
increase our reliance on foreign oil, and it is further hurting our already sick economy. We
should also be eliminating barriers to create new nuclear power plants – it is proven to be
safe, clean for our environment, and a cost effective energy source for our families. If we
are truly concerned about producing long-term, “base load” electric power with a low
carbon footprint, we should vastly grow our nuclear power facilities. Furthermore, with an
eye to the future, we should expand incentives to allow more wind, next generation solar,
and other energy technologies to emerge. In this area, Gina and I have put our money
where our mouth is—earlier this year we installed a solar power system on our house,
which, according to our local utility, it is the largest solar installation in our electric service
area. American energy dependence is a strategic national priority – growing our energy
industry keeps more dollars here at home instead of going to unstable nations, CREATES
GOOD AMERICAN JOBS, and powers domestic economic growth at reasonable prices.
Texans want a Representative who will stand up to fight FOR American energy
independence and AGAINST the Obama-Pelosi Cap and Tax program which will stifle
domestic energy development, kill our economy, and cause the export of millions
American jobs.
emissions?
A: This legislation, based upon unproven science, will likely result in the largest
loss/overseas export of American jobs ever driven by a single government action. I
support incentives for cleaner energy rather than punitive actions against current energy
sources that will export American jobs and destroy our economy.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: Medicare is going broke and no one in Washington has had the courage to do anything
about it. I would like to see hard choices made, but I also believe that introducing
increased competition (like Medicare Advantage) and allowing the re-importation of drugs
from Canada would help lower costs. Fundamentally, our Medicare system requires major
reform to reduce bureaucracy, inefficiencies, and fraud.
Please be specific.
A: Unlike a lot of folks in Congress, I do not believe government gets better just because it
gets bigger. I do not think there is a government solution to every challenge our country
faces. In fact, it is all too apparent that many government programs have simply grown
too big to succeed. There are numerous tangible examples of these failures, which include
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Right now, the government spends too much and is
borrowing well beyond its long-term means. Since Obama and the Democrats took
complete control of Washington, many government agencies have grown by over 80
percent – this is completely unsustainable and reckless. Growing up in a small town in the
Panhandle taught our family to rely on our own hard work, perseverance, and create our
own opportunities to realize our dreams. We did not look to government to make our lives
easier or give us something we did not earn. I believe it is time our nation got back to
basics – learning to live within our means, stopping excessive spending, decreasing taxes,
and stopping the encroachment on our personal liberties. That is why I will always fight for
the following principles: 1) A balanced budget amendment; 2) Cutting wasteful or
duplicative programs; 3) Cutting taxes to help families and small businesses and; 4)
Preventing the government from expanding its powers beyond those enumerated in the
Constitution. We can start by eliminating all earmarks - while earmarking does not
represent a huge portion of the overall budget, it creates a corrupt culture of trading votes
for favors. We have seen some of the worst examples of this culture in the “vote buying”
that occurred during recent health care debates. Additionally, the folks in Congress have
shown no restraint in the growth of earmark spending and ridiculous projects this money is
going to fund. It is time we stopped the practice all together – America got along just fine
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for a couple of hundred years without earmarks. The federal deficit is currently at an
all-time record and we must grow the economy and return to fiscal sanity to solve the
problem over time.
A: True national security means controlling our borders and effectively policing our interior
to ensure that terrorists, drug smugglers, human traffickers, and other criminals are
hunted down, prosecuted, and imprisoned or deported. Arizona passed their own
legislation, which codified federal law, because the federal government was failing to
uphold its Constitutional responsibility. The escalating violence that we see on the other
side of our southern border must not be allowed to spread into our country. We should
create physical and virtual barriers to entry. We should also make sure that our border
agents, customs officials, and local law enforcement have the resources they need. I was
deeply disappointed to see Congress recently pass an Omnibus Spending Bill which cut $70
million from a program to incarcerate criminal illegal aliens. Again, this is a shortsighted
management from an unfocused Congress. Enforcement First - On the issue of illegal
immigration, I will never support any program which grants unilateral amnesty to those
who have broken our laws. Solving our illegal immigration issue and the billions of dollars
of costs associated with it starts by fully enforcing our laws. For those who wish to come to
our country, they must do so by obeying our laws and complying with our system. I fully
recognize we that we might need to improve the path to citizenship, just as we need to
value the hard work of folks who become American citizens legally. Right now, however, it
is important we focus on securing our borders, enforcing our laws, and targeting criminal
illegal aliens who threaten our neighborhoods and safety.
A: One very simple, but very powerful idea is to enact term limits, which I support. We
must return to the founding fathers’ notion of citizen legislators. Today, 98% of incumbent
Congressmen win reelection, and so they are less responsive to their constituents, more
partisan, and more entrenched. Regular turnover in Congress would help remove the walls
to bipartisanship that today seem higher than ever. One specific example: if elected, I will
seek out deficit hawks on the other side of the aisle to forge a consensus as to how we can
solve the problem of our federal deficit and our exploding national debt. In addition, I will
focus on trying to inculcate a culture of servant leadership in Congress. Congress needs to
be reminded that it exists to serve the American people, not to rule over them.
A: I give President Obama an “F”—The period from his inauguration to now has been the
most destructive period to America that I can remember: to our economy, to our national
security and to our social values.
A: Former Senator Phil Gramm (R-TX) – My friend Phil Gramm has been a fiscal
conservative long before it was cool. I admire Senator Gramm for having the courage and
the foresight to pass the Gramm-Rudman bill, which cut the federal budget through across-
the-board spending cuts if deficit-reduction targets were not met, which eventually led to
the balanced budgets that we saw in the 90’s under a Republican Congress. We need a
similarly bold effort today to cut our enormous deficit and crippling federal debt. Former
Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-GA) – Although I do not approve of some of his
personal failings, I admire conservative thought leader Newt Gingrich for leading the team
that devised and advanced the Contract with America in the mid-90’s, proving that
elections matter and ideas can be powerful. Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) – I admire
Mike Pence who truly demonstrates his strong Christian values and is a dependable,
thoughtful conservative leader in Congress.
A: Our current Congressman, Chet Edwards, has been a reliable vote (over 96 percent) for
the Obama-Pelosi agenda that is bankrupting our country, damaging our economy, and
imperiling future generations of Americans. In order to change the direction of the country,
we must remove Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House. We can only do that if we elect a
minimum of 40 conservative Republicans in November. The voters of Texas Congressional
District 17 can rest assured that I will NEVER vote for Nancy Pelosi to be Speaker of the
House, nor will I ever vote for her destructive agenda. My message to the voters of this
District is this: we must stop the Obama-Pelosi agenda and we cannot do that with 20-year
Washington insider Edwards representing us. With my private sector experience and
proven leadership, I will go to Washington to represent the 17th district with integrity,
humility, and common sense solutions rooted in conservative values. We must fix the
country and restore America’s promise and prosperity for our future generations; our
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children and grandchildren are depending on us.
Richard B. Kelly
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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Afghanistan?
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energy?
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emissions?
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bankrupt in 2017?
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Please be specific.
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Description:
Kenny E. Marchant
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Kenny E. Marchant
City/Town: Carrollton
State: Texas
Date of Birth: February 23, 1951
Fax Number: 972-242-7223
E-mail Address: campaign@kennymarchant.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.kennyforcongress.com
Questions:
A: 46 years
A: Member of Congress
A: Congressman Marchant is a three-term United States Congressman for the 24th District
of Texas who serves on the Financial Services Committee and the Financial Institutions and
Consumer Credit, and Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittees. Recent
awards include: "Spirit of Enterprise" by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for leading the
way to create jobs and spur economic growth; "Taxpayer Hero" by Citizens Against
Government Waste; "Defender of Liberty" by American Conservative Union; "Defender of
Economic Freedom" by Club for Growth; "Tax Fighter" by National Tax Limitation
Committee; "Taxpayers' Friend" by National Taxpayers Union; and "Guardian of Small
Business" by National Federation of Independent Business. Congressman Marchant is the
founder and director of the Marchant Family Foundation. It funds student scholarships,
building of churches on foreign mission fields, and humanitarian aid to orphanges and
hospitals. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Southern Nazarene University.
Congressman Marchant is also a member of the following Chambers of Commerce: Cedar
Hill, Coppell, Colleyville, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Hurst-
Euless-Bedford, Metrocrest and Southlake.
A: Prior to his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Marchant
served as Carrollton City Councilman, Mayor of Carrollton and Texas State Legislator. He
was the former Chairman of the Texas House Republican Caucus, the Texas House
Committee on Financial Institutions, and the House State Affairs Committee. Past awards
include: "Top Ten Texas Legislator" by Texas Monthly; "Top Pro-Family Texas Legislator of
the Year" by the American Family Association; "Legislator of the Year" by the Texas
Municipal League; " Citizen of the Year" by the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce; and
"Leader of Excellence" award by the Free Market Foundation.
A: Carrollton City Council, 1980-1984; Mayor of Carrollton, 1984-1986; Texas House of
Representatives, 1986-2004.
A: 348,806 (2010 Election Cycle)
A: AT&T; Credit Union PAC; TREPAC (Realtors)
A: No
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Afghanistan?
A: The war in Afghanistan is critical to defeating the Islamic extremists who would target
and kill Americans. Leaving Afghanistan before its political, military, and other
infrastructures are ready, and before our goals are accomplished, would embolden the
enemy and hurt our national defense. As Time made clear with its recent cover story, it
would also hurt the Afghan people, especially women, who were under the heel of the
Taliban before 2001, and would again be under the control of warlords. President Obama
made a good decision to send 30,000 troops over last year. I would recommend, however,
the following changes: • We need to speed up the deployment of the 30,000 troops.
Having them in place ASAP is critical to both victory and diminishing the length of time
between deployment and success. • Additionally, we need to listen carefully to what advice
General Petraeus offers. While we appropriately have a civilian leadership in charge of the
military, Petraeus has shown himself to be a proven commander who led our revised
strategy in Iraq and is largely responsible for the President’s announcement we will draw
down in Iraq on schedule. • Continue to step away from the July 2011 deadline. President
Obama and VP Biden have indicated the date is less firm than initially indicated, which is a
good sign. An arbitrary deadline hurts us and it hurts Afghanistan. After all, how can the
Afghan people invest in us if we are going to leave them before the nation is able to stand
on its own? The moment we leave, the terrorist and warlord elements will stop hiding and
make their power known, and those who allied themselves with us will be in great danger.
• We need to work on improving trust between the government in Afghanistan and its
people. The people of Afghanistan and the people of America need to know and trust that
the Afghan government will be ethical and effective- otherwise, the long-term stability of
Afghanistan will be in jeopardy.
A: Many accurate comparisons are made between Iraq and Afghanistan. Our efforts in
Iraq, however, are made easier by Iraq’s educated populace, its existing infrastructure,
and Iraq’s history of centralized government. I would recommend to the President the
following: • Continue to work directly with Iraqi leaders while continuing to step back from
direct involvement and hand over control of the levers of power. Physical transition must
include a political transition. • Encourage dialogue to get through the current election
difficulties without actually being directly involved. We cannot afford to be seen as taking a
heavy-handed approach to Iraq, especially as we leave.
A: First, we need to finish building a fence at the border as soon as possible. Every day we
don’t have an effective fence we encourage more illegal immigration and make it harder
for border patrols to do their jobs. Fences have worked in places like San Diego, CA, and
should be a great impediment across the rest of the border. We need more National Guard
troops at the border. Many Americans have died from Mexican cartel violence spilling over
the border, and it is the government’s job to keep its citizens safe from external threats.
The drug cartels certainly qualify in the category of external threat. Additionally, we need
to free border guards and the National Guard from arduous engagement restrictions that
put them at risk and dilute our effectiveness at combating the cartels. This is unacceptable,
since our border patrols do great work keeping the rest of the nation safe.
A: First and foremost, we need to engage with Russia, China, and other allies to help them
see it is in their national interests to stop renegade nations. We also need to work with our
allies in the regions to set up missile defense systems and take advantage of sympathetic
factions within the rogue nations themselves. Unfortunately, President Obama missed a
huge opportunity last year to help democratic protesters after the corrupt Iranian
elections. We should keep our eyes on similar opportunities in the future. Regarding Iran
specifically, we should work with other nations to diminish the billions of dollars it gets
from the oil it sells. More nuclear energy and domestic oil production would, over time,
limit the finances of the Iranian government. This would also hurt its allies, such as oil-rich
Venezuela, that allow Iran to continue threatening the world. Concerning North Korea, we
should work closely with South Korea and Japan to respond to any aggression with
appropriate force. North Korea murdered dozens of South Korean sailors a few months
ago, and we should work with the international community (which, for the most part,
condemned the attacks) to create a coalition that would enhance political and military
pressure on North Korea.
A: This “overhaul” did the following: • Increased the size and cost of the government to
the approximate tune of 16,000 new IRS employees; • Increased the debt by between
hundreds of billions and, in the worse-case scenario, three trillion dollars; • Provided for
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federally-funded abortions; • Slashed the very popular Medicare Advantage that takes
place in the new health care law, to the tune of approximately $200 billion. According to
AEI’s Kevin Hassett, “To pay for this expansion, the bill takes $529 billion from Medicare,
with roughly 39 percent of the cut coming from the Medicare Advantage program.” As a
result, millions of seniors will lose their Medicare Advantage coverage, and many more will
find their coverage restricted. • Implemented the CLASS Act, which saves money in the
first ten years of existence but was deemed by CBO to be a deficit-increasing piece of
legislation after that. Much of the ten-year affordability of the health care “overhaul” is
largely due to the short-term surplus of the CLASS Act, before it is required to start paying
out benefits; • Increased costs on businesses in a myriad of ways. As noted in a letter
signed by over 100 free-market and conservative economists: “The bill will impose a tax of
$2,000 per employee on employers with more than 50 employees that do not provide
health insurance. The bill will also tax employers that offer health coverage deemed
“unaffordable” by the government.” As a former businessman, I know that a) these costs
will be passed down to the consumer and/or the employee, b) many employees will
become ex-employees as costs rise due to the bill, and c) many businesses will stop
growing at 49 employees due to the massive cost jump at 50 employees. This portion of
the bill will increase unemployment unnecessarily. In the current economy, this is not
acceptable; • Lastly, the law has pushed on the American people an unconstitutional
mandate to have insurance. What’s next- the government telling us to eat our vegetables
three times a day or we’ll be fined? Or should we be forced to buy GM vehicles over Ford
or Honda? If this mandate is kept on the books, the government will have passed a critical
point in the balance between the private and public sectors. The mandate also gives the
insurance industry a guaranteed source of income for a generation, which severely distorts
the insurance market. Unfortunately, it did not even address some of the basic health
reforms I support, including: • Reform of the sustainable growth rate (SGR) system that
currently prices Medicare reimbursement rates. The current SGR system underpays
doctors for many of the services they render. According to CMS’ own numbers in its March
2009 report, Medicare pays only 70% of what the private market does, thus shifting costs
to non-Medicare health care recipients; • Implementing tort reform, which would both
save money and increase quality.
A: We do not need another stimulus package. The ARRA stimulus has failed miserably,
other than adding 200,000 jobs to the federal government’s rolls. This shows how naïve
the Administration is about the private sector. Even if they actually believe the stimulus
added three million jobs, this is at a cost just shy of $300,000 per job. I know the private
sector can do better without increasing the deficit by nearly a trillion dollars. The stimulus
has ignored time-tested tax relief and cost-cutting measures and instead skyrocketed
government spending. The stimulus will lead to higher taxes and more debt for our nation.
Instead of being spent primarily on infrastructure and tax relief, it has been used as an
excuse to lunge our nation to the left while not shrinking employment as promised.
Assurances by the Administration that things could have been worse do not help the
millions of unemployed and underemployed Americans.
energy?
A: The role should be limited and tightly focused. I support the “all-of-the-above” option,
which includes support for effective, practical regulations on drilling across our nation that
will balance environmental safety and economic growth. Furthermore, I support allowing
the construction of nuclear power plants. Eighty percent of France’s electricity is produced
through nuclear power- why can’t America duplicate that success? Government
intervention generally causes far more harm than good and inefficiently diverts resources.
One exception to this is tax reform. If the government wants to incentivize alternative
energy, it needs to stop using regulations and higher taxes to get its way and instead
provide tax relief to alternative energy businesses. Given that taxes are already too high—
we have the second-highest corporate tax in the industrialized world—it’s well within the
scope and responsibility of Congress to lower taxes to help move our nation forward.
emissions?
A: I do not support a carbon cap. It would devastate our economy and there are more
efficient and effective ways to diminish emissions. For example, the promotion of clean
and renewable energy sources would be very effective. Such sources include nuclear,
clean-coal technology, wind, hydroelectric, and solar energies. Additionally, we can
encourage greater conservation by extending tax incentives for energy efficiency, and
rewarding development of greater conservation techniques and new energy sources. The
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key is to refrain from driving investment(s) of energy production away from America and
instead to support incentivizing of worthwhile investments.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: The Democratic majority failed to fix this with ObamaCare and we must now act. Two of
the best ways to improve Medicare’s fiscal health are tort reform and fraud reduction.
There is approximately 30% waste in Medicare, including at least 10% in fraud. It’s now so
profitable to commit Medicare fraud that organized crime has gotten involved in it.
Additionally, various news sources report that organized crime finds Medicare fraud easier
to do and less dangerous to engage in. We need to crack down on Medicare fraud both
before and after the crime is committed to change this mindset. Democrats have long
ignored tort reform because, as former Vermont Governor Howard Dean stated in a
speech last year, they do not want to offend their trial lawyer base. However, the benefits
of tort reform are unquestionable. The Congressional Budget Office said implementation of
tort reform (which was not included in the final health care law) would save $54 billion
over ten years in Medicare, and some estimates are many times that. Texas has enacted
tort reform, which has resulted in a dramatic increase in doctors who have moved to
Texas. Additionally, doctors can greatly reduce engaging in defensive medicine, a practice
that protects doctors from lawsuits but does very little good for the patient.
Please be specific.
A: The new terms among the left to fix the deficit are “increasing revenues” and
“pro-growth taxes.” Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a “pro-growth tax,” merely
taxes that are less harmful than others. Additionally, tax-raising (“increasing revenues”)
estimates are done without accounting for the impact on the economy, thus blunting the
revenue estimates. We need to do two things to get our deficits under control: • First, we
need to reverse the huge increases that have occurred in various bureaucracies across
Washington. A few examples: o The FY 2011 Transportation, Housing, and Urban
Development appropriations bill contained a cost jump of approximately $16 billion since
FY 2008. o The FY 2011 Financial Services appropriation bill was passed in subcommittee,
and contains $24.5 billion in total spending, which is a growth of $314 million over last
year’s funding; o The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and Environment
approved annual funding legislation for the next fiscal year. Unfortunately this spending-
including base bills, emergency supplementals, and the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act- has increased by 82 percent between FY 2007 and FY 2011; o New
bureaucracies were created with the takeover of the student loan and auto industries, as
well as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae; o Since December 2007, while the private sector has
lost millions of jobs, the public sector has added over 200,000. This is unsustainable, since
our economic growth is expected to be very anemic for years. • Secondly, we need to
sharpen our focus on entitlements. To make Social Security and Medicare solvent we need
to make them more efficient. o With respect to Medicare, one great way to increase
efficiency is to look at what the Dartmouth Atlas research has done to encourage payment
reform. Currently, doctors are paid for the quantity of service provided, not the quality of
service provided. Dartmouth’s research shows that changing incentives appropriately- as
the famous Mayo Clinic does- within Medicare could substantially lower costs and provide
better care to seniors. o Regarding Social Security, we need to pass the “Saving for
Seniors Act.” This would stop Congress’ using the Social Security fund as a piggy bank,
which has forced Social Security into the red this year, and has created a $2.5 trillion IOU
for seniors, instead of funding for seniors’ retirements. The Act would take Social Security
off-budget, and prevent Congress from continuing to hide the true cost of our long-term
debt, noted by the Treasury as $45 trillion for Medicare and Social Security obligations
alone. This pilfering by Congress must stop, or our financial future may never be
balanced.
A: Congress should send National Guard troops to the border and finish the fence as soon
as possible. Political risk is no excuse for not holding to the basic responsibilities of the
Constitution to protect the nation, and the basic legal responsibility to enforce existing
laws. We must end sanctuary cities, and both states and cities should act in the best
interests of their citizens. While the federal government does, and should, hold final
authority on illegal immigration, it is local people who are confronted with illegal
immigration on a daily basis. Everyone must do their share- the federal government by
creating and enforcing effective laws, and local authorities through day-to-day
enforcement. Additionally, all levels of authority should follow a well-established precedent
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of authority, instead of fighting among themselves, as the current lack of federal

enforcement of laws encourages.
A: I will continue to lead on the following issues: • Improving the transparency of
Congress; • Cutting wasteful spending wherever and whenever I can; • Increasing the
job-growing ability of Congressional legislation. I have long opposed the fiscal
irresponsibility of Congress. Congress needs to lead in a Constitutional way that increases
personal freedom, not in one that increases Congress’ power. Republicans have a chance
to show they can lead the way on these issues, and I will be at the forefront of this effort.
I will work to decrease polarization by encouraging Democrats who agree with my position
to work across the aisle. Deficit reduction in the 1990s, for example, was successful
because both sides worked for the greater goal of improving America’s fiscal health. We
may not agree on everything in a particular bill, but we should not let the perfect be the
enemy of the good, though we should never compromise principles for pragmatism either.
If a bill is Constitutional, lowers the deficit, decreases the size of government, and is good
for Americans, I will certainly consider it.
A: Since the beginning of President Obama's term, he has pushed a partisan liberal
agenda. At a time when our economy was in recession, he pushed a partisan legislative
agenda. Because of his large majorities in the House, he has ignored input from House
Republicans on ways to spur private sector growth. His legislative agenda has been fiscally
reckless and hostile to job creation.
A: Phil Gramm - Phil is one of the most prolific legislators to represent the state of Texas in
the House or Senate. Sen. Gramm was one of the leading supporters of Presidents
Reagan's tax policies early in Reagan's first term and, as Senator, he served as the budget
watchdog of the Senate passing the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act which implemented
spending cuts and deficit reduction. His legacy as a tenacious fighter for fiscal restraint still
endures in the Texas Republican delegation. Sam Johnson - I admire Sam Johnson
because he has been a leading, highly-respected conservative in the House Republican
Conference for nearly two decades and, before that, for seven years in the Texas House.
Though rightly remembered for the 7 years he spent as a prisoner of war in Vietnam and
being a decorated war hero, he is known in Washington as both a tireless supporter of
service members and veterans and a principled, highly-respected conservative. Sam was a
re-founding member of the Republican Study Committee (the caucus of House
conservatives) of which I am a member. I will never forget his articulate defense of the
troops in Iraq on the House floor when the more politically popular stance would have
been to support a pullout before the mission was completed. Dick Armey - In his 18 years
in Congress, Dick Armey was an unapologetic advocate of fiscal restraint, balanced
budgets, low taxation, and free markets. As one of the principle architects of the Contract
with America, Dick Armey forever altered the course of the nation, helping lead
Republicans into the majority for the first time in 40 years in 1994. As House Majority
Leader for eight years, Dick let the successful fight to balance the budget and reform
welfare.
A: It has been a true honor to represent the people of the 24th Congressional District since
2005. During that time, I have worked hard to establish a reputation as a representative
who listens to his constituents and always votes based on conservative principles and the
wishes of the people of the 24th district. My private sector experience as a small business
owner in Carrollton, combined with my public sector experience as a member of the
Carrollton City Council, Mayor of Carrollton, and member of Congress, allows me to
understand what it is like to make a payroll and what it is like to serve as a representative
of the people on the local, state, and federal level. As an unapologetic fiscal conservative,
I was honored to be recognized recently by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram as the "most
frugal" of all North Texas Representatives for my commitment to fiscal discipline and ability
to keep my congressional offices under budget. I am proud to be recognized by the Club
for Growth as one of only 52 members of Congress to be named a "Defender of Economic
Freedom" for my commitment to free-market solutions and my record of lowering taxes. I
am also pleased to be one of only 59 members of Congress to be recognized as a
"Taxpayer Hero" by Citizens Against Government Waste as a taxpayer advocate and for
my consistent record of cutting wasteful government spending. I have the experience and
ability necessary to be an effective representative of the people of the 24th Congressional
District. And if given the opportunity to serve again, I pledge that I will continue to fight
hard in Washington for the principles of smaller, more accountable government and
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greater transparency in Congress.
David Sparks
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Dr. David Sparks
Street Address: 2308 York Ct.
State: Texas
Date of Birth: March 13, 1953
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972.418.6103
Home Phone Number: 972.418.9204
Mobile Phone Number: 214.493.3016
Fax Number: 972.418.6103
E-mail Address: SparksforCongress@gmail.com
Questions:
A: 1984-Present. I was born in Dallas, and raised in Irving. I graduated from Irving High
School. I have lived in Carrollton since 1994.
A: President and CEO, Footstep Ministries
A: Tax paying citizen.
A: - no response -
A: I have not sought public office before and when elected it is my commitment to serve
no more than six years in the House of Representatives. Congress should seek term limits
on all its members, beginning with those who have served the longest. We need to restore
a congress of the people, and not of professional life-long politicians.
A: Unlike my opponent, my campaign accepts campaign contributions only from citizens
living in my district. My campaign also does not accept campaign contributions from any
institutions that accepted federal bail-out money (unlike my Republican opponent).
A: No one person has contributed more than $100 to our campaign. We are strictly a
grass-roots organization of people within District 24.
A: No
Afghanistan?
A: As one U.S. soldier returning from Afghanistan recently said to me, "Afghanistan is a
hopeless situation...it is a tribal conflict that has been going on for centuries." We should
move to withdraw our troops immediately. No longer should we put our brave young men
and women of our military services in harms way while most of the European Union, the
Arab League and the Pacific Asian Rim countries sit on the sidelines and allow us to
sacrifice our troops and foot the bill. Also widespread corruption in the Afghan government
siphons off US financial aid into private bank accounts at the expense of the US taxpayer.
Finally, we must remember that as long as the economy of Afghanistan is supported by the
heroin trade (Afghanistan is the world's largest producer of opium; if the entire opium crop
were processed, 648 metric tons of pure heroin potentially could be produced), its internal
strive is nothing more than drug warlords fighting over control of their drug cartels. We do
best in fighting the war on terror by maintaining a strong homeland defense, a well-funded
counter-terrorism agency, while adopting stricter entrance checks, visa requirements, and
immigration policies.
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A: We should maintain an advisory capacity both militarily and politically but at the end of
the day Iraq must take responsibility to govern itself. We must be mindful that most of the
on-going violence in Iraq is Muslim on Muslim violence, one branch of Islam fighting
another branch of Islam for power and control. This violence is an internal issue beyond
the purvey of our ability to mediate.
A: We should increase our border protection, sealing our borders with whatever means
possible to provide security for our citizens in the states adjacent to Mexico. When
necessary we should encourage states to deploy their National Guards to provide security
on our side of the border. But at the end of the day, until the Mexican government makes
the war on drugs a top priority, the Mexican drug cartels will continue to prosper and reek
havoc on innocent victims.
A: We should respond by continuing to maintain a strong arsenal of strategic nuclear
weapons, a capable and fully equipped military, and a resolve to use our military weapons
to deter any strikes against the United States. We should not be naive in our diplomacy.
What speaks clearly to such nations as Iran and North Korea is strength and resolve on our
part to protect US sovereignty at all cost. Beyond that, the other nations of the world must
do their part to isolate Iran and North Korea as rogue nations instead of continuing to do
business with them. As we withstood the threats of the former Soviet Union, I am
confident that we can withstand the threats of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Kim Jong Il.
A: I would have voted no to socialized health-care. Having traveled extensively in Europe I
have seen the long lines and the inadequate care provided to those with socialized
health-care. I would have voted to allow health-care insurers to provide services across
state lines, increase individual's rights to save through health saving accounts with no
limits and no taxation, reward states that root out corruption and abuses, and reduce the
tax burden on all Americans in order for them to keep more of their own money to
purchase whatever health-care services they so choose.
A: The nation cannot withstand another stimulus package that bloats our national debt,
placing such an overwhelming burden upon the backs of future generations. The current
stimulus package has produced little, if any, job creation in the private sector, especially
among small businesses. What the economy needs is 1)lower taxation so that the average
worker has more money is his/her pocket, 2) a reduction in government spending and
programs, and 3)lower corporate taxes so that US firms will keep jobs in this country
instead of moving overseas. Nationally, private wages fell six percent in 2009 while
government pay rose 2.6 percent. And USA Today recently reported that federal
employees’ average compensation has grown to more than double what private sector
workers earn. This level of government expansion must be stop, curtailed, and
dismantled. Reports indicate that federal employees get paid 22 percent more per hour on
average than private-sector workers. Throw in the lavish benefits that federal government
workers receive, and federal employees earn approximately 30 to 40 percent more in total
compensation than comparable private-sector workers. Since the start of this recession in
December 2007, private sector employment has fallen by 6.8 percent while federal
government employment has actually increased by 10 percent. Even after factoring in
state and local government job losses, governments, on net, have added 64,000 jobs
during this recession while the private sector has lost 7.8 million jobs. We must be mindful
that all government salaries are paid by taxpayers from the sweat of their brows. We need
less government, lower taxes, and more personal liberty and responsibility.
energy?
A: The federal government can promote alternative sources of energy by lowering
corporate taxation with incentives for investment in research and development of
alternative sources. Yet, while promoting alternative sources of energy we must continue
to drill here in the United States instead of buying our oil from nations that are often
hostile to us. Today, 66% of global oil reserves are in the hands of Middle Eastern regimes:
Saudi Arabia (25%), Iraq (11%), Iran (8%), UAE (9%), Kuwait (9%), and Libya (2%). We
must not continue to rely on foreign oil and thus jeopardize our national security. So while
we should create incentives for the development of alternative sources of energy, we must
allow greater oil production in the US.
emissions?
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A: First, I do not support a carbon cap to control emissions. The federal government can
lower corporate taxes on those corporations that work toward lowering carbon emissions.
We must also be mindful that US corporations are in competition with foreign corporations
whose standards for emissions are limited. When job creation must be our number one
priority, we must not saddle ourselves with policies that keep us from competing in a world
economy that often pays little heed to environment concerns. Every dollar used to reduce
emissions must be rewarded with lower taxes and reduced government spending.
Second, nuclear technology is a proven, safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly
energy source that can generate massive quantities of electricity with almost no
atmospheric emissions and can offset America's growing dependence on foreign energy
sources. According to reliable sources, the United States has not built a new commercial
nuclear reactor in over 30 years, but the 104 plants operating today prevented the release
of 681.9 million metric tons of CO2 in 2005, which is comparable to taking 96 percent of
cars off the roads. If CO2 is the problem, emissions-free nuclear power must be part of the
solution. We must aggressively pursue nuclear energy in our hopes of controlling
emissions.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: We need to rethink our nation's health care policy in light of the total federal
government budget. We collect enough federal taxes today to support the Medicare trust
fund far into the future. But what we must do is re-prioritize government expenditures,
maintaining Medicare while cutting other government programs and entitlements. We
must allow all citizens to open tax free and tax deductible Medical Savings Plans in
conjunction with catastrophic health coverage. We must also allow all health care related
expenses be tax free. We must allow seniors to opt out of Medicare completely, without
losing Social Security benefits. We must establish, in all parts of Medicare, premiums
proportionate to lifetime earnings; give Medicare enrollees a means-tested, risk-adjusted
voucher with which they may purchase the health plan of their choice; limit the growth of
Medicare vouchers to the level of inflation; and allow workers to save their Medicare taxes
in a personal inheritable account dedicated to retirement health expenses.
Please be specific.
A: Someone has said that "crazy is finding out what does not work and then doing it over
and over again expecting different results." During times such as these we need strong
leadership that is no longer part of the same system, doing things the same way,
expecting different results. Under both the Republican and Democratic administrations, the
size of government has grown with greater demands upon the backs of the middle class
taxpayers. It is time for new leadership. It is time for a sweeping change. As a
Libertarian, I offer a new approach to the tired and failed policies of both Republicans and
Democrats. Libertarians want to restore the federal government to its constitution
mandates and eliminate from it those programs that have far exceeded its role. We do not
need a "nanny" government to watch over us from cradle to grave. We need to implement
policies that incrementally eliminate the IRS, reduce the federal payroll, reign in spending,
restore the rights of state and local governments, and recognize that the true vitality of
America is in the enterprising and hard-working spirit of her citizens.
A: My wife immigrated to this country and did so through the proper channels. She stood
in line and waited her turn. She respected the policies of our land and for the past 30 years
has participate fully in the American dream. First and foremost, our current immigration
laws should be fully enforced. We are a nation of laws and anyone seeking citizenship in
the US should respect this. Second, we should establish an immigration worker permit for
those who are illegal aliens so that they can register, pay taxes, and enter into the fabric of
American life. States have the right to enact and enforce immigration laws, especially
when the federal government abrogates is responsibility to do so. As a Libertarian, we
believe that the best government is the most local government and so we place a high
value on cities and states. We want to see a reduction of the far-reaching arm of the
federal government.
A: Unfortunately my election will create more polarization within Congress because I will
work to reduce the size and scope of the federal government, something that very few
congresspersons are willing to do. Both parties have been on a spending spree--expanding
government, increasing debt, and raising taxes. I will vote against any expansion of the
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federal government, and against any increase in taxation and fees. Symbolically, I will ask
all members of congress to take a twenty percent salary cut during these trying economic
times.
A: Typical mainstream politician who feels that excess spending, higher taxes, and
government bailouts are the way to go. Internationally, he is weak on advocating for the
best interest of the United States and denouncing extreme Islamic terrorism.
A: Patrick Henry: "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of
chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but
as for me, Give me Liberty, or give me Death! Davy Crockett: "I must say as to what I
have seen of Texas it is the garden spot of the world. The best land and the best prospects
for health I ever saw, and I do believe it is a fortune to any man to come here." Ronald
Reagan. In his farewell address: "I hope we once again have reminded people that man is
not free unless government is limited. There's a clear cause and effect here that is as neat
and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts."
A: My opponent is part of the systemic problem in Washington. Both parties have
expanded the federal government, increased government spending, paid off political allies
with government contracts and special projects, received campaign contributions for
industries bailed out by the government (even while serving on the committees that
supposedly were to provide government oversight). Washington needs a new voice, a
voice for liberty, a Libertarian voice! My opponent is also for our continued presence in
Afghanistan even in the midst of mounting US fatalities, political corruption in the Afghan
government, the misappropriation of our financial aid for personal gain by Afghan
politicians, and the financial burden upon the US taxpayer while the rest of the world lets
us pick up the tab. I will work to lower taxes, lessen the size of government, and work
toward more personal liberty.

Description:
Mark Boler
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Mark Boler
Street Address: 420 Aquamarine Dr
City/Town: Oak Point
State: Texas
E-mail Address: mark@markboler.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.bolerforcongress.com
Questions:
A: We moved to the district in 2008 from Dallas county. I have lived in Texas for 35 years.
Previous cities I've lived include Houston and Corpus Christi.
A: I currently design and implement computer systems that analyze data from, and trade
securities, futures, and foreign currencies. I’ve been working with computers for 33 years.
A: My wife and I contribute to various charities with cash and other contributions.
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A: - no response -
A: I have not held any previous offices.
A: So far I have raised less than 1000 dollars. My campaign is currently accepting
donations.
A: At this point I have been the only contributor to my campaign. But anyone who likes my
message is welcome to contribute.
A: I have not.
Afghanistan?
A: The United States was justified in intervening in Afghanistan because of the horrible,
multiple acts of terrorism that occurred on September 11, 2001. We should still continue to
hunt for and kill Osama bin Laden and the other Al Qaeda terrorists responsible for it. But
we have taken our focus away from Afghanistan and that allowed those that were
responsible to slip away. Instead of focusing on the goal of finding and killing those who are
responsible, we have engaged in nation-building; bringing “Democracy” to the region at
the barrel of a gun. This does nothing except inflame those people and make them hate
us. They don’t hate us because we are “free.” They hate us because we are there,
occupying their land, and controlling their resources. Our very own CIA categorizes this as
“blowback.” We should continue to try to bring the Al Qadea network to justice, but we
need to bring our troops back home from Afghanistan as soon as it is safe to do so. We
need those troops to protect and defend our many borders here at home.
A: The question itself is misleading. If we have withdrawn from Iraq, we could no longer
employ strategies there since we would no longer be there. I assume the question relates
to this latest, “fake” withdrawal of troops, where we left over 50 thousand troops behind;
but it implies that we should even be there in the first place. We should not. We took our
eyes off of Afghanistan to attack a country that had no involvement in 9/11, and had no
weapons of mass destruction. We should leave Iraq as soon as it is safe for our troops to
come home. We need them here in the United States and we have no business bringing
“Democracy” to that country at the barrel of a gun. It serves no purpose except to inflame
those people and make them hate us for occupying their land.
A: Drug prohibition does more to make Americans unsafe than any other factor. It also
increases the cost of illicit drugs which is exactly what gives organized criminals the money
they need to continue their activities. Alcohol prohibition gave us Al Capone and the mafia,
and drug prohibition has given us the Mexican drug cartels. America's murder rate
increased by 70% during alcohol prohibition, but returned to its previous levels after it
ended. Since the “War on Drugs” began, America's murder rates have doubled. Prohibition
is putting innocent lives at risk. One half of all police resources are devoted to stopping
drug trafficking, instead of preventing violent crime. I would put police resources back to
crime prevention. I support the efforts of organizations such as Law Enforcement Against
Prohibition; LEAP.
A: A strong defense is necessary to protect the country. A strong defense, including a
nuclear deterrent allowed us to defeat the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Neither Iran,
nor North Korea currently present more of a threat than the Soviet Union did. North Korea
and Iran would be decimated by a war with us. They have nothing to gain. We should let
all countries know that we will defend ourselves and our allies with every military asset we
posses should they commit any act of aggression. But we should not initiate force against
them. According to the CIA and the IAEA, Iran does not have nuclear weapons and are not
currently working on a nuclear weapons program. We already occupy the countries to the
west and east of Iran. Do we really need to occupy the one in between?
A: Had I served in the Congress this year, I would not have voted for Obamacare in any
form. The free market provided a much better solution before the intervention of
government into the health care business starting in the early 1970s. Private charitable
hospitals provided many services to those in need before the government began crowding
them out of this area. Competition kept prices low. If I am elected, I will do everything I
can to repeal the health care bill. I would keep the ability of people to establish medical
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saving accounts and make all healthcare expenditures 100 percent tax deductible, and
remove barriers to safe, affordable medicines. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
would be replaced with more agile, free-market alternatives. The FDA has driven up
healthcare costs, lined the pockets of big pharmaceutical giants, and deprived millions of
Americans of much-needed treatments. It kills many more people than it protects.
A: The economy does not and did not need a stimulus package in the past. These
programs not only do not do any good, but they actually make the economy worse by not
allowing the free market to work. The companies that the country propped up during this
'stimulus era' could have went through and emerged from bankruptcy without using the
precious resources of the country and driving up the deficit. The judicial branch of
government was usurped by the executive and legislative branches in this case. The big
winners in the bailouts were the big banks and politically connected institutions. They
collected the stimulus money and sat on it. The big losers in the bailouts were the
American taxpayers and their children. It is us that will have to pay for those bailouts for
decades to come.
energy?
A: The government should stand out of the way and let the free market provide the
solution. In the past when the government gets involved in these matters, it winds up
having the opposite effect than it intended. These unintended consequences hurt more
than help. It is what is keeping us dependent on foreign oil right now. This host of
regulations are what is preventing the development of cleaner energy sources. For
government to step in and distort the free market will delay the day that we will actually
have better sources of energy. There is a reason no new nuclear power generation plants
have been brought online in the United States since 1996. That reason is excessive
government regulations. Four nuclear power plants have even been abandoned. We are far
behind other countries in clean energy production and more laws will only hurt us.
emissions?
A: I do not support arbitrary caps to limit pollution. Far too many companies will simply
comply with this law, and buy extra credits when it suits them. This is nothing more than
an extra tax that will be passed on to consumers while real pollution levels are not
controlled. The federal, state and local governments are the biggest polluters in the
country. The federal government doesn't clean up after itself. In 1988, the EPA demanded
that the Departments of Energy and Defense clean up 17 of their weapons plants which
were leaking radioactive and toxic chemicals. The EPA was simply ignored. Government
departments have sovereign immunity. I would first abolish this sovereign immunity. Make
the government responsible for cleaning up after itself. Pollution is destruction of property.
We should handle this the same way we handle anyone that destroys another person’s
property. They should be liable for any damages. This will make polluters think twice about
polluting. For instance, BP knew they had a liability cap in case they caused a spill. This
kind of thing makes the risk planners in a company take more risk than they should. We
need to remove any liability caps on pollution and hold companies economically liable for
damages to people and property. If anyone is cause pollution and intentionally never
intended to clean it up, it is a criminal offense.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: I would work towards a free market based medical system. Just as a purely
competitive market has created computers and electronic devices that have increased in
quality, and decreased in price over the years, getting the government out of the medical
business and fostering true competition will cause medical prices to come down. For
instance, one area of the medical profession that is not regulated is the price of corrective
eye surgery. The cost of Lasik surgery has come down greatly over the past years and the
quality has gone up. This lowering of cost will not only save Medicare, but will save medical
costs over all of our society. We should end the overregulation that forces insurance
companies to cover minor medical needs. What do you think would happen if we all bought
food insurance and the government stepped in and said that anyone going to the grocery
store could buy anything they want for one low co-pay amount? Do you think anyone
would choose milk, bread and eggs? Or would they go for the caviar, steak and lobster?
And if so, what would the insurance company have to do to avoid bankruptcy? Raise the
rates substantially.
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Please be specific.
A: We simply must drastically reduce spending. There is no other way. We will either do it
now, or it will be forced on us when we can no longer afford the debt, or have to monetize
it. For instance, the federal government should abolish the alphabet soup of unneeded
departments. If there is no constitutional basis for a department, close it and let the states
take over. We do not need the Departments of Education, Agriculture, Energy, and the
other ones that do nothing except consume resources and tell the states what to do. We
should end all corporate welfare as well as end agriculture subsidies. We should stop
paying for the defense of rich countries such as Germany and Japan. We should stop
spending on the Afghanistan and Iraq wars and not venture into any more nation building
exercises. We should lower taxes which will increase revenues, end the Fed and stop
bailing out failing corporations. We should transition Social Security and other entitlement
programs to a private system where people have control over their own money. When the
government dips into these funds, it takes the money out of the system and it is no longer
available to grow.
A: The United States should secure the border as best it can from invaders and those that
want to harm us. But if we would stop giving away the world, then those that do want to
come here will only be the ones that want to work, and contribute to society. This is the
only true way to combat the drain on the economy that some perceive is the problem. But
evidence has shown, that the majority of those that come here, do so in order to work. If
they work, they will pay into social security and pay taxes. If they can no longer receive
free benefits, those that are here only to receive those benefits will self-deport. However,
for those people that do trespass against the country, if states want to pass laws regarding
this, the federal government should not stop them. I am a big advocate of states’ rights. I
also believe states should have the right to send their state guard to their borders. There is
a tremendous amount of property rights violations going on every day near our borders.
This needs to be stopped. Most of this is a direct result of the failed drug war, and is
another reason that we need to end drug prohibition in order to de-fund the trespassers.
A: Above all, I would adhere to the most important item that all of our leaders promise to
uphold on the first day they take office; The Constitution. As elected leaders, far too many
forget that their most important vow is to that Constitution and I would not let myself or
anyone else forget that. Instead of trying to solve every problem with more government,
I will try to persuade the use of less government and encourage more free market
solutions.
A: President Obama ran on a platform of open, honest transparent change. He promised to
end no-bid contracts, close Guantanamo, end the Iraq war, allow imported prescription
drugs and end federal marijuana raids. He railed against the Patriot Act, and said he would
post bills on the Internet for 5 days of public scrutiny before he signed them. He said he
would reduce earmarks to 1994 levels, allow penalty free hardship withdrawals from
retirement accounts, and most of all, he promised that no family making less than
$250,000 dollars a year would see a tax increase. He has either broken every single one
of those promises, or is on track to do so. If nothing is done before January 1, 2011, we
will all see the single largest tax increase the country has ever seen, and this would come
during the greatest recession since the Great Depression. All of this and he has also signed
into law what I believe to be the most unconstitutional health care bill this country has
ever seen, which will do nothing to improve the actual quality of health care, but rather, it
will make it worse and increase the deficit. I give him an F minus. I’ll give him less if he
continues down his current path.
A: I admire Ron Paul because he is the most steadfast adherent to the Constitution in
recent history. He believes in the strength of the American way, and has faith that we can
become stronger and more prosperous without the need to build empires abroad. I
admire Thomas Jefferson. And finally, even though he was not technically a legislator, but
was an ambassador, he had incalculable input into the formation of the United States;
Benjamin Franklin. These two patriots, among others, are largely responsible for the
libertarian philosophies that founded the United States.
A: My Democratic opponent believes that the solution to every problem in society requires
more government to solve it. He believes that the free market needs to be restrained and
that more taxes are what is needed to fund the ever growing cry for more social programs
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and redistribution of wealth. He believes that government bureaucrats somewhere know

what is best for you and how to govern your life and your business. My Republican
opponent believes that the solution to problems requires more expensive intervention in
foreign countries, more intrusion into civil liberties, and more federal control over the
states. He voted to re-authorize the Patriot Act, He has voted YES to pay for missiles in
Europe, increasing the deficit to pay for the defense of wealthy European countries. He has
supported the Real ID act, an act that forces states to pay for the collection of information
to hand over to the federal government or face loss of federal revenues. He voted YES to
criminalize Internet gambling. He voted NO to an amendment that would ban the
Department of Justice from arresting, prosecuting, or suing individuals involved with the
distribution or use of medical marijuana in states that have laws authorizing such use. He
voted to allow federal funds to be used to prevent the states from implementing and
regulating their own marijuana laws. Regulating behavior between grown consenting
adults where there is no victim only serves to increase the power of the federal nanny
state and violates the Constitution. Americans for Fair Taxation gave my opponent a grade
of 0 with respect to how he stands on the FairTax, and in 2007-2008 Republicans for
Environmental Protection gave Representative Burgess a rating of 0 percent. I stand for
lower taxes, more freedom, free trade, no entangling alliances, the respect of individual
rights and an absolute adherence to the Constitution. I believe that the role of the federal
government is restricted by the Constitution and that any roles not given to it by that
Constitution are reserved by the states or the people. I will work to give that power back
to the states and the people of those states.
Michael C. Burgess
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Afghanistan?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
energy?
A: - no response -
emissions?
A: - no response -
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bankrupt in 2017?
A: - no response -
Please be specific.
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Neil L. Durrance
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Neil L. Durrance
Street Address: 1108 North Locust
City/Town: Denton
State: Texas
Date of Birth: 9-15-56
Fax Number: 940-381-2036
E-mail Address: info@durranceforcongress.com
Campaign Web Site Address: durranceforcongress.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/ecGAvPRg_AQ&hl=en
Questions:
A: 38 years
A: Attorney at Law
A: Denton City Council 1997-2000;Chairman, Denton County Democratic Party 2007-2009
A: Scoutmaster; Member First United Methodist Church - Denton, Tax Advisory Board
Denton
A: Denton City Council - Precinct 2
A: This is public record available for all who desire to review. Go to the Federal Elections
website for the latest reports.
A: Individuals, not PACs funded by corporations. Under FEC regulations, contributors to
congressional campaigns are capped at a maximum amount they can contribute per cycle.
A: No
Afghanistan?
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A: I would have corrected the flawed strategy of the Bush Administration and treated the
Taliban and Al Queda as common criminals. I would have made a massive air strike and
allowed the Afgan Government to handle matters from that point forward with the firm
understanding we would return if we had reliable and accurate intelligence of any further
efforts to harm our nation or out national interests.
A: One of a cooperative partner. When requested by the legitimate government of Iraq for
their assistance we should have a measured response as to what is in the best interest of
our country and that of our allies.
A: Stop the flow of illegal arms from this country to Mexico which is arming the rival gangs
and perpetuating the violence. We should address the demand for drugs in this country
with a more broad based approach in our criminal justice system.
A: Constructive engagement. We should further act to correct the failed policies of the
Bush Administration of name calling and confrontation. In addition, we should engage
those areas of the societies in both countries who desire reform and work toward peace.
A: The health care bill which passed Congress is only the first step in addressing the issue
of how to deliver health care to the American people. I would have voted for the bill with
the understanding that the issues of cost containment, quality of care and a public option
would be studied, reported and acted on within two years to determine the viability of the
proposed changes. Many of the provisions will not go into effect for several years. This
remains a problem which must be addressed.
A: This is a premature question. We are only now beginning to be able to determine to
what effect the stimulus package of last year has had on the economy. We should know
more by the last quarter of this year.
energy?
A: The federal government should create an environment in which private indrustry is
incentivized to develop green energy technologies to help ween our nation off of forgeing
oil.
emissions?
A: The present legislation pending before Congress is not the best solution available.
congress should instead do more to foster innovative solutions to carbon emmissions and
develop a comprehensive energy policy for our nation setting realistic timelines,
emmissions limitations, and address more environmental concerns than just those related
to global warming.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: Implement the provisions of the health care bill just passed by Congress and address
the issues of cost containment which were not previously dealt with in the current
legislation.
Please be specific.
A: Yes, yes and yes. We should repeal the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% of the
country and those making over $250,000.00 a year. We should cut corporate welfare and
financial incentives which have been in the tax codes, some for thirty or more years, which
violate common sense and damage our economy. We should reduce spending in the
privitization of government duties. Many of the private contracts with the Government
have actually cost the taxpayers more than had they been left in the hands of the
government agencies.
A: It is time for comprehensive immigration reform which secures our borders and
provides a pathway to citizenship for those who will conform their actions to the law.
A: The level of discourse in Congress must be elevated. Shouting “baby killer” and “you
lie,” such as have occurred in the recent session of Congress make for bad theater and
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worse public policy. Congressional debate and discourse should be evidence-based and not
based upon slogans or simply what works best to create a sensational sound bite. More
willingness for bipartisan cooperation is required from all members of Congress.
A: I believe the president’s performance has been somewhat disappointing. I believe that
the Democrats, Republicans, and Independents who combined to elect our President
expected an uncompromising brand of leadership from our President and the Democratic
Congress which it has not received. The clear mandate that elected the President had
specific expectations on healthcare reform and other issues, and they were disappointed
by the lack of gains in those areas.
A: Sam Rayburn, because he knew government in this country was about the middle class.
Lyndon Baines Johnson, because he knew that government had a moral duty to help all
people and not just the rich and powerful. Thomas Jefferson, because he knew that
freedom, education and tolerance were the hallmarks that would build this country and
make this a great nation.
A: After nearly thirty years of practicing law, I believe I understand what representation
means. The citizens of Texas District 26 have not been represented. "NO" is not an answer
to the problems we face in this nation and it is certainly not a policy. We need leadership in
this country who will do more than oppose and vilify. It is time to re-build the middle class
have somebody in the room who will advocate for their interest and not special interest. It
is time for new leadership in Washington and not the same old worn out, failed policies of
an entrenched politican whose opinons change with the winds of political fortune and are
not anchored in the values of our citizens or the principles of our country. It is time to
return Government to the People.

Description:
Stephen E. Broden
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Stephen E. Broden
Street Address: 1118 The Meadows Pkwy
City/Town: DeSoto
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-350-1040
E-mail Address: Stephen@BrodenForCongress.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.brodenforcongress.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/M2rd5x6El4E&hl=en_US&fs=1&
Questions:
A: 32 years
A: Pastor of Fair Park Bible Fellowship and President of Fair Park Friendship Center which is
the main source of income.
A: Planted Fair Park Bible Fellowship. Founded Fair Park Friendship Center. Founding
charter member and head administrator of Fair Park Friendship boy scout troop #923.
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Spokesman for Black Pro-Life Movement.

A: Served the community through the Fair Park Friendship Center for many years.
Volunteer youth worker and deacon at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Helped hundreds of youth
and families with after school programs, tutoring, food bank, clothing, etc for the benefit of
the Fair Park Community.
A: Republican precinct chairman in Desoto. Texas, in 1999-2002.
A: $300,000
A: Ann L. Quest, Vicki Middleton, Terry Lynch
A: YES, proudly. I was arrested during a peaceful prayer rally in front of the White House
in early 2009.
Afghanistan?
A: The change I would recommend is that the administration provide all that is required
for victory -- that which is requested by the generals on the ground as needed to succeed
in our mission in Afghanistan.
A: We should continue as advisors and encourage and support the Iraqi people with their
new democracy.
A: We need to work with the Mexican government to eradicate the drug cartels.
A: We need to pursue diplomatic channels with other world powers and be prepared to
deal strongly with any nuclear threat.
A: Vote would have been No. The Constitution does not empower the federal government
to run health care. That is overstepping their bounds. And with federal government
bureaucrats making decisions as defined in the new legislation, it should be called death
care not healthcare. It will result in medical decisions which value life based on economic
viability; it will cause rationing throughout the medical system and particularly for
Medicare and the elderly; and it will include end of life counseling instead of leaving
medical decisions to the doctors, the patients and their families. In addition, the new
legislation will result in increased costs and decreased quality of care. This Obamacare
legislation should be repealed, and replaced with new legislation to deal with the
deficiencies of our healthcare system without destroying healthcare quality and choice.
A: No. Tax cuts should be implemented across the board with an emphasis on small
business incentives to stimulate job growth, business investment, and business creation.
energy?
A: The government should insure that private enterprise has the opportunity to develop
alternative sources of energy for the benefit of the country, and should encourage efforts
to develop new technology.
emissions?
A: NO. I don’t support a cap on carbon because it is not practical. I don’t support cap and
trade, because it is based on unproved projections of climate models and it will do
enormous economic damage to our country, causing job losses in many segments of the
economy. We have laws in place now – including the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act
– to control the emissions that matter.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: Make better use of the free market and free market services. Use improved processes,
more automation, and more efficient delivery systems to increase efficiencies throughout
the medical industry which will result in lower costs for delivering all medical care. (We
have had the best medical care in the world, but we need to lower the delivery costs.)
Leave Medicare as it is for current Medicare beneficiaries, but begin to make changes in
the system such that benefits for future beneficiaries are adjusted for income and other
factors.
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Please be specific.
A: Cut taxes across the board to generate revenue. This was the result under both
President Kennedy and President Reagan. Stop deficit spending and implement policies to
protect the value of the dollar.
A: Congress should enforce the law beginning now, develop an efficient and effective work
permit process, and streamline the immigration policies. Cities and states should be
supportive of national efforts to control the border and should assist in enforcement to
whatever extent is permissible under federal law.
A: We need statesmanship and decisions governed by what the constitution says, not by
partisan politics.
A: It is disappointing that there has not been more progress in improving the economy and
in creating new jobs to support the families in the 30th district and across the nation.
A: (1) John Quincy Adams, for his intellect and his life long fight against slavery. He was
the hell hound of slavery and he loved the Lord. He said “Duty is ours, Results are God’s”.
He also said “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this; it connected in one
indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.” (2)
William Wilberforce, because he devoted his life to abolishing the slave trade and created
an organization for the prevention of cruelty to animals -- and he did it from a moral base.
(3) Chris Smith, Trent Franks, and Mike Pence, for their pro-life efforts.
A: General election voters should choose me over Eddie Bernice because she is the most
liberal tax and spend congressperson from Texas and has voted consistently for Big
Government, Job Killing Taxes, and Abortion. Instead, I will help improve jobs in the 30th
district, I will work to strengthen families, and I will help improve education opportunities
for our young people.
Eddie Bernice Johnson
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Eddie Bernice Johnson
Street Address: 3102 Maple Avenue, Suite 600
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas 75201
Fax Number: 214-9227028
E-mail Address: ebj@ebj2010.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.ebj2010.com/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/a5ODLSco21U&hl=en
Questions:
A: 53 years
A: Member of Congress
A: With nearly two decades of service in the United States Congress, I have been able to
attain leadership positions within the U.S. House of Representatives, as Senior Whip and as
a Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. Previously, I
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have served as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Science and Technology's
Subcommittee on Education and Reserch. One of the roles most gratifying is position as
Chair of the Science & Technology Braintrust for the last 18 years during the Congressional
Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference. These opportunities have
allowed me to take a lead position on a wide variety of issues and legislation that I am
passionate about. I am most proud of the leadership that I have been able to take on
issues impacting my district. I have been privileged to be able to change Dallas for the
better, and other than my family, there is nothing of which I am more proud. I believe that
my leadership on the Transportation Committee will make a lasting impact on Dallas.
Through my subcommittee work, and as the highest ranking Texan on the Transportation
Committee, I am able to play a key role in drafting the federal highway bill and the Water
Resources Development Act and of its authorization. Finally, I am able to demonstrate to
my colleagues the importance of improving the infrastructure in the Dallas Metroplex. In
addition to presenting Dallas’s transportation needs to other Representatives, I led a
bi-partisan delegation to Dallas to view these issues first-hand and secured $800 million in
federal funding for Dallas projects. I believe that my leadership on the Trinity River
Corridor Project will have perhaps the lasting impact. Not only will the neighborhoods
adjacent to the project go through revitalization, but Dallas will benefit from significantly
increased flood protection. I also secured crucial funding for the continuing development of
the inland port in south Dallas and close to $1 billion in federal funds for DART, DFW and
Love Field. I am proud of my role in these projects, and hope to continue to work for a
better Dallas in the years to come. I am also a member of the following organizations:
American Nurses Association Charter 100 of Dallas Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. Girlfriends, Inc. Links, Inc. Jack and Jill of America, Inc. NAACP
United Way Women’s Council of Dallas YMCA
A: In 2001, I chaired the Congressional Black Caucus, and I am a past President of the
National Council of Negro Women as well as past National Vice President for Jack and Jill of
America, Incorporated.
A: Member of the Texas State Senate, 1986-1992 Administrator, United States Department
of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1979-1981; Regional Director of the Department of
Health, Education, and Welfare, 1977-1979; Member of the Texas State House of
Representatives, 1972-1977
A: As of June, 2010, $450,405.88.
A: Private individuals, labor organizations, and PACs
A: On March 16, 2006, I was arrested when I, along with 7 other Members of Congress,
held a rally on the steps of the Sudanese embassy, blocking the entrance to it. We paid
fines of $50 and were released a short time later. We held the rally with the intention of
getting arrested, to bring attention to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in
Darfur.
Afghanistan?
A: I have serious concerns regarding our current strategy in Afghanistan – specifically, that
it falls short of bringing stability to the region or security to America. These concerns have
led me to vote in favor of the H.Con.Res. 248, which directs the President, pursuant to
section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from
Afghanistan. Further, it directs the President to oppose both the war funding supplemental
bill and increased funding for the 30,000 troop surge. As long as we continue to pursue
military solutions to this conflict while paying little to no heed to economic, political and
social solutions, security will remain elusive. I believe we have to build the Afghan state’s
capacity to provide systems of justice to the Afghani people, to end corruption, and to
stand behind those socio-economic policies capable of educating and employing vulnerable
populations, such as Afghani women.
A: The conflict in Iraq is in its eight year. More than 5,000 Americans have been killed and
30,000 wounded in a conflict which has already cost the nation’s taxpayers more than half
a trillion dollars. The American people favor and our national security demands a different,
better way. We salute the hard work and courage of our troops during more than nine
years of dangerous and difficult service. We must urgently seek political accommodation
among Iraqis, and we permit the Iraqi civilian leaders to do their part to ensure stability
within their government. We must restore the highest state of readiness to our Army and
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Marine Corps and dedicate sufficient resources to secure Afghanistan and Pakistan. Finally,
we need to tackle broader challenges of regional stability by addressing two important
security challenges – Iran and the ongoing turmoil that confronts Israel and moderate Arab
regimes, particularly Lebanon and the Palestinian Authority.
A: The killings in Mexico are an unfortunate reminder of how the increased violence of the
Mexican drug cartels continues to affect innocent Mexicans and Americans who are
unrelated to the drug trade. With the Mérida Initiative expiring this year, we are at a
critical point in our relationship with Mexico. The cartels must know that we will not be
intimidated by targeted violence against American consulate employees and their families.
In addition to protecting our border, we must also fight to combat the violence in Mexico.
As we develop a comprehensive strategy to continue this historic agreement, we should
focus our efforts on three key elements: fighting the massive money laundering of funds
out of the US, improving the forensic technology available to Mexican law enforcement
entities, and helping Mexico rebuild its judicial institutions. I look forward to working with
the Administration and my colleagues in Congress to develop an effective strategy to
support the Mexican government and reduce the violence in Mexico.
A: As the Administration and Congress move forward to pursue engagement, harsher
sanctions, or both, regional actors are evaluating their priorities with respect to Iran.
Iran's neighbors share many U.S. concerns, but often weigh them differently when
determining their own relationship with or policy toward Iran. I believe that because Iran
and other regional concerns—the Arab-Israeli peace process, stability in Lebanon and Iraq,
terrorism, and the ongoing war in Afghanistan—have become increasingly intertwined,
understanding the policies and perspectives of Iran's neighbors could be crucial during the
consideration of options to address overall U.S. policy toward Iran. North Korea has been
among the most vexing and persistent problems in U.S. foreign policy in the post-cold war
period. The United States has never had formal diplomatic relations with the Democratic
People's Republic of Korea (the official name for North Korea). Negotiations over North
Korea's nuclear weapons program have consumed the past three U.S. administrations,
even as some analysts anticipated a collapse of the isolated authoritarian regime. North
Korea has been the recipient of billions of dollars of U.S. aid and the target of dozens of
U.S. sanctions. While the denuclearization talks drag on, I am concerned that proliferation
has intensified. Because of North Korea's dire economic situation, there is a strong fear
that it will sell its nuclear technology to another rogue regime or a non-state actor.
Evidence of some cooperation with Syria, Iran, and potentially Burma has alarmed
national security experts. Reports surface periodically that established commercial
relationships in conventional arms sales between Pyongyang and several Middle Eastern
countries may have expanded into the nuclear realm as well. I will work with the Obama
Administration as we face the question of whether we should pursue limited measures to
prevent proliferation in the absence of a "grand bargain" approach to disarm North Korea.
A: I wholeheartedly believe that all Americans should have access to quality, affordable
health care coverage. More than 47 million people in our country lack health insurance and
that number has been growing. As the wealthiest nation in the world, this should not be
the case. America spends more per capita on health care than any other nation in the
world, yet our key health indicators rank among the lowest in the world. Additionally,
more than 30% of our total spending is due to high administrative costs, profit and
overhead. As the first nurse to be elected to Congress, I worked very hard on the passage
of health care reform. Many of the reforms will begin right away: people who have been
priced out of the system due to pre-existing conditions will soon have access to a new pool
of coverage, young adults can stay on their parents’ health insurance up to age 26,
children cannot be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions, and insurers are
required to end their abusive use of rescissions (retroactively denying coverage after a
person becomes gravely ill). Over the next three years, the various pieces of health care
reform will be put in place so that by 2014 all Americans will be provided a marketplace –
and the financial help they need – to obtain quality, affordable coverage. I am proud to
help enact this historic new law. However, while we’ve cleared the biggest hurdle, we
haven’t finished the race. To prove successful, health care reform will continue to require
strong support from the President, Congress, and the American public. I am anxious to
continue my work with the Administration to implement health care reform effectively,
with several specific legislative efforts. For example, I have intervened to protect local
hospitals and retain access to health care services for Dallas residents. I have asked
Speaker Pelosi to carefully consider any potential laws that could harm hospitals – whether
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they are public hospitals or physician-owned facilities. I have also introduced legislation
that highlights disproportionate-share hospitals, which treat a larger percentage of
uninsured and low-income citizens. Furthermore, I expressed concern that safety net
hospitals will not receive funding to fully cover uncompensated costs and are at risk for
DSH reduction, without regard to the number of services they provide. I asked that DSH
cuts reflect the House provisions over Senate provisions (cutting $10 billion from Medicaid
versus $45 billion from Medicaid and Medicare), but would ideally push to stave off any
cuts in the DSH program until 2020. This would allow programs within the health care
reform bill to become fully functional. I also addressed the unequal treatment of
physician-owned hospitals. With the increase in those covered by health insurance,
hospitals will take on an additional burden of care. Physician-owned hospitals provide
quality patient care and are vital to our nation’s health care delivery system. Language in
the Senate health care reform bill severely restricts the ability of these hospitals to provide
care, by limiting the growth of physician-owned hospitals and preventing additional
hospitals from opening after Aug. 1, 2010. This deadline will affect over 70 hospitals across
the country from creating jobs, and will deny hospitals the ability to increase capacity and
add operating rooms. In Texas alone 32 hospitals face these restrictions, which would
result in thousands of lost employment opportunities. I beleive the deadline should be
moved to accommodate the hospitals already under construction.
A: The third stimulus package should be based on repairing and maintaining our nation’s
aging infrastructure. Many of our roads, bridges, wastewater facilities and other
infrastructure that Americans rely on every day are in desperate need up upgrades and
repairs. The stimulus bill, enacted in February 2009, created or sustained 350,000 direct,
on-project jobs in its first year, when indirect jobs are included, that figure rises to 1.2
million jobs. Enacting a third stimulus package that invests in our infrastructure will
continue to sustain or create new jobs while enhancing the safety, security, and efficiency
of our highway, transit, rail, aviation, environmental, flood control, and maritime
transportation infrastructure.
energy?
A: The federal government should look incentivize proven forms of alternative energy such
as Wind and Solar. The best way to lower energy costs is to make homes, buildings,
vehicles, and infrastructure more energy efficient. In the process, we create jobs. We need
to safeguard the environment for future generations. By investing in alternative sources of
energy, we will also provide employment for today's workers. The Greater Dallas area
has an amazing opportunity to create the clean energy jobs sector responsible for spurring
energy independence. Changing our attitude towards energy consumption and production
will have a positive impact on our environment. The Thirtieth Congressional District of
Texas has the resources and potential to be the green sector leader. The most reliable
predictions indicate that by 2050, the world's population will have nearly doubled from its
present level. It will rise from around 6 billion to about 10 billion people. Most of this
growth, and much of the increase in energy consumption, will occur in developing
countries. Future increases in energy demand will exert even greater pressure on our finite
reserves. If we are largely dependent on one fuel source, we risk price rises and supply
disruptions. It is imperative for us to use our energy more efficiently and develop an
energy supply that is both sustainable and diverse in order to improve our quality of life
and protect our environment.
emissions?
A: I supported the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act which passed the
House of Representatives on June 26, 2009 because the time is now to act. We can no
longer afford to support the same policy President Bush and Republican Congresses relied
on a 20th Century energy policy that failed to reduce America’s energy independence or
address rising gas and energy prices. I am confident that this legislation has the
mechanisms necessary to safeguard business and industry while spurring a new generation
of clean energy jobs in the Thirtieth Congressional District of Texas. Our district has the
talent and the industry to benefit substantially from this legislation. This will strengthen
Texas’ long-term competitiveness ensuring clean energy jobs stay here in the U.S. The
ACES Act explicitly includes measures to protect consumers from any higher costs.
Initially, 80% of allowances (or value of the pollution permits) will go directly back to help
reduce consumer impacts. This legislation also awards allowances to protect energy
intensive industries like iron, steel, paper and cement, countering any increase in
production costs in order to maintain global competitiveness. This legislation presents a
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unique opportunity to create middle class careers in the green economy. It allows the
Secretaries of Labor and Energy to target employment and training opportunities in green
construction to workers and communities who traditionally have been left out. These
underrepresented populations include low income individuals, returning veterans,
homeless persons, and displaced homemakers. The ACES Act allocates about $800 million
to fund pre-apprenticeship and other community based organizations that actively recruit
and train new and underrepresented workers in the construction trades, specifically out of
school youth through the Green Jobs Act. As a country, we can no longer depend on the
cheap consumption of gas and other finite resources. It is in the interest of our national
security to become independent from our foreign sources of oil in politically unstable
regions of the world. If we continue to invest solely in other finite resources what is to
prevent those costs from skyrocketing when the supply runs low? If we don't invest in
renewable technologies now, we could be on the brink of a catastrophe not to mention the
health and environmental costs.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: The Medicare Board of Trustees said recently that the financial outlook for the Medicare
Trust Funds has substantially improved as a result of the Affordable Care Act. The Trustees
report that Medicare’s Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund is now projected to remain
solvent until 2029, which is 12 years longer than reported last year. I am pleased that the
trustees report shows our hard work paid off, extending the solvency of the program by an
additional 12 years. The trustees report found that provisions designed to slow the growth
of Medicare costs do exactly that. This should quiet all of those who tried to say health care
reform will do harm to Medicare. In fact, health care reform strengthens Medicare. We will
continue to do all we can to ensure Medicare remains a viable program in the long term for
our nation’s seniors.
Please be specific.
A: The budget is a reflection of our values and priorities as a nation. Democrats
established a pay-as-you-go budget in order to stop adding to our nation’s historic deficit. I
believe that we must continue this trend and stop spending money we do not have. A large
deficit requires more borrowing from foreign countries, which results in reduced private
investments, deceases in jobs, and cuts in domestic programs. I believe we should have
international trade policies that emphasize domestic trade and recognize the important of
foreign markets. We must continue to pass legislation that helps create and grow small
businesses. We must create tax legislation that treats all persons and businesses fairly.
A: With regards to immigration reform, please know that I will support any immigration
reform proposal that has four key provisions. First, it must fulfill and strengthen our
commitments on border security and interior enforcement. Second, it must require
biometric Social Security cards to ensure that illegal workers cannot get jobs in the future.
Third, it must reform America’s legal immigration system to maximize American economic
prosperity, and finally, it must implement a tough but fair path to legalization for those
already here. Along with my colleagues, I have been fighting for comprehensive
immigration reform which is the best way to fix our broken immigration system. I am an
original cosponsor of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and
Prosperity Act of 2009 (CIR ASAP). This measure was referred to the Judiciary
Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship on March 1, 2010 and is awaiting further
legislative review. I want you to know as well that I have a zero tolerance policy for
criminal illegal immigrants, especially gang members, smugglers, terrorists, and those
who commit other felonies and serious crimes. I will continue to seek effective ways to
expand our interior enforcement efforts and provide the necessary resources to apprehend
and deport criminal aliens. Additionally, we must target and prosecute employers who
continue to ignore immigration laws and allow their laborers to continue working with
expired visas. I believe that the issue of immigration can be resolved effectively and in a
manner that is consistent with American traditions, rights, and civil liberties. As a nation of
immigrants committed to the rule of law, we must set reasonable limits on who can enter
and support those limits with effective enforcement of U.S. immigration law. I will weigh
the potential consequences before making a final decision that will directly impact the
residents of the Thirtieth District, as well as, every American living in the United States.
A: I believe polarization goes beyond ideology. It is mainly tied to pressure on members of
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both Houses to stick with their leaders in Congress in order to win the next election. I am
the only Democrat in the North Texas area elected to serve in the US Congress. I pride
myself as being a mainstream and independent Representative in Congress. For me,
enacting good public policy and improving the lives of her constituents is much more
important than “playing politics,” especially in times like these. For eighteen years I have
been an ear and a shoulder for my constituents who are concerned about with numerous
issues including the economy, civil rights, education and military conflicts. I, as their
representative, hope to continue my work for the thirtieth district of Texas by reflecting the
bedrock philosophies of opportunity, responsibility and fairness.
A: President Obama continues to inspire greater confidence than other contemporary
leaders. In my opinion, he has done a remarkeable job so far. All politicians suffer in the
public’s mind as promising policy initiatives so often get lost in the congressional quagmire.
I believe if 51 votes could pass Senate bills, commentators would be comparing Obama to
high-achieving presidents such as Franklin Roosevelt or Lyndon Johnson now.
A: Over the years, Congressman Charlie Rangel, late Senator Edward Kennedy, late
Congressman Mickey Leland are persons I have most admired. I consider all of them
legislator's legislators. Our communities and our country have always relied on the
contributions of those individuals who have the ability to rise above and beyond the call of
duty to make a difference in the lives of others, both personally and professionally. They
have demonstrated an unfailing and tireless commitment to the betterment of their district
and worked hard to strengthen the Nation's economy, create jobs, expand access to health
care and education, and lay a foundation for growth and prosperity nationwide. I consider
them an outstanding friends, a committed public servants, and a passionate colleagues.
A: I am the most qualified candidate. I believe my policies and those of the Democratic
Party will benefit the masses and put this county back on the path to financial stability, civil
and social equality, quality education for our children, and safety for our families right here
at home. I have devoted my life to public service. I began as a nurse; then continued by
becoming a State Senator and now as an active Member of Congress. I have engaged in a
broad range of issues. My passion and commitment to public service are stronger now than
ever before, and my years on Capitol Hill have earned me the rank and leverage needed
to work across the aisle to get things done.
J.B. Oswalt
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: J. B. (Initials only) OSWALT
Street Address: 418 Forest Ridge
City/Town: Kerrville
State: TX
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: N/A
Fax Number: None
E-mail Address: jbo@ktc.com
Campaign Web Site Address: None
Questions:
A: Previously - Variable Currently - nor a resident
A: Retired/Private Investments
A: Currently - Finincial support.
A: volunteer /help start: Christian Assistance Ministry; Women's Shelter; Partners in
Parenting; Alcohol/Drug Services; Salvation Army; Kerr Co. Al/Drug Council; Free Health
Clicic
A: None
A: None
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A: N/A
A: No
Afghanistan?
A: Complete Immediate Disengage
A: Pare down involvment to bare presence if safe.
A: Major Presindential Speech/Program to tell U. S. drug users that they are totally
responsible and to quit using. Since C2H2OH (Alcohol) is the world's worst drug a major
move to minimumize it's rec use should be mounted
A: assuming that there are "emerging threats" we should lead in a U.N. effort to trade
withdrawel of sanctions for inspection rights and establishment of reconcilation programs.
A: I would have voted NO and for a plan to add the uninsured , some way, into our already
existing systems
A: Very difficult question - as a product of THE depression I might approve such action in
the framework of conservative administration actions.
energy?
A: None - and abolish the Energy Department.
emissions?
A: NO. I have finally come down on the "No problem" side.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: Mandate an, as equal as possible, cut in benefits and wages, etc.for all Federal
employees
Please be specific.
A: At this time I could not be specific about actions involving this too complicated problem;
because of a belief in the soundness of this country, I am not alarmed.
A: I am not well enough informed in this area to be specific but Congress should
immediately, if possible, revise the "born in the U.S." provision and authorize all law
enforcement agencies to enforce the immigration laws.
A: By jayboning with the other major partie's reps; espousing a philisophy that
encouraging the idea of our doing what is good for the whole country rather than just our
own or our district's needs - how novel is that?
A: Less than hoped for
A: Ther havn't been any elected Libertarians yet. (Joke)
A: Perhaps they shouldn't but I would work hard, be open and honest, serve no more than
two terms, refuse retirement benefits, try to bring honor back to the House, and
remember who is footing the bill.

Description:
John Jay Myers
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Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: John Jay Myers
Street Address: 4440 Lawnview Ave
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
Date of Birth: April 9th, 1969
E-mail Address: johnjaymyers@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.johnjaymyers.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/8vwzlm5mGzI&hl=en
Questions:
A: I have lived in Dallas for the last 17 years.
A: President of ClearSky24.com,promotional items wholesaler. We also manufacture
software for 1600 embroidery companies across the United States.
A: Member of Texas Libertarian Executive Committee. Vice-Chair of the Libertarian Party
of Dallas County. Assitant Organizer for the Campaign for Liberty Dallas. Created jobs for
10 employees, despite our government's attempts to stop me.
A: - no response -
A: Dallas City Council
A: Around $6000
A: Myself, My father Chuck Myers, my brother David Myers,Dallas Attorney Eugene Flynn,
friend Lelon Ginn, friend David Mason, friend John Shuey, friend Richard Bates, D Magazine
Publisher Wick Allison. Most all of my contributions have come from friends or family or
people I know through liberty minded groups. Most donations were more like $20 - $50.
A: No.
Afghanistan?
A: Afghanistan is a quagmire. We need to get out of it of immediately. Hunting down and
killing the Al Qaeda terrorists responsible would have been an appropriate response to
9/11. Occupying Afghanistan, changing the regime, and propping up a new government
was not. Increasing our troop presence was exactly the wrong move. Our mission to win
the hearts and minds of the people has backfired. What would we do if there was a foreign
force occupying our cities? And even if it were remotely possible to build a stable, honest,
and effective government in Afghanistan for the long term, as called for in Barack Obama
and David Petraeus's Counter-Insurgency Strategy, there would still be safe havens for
terrorists all over the world. How many more countries must we occupy, and at what cost
in American lives and resources, and how many new fanatics will we inspire before we
realize that big government wars do not keep us safe? Our foreign interventions create
the very problems we are going there to solve. These people do not hate us because we
are free, nor do they hate us because of our religion. They hate us because we have been
interfering in their countries, taking their resources, and spreading democracy through the
barrel of a gun -- since long before September 11, 2001. It’s time to stop squandering our
resources, bring our troops home, and focus on freeing our economy and defending
America.
A: Iraq was one of the biggest mistakes in United States history. I am not sure if “mistake”
goes far enough. I would almost say that the invasion of Iraq based on trumped up
charges of weapons of mass destruction that had absolutely no connection to 9/11 was
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borderline treason. The fact that no one has been disciplined or arrested for the
misinformation that led to this tragedy is an insult to the thousands of wounded and fallen
American soldiers, the American taxpayers, and the countless Iraqi civilians who have lost
their lives since our involvement. Let me be clear: renaming “combat” troops, “counter
terrorist” troops does not a withdrawal make. The question of what to do after the
withdrawal date is simple - actually withdraw and stay withdrawn.
A: The government is fueling these cartels in the same way it fueled the Mafia during
prohibition. These groups are becoming millionaires off of the drug war. A friend of mine
ruined his life using drugs. People may say, “That’s why they should be illegal!” To that I
respond, “They are.” People are going to do drugs. There is no way around that, and the
drug war has completely failed to stop it. The question is, do you want drug use to fuel a
multi-billion dollar industry that allows the worst people in the world to buy guns and
influence your children in the streets or in schools? Or, would you rather drugs be legal so
they can no longer drain this country’s economy and ruin our cities and neighborhoods? If
you want to destroy drug cartels and gang members, end the war on drugs so they will
have no choice but to get honest jobs.
A: I would ask whoever wrote this question to consider how they expect either of these
countries to attack us. And why would they do that? To start World War 3? If either Iran or
North Korea could attack us and actually did so, there would soon be a large crater where
those countries once were. They have no reason to want that. What is the emerging
threat to the United States in Iran? According to the CIA and the International Atomic
Energy Agency, they do not have nuclear weapons and are not currently working on a
nuclear weapons program. This question itself escalates the same warmongering talk that
has already ended up with us intervening in the affairs of other nations, starting wars, and
creating the very outrage that has lead to the one type of tactic we cannot fight
conventionally, terrorism. The United States is going bankrupt by being the world’s police.
Our national debt didn’t go from $5 trillion to $10 trillion under George Bush because of
Barack Obama’s health care plan. We have over 700 bases in 139 countries, and we spend
billions on foreign aid every year which is often used against us. We need to start letting
these countries defend themselves. It does not matter what you feel about our foreign
policy, because if it does not change, our impending bankruptcy will end it anyway.
A: I would have voted against it. We all agree that health-care is too expensive. But why is
it so expensive? Because government programs pump billions into big corporations,
inflating demand, and driving up prices. We have created a market that has no fair
competition, where people can be charged outrageous amounts of money for the simplest
of procedures. Congress has already given a massive handout to prescription drug
companies, and this most recent legislation gives another massive government handout to
insurance companies. There is no way that costs for health-care can go down when
government is buying more and more of it, or forcing you to buy it. You will always see
cost increases when the government is involved because, “Hey, if the government is
paying for it, then I don’t care what it costs.” But the government is us, and we all pay for
these ridiculous government programs through inflation, taxation, and debt. The worst
part about the health-care proposal is that it does not provide health-care to anyone, but it
is simply a gift to big insurance that will ensure that they can continue to abuse the
American people. If your goal is low priced, high quality health care made available to
the greatest number of people, then the solution is to get the government out of the health
care business. This is the perfect example of why government should not be involved in
any business.
A: The stimulus, along with the bailouts supported by Pete Sessions, have failed.
Government stimulus programs drain the economy while lining the pockets of the
well-connected, and so many Americans still remain unemployed. We have just seen the
effect of the stimulus- the banks are smiling and Americans are getting ready for a double
dip recession, but now with the added burden of inflation on commodities, deflation on
assets, and tremendous debt. Where does this stimulus come from? It comes from the
government printing money. What does printing money do? It creates inflation. Who does
inflation harm most? The poor and middle class, because it is like a hidden tax. For
instance a fast food restaurant may have had a $4 meal two years ago that is now $6.
That is inflation. Of course the Federal Reserve will say inflation is negligible, but ask the
average American family if their dollars are going as far as they used to. That is one way
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the stimulus hurts. The stimulus package also hurts our economy by sinking resources into
every legislator’s pet project. Highways to nowhere are just a waste. If Americans were
allowed to keep their own money that money could be used to start businesses, employ
people, and buy goods and services in their hometowns. Finally, notice who really benefits
from the stimulus, bailouts, cash for clunkers, etc. The big winners are always the
well-connected, the car companies, the banks, the largest corporations. You may think
that is a good thing but realize that every opportunity given to the connected by
government is an opportunity taken away from those who would work hard and earn for
themselves.
energy?
A: None. Government’s involvement in these markets has created cartels and stifled the
creation of new energy sources. The Department of Energy was created in 1977 to end
our reliance on foreign oil. After more than three decades we are more dependent than
ever. Do you want cars that run on hydrogen, natural gas, electricity or even solar power?
Get government out of the way and let Americans do what we do best- create, innovate,
and accomplish. We have subsidies for oil and coal in America that actually make
alternative sources of energy less attractive, when the solution is to remove all subsidies,
not create more. Why does France get 80% of its power from Nuclear energy? Why do
92% of the cars sold this year in Brazil run on sugar? Look no further than regulations and
laws that keep oil king in the United States. Because of corrupt politicians and the power
we allow them in these markets, we shouldn’t hold our breath waiting for monumental
energy reform. This is yet another reason why we need to get government out of
business.
emissions?
A: Cap and trade sounds like a great way for the rich and powerful to prevent competition
because when they want to pollute, they will just pay for the right. There is a
misunderstanding over how Libertarians would handle environmental issues. Those who
are against the free market say that polluters would have free reign to emit toxins into our
air or water. But the opposite is true, no one has a right to pollute regardless of the money
they have paid to lobbyists. And if a company is polluting your air or polluting your water,
you should be able to sue them, right now the EPA does not allow you the right. I propose
adding more courts to fast track cases of fraud and abuse by large corporations. I am not
willing to allow them to buy their way out of it. I would cut emissions by letting the free
market work. If we were not subsidizing oil through taxes and war, an electric car would
be a logical replacement in this country. Increase in purchases of such cars would lower
their price through competition and this in turn would reduce our emissions.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: If you want to fund Medicare for a limited amount of time, you should end our role as
the world's police and end corporate welfare immediately. Many of our social programs are
Ponzi schemes that need to be phased out over time. The fact that they are going bankrupt
and are insolvent should be a sign that these programs need to be resigned eventually.
We know that these programs will not last forever. This is an unavoidable fact. We don’t
want to instantly end the programs, but we should give people a chance to start creating
their own personal tax free retirement and health care accounts. We have a choice to
either slowly transition to private systems now, or do it chaotically in the inevitable
disastrous collapse that these programs are heading towards.
Please be specific.
A: We should start by dramatically cutting our foreign policy spending by bringing the
troops home, allowing other countries to defend themselves, and eliminating foreign aid.
If people want to fight or defend some other country, they should feel free to buy a rifle
and give it a go. But do not tax me to satisfy the neo-conservative obsession with
imperialism. Next, we should end almost all federal departments other than State,
Treasury, Defense and Justice. Departments such as Agriculture, Education, Energy, and so
on have no constitutional basis, invite unjust influence from wealthy corporations, and
suppress the very things they claim to promote. We must phase out entitlement spending
and other social programs over time. If the American people want to donate to an honest,
peaceful charity or organization they should feel free. Americans have proven their
generosity again and again, but wealth transfer by force creates a disincentive for giving.
Finally, we must completely audit the Federal Reserve system to establish whether we
really need to pay back the money they created out of thin air. The reason they make so
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many programs part of Federal domain is because they can use the nation’s giant credit
card, the Federal Reserve, to pay for what they want. What did your financial advisor tell
you about credit cards again?
A: I believe we should have a secure border, but we should make it as easy as possible for
people who want to come here peacefully and work to do so. If it were easy to come into
this country legally, securing the border would not be a problem because only criminals
and the truly violent would try to sneak across. Immigrants are not a problem in the
United States. They are a great scapegoat at a time when our country is being ransacked
by corrupt politicians. Illegal immigration, a product of big government’s restrictions on
legal immigration, is something to divert Americans eyes and increase division. Many call
out, “Secure the border!” and cite costly government benefits for immigrants, drug
violence, lost jobs, and terrorist threats as the reasons. To that I respond: 1. We shouldn’t
have entitlement spending for anyone. We need to put an end to that, and illegal
immigration is just aother symptom of an out of control entitlement system. 2. Big
government’s prohibition on drugs is the reason why violent criminals are selling them. You
want to fight cartels? Defund them. 3. If you want to create jobs, how about eliminating
the minimum wage or not sucking trillions from the economy through taxes and inflation.
4. Intervening in foreign governments, taking sides in foreign conflicts, and occupying
other nations is not the way to win friends, but it will influence people by making them our
enemies. Maybe if we stopped all that we would not have to worry about terrorists
sneaking across the border. Immigrants have unfairly found themselves to blame for
everything that is wrong with the United States, when the real problem is that the banks,
our government, and endless wars have sucked the economic life blood out of America. If
you truly believe that people coming to this country to work are a detriment to our society,
you must believe that an economy is best that has no people in it.
A: I will increase leadership by upholding my oath to the Constitution of the United States
of America. I will do my best to convince others to do the same. If Congress limited its
legislation to the enumerated powers of Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, it would be
much less polarizing. When all sides understand that we have to play by the rules and the
constitution is the rule book, we will end up with a far less divided country.
A: Originally I held out hope that he would use common sense in dealing with our
problems in the Middle East. I no longer have that hope. I had thought that possibly the
corporatism that was so rampant during the Bush years would end. After Cash for Clunkers
and the “insurance bail out” bill, as well as the his ongoing ties to the big energy and the
banks, I no longer have those thoughts. I had believed that our new President would
uphold the Bill of Rights, since Guantanamo stayed open and the Patriot Act was renewed,
I no longer believe that. All that being said, it appears to be business as usual in
Washington. That is the problem with Washington, they need to get out of business.
A: I admire Thomas Jefferson and Ron Paul. Neither would involve our military in the
affairs of other countries. Neither would allow the banks and big business to use their
power through our government to ruin us. Neither would support entitlement spending
and plans like the stimulus that are simply wealth redistribution scams, which do more to
keep people impoverished than to help them. Simply put, both have known that
libertarianism is the only answer to a truly free, just, and prosperous society. For a third, I
admire the political skill of Pete Sessions for being able to dump a truck load of manure on
the American people year after year and get reelected. That is something.
A: Luckily for me, my opponent is everything that is wrong with America. He voted for the
Bailouts, the wars, and the Federal government health care expansion Medicare part D.
And, in a true troop supporting moment, he managed to give his former assistant a $1.6
million dollar contract to “investigate” the idea of giant, gas-filled, slow moving, low flying
balloons to be used in moving troops and equipment into the “theatre”, even though his
former assistant has never had anything to do with military contracting. He claims that
“reading the bills” should be the motto in congress, when he has signed bills like the Patriot
Act that he could have never read. Can you imagine signing a bill that takes away the
rights of American citizens without reading it? He claims that “living within our means”
should be the rule, when he has absolutely no plan or idea of how to balance the budget,
or he is keeping it a secret. But wait, there is more. There is his close connection to jailed
ponzi scheme inventor Allen Stanford, to whom Pete sent the message, “I love you and
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believe in you”. I have a clear mission: to drastically reduce the Federal government’s
power by following the Constitution, ending corporate welfare, and bringing our troops
home. If that sounds good to you, I could use your help. My message to the people of
America, the free market, and the Constitution is, “I love you and believe in you”.
Grier Raggio
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Grier Raggio
Street Address: 3631 Mockingbird Lane
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (214)293-3706
Home Phone Number: (214)559-8126
Mobile Phone Number: (214)293-3706
Fax Number: (214)880-7506
E-mail Address: grier@raggioforcongress.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.raggioforcongress.com
Questions:
A: I was born in Central Texas and moved to the Park Cities after my dad returned from
combat service in the Pacific during World War II. I spent my childhood in the Dallas area
and graduated from Highland Park High School where I was president of the student
council my senior year. I have lived at my current residence in Highland Park for 16 years.
A: I am an attorney at my family law practice, Raggio and Raggio, PLLC, and I own a
small business, Preservation Assessment Services, LLC. Preservation’s business depends
on commercial real estate transactions, and I had to lay off employees after the 2008
collapse of the financial system. Business has picked up in the past year, and I have had
the pleasure of rehiring the employees Preservation had laid off. I would like everyone in
the 32nd to have opportunities for work, and achieving that will be my goal in Congress.
A: UT Southwestern Medical Center President’s Research Council; American Bar
Foundation; Texas Bar Foundation; Dallas Bar Foundation; Serving Brother of the Order of
St. John (eye hospital in Jerusalem); contributor to SMU’s Louise Raggio Lecture Series. I
have written two books and numerous professional articles on family law and
environmental topics. I am now campaigning to represent the community where I was
brought up because I care passionately about a variety of causes connected to helping
others, and Congress is a good place for making a difference.
A: Chairman, Daytop Village (nation’s largest therapeutic community for treatment of drug
addiction); Board Member, Ackerman Institute (furnishes counseling and therapy for
families in crisis); President, Harvard Club of Dallas; Endowment Committee, First
Unitarian Church of Dallas; fundraiser for wife Lorraine A. Raggio’s two successful races for
Civil District Judge in Dallas County; worked in the South with various equal opportunity
organizations during 1960s’ civil rights movement; volunteer in rural Guanajuato, Mexico,
with American Friend Service; exchange student with American Field Service in Indonesia;
Eagle scout. I’m also a father, grandfather and former sub-3 hour marathon runner, which
has helped me develop endurance and persistence useful in politics.
A: This is the first time I have sought public office. Certainly I am not a career politician. I
am running now because our country is in critical condition, and I believe I can be useful.
Our Congress needs practical, problem-solving people like me, not more power-driven
career politicians dominated by special interest groups. I will bring to Congress my core
values emphasizing freedom, opportunity and security, and my family’s tradition of public
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service.
A: My campaign has raised over $450,000, which is more than any other Democratic
House challenger in Texas this cycle.
A: I encourage voters to go to FEC.gov where you can see all of my contributors, as well
as those of my opponents. Almost all of my contributors are individuals, several of whom
have made the maximum contribution allowed under federal law, including Cecilia Boone,
Garrett Boone, and Kay Watson. I have received only one PAC contribution, which is from
Teamsters Union Local 745.
A: No.
Afghanistan?
A: I believe the current timeline for exiting Afghanistan is appropriate.
A: First we must take good care of our soldiers as they return home from Iraq and
Afghanistan. I am pleased that we have ended major combat operations in the country,
and believe that we should continue our investment in the infrastructure, government and
security of the country. The Iraqi people need to be able to imagine a bright and better
future for themselves, which is the path to stability. We should recognize that a stable,
democratic Iraq means a safer America.
A: We must acknowledge that as long as there is a strong demand for illegal narcotics,
there will be dangerous people willing to use any and all means to supply and profit from
the drug trade. History has shown that our providing money and guns to the Mexican
military has not solved the problem but has increased the violence in the areas close to our
own Texas border. The solution is (1) to diminish the cartels' financial base by fighting the
demand side in America and (2) to cripple the cartels by restricting the flow of guns and
drug sales money from the United States into Mexico.
A: First and foremost we must be resolute in defending our nation against attack and in
protecting our allies, including Israel and South Korea. One great fear is that Iran or North
Korea will transfer nuclear weapons to terrorist groups. This may be a greater risk than a
direct attack on us or our allies by either country. We must leave all options on the table,
but should seek to avoid additional military confrontations.
A: Basic health care is not just a privilege for those who can afford it, but is a right for all
Americans. I went on record during the debate in Congress that I would have voted
against the bill because the plan needed a public option along with stronger cost control
measures. That said, I will resist any attempts to repeal the existing law and will work to
improve it.
A: Just like a family deep in debt we must we must be careful about incurring more debt
and spend money only on essentials. The federal government needs to maintain its credit
standing, and borrowing more from foreign country creditors leaves us vulnerable to
pressures from those bankers. Despite that, a small stimulus program directed at
investments such as education, job retraining, and infrastructure is appropriate to create
jobs and to brighten our long term future.
energy?
A: Alternative energy development and energy conservation are essential to sustainability,
job growth and national security, and we should invest responsibly in them. Doing so will
mean long term success in all three areas. Energy Technology will be to the 21st century
what Information Technology was to the 20th century, and the United States should be the
world’s leader. Our nation’s security and its financial health will also benefit when we stop
sending billions of dollars each year to foreign countries for oil.
emissions?
A: We need to use the free market to reduce carbon use by factoring into the price of
carbon fuels all the costs of carbon, including our military expenditures to protect our
foreign sources of oil and the health costs of burning carbon. If the true price of carbon
fuels is visible, we will reduce emissions as we consume less carbon.
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bankrupt in 2017?
A: Congress should act to insure that our expenditures don’t exceed our revenues.
Efficiencies such as digital records available to all providers, emphasis on paying for results
rather than for individual medical procedures, and for preventive medicine are all being
implemented in experiments under the new health care reform law, and they should point
the way to comprehensive savings in Medicare.
Please be specific.
A: We must control entitlement spending, as the country cannot afford to maintain the
trends of the last decade. We must face the fact that combinations of measures to increase
revenues and to decrease expenditures are absolutely essential to the health of our
country. We need elected leaders to make choices, and the recommendations of the
President’s bipartisan commission on budget choices due this December should help.
Winding down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, combined with implementing Secretary of
Defense Gates’ proposals for cost savings, will allow us to lessen military expenditures.
A: Congress should create a better path for non-citizens, especially those with skills our
economy needs, to get work permits. Federal law should also provide a road toward
citizenship based on the immigrant's contributions to America. Controlling our borders
should continue to be a federal government goal, but walls didn't work in the Cold War to
contain desperate people, and they won't work completely on America's long borders.
Diminishing the power and violence of the Mexican drug cartels will lessen the pressure
many Mexican citizens feel to come north. I would have supported President George W.
Bush’s immigration reform legislation had I been a Congressman at that time.
A: I will not play the Washington blame game. Instead of shouting “NO” at everything the
other political party brings to the negotiating table, I will work to find common areas of
interest and agreement. Over time this approach will foster trust and allow more effective
work on the issues that the American people elect lawmakers to resolve. We must bring an
end to the current partisanship, which is debilitating our government.
A: I believe the President has done a respectable job considering the unusual crises on his
watch, including the economy's losing 700,000 jobs a month when he first took office. No
single policy or piece of legislation will quickly fix problems that have developed over
years, but we have seen steady and incremental improvements. I would have done some
things differently, but the President has done well, everything considered.
A: Lyndon Johnson and Everett Dirksen were consummate Senators who could make deals
with their opposition for the good of the country. Before he was President, Abraham Lincoln
served in the House of Representatives for one term only, and always remained
passionately interested in the political and moral issues of his time. I admire that he was
dedicated to service and finding solutions to issues as opposed to just being a professional
officeholder.
A: Pete Sessions has failed in his responsibility to serve only the public interest. Over time
he has become the consummate Washington careerist, concerned with pleasing the special
interests, his campaign donors and lobbyists at the expense of the families of our district.
Pete Sessions sometimes appears not to care if America fails, so long as he sees political
benefit for himself and his political party in the next election. Pete Sessions voted for each
of the budgets that took the federal government from record surpluses under President
Clinton to record deficits under President Bush. Early in W’s presidency, Pete Sessions
voted both for tax cuts with borrowed money and wars waged with borrowed money; that
was not fiscal responsibility. I am different from Pete Sessions. He and some of his
colleagues are good at managing perceptions, but they are not handy at solving problems
- beyond getting reelected. I do not care for special interests and their Washington
lobbyists; my gut concern is that America succeeds and that we leave a bright and
prosperous future for our children and grandchildren. I am dedicated to finding and
implementing solutions, and I have the mature judgment and experience to do that. At our
best, our American culture is about innovation, optimism, overcoming challenges and
making big achievements. I am committed to that America and to working together to
make our nation prosperous, free and secure for the generations to come.
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Pete Sessions
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Pete Sessions
Street Address: 6306 Greenville
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas, 75206
Fax Number: 214.373.8501
E-mail Address: petesessions10@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.petesessions.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/kcFt7x7paB8&hl=en
Questions:
A: My wife Nita and I have lived in the Dallas area since 1989 and in the City of Dallas
since 1993. I represent the 32nd District of Texas in Congress and have been a resident
since 2003, when the district was created.
A: Occupation: Member of Congress. Prior to being elected to Congress in 1996, I worked
for 16 years in the private sector in the telecommunications industry.
A: Prior to my election, I was the Chairman of the Dallas Northeast Chamber of
Commerce, where I am now affiliated as an Honorary Member. Two key civic organizations
with which I am currently involved include the Boy Scouts of America (on both the Circle
10 Council Executive Board and the National Eagle Scout Association Board), and “For the
Love of the Lake” (White Rock Lake), as an Adopt-a-Shoreline Team Leader. I remain
active in supporting the local, bipartisan grassroots effort to establish and implement a
comprehensive flood control and transportation plan for the Trinity River flood plain along
with my colleague Eddie Bernice Johnson. In addition to these efforts, I remain active in
supporting local civic efforts like Preservation Dallas (to preserve and revitalize Dallas’
buildings, and other historical and cultural resources) and the Oak Cliff Lions Club, as well
the local chapters of national organizations dedicated to supporting persons with
disabilities, like the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation and the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation. I also serve as a
member on many local and Texas-based Advisory Boards, including for the YMCA at White
Rock, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum, HomeAid Dallas/Home Builders Care, Southwestern
University and Special Olympics Texas.
A: Among the civic and community organizations that I have worked with in Congress, and
which have recognized my efforts, are the following: • Champion of Healthcare Innovation
Award: Healthcare Leadership Council (2009) • True Blue Award (100%): FRCAction/Focus
on the Family Action, 110th Congress 2nd Session • Los Barrios Unidos Appreciation
Award: Los Barrios Unidos Community Clinic (2009) • National Leadership Award: National
Down Syndrome Society (2007) • Taxpayer Hero Award: Council for Citizens Against
Government Waste, 1st Session of 111th Congress, and the 110th Congress (2nd Session)
• Vigil Honor Order of the Arrow: Boy Scouts of America, Circle Ten Council (2008) • Spirit
of Enterprise Award: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 105th Congress (1997) - 111th
Congress (2009) • The Medicare Choices Leadership Award: The Coalition for Medicare
Choices (2008) • A in English: U.S. English (2008)
A: I first ran for Congress in a 1991 special election after Steve Bartlett vacated his
congressional seat to become the Mayor of Dallas. Then, as part of the Contract with
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America in 1994, I ran against the Fifth Congressional district’s Democrat incumbent John
Bryant. I lost that election, and ran again for that same position in 1996, when I was
elected to Congress. I have been re-elected to Congress every election since then, and I
am now serving my seventh term.
A: My campaign has raised approximately $1,365,000 for the 2010 elections. All of my
campaign’s contribution and expenditure reports have been filed with the Federal Election
Commission. They are available online.
A: Individuals may contribute up to $2,400 per election to a candidate for federal office.
My campaign has thousands of active individual supporters, around 89% of whom live in
Texas.
A: No. I have never been arrested.
Afghanistan?
A: With our troops fighting a tough campaign throughout the country of Afghanistan, it is
essential that we continue to provide the support and supplies necessary for their success.
Our mission is clear – defeating Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and their extremist allies. The
alternative would certainly lead to a less safe America with Al-Qaeda and the Taliban
controlling the Afghan government. I believe that arbitrary timelines for troop withdrawals
deter the critical mission at hand. We should lift the unreasonable limitations placed on our
military to defeat the enemy, and we should instill in the Afghan military a level of
professionalism and support that I believe is lacking today. The counterinsurgency
strategy our troops are implementing in Afghanistan remains strong. The recent
appointment of General Petraeus to lead the Afghanistan command will ensure continuity
in this effort. His experience and dedication speak volumes about the level of commitment
and investment this nation places on winning the War on Terror. It is important to reassure
our troops that there is a cohesive team committed to providing the time and resources
they need to win in Afghanistan.
A: Our focus in Iraq has been, and should remain, chiefly one of ensuring American
victory. That said, our model for post-withdrawal success in Iraq should mirror the
pre-withdrawal strategy that has proven successful: General David Petraeus’ “surge
strategy.” Under Petraeus’ leadership, de-centralized units of U.S. Armed Forces have
provided the security needed to train a disciplined indigenous military (especially an officer
corps program built on the U.S. Service Academy model), and a professional police force.
Before any withdrawal date, the U.S. should help translate this model for instilling ethics
and professional standards as broadly as possible within all facets of the Iraqi
government. After the withdrawal date, we must do what is needed to support Iraqi state
institutions to prevent the country from backsliding into its former role as a rogue, state
sponsor of terrorism. Time has shown that the Iraqis (a) want their nation intact – not
sub-divided along ethnic lines, (b) want to rebuild their nation’s economy and
infrastructure, and (c) enjoy the peace, relative prosperity and personal liberty that come
with democracy. Another post-withdrawal strategy that the U.S. should employ is active
diplomatic engagement in building upon the physical security that was established by
Petraeus and has been continued by General Ray Odierno. This will support our final
long-term strategy: encouragement of the increasingly strong Iraqi civic spirit. Ultimately,
security is not the end, but rather the means for creating the humanizing and
self-determinative culture that only democratic government can provide the Iraqi people
to prevent their nation’s regression into state sponsorship of terror.
A: I support a border security strategy that prioritizes drug interdiction and prevents
organized Mexican criminal activity from spilling across our borders. This strategy requires
increased border security personnel, as well as stepped-up flights of unmanned aerial
drones and deployment of other technologies to better monitor cross-border traffic and
activity. The U.S. must also continue to support funding for and intelligence-sharing with
the active drug enforcement agencies and military units in Mexico and Columbia who serve
on the front lines of the War on Drugs at great personal peril. These extra-territorial
strategies are necessary, but not sufficient, for solving the problem. Americans must also
take responsibility for the role our own actions play in the drug wars ravaging Mexico.
When drug abuse is accepted (or worse, encouraged) in our workplaces, on our college
campuses, or through the popular culture, Americans provide the demand upon which
these cartels thrive. Unfortunately, the 32nd District has seen firsthand how drugs can
devastate a community. The “cheese” epidemic that began several years ago has taken
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the lives of children and teenagers in North Texas. Government can and must do more to
educate Americans about the links between American drug abuse and drug-related
violence and extortion in Mexico and American border communities.
A: The U.S. military and diplomatic strategy towards Iran and North Korea is (and has
been for decades) one of containment. The State Department, our Armed Services and our
intelligence agencies have supplemented this strategy through the alternately tacit and
active encouragement of domestic opposition to these oppressive regimes. Regarding
Iran, it has become clear that President Obama’s stated goal of “extending a hand” has not
resulted in any positive developments in our relations. Since these entreaties began, Iran’s
president has continued to work toward Israel’s destruction and expressed his regime’s
continued hatred toward the West. The United States must continue to enforce strict
sanctions on Iran, like those I supported in the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act of
2009, until Iran demonstrates its willingness to work toward stability in the region. Since
both Iran and North Korea persist in developing nuclear weapons and the long-range
missile capabilities needed to deliver them, it is in America’s interest to defend actively the
neighboring democracies threatened by Iran and North Korea’s bellicose actions and
rhetoric. We should never waver in our support for Israel or South Korea or Japan in the
face of threats made by Iran and North Korea – the price of which would be unacceptable
regional and global instability. To achieve this goal, America must maintain the focus on
and technological advantage in missile defense that we have enjoyed since Ronald
Reagan’s presidency. Unfortunately, President Obama and Congressional Democrats have
already begun to hamstring our future development and deployment of missile defense
technology. It began when President Obama unilaterally withdrew from building missile
defense systems in Eastern Europe – despite those allies’ continued pleas for our help. It
has continued in the Democrats’ defense appropriations strategy, which has cut funding for
promising and proven missile defense projects. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Missile
Defense Caucus, it is one of my top priorities to fight these short-sighted spending cuts in
missile defense. America’s ability to counter the hate and fear spread by the ruling
regimes in Iran and North Korea is directly proportional to our ability to continue delivering
state-of-the-art missile defense technologies to the free world. This should be our primary
response to Iran and North Korea, while we encourage the success of pro-democracy
groups inside these nations.
A: I strongly opposed and voted against the government takeover of health care. This
legislation comes with a price tag of over $1.2 trillion at a time of record deficits and
threatens to diminish as many as 5 million additional jobs in this time of high
unemployment. The legislation, signed into law without my support, increases taxes on
individuals and businesses by $500 billion while cutting $500 billion from our seniors’
Medicare program – all while doing nothing to reduce health care costs for the rest of
America. The Republican goal of making health insurance more affordable for all
Americans was simply not accomplished by the Democrats’ legislation. Americans deserve
– and Republicans have proposed – real, alternative solutions that provide access to
quality affordable health care of their choice. I am a proponent of repealing and replacing
the existing law to ensure a future of sustainable health care for all – through a system
that is not paid for on the backs of small businesses and at the expense of health care for
our nation’s seniors.
A: I am strongly opposed to and voted against the first “stimulus” package passed by the
Democrat majority, and I believe that it only compounds the folly to pass another. The first
stimulus package was not just a travesty perpetrated on the American taxpayer, but also a
cynical ploy that offered false hope to the millions of Americans who want to work and
need jobs now. Its underlying premise – the flawed Keynesian notion that meaningful,
positive economic “stimulus” is created through growing government – is repeatedly
proven false by each month’s unemployment report. So while I continue to oppose big
government “stimulus” spending packages, I do favor job creation – real job creation. To
accomplish that goal, I support tax cuts to spur investment in new workers and equipment.
Since 1999, the U.S. has lost about a third of its total number of jobs in manufacturing. A
primary cause of this attrition is a federal tax code that assaults savings and investment
and destroys jobs by dismantling wealth. The end result of our current big-government
intervention and interference: having the operations of once-profitable American
companies shuttered or moved overseas, near ten percent unemployment, and an overall
American manufacturing sector in rapid decline. I support alternative policies that reward
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investors and entrepreneurs who start or expand their businesses and add to their payrolls
in the private sector. Remedying the current over-taxation of investment in the U.S. is the
primary method for job creation for which I am fighting.
energy?
A: The federal government’s role should be to integrate alternative sources and new
technologies into a comprehensive “all-of-the-above” strategy for guaranteeing America’s
energy independence. America can achieve energy independence by using less energy
and finding more sources. I favor common-sense solutions like reasonable and
technologically-feasible increases in fuel mileage standards, as well as maintaining existing
tax breaks for wind and solar power. I also support federal grants to make coal-burning
power plants cleaner sources of energy. Advancements in drilling technology have also
made shale gas recovery economical. Natural gas – found in abundance in North Texas and
across the nation – is a cleaner burning fuel than current conventional sources. Policies that
promote recovering these environmentally-friendly resources are also a critical component
of a comprehensive energy policy. As a bridge to the time when alternative sources of
energy are more commercially viable, we should also clear out unnecessary bureaucratic
hurdles to generating more safe, zero-emissions nuclear power. Finally, we should increase
our domestic oil and gas production by allowing domestic producers to compete on a
cost-basis with their international competitors and by allowing environmentally-sensitive
exploration to proceed in the Outer Continental Shelf and in the energy-rich 2,000-acre
portion of the almost 20-million-acre Arctic Energy Slope.
emissions?
A: The Democrat “cap-and-trade” approach passed by the House, which I opposed and
voted against, creates a system that hurts the American economy in two ways. First,
industries that can afford to stay competitive despite the new burden will be forced to pass
the new costs onto consumers in the form of higher prices for the energy they need to
commute to work and the goods their families consume. Second, manufacturers that
cannot afford to pass costs onto consumers will either be forced out of business or to move
their operations overseas to countries that do not have the same restrictions on economic
output (like India and China). Either way, the net effect of “cap-and-trade” on the
American economy is debilitating: raising prices on American families, killing jobs in the
U.S. and decreasing domestic economic output. With estimates of the Democrats’
proposal costing 1.38 million American manufacturing jobs by 2035 and between
135,000-277,000 fewer jobs in Texas alone by 2012, “cap-and-trade” is the wrong
approach at the wrong time. We should not, in President Obama’s words, allow “electricity
rates [to] necessarily skyrocket” at a time when his own failed policies have created record
unemployment and federal deficits. Instead of mandates, Congress should be promoting
policies that encourage conservation. This includes extending tax incentives for energy
efficiency. To reduce carbon emissions, we should focus on increasing cleaner-burning
natural gas and zero-emissions nuclear power – in addition to updating coal-burning power
plants for reduced emission volume. I support encouraging the safe production of these
resources – not diminishing jobs and available resources under onerous mandates.
bankrupt in 2017?
A: First and foremost, it is essential that Medicare beneficiaries are assured that the
entitlement to which they have contributed is not diminished and will not threaten their
ability to pay for their future health care needs. To do this, I support continuing Congress’
fight against Medicare fraud, which currently costs taxpayers over $60 billion a year. A
specific policy that I support to achieve this goal is implementing electronic health records
for Medicare beneficiaries. By digitizing these records, Congress will save money while
ensuring increased transparency and system efficiency. Congress and the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services must continue to work together to find the most
cost-effective ways to provide access to physicians and hospitals without limiting access to
specialty care or preventive or diagnostic testing. A final broad strategy that Congress
can employ to protect the trust fund is to implement real pro-growth policies that create
jobs and reduce unemployment, like balancing the budget, cutting taxes on savings and
investment and eliminating wasteful government spending. As employment grows, so does
the number of employers and employees paying into the system and helping to keep it
solvent.
Please be specific.
A: Our federal government is on a collision course with insolvency – brought on by a
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previously unimaginable appetite for national debt, budget deficits and unfunded liabilities.
While the perils to our financial future resulting from this financial recklessness did not
appear overnight, in their first year the Obama Administration and House Democrats
conspired to write a budget that more than doubles the national debt held by the public,
adding more to the debt than all previous presidents – from George Washington to George
W. Bush – combined. This year, House Democrats have decided to keep their foot on the
spending gas pedal without even bothering to produce a budget – which is Congress’ most
basic fiscal responsibility. Since 2007, Nancy Pelosi and her Democrat majority have
increased federal non-defense spending by over 90 percent. Contrasted with the previous
two fiscal years (managed by imperfect but conservative Republican majorities), the
difference is stark. In each of those years, federal non-defense, non-homeland security
spending was frozen, meaning actual declines in inflation-adjusted spending. The last
Republican-controlled budget (2006) had a deficit of less than $150 billion – still far too
large, but one which pales in comparison to the $1.4 trillion hole from 2009 and the current
trillion-dollar hole that Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her Democrat colleagues have achieved
this year. As challenging as the federal fiscal situation is today, we should never lose sight
of the fact that we have faced tough challenges before – in recent memory – and we were
able to balance the budget. Before 1999, we had endured decades of persistent Democrat-
passed federal deficits. When Republicans took over the House in 1995, few took us at our
word that we would balance the budget. But we made tough decisions and achieved this
goal for three fiscal years, from 1999 through 2001. We can do it again. Congress should
immediately roll back the wasteful and excessive increases in federal spending passed by
the Pelosi Democrats in the past two years and then freeze all non-defense discretionary
spending. Coupling these moves with a tax policy that creates jobs and grows the
economy, Congress can once again balance the budget like Republicans did before the
costs that September 11 and the War on Terror have imposed on our economy.
A: Securing the border and giving our border agents the resources they need to be
successful must be our top priorities – and they must both be done immediately. The State
of Arizona’s recently enacted immigration law reflects the federal government’s failure to
secure the border and enforce the law, and I understand the frustration associated with
this monumental failure. As part of my focus on an “enforcement-first” strategy, I have
taken a leadership role in efforts to enable local law enforcement officials to work more
closely and effectively with the Department of Homeland Security. When criminal aliens
are apprehended for non-immigration violations, local law enforcement must be able to
communicate and coordinate with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials. The
prosecution and incarceration or removal of illegal immigrants who commit crimes in the
U.S. is essential to reducing gang activity and keeping North Texans safe. After we secure
our borders and strengthen interior enforcement, we can then turn to other pressing
problems, such as how to address the approximately 12 million people living in our country
illegally, what policies can be implemented to guarantee future compliance with
immigration laws, and how to determine the number of non-citizens we allow to enter our
nation legally and temporarily to fill our economy’s employment gaps.
A: With a Democrat 39-vote margin in the House, large Senate majority and control of the
Presidency, the recent polarization in Congress has been principally within the Democrat
caucus, not between the two parties. That said, I have and will continue to demonstrate
leadership by offering common-sense, conservative policy solutions to America’s problems,
even when Republicans are completely shut out of the process – as they have been almost
exclusively over the last three years. Inter-party polarization could be most effectively
decreased by allowing Republicans – and more importantly, the American people – to take
part in the process. Specifically, I support measures to place all bills online for 72 hours
before they get a vote, to ban “phantom amendments” and put all committee-approved
bills online within 24 hours of their adoption, to post Members’ committee votes online,
and to end the practice of providing nothing but “closed rules” that prohibit members of
either party from offering substantive amendments to improve bills. Simply allowing
every citizen the time and opportunity to understand what is being debated – and allowing
every Member of Congress the chance to offer his or her own ideas on how to improve
legislation – will drastically diminish the amount of “polarization” within Congress on
important national issues.
A: I strongly disapprove of the Obama Administration’s policies so far, especially regarding
the economy. President Obama’s reflexive strategy of combating every problem with more
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borrowing and taxing – accompanied by a multi-trillion dollar spending binge – represents

nothing less than generational theft. The devastation these policies have wrought on our
economy are clear to the American people: near 10 percent unemployment, over $13
trillion in debt and a record $1.4 trillion deficit during his first year in office. Additionally,
the process of negotiating the President’s top priority – the so-called health care “reform”
bill – began and ended with buying off special interests to secure their support at the
expense of American taxpayers. This opaque process continued in Congress through
closed-door, backroom negotiations between Democrat leaders in the House and the
Senate – completely disregarding President Obama’s numerous promises as a candidate to
allow C-SPAN to cover the proceedings. This example illustrates how President Obama’s
campaign trail promises ended with his inauguration and the shortcomings he needs to
overcome to gain my approval of his performance.
A: • Everett Dirksen, the former Senate Republican Leader, who served in the U.S. Senate
from 1960 through 1968, without whose active support President Lyndon Johnson would
have never been able to overcome southern Democrats’ opposition to pass historic civil
rights legislation; • John Tower, the first Republican elected to the U.S. Senate from Texas
since Reconstruction, who had the courage to stand up to established one-party control in
Texas and win; and, • Sam Rayburn, former Democratic Speaker of the House, who
remains the model of a House Speaker for effectiveness and fairness.
A: Across America and especially in Dallas, voters are deeply dissatisfied with the new
path that Democrats have chosen for America. More than ever, this election represents a
landmark opportunity to retire Nancy Pelosi as Speaker and create a better future for our
children and grandchildren. The challenges of our time demand principled leadership and
direct accountability to the American people. Instead of abdicating the tough decisions to
dispassionate bureaucrats and distant presidential commissions, Members of Congress
should be making tough decisions and answering directly to their constituents at home. I
take this responsibility very seriously. That is why I have stood with North Texans and said
“No” to ObamaCare, Cap-and-Trade, budget-busting “stimulus” bills, endless federal
bailouts and government takeovers. And I have offered better solutions to create jobs,
increase access to affordable health care, balance the budget, cut spending, and support
smaller, more efficient government. I am very proud of my record as a leader in
Congress, working tirelessly for North Texans and standing up to make difficult decisions –
especially during these challenging times. My goals are clear and my positions are
transparent. I will work in Congress and in the political arena to reverse the destructive
policies of this Democrat Congress and to place our nation back on a path of prosperity and
peace through strength, giving the next generation even better opportunities. I ask for
your vote, and I look forward to working together to ensure that America’s best days lie in
our future.
Texas Senate, District 2

Description:
Robert F. Deuell
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Robert F. Deuell, M.D.
Street Address: PO Box 8609
City/Town: Greenville
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State: Texas
E-mail Address: bob@bobdeuell.org
Campaign Web Site Address: www.bobdeuell.org
Questions:
Q: Length of residency in Texas; in this district:
A: I have lived in Texas for thirty years. As a child, I lived in South Oak Cliff while my
mother worked as a nurse at the VA hospital. I was a paperboy for the Dallas Morning
News. In 1986, my wife Marilyn and I moved to Greenville after completing my medical
training on the East Coast. I first worked as a doctor in the federally-qualified Greenville
Community Medical Center and have been a resident of the town ever since.
A: Family doctor. Primary Care Associates, Greenville, Texas.
A: Member, Texas Senate District Two., Greenville Daybreak Rotary Club, Member of over
20 Chambers of Commerce in Senate District Two, CLEAT Crime Fighter of the Year, Texas
Fire Fighters Outstanding Senator, Texas Medicine's Best by Texas Medical Association,
Fighter for Free Enterprise Award by Texas Associaton of Business, A+ rated by National
Rifle Association. Member of Aldersgate Church, part of the worship team.
A: Member, Hunt County MHMR Board (1992-2002); Youth sports coach; Eagle Scout and
past scout leader.
A: Greenville ISD School Board (served 1993-1996) Board member Hunt County MHMR
1992-2002
A: $240,146.70 (July 15th TEC semi-annual report).
A: Bob and Doylene Perry Jerry Gallager Texas Medical Association PAC (July 15th TEC
semi-annual report).
A: no
Q: Lawmakers will be faced with cutting budgets next year because of a shortfall of several
billion dollars. Name three or four major areas of government you would focus on to bring
spending in line with revenue?
A: We must look at the entire budget to address the shortfall, not any particular area or
areas.
Q: Do you favor using money from the state’s rainy day fund to help close the budget gap?
A: Yes, but not all of it. I think it is important to hold back a healthy portion of the rainy
day fund in order to cover any unforseen expenditures that arise over the biennium.
Q: Is the new business tax performing adequately? What changes would you make, if any?
A: No, it is not. The new structure has brought in less than we thought to the State
Treasury. We need to take another look at it and readdress the tax's inequities.
Q: Does the state’s system of rating schools do a good job of measuring achievement?
What changes would you make?
A: No, it does not do a good job of measuring achievement. We need to support beginning
and end of course testing to determine if there is actually learning going on over the
course of a semester or school year.
Q: What changes are needed in the school-funding system, if any?
A: We need to address the inequities of current target revenues that were implemented
with the 2006 finance plan.
Q: How will you judge whether the state’s new tuition policies for universities are working?
Are any changes needed now?
A: Deregulating tuition was the worst vote I have ever cast. Tuition increases have far
exceeded what we expected and state universities have not made the administrative cuts
needed to address tuition costs from their end. Still, I would note that in spite of these
challenges, Texas' state tuition is lower than most states, which is something I want to
stay the same.
Q: How would you characterize the financial needs and condition of Texas’ roadway
system?
A: They are currently underfunded. Maintenance costs are taking an increasingly higher
portion of the TxDOT budget, which is something that needs to be addressed.
Q: What ways of generating new transportation revenue would you support – fuel taxes,
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tolls, borrowing, fees, other? Please be specific.

A: I do favor indexing the gas tax for inflation, but I believe we need to address the issue
on multiple fronts. Toll roads are not the answer, but they can be part of the answer just as
indexing, bonding and local initiatives can be. There is no one size fits all solution to our
transportation funding needs, but all of these are tools that can be used to achieve positive
results.
Q: Do you favor a proposal to allow counties to call elections on local taxes and fees that
could be used for transportation projects?
A: As a committed conservative, I strongly believe in local control and that extends to
dealing with transportation issues. I do favor the idea, but only with strong taxpayer
protections and local voter approval.
Q: What steps should the state take to adequately fund its water plan?
A: I believe the state needs to fully fund the water plan, though I realize that will be
difficult with the looming budget problems we are facing. Some have advocated for a
dedicated revenue stream such as a fee on bottled water to fund the plan. We need to
come up with a dedicated revenue stream for the water plan within the budget, but I don't
believe we need to be raising taxes or fees in our current economic climate. I will be
looking for ways to fund the water plan with existing revenue.
Q: How should the state respond to the Environmental Protection Agency’s call for more
stringent air-pollution standards in Texas? What should the Legislature do to address air
quality?
A: I believe that our system of permitting has been very successful and has seen us lead
the nation in reducing air pollution. I am frankly baffled at the EPA's actions. I believe this
federal interference will have a crippling effect on our state's economy while doing very
little, if anything, to improve air quality. The EPA is also not taking into account that
refined products made in Texas are used all over the country. As a member of the Senate
Committee on Natural Resources, I will continue to work with our state agencies and the
federal government to find a workable solution that protects our economy and our
environment.
Q: Has deregulation of electricity worked? What changes, if any, should the Legislature
pursue?
A: I think that it has been, for the most part, successful. Many parts of my district are on
municipal systems, and the rural areas are serviced by electric co-ops. As a result, a large
portion of my district is not part of the competitive market. However, I believe there have
been problems with deregulation. For example, deregulation didn't account for the
volatility in natural gas. These types of impacts on consumer pricing need to be examined.
Q: What changes are needed in Texas’ system of administering the death penalty?
A: We must be absolutely sure that each defendant has competent legal representation,
and that all evidence in each case is available.
Q: In light of flaws highlighted by DNA exonerations, what changes do you advocate in the
justice system?
A: DNA exonerations show that the system works, with some exceptions. I am a
proponent of using DNA wherever pertinent.
Q: Texas homeowner insurance rates are among the highest in the nation. What changes
are needed in the state’s system of regulating the insurance industry?
A: The Texas Department of Insurance needs prior approval for homeowner, auto, and
health insurance rate increases. TDI needs to have a regulatory structure, supported by
law, that is comparable to other states.
Q: Should the Legislature let voters to decide whether to expand gambling by licensing slot
machines and casinos in Texas?
A: I remain steadfast in opposition to any expansion or gambling or gaming in Texas.
Furthermore, there is no evidence that gambling enhances public revenue, which is
something that its supporters are pushing. Any additional revenue that might come in is
soaked up by social services and law enforcement.
Q: Should the Legislature adopt an Arizona-type approach to enforcing immigration laws
by state and local government?
A: The federal government has been derelict in enforcing existing immigration law,
thereby forcing states and local communities to try and enact workable solutions. Each
border state has its own unique challenges, and enforcing the law in Texas is a little
different than in Arizona. I do believe that Texas can and should pass a sensible
immigration law that protects our border and holds employers accountable for hiring illegal
workers.
Q: What specific steps should the Legislature take to improve middle schools, which is
where North Texas students often start on the dropout path? Also, what should the
Legislature do to encourage parents to be engaged with their child’s education, the lack of
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which educators south of the Trinity River often cite as a barrier to student progress?
A: If a student can't read up to his grade level, I would like to see all-day reading classes
implemented where that student will stay until his literacy is where it needs to be. For
parents, one option would be for schools and PTAs to build parent-based "buddy" systems
in order to provide additional resources for families who may have some unique challenges
when it comes to schoolwork.
Q: Should the Legislature allocate funds to help the University of North Texas expand its
offerings to students through its campus in the southern half of Dallas?
A: Yes. As a UNT alumnus and a former resident of South Oak Cliff, I think this is a great
resource.
Q: Whose leadership do you admire among current members of the Legislature?
A: Senator Nelson has dedicated her career to understanding the health care system and
seeing that Texans get top-notch care at the best cost. Senator Shapiro works tirelessly to
see that every Texas child gets a good education, and at the same time she makes sure
we are good stewards of the state's financial resources. Senator Carona is also a hard
worker who provides courageous leadership on tough issues. All the Texas Senators work
together well, even when controversial issues come up. Lt. Governor Dewhurst has worked
hard to bring the senate together and think to the future.
Kathleen Maria Shaw
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Kathleen M. Shaw
City/Town: Cedar Hill
State: Texas
Home Phone Number: N/A
Mobile Phone Number: N/A
Fax Number: N/A
E-mail Address: kathleenshaw@kathleenshawforsenate2010.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.kathleenshawforsenate2010.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/-OTwuNdagWM
Questions:
A: I am a native-born Texan of 49 years. I have held residence in Senate District 2 for 7 of
those years.
A: I am an independent Insurance Agent.
A: Refer to campaign website: www.kathleenshawforsenate2010.com
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: No
A: The 2011 Legislature would do well to first examine the areas in which most of our
general revenue is expended, re-assess their value and effectiveness, and determine more
cost-efficient means to achieve desired results. As difficult as spending cuts would be on
the recipients of most any area, it is the responsibility of all Texans to bear a reasonably
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proportionate share of the necessary burden in order to help ensure that we have the
benefit of fiscally-sound and responsible government. For that reason, I would focus on all
areas, with initial emphasis being placed on Public Safety and Criminal Justice, which
together account for an estimated $650 million of our General Revenue. I would also give
an intense amount of study to the arena of Education which accounts for about $1.33
billion. A possible focal point might be placed on Teacher Incentive pay which accounts for
roughly $200 million. Additional scrutiny might be given to Health and Human Services
which accounts for nearly $392.5 million of revenue, with $60 million allocated to a
Managed Care program requirement for Medicaid patients in Rio Grande Valley. It is my
principle belief that a healthy Texan and a well-educated Texan will always be our state’s
greatest asset. I would therefore caution that any cuts instituted in those areas must be
done with extreme discretion so as not to obstruct the progress of social and economic
conditions of our states most vulnerable residents.
A: Yes; I do support using money from the state’s rainy day fund as a partial remedy to
our state’s dire budget deficit. However, I believe the most sensible approach to closing
the gap involves a combination of different strategies. Cutting spending, utilizing our
Economic Stabilization Fund and exploring new sources of general revenue are all options
that should be merged and considered as a corporate solution. This would help avoid
excessive cuts in our most vulnerable program areas and safeguard against the extreme
depletion of the Rainy Day fund.
A: No. Based on its original intent and purpose, the performance of the business tax is well
below par. (1) It has failed to properly compensate for property tax cuts that were
legislatively-ordered in 2006 as planned. As a result, the payment for those cuts has now
been carried over into successive budget planning sessions adding to the deficit each
biennium cycle. (2) Designed to fund public education, it generated a great deal less
revenue than anticipated; hence, public school funding has severely lagged. (3) By raising
the margin tax exemption to include businesses with gross revenue of $1 million,
additional costs to the state will be about $172 million. In short, the unexpected costs
accrued along with the shrinking number of business participants, has contributed to a
gross underperformance of the business tax. The 2011 Legislature should re-study the
margin tax and figure out a way to make it more broad-based and less discriminatory if it
is going to perform in a satisfactory manner and be beneficial to the state of Texas.
A: The state's current accountability system inaccurately measures student achievement.
Thus, the validity of school ratings is highly questionable. Particularly, the use of the Texas
Projection Measure to boost ratings must be re-examined. While it may prove valuable as
an indicator of potential and future success, the TPM falls short in its depiction of
"real-time" student performance. It is virtually impossible to design and implement
effective academic programming without a legitimate gauge of current student statistics.
As a legislator, I would not support the use of the TPM in the capacity for which it is being
drawn upon; however, I would retain the other two factors used to boost school ratings -
allowing schools to claim exemptions for particular subgroups that do not pass certain tests
and exemptions for meeting required improvement goals.
A: In light of the successful strides made relative to school finance reform during the 81st
Legislative Session, I would not advocate any modification at this time. The passing of HB
3646 provided $1.9 billion to help relieve budget constraints. Significantly, this bill ensures
increased equity for all schools, provides a stable school funding stream that gives school
districts more discretionary funding, and includes a pay raise component for educators.
Equally as significant is the $830 million in state assistance recently allocated to Texas by
congress that will protect the jobs of nearly 15,000 public school educators.
A: Our state’s master plan for higher education, Closing the Gaps 2015, has a long-term
vision to substantially boost college enrollment and graduation rates. Increased student
participation, particularly by minority group members and the increased awarding of
undergraduate degrees/certificates will be an obvious sign of effective tuition policies.
Unfortunately, the performance of the Texas Tuition Promise Fund (TTPF), which allows
students to pre-purchase tuition units, has not met the Closing the Gaps goals to this point.
Steps must be taken to increase participation such as (1) developing an early “financial aid
program” targeting high-performing 7th and 8th graders, (2) creating a task-force to
explore incentives for college savings, and (3) strengthening state statutes to improve
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outreach and marketing to target populations

system?
A: The Transportation Infrastructure of our state is in dismal condition. The massive
congestion due to overcrowded roadways has been a major contributor to lengthy
commutes, excessive wear and tear on our vehicles and roads, and as well, has served as
a conduit for the emission of tons of environmental pollutants. With TxDOT needs already
estimated to be about $50 billion ahead of expected revenue between now and 2030, it is
critical that our legislators explore as many practical solutions as possible and come to a
consensus quickly; not only for the security of our economy but for the health and interests
of Texas residents as well.
A: I would support traditional toll roads as a means of generating new transportation
revenue. These are new roads that have been approved by the voters, where the money
and control would remain local and the toll is removed once the bonds are paid off. I would
not support freeway toll roads – affixing a toll to an already-existing public expressway,
which essentially amounts to “double-taxing” drivers. Additionally, I would consider a
modest gas tax of 1-2 cents.
A: Yes. I would support local option legislation. Local municipalities should be given the
flexibility to ask voters whether or not they want to raise their taxes to pay for
transportation projects.
A: With no new water projects funded in the last 20 years, and with an estimated cost of
our current water plan set at upwards of $30 billion and rising, our state legislature must
produce a financing bill in the 82nd Legislative session. I would promote critical first steps
such as investment in a massive statewide water conservation campaign. Every resident
must take partial ownership of such an enormous effort by becoming informed of the
pending potential 1.6 trillion gallon water shortage we are facing by 2020. Then, each of us
must become involved in the endeavor to reverse this imminent deficiency of our most
precious resource. As a legislator for my district, I would sponsor and/or support such
legislation as that which attaches a small fee to bottled water and new water hookups
while concurrently looking for new revenue streams.
quality?
A: Texas should respond with conformity. A crucial step in the direction of compliance
would be revamping the state’s system of flexible permissions. Texas’ flexible permitting
practice does not provide for regulation of individual units within a facility, which is in direct
violation of the Clean Air Act. As a result, higher concentrations of pollutants are confined
to specific areas of a plant. These emissions then go undetected and unregulated
increasing the potential hazard to neighboring communities. In order to prevent air quality
deterioration, the 2011 Legislature should strengthen statutory requirements and provision
of significant funding for efforts to reduce toxic and other harmful air emissions from
existing industrial plants, electric power plants, and vehicles.
pursue?
A: Deregulation of the electricity market was bad policy and in terms of achieving its
desired effect, it has failed. Following deregulation, Texas electricity rates increased by
about 56% placing our prices well over the national average. While supporters of
deregulation blame the steep hike on the price of natural gas - a key power plant fuel -
just as deregulation took effect, the lack of foresight and more extensive planning on the
part of legislators and industry officials bears the actual blame. As a key author of the bill,
then-Senator David Sibley stated, “If all consumers don’t benefit from this, we will have
wasted our time and failed our constituency”. The 2011 Legislature should more
aggressively pursue alternate energy sources, such as solar, wind, and nuclear power. As a
legislator I would strongly support mandated requirements for specific contributions of
renewable energy sources.
A: In 2007, more than half of the nation's executions were carried out in Texas. During
that same period, however, more than half of the nation's DNA exonerations were from
our state as well. Undoubtedly, there exist a correlation that cannot simply be ignored. We
bear a grave responsibility to do all that is humanly possible to ensure that our penal
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system is fail-safe; that we have a reliable punitive system, particularly when it comes to
meting out punishment to this extreme. There are two areas in particular that must be
given much more thorough attention. Much speculation in recent years has been directed
at the abuse of prosecutorial powers and towards the negligence and misconduct in the
handling of DNA and other forensic evidence. The Appeals process, particularly in terms of
length and cost involved must be overhauled as well. It is obvious that many challenges
yet remain within our criminal court system. Yet in an era when human life has become so
devalued, our Judicial system must do all within its power to preserve, protect, and defend
innocent blood. And not only should this become the Judiciary's charge; it must become
each citizens' charge and a personal mandate for every resident of our state as well.
justice system?
A: The catastrophic failure of our criminal justice system through wrongful imprisonment of
the innocent underscores the pressing need for change within the system. As a legislator, I
would work to construct (1) legislation that creates tougher standards for the identification
of suspects by witnesses and (2) legislation to improve crime lab oversight in order to
eliminate errors and omissions. I would also support the (3) crafting of policies that require
electronic recording of interrogations to prevent false confessions and would (4) support
corroboration of informant testimony prior to that evidence being heard by a jury.
A: In order to protect consumers from excessive rates, the insurance industry must be
subject to much stronger oversight. With Texas rates almost double that of the national
average, the (1) file-and-use regulatory system that allows insurance companies to submit
a rate increase proposal and immediately charge a higher rate should be reversed.
Insurance companies should be required to obtain prior approval before imposing those
increased rates on homeowners. Stronger regulation is also necessary to make certain
insurers maintain a (2) healthy loss ratio – meaning about half of every premium dollar
should be paid out in claims. (3) Rate filings, documents filed with the state that show how
companies decide what to charge should be public access information. (4) Credit scoring,
particularly in this current economic climate, should not be used as a basis for the
determination of premium rates.
A: Yes. We should allow the democratic process to reign as we would with any other issue
– let the people decide. Gambling should be placed on the ballot in a statewide
referendum. In terms of the morality of this issue, our government would do well to leave
the resolution of such issues to our moral institutions, our churches, synagogues, etc. The
liberties that inherently belong to these organizations must not be suppressed. They must
be allowed the explicit freedom to teach moral values and practices at will, without fear of
being penalized by an overreaching government.
A: No. In my opinion, our nation’s immigration enforcement agency (ICE) is doing a
commendable job in its responsibility to regulate the unlawful entry of men and women
into this country. While we have awaited passage of a Comprehensive Immigration Reform
bill by congress, within the past fiscal year ICE has removed a record 380,000 illegal
immigrants from the U.S. Because Texas is a border state and has the second-fastest
growing immigrant population in the nation, we dare not minimize the relevance of this
issue as it pertains to our state’s economic security and the well-being of its residents.
Still, it would be an irrational move for our state government to usurp unlawful authority
and power over the legal federal entity that has been charged with resolving this largely
federal issue. Such illogical reactions do nothing more than generate massive chaos and
confusion, breed divisiveness among the people, and ultimately prove counterproductive
to the national goal and objective of securing the proper good of all the nation’s people.
The Texas Legislature must remain focused on bringing a swift resolution to the massive
budget crisis, along with identifying new transportation funding streams, reduction of
higher education costs and fixing hazardous environmental conditions.
A: A closer look at the problem would reveal the need for intervention at an earlier stage
than the middle school level, which is typically when remedial solutions are executed. A
more systematic approach should be instituted at the elementary level and incorporate all
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of the stakeholders in the education process. The 2011Legislature should require local
school districts receiving state funding to mandate collaborative efforts between
elementary and middle school leadership teams. Special attention should be given to
targeting at-risk populations. Interventional strategies involving after-school programs,
mandatory parental involvement, and transitional team efforts should be employed.
A: In full accordance with the passage of HB 51 Section 10 of the 81st Legislative session,
funds should be properly allocated for the expansion of UNT’s academic program as soon
as it begins operation as a general academic teaching university.
A: - no response -

Description:
Ed Kless
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Ed Kless
Street Address: 1581 Bradford Trace
City/Town: Allen
State: TX
Date of Birth: November 2, 1966
E-mail Address: ed.kless@electkless.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://electkless.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/EKhKKwF0UxM&hl=en
Questions:
A: 7 years
A: Sage North America, Senior Director, Partner Development and Strategy. I am a
consultant for small businesses.
A: - no response -
A: President Allen Toastmasters
A: None.
A: A little over $2,000.
A: Myself, Michael Balgord, and David Mason.
A: No.
A: I would prefer across the board cuts to make up the deficit. Government is too big,
period. We need to cut everything.
A: No.
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A: No, it discourages entrepreneurship which is the lifeblood of wealth and new job
creation.
A: No. Electronic standardized tests, similar to those used in the technology industry
should be used. I would think test every three years would be sufficient, meaning grades
3, 6, 9, and 12.
A: We need to reduced spending, not increase funding. Texas should be a leader in
promoting a school choice voucher or tax credit system. The money should go with the
child and the parent would be making the necessary decisions as to which school would
best meet the needs of their children. There is a big difference between subsidizing public
schools versus education. I favor the latter not the former.
A: Cut the spending. College is not a right. Students (and/or) their parents should pay for
this education. Government spending on higher education does nothing but increase the
price of the education and make the schools dependent on government money. This leads
to inefficiency and ineffectiveness.
system?
A: Expansive and better served by making most of them private.
A: I have no problem with toll roads so long as eminent domain is not used to take private
property. I think toll roads should be built and maintained by private companies not the
government. The gas tax should be eliminated.
A: No. This is just another way to create yet another tax.
A: 1. Privatize it.
quality?
A: No, it is politically motivated. Polluters should be taken to court and if found guilty,
make reparations to those that they have harmed.
pursue?
A: Yes, leave it alone.
A: The death penalty should eliminated in favor of life imprisonment without chance of
parole. Litigation is more expensive than just keeping them in prison. Any work the
prisoners do in prison they should be paid for, but these monies should go to the families of
the victims. If the victim has no family the money should go toward the care and feeding
prisoners.
justice system?
A: The death penalty should eliminated in favor of life imprisonment without chance of
parole. Non-violent criminals should be released and monitored electronically. This would
significantly reduce the costs and burden on the prison system.
A: Deregulate it. Regulation amounts to price fixing, price fixing leads to shortages. The
more regulation, the fewer the companies that will offer insurance.
A: Yes, gambling should be legalized, but this should not be an indication to politicians that
they can spend more money because they are collection sin taxes on gambling.
A: No, what is needed is more temporary worker visas. This has to be done at the federal
level. I understand the frustration of the people of Arizona, but their law will not reduce
the number of illegals.
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A: Vouchers, vouchers, and more vouchers. No, it is not governments job to make
parents engage in their children's education.
A: No.
A: No one.
Florence Shapiro
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Florence Shapiro
City/Town: Plano
State: Texas
Date of Birth: May 2, 1948
Fax Number: 972-608-2682
E-mail Address: fshapiro@shapirofortexas.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.shapirofortexas.org
Questions:
A: 50 years in Texas; 38 years in the district.
A: Retired small business owner.
A: The Chair of the Senate Education Committee; Senate Committees on Finance;
Transportation and Homeland and Security; and Administration. In addition to her
committee assignments, the Senator serves as Texas representative to The Council of
State Governments (CSG) Education Policy Task Force, the Southern Regional Education
Board and the Education Commission of the States, Appointee to the Governor's Criminal
Justice Advisory Council, Co-Chair of the Study Commission on Region C Water Supply,
and a member of the Standing Committee on Education for the National Conference of
State Legislators. 2010 Accomplishments Include: North Texas Tollway Authority Drive to
Excellence Award Recognizes Contributions to Transportation Partnership for a Drug-Free
America MOXIE Award Recipient For Steadfast Efforts in Drug Prevention Literacy Coalition
of Central Texas 2010 State Literacy Champion Dallas Can! Academy Received Lifetime
Achievement Award University of North Texas Received Daniel M. Johnson Award of
Distinction for Community Service and Leadership North Texas Crime Commission
Received Legislator of the Year Award Texans for Lawsuit Reform Received TLR's Civil
Justice Leadership Award North Central Texas College Conference Received the Texas
Luminary Award TechAmerica Dinner Received the Legislative Champions Award Texas
Dental Association Received the "Excellence in Advocacy" Award
A: During her time as Mayor of Plano, Senator Shapiro served as President of the Texas
Municipal League and the North Texas Council of Governments. While serving as a member
of the Texas State Senate, Senator Shapiro's issues have been many. A champion of
children, she passed landmark legislation to protect against sexual predators. Her series of
bills known as Ashley's Laws, protects against, adjudicates, and punishes sex offenders
whose victims are children. These laws, which went into effect in 1995, were national
benchmarks, and Senator Shapiro continues to dedicate herself to improving the safety
and security of our children. In 1999, Senator Shapiro became chair of the Senate State
Affairs Committee and committed herself to the issue of transportation, creating the first
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fund for Texas mobility. In 2003, the Senator became chair of the Senate Education
Committee, where she passed legislation to overhaul the state's school finance system.
Her landmark legislation, House Bill 1, significantly lowers property taxes, provides more
money for schools, along with a teacher pay raise and the first-ever incentive pay
program, educational reforms at the high school level to promote college readiness and
curb dropouts, and more meaningful accountability for schools. She authored end of course
exams in lieu of TAKS test and 4x4 curriculum, leading the nation in passing this policy
change.
A: Senator Shapiro first entered elective office as a Plano City Council member. Following
six terms on the Council, she was elected Mayor of Plano and was elected and began her
service in the state senate in 1993.
A: You may refer to www.ethics.state.tx.us http://www.ethics.state.tx.us for information
regarding the Shapiro Campaign financial reporting.
A: Vic Lattimore, Robert Ray, David Craig
A: No.
A: We have a crisis in Texas that spells opportunity. Here are three or four ways I would
look at our budget beginning in 2011. We must evaluate the programs in the largest
agencies for success. Data must drive the success or failure of the individual program and
we must cut those that are not working. We must rethink government and government
functions, ie school districts that have their own police force or janitorial services.
Contracting services can save money. As well…consolidation services among agencies can
save money. Renegotiating contracts with suppliers or leveraging large quantities of good
in lieu of smaller purchases can also save money. We must review our workforce, how we
hire, what we do to recruit, retain and review our benefit packages. There is no one majic
bullet. $18B is no easy task but we must make the hard decisions come January and all
ideas are on the table as far as I’m concerned.
A: Use of the rainy day fund during times of financial stress is an appropriate action by the
Legislature. However, it would be fiscally irresponsible if we did not first do our best to cut
spending. I would also recommend that we keep a reserve in the rainy day fund, as all
indications are that the 2013 session will have a tough budget as well. Our economy is
improving at a very slow pace. A responsible approach is one that balances our current
needs with our revenue.
A: The new business tax has not brought in the revenue originally estimated when first
proposed. But, the current economic climate has Texas businesses struggling. It is in our
best interest to consider not only the fiscal impact on the state, but also to the Texas
businesses who are creating jobs and making adjustments. I do not think changes are
necessary at this time. Businesses and their ability to provide families with job security in
this current market should be a high priority for the legislature.
A: I do believe we need a growth measure in our accountability system. But the Texas
Projection Measure (TPM) is not the appropriate model. We assumed an actual growth
model, yet what we used was a projection growth model. We must find the data necessary
to predict success, not merely utilize one test on one day, pass or fail.
A: Through legislative initiatives, as Education Chairman, we have begun to redirect the
transition of our schools from a “target” revenue system returning to a formula based
system. We now must address whether “formulas” are driving results. I believe we must
begin using an outcome based model where results must drive education. In line with that
objective, we need to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used in a way that will deliver
the desired results for students and meet expectations of the parents.
A: Rising tuition prices are an issue of concern for parents, students and lawmakers.
Parents and students deserve not only transparency but also predictability in planning their
higher education expenses. I am constantly monitoring the situation as is relates to tuition
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and the past 2 sessions I have filed a bill that would require institutions to freeze their
tuition for 4 years and lock in the same tuition costs from freshman through senior year.
UT Dallas already does this and they are quite successful at ensuring parents and students
know exactly how much they will pay, guaranteed for the next 4 years. I think every
student deserves to have that kind of predictability across the state.
system?
A: We have just seen a full audit and review of our transportation agency. It is not an
optimistic picture of the inner workings of this enormous agency. Until we restructure this
agency, it is very difficult to know what our system needs. I will not commit to more
funding until we see changes at this agency. Currently, I believe we have more than
enough toll roads in N. Texas - Dallas / Collin Counties. Toll roads on HOV lanes are more
preferable since today these lanes appear wasted.
A: Any new taxes or fees should only be considered if all other options for highway
revenue have been exhausted. Although funding shortfalls must be addressed, any new
taxes or fees must be considered carefully as it relates to their impact on the taxpayers.
Toll roads are one option for expediting projects and can be a positive option for capacity if
the approach is right, balancing the needs and desires of the community. More borrowing
should be considered only as a last option because we are dangerously near capacity of our
bonding ability for roads.
A: I voted for this last session, but have reservations about it today. The bill was too
broad, contained too many options and would not receive my support today. We are in a
recession, and until state and local finances are addressed, I will not vote to increase
taxes.
A: The capital costs for the State Water Plan have been estimated to be $30.7 billion. Much
of this will be funded by local project sponsors using traditional financing mechanisms, but
the State will need to fund about $2.1 billion by 2060. Thus far, the Legislature has only
appropriated $1 billion. Funding the water plan is a issue of vital importance to all Texans,
but particularly for residents of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex (Region C), as it has the
greatest short-term water needs. However, given the current budget shortfall, Texas
should probably maintain the existing water funding programs and continue to study the
efficacy of staged development over time and our conservation plans.
quality?
A: Texas has demonstrably improved its air quality under its current program. The EPA
seems more focused on procedural details than positive results. To what extent that
federal involvement is appropriate will be decided by the federal courts, but in the
meantime, it is important that Texas businesses are able to continue to operate with
regulatory certainty. The EPA's regulation of ozone, and administration of the Clean Air Act
generally, has been a constantly moving target that has in no way promoted such
certainty.
pursue?
A: The free market has produced a more competitive price since deregulation. The last
regulated rate, before Senate Bill 7 became effective on September 1, 1999, was 9.18
cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) (in Senate District 8.). If adjusted to account for inflation,
the price would actually be 11.5 cents/kWh. As of May 2010, the lowest available rate in
Senate District 8 was 7.85 cents/kWh for a variable product or 9.35 cents/kWh for a fixed
rate product. However, competition is the free market's response to deregulation and
citizens should continue to shop around as it relates to electricity.
A: Today's capability for DNA testing should be included...other than that, no change.
justice system?
A: Overall, the Texas Judicial system is one which serves the citizens well. However, we
must be diligent and study cases where the system might have failed prior to DNA testing
and address those issues directly. As it relates to DNA specifically, one example might be in
cases where eyewitness misidentification has played an overwhelming role in wrongful
convictions in Texas. We should encourage law enforcement educational support to teach
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officers best practices with respect to identification procedures and to ensure that evidence
is well-documented.
A: Although I am a firm believer in letting the free market work, as is relates to
homeowner's insurance rates, we must work to find the proper balance between
government regulation and the free market to ensure that ratepayers are protected.
Regardless of the regulatory structure in place-- prior approval or file and use -- Texas has
the highest homeowner's insurance rates in the nation over the past ten years. This is in
large part due to factor of our weather. In fact Texas is the only state in the nation that has
all forms of natural disaster and our state ranked #1 in weather-related losses in 2009,
even though there was not a hurricane. The consistently high homeowner's insurance rates
in Texas greatly concerns me, and I will continue to strive for a regulatory system that
strikes the proper balance and protects Texas ratepayers.
A: Although I have the utmost confidence in the voters of Texas, my concern is with
looking at an expansion of the current forms of gambling as a panacea for our financial
woes. Therefore, I will continue to oppose expanding gambling in Texas.
A: Border security is at the heart of providing safety for the citizens of this state, and we
must engage in all efforts to improve our efforts to secure our border with Mexico. The
federal government's failure to show leadership and reform immigration has put the states
in a tough position, and I support a state's right to implement policies that they feel will
better protect their citizens.
A: We must keep a strong focus on middle school preparation for high school. This means
keeping the pressure up with reading and math and writing skills. Improving the quality of
our teachers to ensure they are content experts not just generalists. We must also demand
that our evaluation system and our professional development system is keyed off of how
effective the teachers are with their student's performance, and have methodologies for
improving our principals. We must have data available to identify those students in need
and then tailor interventions for that particular problem as early as possible. To engage
parents, we need schools to make clear to the parent what a student needs to accomplish
to be successful in the upper grades, including having high schools offer orientations for
middle grade parents to educate them on the skills, courses and preparation their student
needs. Maybe even bring the school to them rather than at school, working in the
community itself with parents.
A: Access to quality higher education is vital to our future economy. UNT's Dallas campus
provides a wonderful opportunity to open and offer students the courses they need at a
location that is convenient. Our higher education funding is currently set up to give more
funding to institutions that are growing. All funding to our higher education system should
be based on these criteria.
A: - no response -

Description:
Mark F. Frohman
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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system?
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quality?
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pursue?
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justice system?
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Jane Nelson
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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system?
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quality?
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pursue?
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justice system?
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Texas House, District 63

Description:
Tan Parker
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Tan Parker
Street Address: 800 Parker Square, Suite 245
City/Town: Flower Mound
State: TX
Fax Number: 512.480.0964
E-mail Address: tan.parker@tanparker.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.tanparker.com
Questions:
A: 36 year resident of Texas and I have resided in my district for over 11 years
A: Entrepreneur
A: Currently, I am serving my second term as a member of the Texas House of
Representatives, where I serve as the Vice-Chairman of the Technology, Economic
Development and Workforce Committee. My other committee appointments include:
Pensions, Investments and Financial Services, Select Committee on Fiscal Stability and the
Select Committee on Health and Human Services Eligibility Oversight. I am also a 2010
delegate to the British/American Project, a widely regarded organization focused on
improving transatlantic relations, both from a diplomatic and economic perspective.
A: As an appointee of Governor Rick Perry, I served as Chairman of the Texas Industrial
Development Corporation, where I developed job creation and economic development
strategies for Texas. I served in a volunteer capacity at the United States Commerce
Department in London, England; served as a volunteer intern in the White House under
President George H.W. Bush at the direction of C. Boyden Gray, the former Counsel to the
President, and served as a member of the e-Texas Initiative, dedicated to making the
state more efficient, effective and e-enabled. I have been involved in civic activities,
including historically coaching my oldest daughter’s soccer team, church involvement, and
co-chairing a major gala for Bryan's House. I have a long record of service to the
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Republican Party that dates back to my youth.

A: Current Office Holder: State Representative, District 63
A: As of August 1, I have over 93,000 dollars cash on hand in my campaign account.
A: Historically, my top three contributors are: Mr. Dennis Berman, Mr. Dan Tomlin, and Mr.
Alan Harper.
A: No.
A: Texas will face critical budget decisions when lawmakers convene in January. In
approaching this issue, my first priority will be to not raise taxes on hardworking Texans. I
am proud that the most current statistics place Texas as having the third lowest state tax
burden on our residents, and I believe that our tax policy is why our state’s gross domestic
product was the second highest in the nation in 2007 and why we continue to lead the
nation in job creation. Before we discuss budget cuts, I think it is important to remember
that Texas has an estimated $8 billion in our rainy day fund, and utilizing a portion of this
savings account will assist us in closing our budget gap. In reducing state spending, our
state government should first turn its attention inward and carefully scrutinize how current
taxpayer funds are being spent. This approach is no different than what thousands of
hardworking Texans and business owners have taken during this global economic
downturn. We must identify ways to make government run more efficiently, and I support
the state agency budget cuts that our Governor, Lt. Governor and House Speaker have
championed. Next, I would like to see the Legislature look for responsible cuts in health
and human services spending. Historically, spending in this area has grown faster than
other budget items and it has driven overall state budget increases. I believe that this
budget shortfall has presented state lawmakers with an opportunity to go back and
reevaluate our human services programs and retool them in a manner that returns them
to their core principle of providing efficient services to our most needy citizens. Lastly for
example, Texas currently has several public service marketing programs that, while
providing a useful service, I believe are areas where we can immediately reduce spending
while minimizing the impact on everyday Texans.
A: I do believe that the Legislature needs to have an extensive and healthy conversation
on this topic. In my opinion, the rainy day fund exists so that lawmakers can close
potential budget gaps without having to raise taxes. As I indicated earlier, using a portion
of the rainy day fund can be an effective tool to assist lawmakers in addressing our current
budget situation. The real question is how much of the rainy day fund should be utilized to
address our current shortfall and what are our collective spending priorities. I would
support using a portion of the rainy day fund, but not depleting it entirely because we do
not know what the future holds. Additionally, I would not support a comprehensive budget
approach that utilized a portion of the rainy day fund and simultaneously raised taxes.
A: Texas’ business franchise tax, which was created prior to my election and that I have
historically opposed, will require additional attention during the next legislative session. I
believe that a vibrant economy that fosters business growth will ultimately produce the
revenues necessary to continue to offset school property taxes. As long as the business
franchise tax is in place, it is critical that we support making the small business exemption
of 1 million dollars permanent as part of a comprehensive approach toward keeping Texas
the most business friendly state in the nation. I would also support lowering the E-Z
computation tax rate as a way to encourage more businesses to use this calculation
method and reduce their costs associated with franchise tax compliance. In addition to
our pro-growth, pro-business, tax and regulatory environment, these two changes will
help to keep Texas on track to be the first state to fully recover from this current economic
downturn.
A: On this issue, I side with prominent business leaders all across the state who question
Texas’ accountability systems. A two part problem exists when our accountability systems
fail to provide a true measure of academic progress. First, we provide a disservice to
students that we prematurely promote and we fail to prepare a workforce necessary to
meet our state’s highly technical and globally competitive employment needs. Texas has
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done much in recent years to address our accountability systems. We have authorized the
ending of the TAKS Test for high school students as an accountability measure and replaced
it with end of course exams, and other changes made to our accountability systems since
2006 are now starting to be fully implemented. In 2009, lawmakers came back to this
issue by applying college-ready standards to K-12 curriculum and by aligning end of course
exams with higher education expectations. These are significant steps that are going to
provide us with a more candid assessment of our children’s educational progress and also
implement standards that better reflect what is expected of our students after they leave
high school. The Legislature needs to continue this approach and constantly identify ways
to make our accountability systems more effective. Only through accountability systems
that are transparent and easy to understand will we be able to identify areas that need
improvement and ultimately deliver the education system that our children deserve and
the capable workforce that our business community requires.
A: During the 2009 session, lawmakers approved a $120 increase per weighted average
daily attendance funding formula as part of a new $1.9 billion appropriation for public
education. I am proud of the work that my colleagues and I have done to fund our
education system in Texas, and I firmly believe that before we start talking about new
dollars, we first need to discuss ways to get a more efficient use out of our current
education dollars and address inequities within the funding formula.
A: I think the number one indicator as to the performance of Texas’s tuition policies is the
demand for the product at its current price, and the demand is strong. All across Texas,
our public university systems are experiencing record student body growth. Policies
enacted before I was elected to the Texas House of Representatives did grant public
university systems latitude in setting their tuition rates. There are three factors at work in
the effort to keep tuition in Texas affordable. The first is that our public universities remain
committed to keeping tuition increases low and reasonable. In fact, almost every
university system in Texas held their most recent tuition increase at or below 3.95 percent.
Second, in a 50 state ranking of tuition costs, Texas ranks in the middle, meaning that our
tuition costs reflect the nation’s average to attend an institution of higher learning. And
finally, Texas also aggressively funds many financial assistance programs that make
obtaining a college degree a reality for hundreds of thousands of Texans each year. What
is not middle of the road in Texas, however, is the quality of a higher education degree in
Texas. On the 2009-10 Kiplinger’s Top 100 Best Value Schools List, the University of Texas
came in at number twenty-five and Texas A&M was right behind them at number thirty.
Furthermore, a recent study by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni found that
attending Lamar University in Texas at a cost of $7,000 a year provides a stronger
education in the core subject areas than studying at Harvard University at $38,000 a year.
I fully understand that many Texas families are finding it increasingly challenging to meet
their higher education needs during this global recession. I, myself, will have two
daughters in college before too long. Higher education is vital to our individual success and
that of our state’s economy. I remain committed to helping universities run more
efficiently and identifying ways we can reduce costs and pass these saving on to our
students.
system?
A: I think that the more appropriate question is, how does my constituency characterize
the financial needs of Texas’ roadway system. Less than two years ago I posed this very
question when I surveyed 25,000 homes in my district and asked people to prioritize their
funding preferences between nine components of the state budget. Those that responded
were very clear, transportation funding lies in the middle of the road, ranking 5 out of 9 on
their priority scale. More important to my constituency was prioritizing funding for: public
education, border security, our criminal justice system and further reducing local property
taxes. What I take from this is that Denton County residents would certainly like more
roadways, but they recognize the delicate financial budgeting required to balance all of our
priorities. As a lawmaker, I am certainly looking for ways to get more out of our current
transportation dollars and to even increase those dollars in a manner that is consistent
with fiscal responsibility because I recognize the correlation between having a high quality
infrastructure and attracting jobs and investment.
A: First and foremost, there are two opportunities to increase our revenues available for
transportation projects without raising taxes, enacting new fees, or engaging in debt
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spending. First, state lawmakers must work to end “diversions” in spending that take
dedicated transportation dollars and appropriates them in other areas. This is an unfair
practice that needs to end. Last session, lawmakers took a strong step in this direction,
reducing existing diversions by an estimated $378 million, but more work remains to
completely close this spending loophole. Second, state lawmakers must continue to work
with our congressional delegation in maximizing our federal transportation dollars.
Currently, Texas is what is known as a “donor state” in that the federal dollars we receive
for transportation funding are less than the transportation tax dollars that we send to
Washington. This is an unfair circumstance that has left Texas paying for other states’ road
projects while ours stand idle, waiting for funding. I support the efforts of our congressional
delegation as they work toward overturning this policy and keeping Texas tax dollars
funding Texas transportation projects. Taxpayers know that we must focus on these two
areas of reform instead of increasing user costs. However, it would be irresponsible of me
to suggest that these two avenues alone will close the transportation funding gap. To
completely close this gap, other funding alternatives need to be pursued. As I have stated
before, I believe that toll road projects are a necessary evil until we can get serious about
allocating a larger portion of the budget specifically to transportation initiatives. In the
interim, it is critical that: we do not toll existing free roadways, free alternatives stay in
place so that consumers will have the choice of not using a toll road, and that toll revenue
is recycled into local infrastructure improvement projects and ultimately returned to the
taxpayer once the debt has been retired.
A: After much personal reflection and analysis, I do not support this approach to
addressing transportation funding. As a fiscal conservative, I do not believe in raising
taxes, and I certainly do not believe in raising taxes in a piecemeal approach at anytime,
much less during a recession. Doing so would create regional inequities that, I believe,
would hinder local county economies in areas of the state that would opt into this
hypothetical taxing program. I also fear that a local option approach could create potential
state funding inequities amongst counties across Texas. My concern is if state
transportation dollars continue to get tight, then counties that use the local option tax will
have their share of state transportation dollars shrink in order to subsidize transportation
funding within counties that do not employ the local option tax. We have no better case
study of this funding approach than our current system of public school finance, where
parts of the state that can generate more local revenue than others do so at the cost of
seeing their share of state support shrink in favor of subsidizing the education needs in
other parts of Texas. Furthermore, I believe it is virtually impossible to garner the support
necessary in the Legislature to enact such legislation due to the strong regional rivalries
that exist between the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and other areas of the state. As such,
our transportation needs in the Dallas/ Fort Worth metroplex would be better served, in
my opinion, through a statewide solution approach.
A: Beginning in the early 1900s and then again in 2007, Texas has crafted a long term plan
to meet our water needs in preparation for our population doubling by 2060. Even today,
challenges in preparing for our water needs remain, such as: addressing supply inequities
all across our vast state and clearly outlining where exactly rights to water lie. To help in
this effort, Texas created 16 Regional Water Planning Groups to prepare water plans for
their respective parts of Texas. Once adopted locally, these 16 plans combine to create the
state water plan. Alongside the challenges I mentioned earlier, funding the state's water
plan remains as an issue to be addressed. It is estimated that the state water plan will cost
somewhere between $20 and $30 billion. While that sounds alarming on the surface, there
is time left for Texas to meet this need. By 2012, the 16 regional water groups are
scheduled to present the Legislature with a more precise project cost and a funding
formula approach. Water is a critical component to our state's infrastructure, and I plan to
carefully review all proposals that are put on the table and I support a fair and prudent
solution to fund our 50 year water plan.
quality?
A: I remain a strong supporter of Texas’ flex permitting approach that garnered a proven
track record of success and I find it to be a gross overreach of power by the federal
government to mandate that Texas address our air quality in another manner. This latest
federal power grab is yet another example of the Obama Administration trying to
micromanage Texas. Since 1994, Texas has used its flex permitting program and seen our
air quality drastically improve. Without getting too technical, our flex permitting process
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reduced nitrogen oxide levels by 46 percent and our ozone levels by 22 percent over the
course of the last decade. In short, I think Texas has crafted an air safety program that
protects our citizens’ health and has achieved our environmental goals. I am thankful that
our Attorney General, Greg Abbott, has filed a lawsuit against the EPA’s action, challenging
its constitutionality. Realizing, however, that the Texas Legislature can not override this
federal mandate, I think that Texas would be best served to continue to address air quality
concerns by continuing down the track of reducing pollutants emitted by vehicles that
operate on our roadways.
pursue?
A: I am a strong supporter of deregulation as a general practice and I believe that Texans
have benefited from electric deregulation. When you look at Texas’ rank in a 50 state price
comparison, we have improved our ranking by four positions since electric deregulation
was implemented. That is astounding when you consider that Texas has one of the nation’s
most robust state economies, which drives up energy demands in our state. When electric
deregulation is brought up, the underlying question is should Texans pay less for their
electric needs. Despite the success I outlined above, I believe there is more improvement
to be made, and that Texas is on the right path. In my opinion, the most effective way we
can lower and also stabilize the price of electricity is to continue to expand on our
generation portfolio and achieve a broader mix of energy components that will alleviate
the price stress that can occur when we are too dependent on a single generation source.
In my opinion, electric deregulation has brought more providers, greater price competition
and consumer empowerment to Texas.
A: I am a strong supporter of Texas’ current system of administering the death penalty. As
such, I do not think significant reform is needed in this area. I am thrilled with the
development of recent forensic technology that is providing a degree of accuracy
unparalleled in history. While I am a passionate supporter of the death penalty, I could
never accept the possibility of an innocent person being put to death. A change in our
current death penalty system that I would support would be to make the appeals process –
which I think is vital toward due process – more efficient and fast moving so that a
judgment can be reached in a more timely manner. For example, it took the state of Texas
32 years to carry out the recent execution of David Powell, an undisputed and convicted
cop killer. That it took 32 years is especially astounding when you consider that three
separate juries heard Mr. Powell’s case and all sentenced him to the death penalty. In my
opinion, this delay (and others similar) added decades to both the ability for the victim’s
family to bring closure to their loss and to society’s need to have justice carried out.
justice system?
A: Modern advances in forensic science continue to yield stronger faith in our current
judicial system. I certainly believe that our current system is more accurate and more
focused on due process than at any other time in our history. I found it appropriate that
last session lawmakers passed a bill that increases the compensation owed to wrongfully
convicted individuals by 60%, a move that I was proud to support. This was a significant
step toward correcting our very rare incidents of historical injustice. In looking toward
possible reform for next session, I will be interested to read the report issued by the
Wrongful Conviction Panel. Some of their recommendations, such as: standardizing policies
on eyewitness identification and making post-conviction access to DNA testing easier,
certainly warrant further attention by myself and my fellow lawmakers.
A: What the media often omits from this conversation is that while Texas does have the
highest homeowner insurance rates, we are also host to nine commonly known natural
disasters that cause damage to homes, the most of any state in the nation. In fact, in
2008, Texas led the nation in catastrophic losses. That year we saw over $10 billion in
property damage, five times more in losses than the next closest state. Actions by the
Legislature have helped to stabilize the home insurance market and further empower
consumers. Through our current rate regulation process, 29 new companies are offering
home insurance policies in Texas today. We have severely limited providers’ ability to use
credit scoring in evaluating potential customers, and by empowering consumers through
competition, homeowners are able to shop around through multiple providers and pick the
insurance plan that best meets their needs at the price they are willing to pay. We have
seen these reforms pay off. Even as property values have increased, homeowners’
premiums in Texas have decreased by 13.5 percent since 2003. My priority for legislative
and regulatory policy in this area will be to focus on expanding consumer choice and
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availability in our state while at the same time maintaining consumer safeguards.
A: After much reflection and analysis, I do not support growing the gambling footprint in
Texas. As a lawmaker who represents both suburban as well as rural communities, whose
economic health is tied directly to the equine industry, I take this issue very seriously. That
is why I was proud to support the adoption of the Equine Incentive Program, which is an
economic tool now available to the horseracing industry in Texas that will make it more
competitive with other states. While it is tempting to think that legalized gambling will
drastically strengthen Texas’ horseracing industry, we must continue to pursue other
alternatives to strengthen the equine economy, such as the initiative referenced above.
State revenues generated from gambling operations historically fall well below their
intended levels. There is no better example of this than the Texas lottery, which was
marketed to Texans in the early nineties as our ultimate solution to public school funding,
yet routinely the Texas lottery only generates enough revenue to fund roughly 3 percent of
our K – 12 education needs. It is also important to remember the economic impact that
gambling operations have on their state economies during recessions. Nevada, our nation’s
gambling capital, currently has a record unemployment rate of 14.2 percent, a housing
market that redefines the term “in the tank”, and their state lawmakers are facing a
budget shortfall that, proportionally, is two and a half times worse than that of Texas’. I
also believe that expansion of gambling in Texas would create other undesirable outcomes,
such as: increased rates of crime, and elevated numbers of citizens needing state
assistance. Texas has kept a strong economy and maintained a budget that provides
valuable services to its citizens without gambling expansion, and I believe the way to carry
these results into the future is to not expand our gambling footprint.
A: As a strong believer in the 10th amendment, I support Arizona, or any state for that
matter, proactively addressing their illegal immigration situation in light of the federal
government’s failure to act. In fact, I sincerely wish that the Obama administration would
cease wasting taxpayer dollars suing the Arizona plan and instead invest those resources
into enhanced border security. In approaching this issue, it is important to remember that
our situation is different than that of Arizona. Texas has unique circumstances and
challenges not seen anywhere else. As such, I think that state lawmakers do need to make
border security and immigration reform a high priority during the next session, and put
together a reform package geared toward meeting our needs. In looking at immigration
reform for Texas, here are key elements I will support in a comprehensive immigration
reform package: recognition that we are a nation built on the rule of law, requiring proof of
identification to vote in public elections, deploying the Texas National Guard to aid in
border security, ending “sanctuary” cities, licensing more local law enforcement agents as
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents, denying bail to all non-citizens arrested
in this state, and enforcing all current federal laws. At the same time, I think it is also
important for the federal government to expand access for legal immigration. We must
realize that our diversity as a nation is our greatest asset, and that legal immigration from
all parts of God’s globe should be expanded to help maintain our national and state
economic well being. Only by coupling a deterrent from illegal immigration with making
legal immigration a reality for more potential citizens will our state and nation achieve the
outcome we desire.
A: Since I joined the Texas Legislature, lawmakers have placed a high priority on drop out
prevention and improving upon Texas’s high school graduation rate. We have empowered
school districts with a menu of drop out prevention programs, new education dollars
earmarked specifically for addressing at-risk students, and other tools that aim specifically
to enhance parental involvement in their children’s education. Nothing, however, speaks
better to the efforts made than the results we have seen in just a short period of time.
83.4 percent of the students comprising the class of 2008 either graduated high school on
time or aimed to complete their studies in a fifth year, but for the class of 2009, that same
ratio grew to 89.2 percent. This staggering increase in just one year is evidence that we
are making significant progress, but we must continue to be pro-active on this issue that is
so vital to our future well being. Our dramatic improvement in such a short time is
starting to garner Texas national attention in the dropout prevention arena. In my opinion,
the best thing that lawmakers can do is to stay with our battle tested plan that is providing
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real results and helping more and more students obtain a high school diploma.
A: I am a strong supporter of investments in higher education and, as a Denton County
lawmaker, I am also a strong supporter of the University of North Texas. While not
finalized, it is my understanding that the UNT system’s funding request for this next budget
cycle is going to closely mirror their current state funding, and that their request will
include an allotment for the Dallas campus. Investments in higher education pay dividends
down the road for both our state and local economies. It is projected that by 2030 the UNT
Dallas campus will provide 1,300 jobs and have a 459 million dollar annual impact to its
local economy. These are reasons to be excited for this project, and I look forward to
prioritizing this higher education initiative by looking for responsible ways to fund this new
campus within our state budget.
A: I truly admire the leadership exhibited by my current classmates in the Texas House of
Representatives, those who were first sworn into office in 2007. Top to bottom, I think that
the class of 2007 is filled with bright and capable legislators who have quickly assumed
leadership roles in the Texas House. The 2007 class boasts six members on the House
budget writing committee, possibly the committee most important to the overall success of
our state. We either Chair or serve as Vice-Chairman of seven house committees.
Collectively, we have already authored a variety of meaningful laws in areas such as:
education, healthcare, economic development and public safety to name a few. It’s no
small feat to become an effective lawmaker so rapidly, as is the case with my colleagues in
the class of 2007.

Description:
Diane L. Chisholm
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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A: - no response -
system?
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quality?
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pursue?
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justice system?
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Myra Crownover
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Myra Crownover
City/Town: Denton
State: Texas
E-mail Address: Myra.Crownover@House.state.tx.us,
myracrownovercampaign@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.myracrownover.com
Questions:
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A: I have lived in Texas my entire life. I have lived in Denton for over 30 years
A: Business Owner / Real Estate
A: UNT Foundation, Inc. - Board Member; North Star Bank – Board Member; Texas
Academy of Mathematics & Science (TAMS) – Advisory Board Member, St. Andrews
Presbyterian Church – Member for 30 years, Former Deacon; Communities in Schools of
North Texas Advisory Council – Member; Children's Advocacy Center of Denton County -
Board Member; Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) Citizen Advisory Group;
Family Resource Center of North Texas (FRCNT) Advisory Board; "Distinguished Citizen
Award" by the Longhorn Council of Boy Scouts 2009; "Guardian of the Rainy Day Fund" -
House Republican Caucus 2009; "Taxpayers Champion" - Texans for Fiscal Responsibility
2009; "Legislative Champion" - National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation 2009; "Champion for
Free Enterprise" - Texas Association of Business, 81st Legislative Session
A: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church – Member for 30 years, Former Deacon; Denton
Benefit League – Member, Former Board Member; Denton YMCA - Former President/Board
Member; "Advocate of the Year" - Communities in Schools of North Texas 2008; "Heart of
Honor" - American Heart Association 2008; "Sixteen Most Conservative Members" - Texas
Eagle Forum, 80th Legislative Session; "Champion for Free Enterprise" - Texas Association
of Business, 79th, 80th, 81st Legislative Sessions; March of Dimes Award for Dedication
and Hard Work to Save Babies 2006; Denton Hispanic Chamber - Recognition for
Dedicated Service, Commitment and Contribution – 2006; Texas Veterinary Medical
Association - Awarded Honorary Membership in 2005; "An Outstanding Advocate for TWU"
- Texas Women's University - 79th Legislative Session; University of North Texas - Texas
Academy of Mathematics & Science (TAMS) - Honorary Alumnus - May 7, 2004; "Service
Above Self" Award - Denton Rotary Club 2004’ Texas 21 Legislative Caucus - Recognition
for Dedicated Service 2005; "Freedom and Family Award" - Texas Eagle Forum 2001;
"Texas Top Ten" for conservative voting record - Free Market Foundation; "Freshman of the
Year" - National Republican Legislators Association - 1 of only 3 nationwide 2001
A: none
A: In the last six months I raised $33,750
A: Friends of University, J.L. Davis, Tx-Hy PAC
A: No
A: Every area of government spending should and will be examined this session. In hard
times, families, businesses, churches and organizations all have to make tough decisions.
Government should be no different.
A: Last session I worked very hard to protect the Rainy Day Fund because I knew the need
would be more critical this session. Now, I think we need to take a comprehensive and
thorough at current expenditures before spending our savings account.
A: Last Session I worked hard to make sure that small businesses were exempted from
the business tax because it was important, particularly in a down economy, that we were
not placing an undue burden on the very people we depend on to create jobs. This session
I think we need to take a broader look at the tax as a whole to ensure that the tax is being
evenly and fairly applied before we consider any further changes.
A: During the last Session the legislature made significant and important reforms to the
school accountability system. I believe and expect that these reforms will better help
parents to understand and evaluate their local schools. These changes will take time
before we see the effects but I will be looking for a clear and transparent system that
encourages parents to participate in their children’s education.
A: Last session we worked very hard to put property tax reforms into place that should
lead to a more uniform and fair appraisal system. I believe these reforms will help but
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there is still more work to be done.

A: The House of Representatives passed a resolution calling for Universities to limit any
tuition increases to 3.95% per year. From what I am hearing almost every institution is
complying with this request. For me, the simple question is can an average family still
afford to send their child to college without mortgaging their future.
system?
A: Congestion in our major cities is a serious obstacle to Texas’ continued economic growth
and is affecting the quality of life for too many Texans. We rely too heavily on an outdated
source of revenue for road construction and the entire system of funding Texas roads
should be reexamined next session.
A: The people of Texas have demonstrated that they are willing to pay for roads. However,
we need better transparency in the way our roads are paid for. We should end diversions
from the highway fund and make it crystal clear how every dollar is spent before we
consider any new sources of revenue.
A: The local option failed in 2009 because it was too narrowly tailored and did not address
the fundamental problems in our current system. At the same time, it would have resulted
in higher taxes for our region. We need a comprehensive solution that first addresses our
current funding inequities, and second addresses the issue from a broader perspective.
A: Budgeting is about setting priorities and there are few things more important than
ensuring our future needs for water. After four Sessions on the Appropriations committee, I
know that water must be one of our highest funding priorities.
quality?
A: Lets be clear about what the EPA is actually asking for. In Texas we have required all of
our industry to cut emissions in order to comply with the standards of the clean air act and
we have been very successful. In fact we reduced CO2 emissions by over 10% from 2004
to 2007. During that same period, California, who’s permitting program is approved by the
EPA, increased CO2 emissions by 10%. Texas has also achieved significantly greater
reductions of ozone and NOx than the nation as a whole. The EPA is focused on process,
Texas is focused on actual results, and I have always believed in results not politics.
pursue?
A: Deregulation got off to a rocky start but, as free markets always do, the deregulated
market is beginning to pay off for consumers. I believe we can still improve the situation
but I think the tough years are behind us.
A: I support the death penalty. The death penalty serves as a spotlight on the
shortcomings of our justice system as a whole and I think we need to take a serious look
at eyewitness testimony and uniform forensic standards, so we can be sure that in Texas
justice is truly being served.
justice system?
A: I think we need to take a serious look at eyewitness testimony and uniform forensic
standards, so we can be sure that in Texas justice is truly being served.
A: Homeowner insurance rates in Texas are too high. Unfortunately, Texas’ size and
location put us at greater risk for hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters. The
most important thing we can do is ensure that the insurance market in Texas is as
competitive as possible so that consumers have the power of the free market on their side.
A: I am against any expansion of gambling in Texas.
A: Because we have spent over $100 Million on border enforcement I think Texas is in a
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different position that Arizona. I have, and continue to support greater enforcement along
the border and I also believe that Texas cannot solve this problem without federal reform.
A: One of the most successful programs in preventing dropouts is Communities in Schools.
I have seen first-hand the effect this program can have and I have always fought hard for
its expansion into every school in Texas.
A: I think that we should be doing everything we can to expand every students access to
higher education. Currently UNT Dallas is short staffed and we need to address that
shortage of faculty. Texas’ current budget situation makes every decision a question of
priority and we will have to examine all of our options.
A: I think Larry Taylor has done a wonderful job as leader of the House Republican Caucus.
He has approached the role as a problem solver and managed to come up with
constructive solutions rather than let partisan politics rule the day.

Description:
Ryan M. Gray
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Ryan Michael Gray
City/Town: Lewisville
State: Texas
Fax Number: 4042416193
Questions:
A: 3 years
A: Financial Analyst
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A: A better question would be 'Where wouldn't I cut spending?". I feel government has far
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outgrown its original scope, and should be pared back to the limits set by the constitution.
A: I favor giving the rainy day fund back to the tax payers!
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A: I would privatize the school system, move to a voucher program, and give choice back
to students and parents,
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system?
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A: Privatize it!
A: I support any initiative to get more input from voters.
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quality?
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pursue?
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A: Eliminate the death penalty. It costs more to execute someone, than to keep them in
prison for life......so with no savings, is it still worth the risk of killing an innocent person?
justice system?
A: Eliminate the death penalty.
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A: There is no need for a vote. There is nothing in the constitution that empowers any
level of government to prevent consenting adults to do what they please with their money.
A: No. SB1070 will not fix any problem, only a symptom. We'll spend billions of dollars to
achieve the agility required for SB1070 to have any traction. Once we identify violent
illegals, we'll deport them. Then what? They walk right across the border again. This is a
big waste of money. I'll keep my tax dollars, thank you very much.
A: Privatize all schools.
A: No, if the market demand is there, the school can find a way to pay for it on its own, or
find an investor to fund the project. I'll keep my tax dollars, thank you very much.
A: N/A
Burt Solomons
Party: R
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Biographical Info:
Questions:
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system?
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quality?
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justice system?
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Description:
Van Taylor
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Van Taylor
City/Town: Plano
State: Texas
Fax Number: 972-490-7070
E-mail Address: van@vantaylor.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.vantaylor.com
Questions:
A: I am a seventh generation Texan, born in Dallas. I have always called my native Texas
home. My ancestors originally came to the Dallas area in 1898. My wife Anne and I have
lived in Plano almost three years now, raising three girls a mile from where my great
grandfather farmed the land during the Great Depression.
A: Businessman. Upon completion of my MBA, I worked for Trammel Crow in Dallas. I
joined Churchill Capital Company in 2002. In 2004 I started my own small business,
VanAnne LLC, which manages investment partnerships. I continue to work as an Associate
Director at Churchill Capital Company, a firm focused on real estate finance. I also serve
on the board of a community bank, Texas Gulf Bancshares, which has $325 million in
assets and almost 100 employees.
A: I serve as the Texas State Representative for House District 66. I took my oath of office
April 20, 2010 in Plano instead of Austin, because I believe that power comes from the
people, not the government. I currently serve on the Higher Education, Calendars, and
Culture, Recreation, & Tourism Committees. I serve as a board member of GOPAC-TX,
which trains Republican Candidates and activist around Texas. As State Vice Captain of
Vets for Freedom in charge of North Texas, I helped organize hundreds of combat veterans
from across America to lobby Congress by holding a rally in Washington, DC. We urged
Members of Congress to support President George W. Bush and the successful surge in
Iraq. Furthermore, I conducted numerous national and local media interviews supporting
our men and women in uniform and the War on Terror. As Texas Chairman of National
Defense Committee, I worked to expand voter rights for active duty military personnel.
Current Texas laws make it very difficult for those serving overseas in the military to vote
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absentee. Whereas Texas civilians have a 75% success rate voting absentee, Texas active
duty military have a 75% failure rate. The National Defense Committee works to change
the law to enable military members to vote securely using electronic means. I am a Life
Member of the National Rifle Association, Texas State Rifle Association, Veterans of Foreign
Wars, and the American Legion. I am also a member of the Club for Growth, National
Taxpayer Union, and the Republican National Committee.
A: As chairman of Precinct 116 in Collin County, I called thousands of voters to increase
turnout. I also served as an Election Judge in west Plano. I experienced the call to serve
my community at a very early age. I earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 13, receiving
the honor from none other than George W. Bush. After earning my undergraduate degree,
I volunteered to serve my country in uniform. I served approximately ten years as an
officer in the United States Marine Corps. As the top Marine graduate from intelligence
school, I earned the privilege of leading an elite Reconnaissance platoon. After four years
of active duty, I joined the Marine Corps Reserves to continue serving my country while
earning an MBA at Harvard Business School. I then volunteered for duty with the Marine
Corps’ C Company, 4th Reconnaissance Battalion. I was activated to fight in Iraq where I
served with the 2nd Force Reconnaissance Company. As a Captain, I led missions behind
enemy lines for the 4,500 Marines of Task Force Tarawa, including the leadership of the
Task Force’s first platoon entering Iraq before the start of the main invasion in 2003. My
platoon encountered and defeated several Fedayeen ambushes, helped rescue an
American prisoner of war, and rescued 31 wounded men during a counter-attack by
several thousand Iraqis. For my service, the Marine Corps awarded me the Navy
Commendation Medal with a “V” for Valor, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Presidential
Unit Citation.
A: Republican Precinct Chairman, Precinct 116, Plano, Collin County 2008-2009 Republican
Nominee for Congress Texas's 17th District, 2006
A: A current and complete accounting of our campaign is on file with the Texas Ethics
Commission. As of June 30, 2010, I had raised over one million dollars for this election
cycle.
A: I am honored by all the contributions I have received, large and small, from Texans
who tell me they want to elect a true conservative to represent them in Austin. As June 30,
2010 our top three contributors were: Vic Lattimore, Louis Beecherl and my father,
Nicholas Taylor.
A: In 1991, as I traveled through Massachusetts, a police officer wrongfully arrested me
for possessing a disassembled hunting rifle in the locked trunk of my car. I pointed out to
the officer that federal law specifically protects gun owners while traveling through states,
but the officer arrested me anyway. Authorities released me and the dropped all charges
within minutes of the District Attorney hearing the facts. This reinforced my passion to
protect Second Amendment rights for all Americans.
A: When the legislature convenes in 2011, Texas may potentially face a multi-billion
budget shortfall as a result of falling sales tax revenue. In order to balance the budget, I
believe that we must learn from the unfolding fiscal disaster in California. We must focus
on reducing the size and scope of government rather than increasing taxes and state debt.
I’ll promote a conservative agenda based on limited government, lower taxes, and
reduced spending. My first act as an official candidate for Texas House District 66 was
signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, opposing all efforts to increase taxes. As a small
businessman, I have seen first-hand that excessive taxation, abusive litigation, and
burdensome regulation can threaten to strangle Texas’ business community, which is the
engine for economic growth. We must look at every area of the budget to find the
necessary cuts. I have met with numerous agencies as well as the comptroller’s office, and
other legislators looking for ways to squeeze efficiencies out with tax payer dollars. The
next legislative session is an opportunity to reinvent government and make it more
efficient, leaner, and smaller.
A: We need to start with a balanced budget that does not raise taxes nor touch the rainy
day fund. Texas families have cut back, businesses have cut back, and it is high time for
government to cut back. We can meet this budget shortfall through a restructuring of
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Texas government. In 2003, Texas faced a similar shortfall of $10 billion on a $120 billion
budget. By working with the 35 major state agency heads, the legislature asked each
department to determine what they "had" to do by the Texas Constitution and by statute.
Starting with this bare bones budget, policy makers then budgeted program by program
for each agency until they had no more money to allocate. This created a leaner and more
efficient state government with a balanced budget and no increase in taxes. In 2011 the
Texas legislature should repeat the successful process that it undertook in 2003 to balance
the state budget without raising taxes. In business, we constantly look for ways to create
value, cut costs, and improve service. Unfortunately, government does not share that
same passion for increased efficiencies with an eye toward the bottom line. Texas benefits
from the Sunset Commission, but this "tear down, then build up" budget process will cut
costs and improves service for Texas taxpayers
A: Economic growth comes from small business, not big government. Small government
means lower taxes. Texas has the strongest economy in America due to a pro business
environment that keeps litigation, regulation, and taxation in check. I oppose those who
want to expand the franchise tax on small businesses. This would strangle a recovery in
the cradle. We need to encourage new businesses and job creation - not tax them. We
need to work toward repealing the business tax by stopping government growth and
putting the savings toward eliminating the business tax. This tax hurts start-up businesses
that lose money early on by taxing them on sales rather than profits. This tax also hurts
lower margin higher volume businesses, particularly family owned businesses. Finally, for
all of us who have to file franchise tax forms every year the tax adds a substantial
administrative burden on entrepreneurs. These selfsame entrepreneurs should focus on
creating new products, services, and jobs - not filling out forms.
A: There are three simple means to determine if the system works: 1. Whether students
are college ready as evidenced by scores on college entrance exams and what percentage
of college students earn a degree; 2. How much money our institutions of higher education
must spend on remedial education; and 3. Whether the number of dropouts rises or falls.
There are no other measures more meaningful than those three. I am skeptical that our
public school system is actually living up to parents’ and taxpayers’ high expectations in all
areas of the state. We need to measure how this new initiative discourages social
promotion of students not ready to advance to the next grade. Of course, I have real
concerns about creating a system that encourages teachers to teach to a test. I will listen
carefully to educators about how to improve our accountability to find deficiencies that we
can address. I hope that this new system will help us find successful schools so that we can
discover new best practices for helping teach our kids and then allow us to transfer that
key knowledge to other struggling schools. The new data gathered should help taxpayers
and parents determine how cost effective their schools are in educating children.
A: We need to raise the cap on charter schools above the current cap of 215, or better yet
eliminate the cap completely. Charter schools introduce greater freedom and choice for
parents to educate their children. Texas has experienced success with charter schools and
we need to build upon this success. We need to continue to phase out Robin Hood by the
state buying down property taxes. Also, school finance formulas are needlessly
complicated and create spending patterns that may not be justified based on local
educational needs. We need to simplify and clarify this process so that the end result is a
better educational system for Texas children.
A: The fundamental problem with the state’s current tuition policies is that universities
have flexibility to set rates without transparency and accountability. In short, students are
subject to tuition hikes and we’re really not certain that the increases are justified. As with
all government agencies, our higher education system should not be exempt from scrutiny.
State funded colleges and universities need increased transparency and accountability. If
you allow the educational institutions to set their own tuition without checks, unneeded
bureaucracy will run amok and the administration will grow. I am afraid that tuition money
finds its way to build fiefdoms rather than educate Texans for good paying jobs. Going
forward we need to keep costs low and admissions open to United States residents by
making sure that illegal immigrants do not get in-state tuition.
system?
A: Texas’ highway and roadway systems need to be maintained and expanded, which
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requires tax dollars. Therefore we must prioritize our transportation spending based on
congestion. We should end the policy of putting money towards transportation based on
political clout. As a proportion of our overall state budget, we are underfunding our
transportation needs. It is much more cost efficient to maintain roads than to rebuild.
Going forward, our focus must remain on easing traffic congestion and maintaining roads
with an eye towards efficiency, not political expediency.
A: The Texas legislature must stop diverting money out of the gas tax and ensure that the
money goes toward the roads with the most congestion. The gas tax generates more
revenue than we need for roads, but the excess is diverted to projects other than roads. I
have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, which states that I will never support a tax
increase or any additional taxes or fees placed on hard working Texas families.
A: As I stated previously, the Texas legislature’s first priority should be to stop diverting
money out of the gas tax and ensure that they money goes toward the roads with the
most congestion. The plan that was voted down last session was done so for good reason.
There is never a good time to enact new taxes, but with the economy hurting right now
such proposals would place an even tougher burden on our Texas families. Municipalities
already have several means to raise revenues from their citizens to build infrastructure.
Cities and counties must prioritize transportation spending rather than insisting on tax
increases.
A: The 2007 Texas State Water plan states that we need another 19 million-acre feet of
water by 2060. The Dallas area faces some of the greatest water-related needs in the
short-term. Conservation alone can generate only 2 million-acre feet of water by 2060,
leaving a deficit of 17 million acre feet. The Texas legislature must consider a broad range
of public/private financing partnerships to raise the capital needed to provide the water
that Texas needs to support its future. The North Texas Municipal Water District is a good
example of how to fund projects, as they use bonds and sell water to fund projects. We will
need approximately $5 billion a year to build the necessary water storage for use by 2060.
Texas faces a real challenge, but with the right leadership and a commitment to getting
the water in place we can accomplish this goal for all Texans. Currently, our state gives out
more money to the Arts Commission than to the Texas Water Development Board. Instead
of raising new taxes, we need to prioritize existing revenues. Users of the water will
ultimately pay for the costs to develop the new sources needed.
quality?
A: As a father of three daughters, quality air is essential to me. We must have clean air -
period. I want to see the next six generations of my family enjoy the quality of life here as
much as the previous six generations have. However, President Obama's EPA is
threatening to implement draconian measures, which are not realistic, nor based on
science. These measures also threaten jobs here in North Texas. The state legislature and
other Texas leaders must carefully monitor the impact of federal environmental mandates
that could harm our economy. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
has fulfilled its obligations under the Clean Air Act to monitor emissions and issue permits
to industrial facilities - as it has done for the previous two Administrations. By stepping in
now and invalidating the current system of permitting, the Obama EPA is unfairly punishing
companies that have dutifully complied with regulations. These actions threaten the jobs of
so many Texans and the strong economy of the Lone Star State. The Texas legislature
must ensure that the funding of state agencies that monitor pollution is transparent so that
taxpayers can see how their money is being used and ensure that we are meeting the
environmental goals set for funded projects. One of the best ways Texas can promote
clean air is to encourage the continued development of alternative energy sources such as
wind and nuclear energy, as well as the adoption of the latest generation of clean coal
technology. I support the broader use of the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan to adopt new
technologies.
pursue?
A: The free market, not government mandates, should drive alternative energy expansion
in Texas. I am concerned that state mandated renewable requirements come with an
added cost to consumers' electric bills. We need to encourage the adoption of alternative
sources of energy. All Texans should take pride that we have more wind power than any
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state in the union. Texas should continue to take the lead on renewable energy. We should
encourage urban wind with local installation and consumption through net metering. This
allows regular homeowners to tap into another of Texas' resources: free wind.
Municipalities should demonstrate more flexibility in allowing residents to take advantage
of this free resource.
A: The death penalty is a proven deterrent of violent crime and our families are safer for
it. I support the system that we have in place today, but I am open to suggestions on how
we can improve or change it on a go forward basis.
justice system?
A: We need to encourage more review, using DNA and other tools to free every innocent
person wrongly convicted of a crime. It has been very uplifting to read about the
exoneration of people wrongly convicted of crimes they did not commit. At the same time,
it was disappointing to see this monumental failure of our justice system designed to
protect the innocent. Advancements in these technologies and science must be used to
overturn wrongful convictions in cases where they can be applied and prevent future
wrongful convictions.
A: The key to lowering cost is to increase competition. With more insurance providers in
the marketplace, rates will naturally work themselves towards a true fair market rate.
Texas needs to go to a true "file and use" system allowing the Commissioner to disapprove
only rates in use if they are inadequate or discriminatory. Efforts to go after "excessive"
rates only drove insurers out of Texas; reducing competition and thus driving up rates.
Clearly, competition is the answer. Next year, the sunset review process includes a review
of the Texas Department of Insurance. This will be a valuable opportunity for us to explore
how we can promote competition, provide more choices, and thereby lower the costs of
insurance to homeowners.
A: I am unconvinced that gambling will do much to help the Texas economy. The two
previous expansions of gambling, the lottery and horse racing, fell well short of promises
and expectations. It is difficult to see expanding gambling further, especially in a legislative
session that already faces three major challenges: budget, redistricting, and sunset
commission.
A: We are a nation of laws and we should enforce them. The federal government has failed
both to secure our borders and to provide an immigration policy that is humane and
realistic. Right now we have a system that is bad for employers, taxpayers, and would-be
immigrants. Many Texas cities already enforce parts of federal immigration laws, as they
should. Every city and county in Texas should enforce immigration laws. I believe in states’
rights to enact and enforce laws that protect their residents.
A: I believe in local control for schools. Further, I think that the first three grades are the
most important for children to learn. When a problem develops or begins in elementary
school, it manifests itself in middle school. Local school boards are the best vehicle to
promote parental involvement and improve education.
A: Higher education leads to a better life for the student and their families. As a member
of the Higher Education committee I am most concerned with the relatively low graduation
rates for our students at state funded universities, some are as low as 12% after 6 years of
college. In the upcoming budget I would not expect to see additional funds for expansion
programs due to cuts in almost every area of government.
A: I admire principled conservative leaders who do not waver on the values that they
support and remember that they serve the voters, not the other way around. Too often
politicians go to Austin and forget that they were sent to represent the voters who elected
them. I particularly admire Ken Paxton and Jodie Laubenberg, who have represented
Collin County effectively and have not compromised their conservative principles. Although
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he is a former state legislator who now serves us in Washington, D.C., I have great
admiration for our hometown hero, Sam Johnson. He has sacrificed so much for our state
and nation.

Description:
Jerry Madden
Party: R
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Ken Paxton
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John Schleeter
Party: D
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Todd Smith
Party: R
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Description:
Barbara Nash
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Barbara Nash
Street Address: 705 Viewside Circle
State: Texas
Fax Number: 817-277-1900
E-mail Address: barbara@barbaranashfortexas.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.barbaranashfortexas.com
Questions:
A: I am a Tarrant County native. I have lived in several homes in the North Arlington Area
for nearly 40 years. I have been a resident of this district for over 20 years.
A: Real Estate Investments
A: Arlington Rotary Club Salvation Army Board of Directors Arlington ISD Foundation
Board The Cancer Research Foundation of North Texas
A: North Central Texas Council of Government, Arlington Chamber/AISD Mentor Program,
Arlington Human Service Planners, Partners for Education Excellence Committee, the
AWARE Foundation, Arlington Business and Professional Women, Arlington Economics
Development Foundation Board of Directors, The Women’s Shelters Support Group of
Arlington, Arlington Woman’s Club, and the Encore Club.
A: Member, Arlington ISD Board of Trustees, 1990-97 Member, Arlington City Council,
1997-2000.
A: All of my campaign finance filings are available for public review at
www.ethics.state.tx.us.
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A: I would not want to single out any individual or group and I am grateful to all those who
have donated their hard earned dollars to my campaign. All interested persons should
review my ethics filings in their entirety at: www.ethics.state.tx.us.
A: No.
A: My primary focus will be on reducing the size and cost of the state workforce through
hiring freeze, paycuts for non-essential personnel, and reductions in the overall number of
bureaucrats. I would also eliminate or reduce many of the programs the Dallas Morning
News outlined in a recent editorial.
A: The Economic Stabilization Fund was created precisely for this type of fiscal
circumstance. I support using a modest portion of the Fund to balance the budget without
raising taxes, but we must maintain a positive fund balance to keep the State's bond rating
high and to prepare for the explosive cost of Obamacare in future years if the law is not
overturned or repealed.
A: The business tax has never met revenue projections and compliance costs are
excessive. In the short term, I want to make the small business exemption permanent and
increase the number of businesses that qualify for the "E-Z" tax rate. In the long term, the
business tax as it now stands is not a long term solution. Before any long term plans or
choices can be made we must look at the spending side and review what funding is
wasteful, unnecessary or simply not a priority. We cannot have a real solution to tax
problems until we solve our spending problems.
A: I believe that improvements can be made to the current ratings system. Before the
legislature can make specific changes, it needs to review what processes currently exist
and why there are questions as to the reliability of the current system. When a student can
miss every question on a test and still score a "50" something is seriously wrong with the
system.
A: We need to make the system simpler, more stable, less arbitrary, and adequately
funded. Every session, it seems the Legislature adds another layer of complexity to the
school finance system. Sometimes, it enacts new mandates that aren’t funded. It’s hard
for a district to predict funding and to budget for basics like staffing when major changes
happen every two years. Also, the Legislature in 2006 set target revenue for school
districts at the 2005-06 school year levels, an arbitrary number. Since that time, target
revenue hasn’t changed much, and districts have had to dip into reserve funds (basically,
their savings accounts) to pay for ongoing expenses. The Legislature needs to take a hard
look at that and ensure the system is adequately – not arbitrarily – funded. Another
problem is that the federal government, with Democrats controlling Congress, has started
a huge power-grab into education. The feds are basically trying to dictate state and local
policies with new major grants – with expensive strings such as a national curriculum,
which would take away the input of Texas parents and taxpayers. Another example is the
recent “Doggett amendment” that singled out Texas for a mandate on how the state must
distribute new federal education funds. That amendment, enacted by the Democrats in
Congress, meant that Arlington ISD and Mansfield ISD did not receive as much funding as
they otherwise would have. We need to get the federal government out of the business of
dictating our school finance system, our curriculum, and everything else. To do this, we
need Republicans in the Texas Legislature who can ensure a fair 2011 congressional
redistricting. And we need Texas lawmakers who are willing to speak out against federal
intrusion into our classrooms.
A: I would review the success of the system based on affordability, graduation rates and
debt burden of students in school. College students must be able to pay their bills, but
students have to be able to afford to go to college and not be burdened with impossible
debt loads upon graduation.
system?
A: Our transportation funding system is clearly not working. But that is due in part because
the transportation bureaucracy has grown out of control. Before any public official can
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make any definitive decisions on funding, we have to look at the spending side. Currently
there is a team in place charged with the task of restructuring the Texas Department of
Transportation. They will be asking tough questions and making recommendations to the
legislature. We must use those recommendations as a guide to set state policy in order to
maximize the efficiency of the dollars we spend now - before any changes in funding should
be considered. Fixing any spending problems we have must be the first priority.
A: I will not support any tax increases. Raising taxes in a fragile recovering economy could
cost Texans jobs or stifle our return to prosperity. We need fiscal discipline now - not tax
increases.
A: No. Texans do not support new or additional taxes, especially in light of the free
spending of the Obama Administration in Washington. Texans want fiscal discipline, not
new taxes. We must fix the spending problem in transportation before we try to raise
taxes on working Texas families.
A: Steps to improve conservation in our larger cities must be part of any strategy when it
comes to funding our water needs in Texas. Incentives must be built in that promote and
reward conservation. But raising water rates now makes no sense as Texans hard already
struggling to pay their exisitng utility bills. Expanding conservation measures and using
those costs savings for future water resource development is the key.
quality?
A: I support practical solutions for cleaner air. Most air pollution in Texas results from
mobile sources. We need to promote cleaner fuels and more efficient vehicles. I support
the actions of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott in filing a legal challenge to preserve
the state's control of the air-permitting program. The Legislature should review the state's
flexible permitting program to ensure that common sense prevails. I believe that we can
strive for cleaner air without placing undue or unnecessary burdens on small businesses.
The wrong regulations can costs Texas thousands of jobs and make no difference in the
fight for a cleaner environment. Texas must have a say in the policies and not leave it to
federal bureaucrats to decide the future of Texas. I also oppose the Democrat's cap and
trade legislation because it does not solve the problem. It does not fix air emissions and
does not spend that new tax money on improving air quality.
pursue?
A: As a free enterprise Conservative, I support less unnecessary regulation and promoting
an atmosphere where business competition thrives and works to give consumers the best
choices. Deregulation may still need adjustments to ensure reliability, affordability and
competition at the residential retail level. The Public Utility Commission is up for Sunset
Review next year and I intend to follow it closely to ensure that these issues are
addressed.
A: The modern application of the death penalty provides extraordinary due process during
the course of an investigation, prosecution, trial, appeal, post-conviction appeal, and
consideration of clemency. In addition, tremendous advances have been made in providing
assistance of counsel during and after trial. Every death penalty case receives multiple
reviews for accuracy and sufficiency of the evidence. The Legislature should provide
additional support at the beginning of any death penalty case, providing sufficient
personnel and resources for investigators and prosecutors to pursue all leads in developing
a case. In particular, laboratories need additional money to keep up with the requests for
testing that come in. Too many times, cases are delayed by backlogs in testing.
justice system?
A: DNA exonerations are largely the result of the unavailability of such testing before about
1990. Modern cases do not show the same problems because scientific testing is available
and used (except of course when the defendant chooses not to pursue testing because it
would show his guilt). However, the Legislature should make sure that laboratories have
sufficient personnel and resources to conduct timely testing of all physical evidence
submitted before trial. The current backlogs for laboratories are unacceptable.
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A: Texas is a natural catastrophe theme park. Of the natural hazards that can damage
your home, we pretty much face all of them: flood (covered by a federal program), wind
and electrical storms, hail, wildfire, thunderstorms and hard freezes. While premium levels
have remained essentially flat, property values have not in many parts of Texas which has
contributed to steep increases in premiums. Texas must look at an entire menu of options
when it comes to making homeowners insurance rates more affordable. We need a full
review of the regulatioms and reforms that have made other forms of insurance more
affordable in Texas. There may be aspects of tort reform and regulatory reform that could
be expanded into this market without sacrificing consumer choice and policyholder rights.
Those that are insured without ever filing a claim should not be punished with higher rates.
That creates a serious disincentive for consumers to be good consumers.
A: Voters should have the right to decide this issue whether it be at the state or local level.
Citizens should always have a say in what kind of businesses and industries can locate in
their community if they can have a negative impact on the social fabric of a community.
A: The federal government needs to enforce the laws we have on the books now in order
to not burden local law enforcement with this problem. At the same time local law
enforcement should not have legal barriers that prevent them from working with federal
law enforcement officials to protect our border and defend citizens against any crime. At
the same time, racial profiling is illegal and that must remain the law of the land.
A: Middle school years are so important to a child’s future. These children are in transition
between being, generally, with the same teacher and kids much of the day to being with
different teachers and kids for different classes. In other words, kids can get lost and feel
like there’s not an adult at school who is “their” person. And when they get through middle
school, about 15 percent of students have to repeat ninth grade. The Legislature’s role
should be to put funds towards solutions that can be validated by research. The
Legislature, for example, has appropriated $6 million to a Dallas-area pilot, “Middle School
Brain Years” (University of Texas at Dallas), which focuses on the development of
pre-teens’ reasoning skills. Other pilot solutions that could be studied are personalized
learning, which lets students move at their own pace and can help diagnose and remediate
gaps in prior knowledge, and the work of organizations that provide volunteers to our
schools. We need to make middle school a more “personal” time for students so they don’t
get lost in the in-between-years shuffle. For parental engagement, we could look at the
great job the state has done with the new Prekindergarten Guidelines, which recognizes
that families are critical players in children’s school readiness and suggests ways for
teachers to involve parents. Starting early is a winning strategy for the Legislature to
encourage. Another example of engaging parents is for teachers to communicate with
parents on a regular basis (e.g., weekly letters or emails home) and provide suggestions
for how to help. That way, parents can know what the kids are doing, help with or
supervise homework, and provide feedback. Rather than mandate such an approach,
however, the state’s role should be to seek out and encourage best practices in this area
and show other districts what works.
A: My top priority in higher education will be to see to the needs of the University of Texas
at Arlington and the students attending that campus. I will review all other proposed laws
and appropriation requests based on merit, need and available funding.
A: Senator Chris Harris and Senator Jane Nelson are two among many Legislators that I
admire and respect.
Paula Pierson
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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system?
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quality?
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Colin F. Sewards
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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system?
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quality?
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pursue?
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justice system?
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Description:
Richard A. Cross
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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A: - no response -
system?
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quality?
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pursue?
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justice system?
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Diane Patrick
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Diane Patrick
Street Address: 318 W. Main Suite 102
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: work 817-548-9091
Fax Number: 817-274-1447
E-mail Address: patrick.diane@tx.rr.com
Campaign Web Site Address: dianepatrick@dianepatrick.org
Questions:
A: 64 years in Texas; 37 years in district
A: retired University of Texas at Arlington professor; spouse
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A: Arlington Independent School District Education Foundation Board of Directors, Rotary

Club-Downtown Arlington
A: Junior League of Arlington, Arlington Museum of Art, Fielder House Museum, Parent
Teacher Association, Safe Haven
A: Texas House of Representatives (2006-present), Texas State Board of Education
(1992-96), Arlington School Board (1981-1992)
A: Since January 1, 2010, I have raised $11,960 for my campaign.
A: Hillco PAC ($2500), TREPAC ($1000), Atmos Energy PAC ($1000)
A: No, I have never been arrested.
A: This next Legislative Session is going to be the most challenging Session ever, as we
face a projected record-high $18 billion budget shortfall that will require a disciplined multi-
pronged approach addressing both revenue and expenditures. In terms of revenue,
accessing some of the Rainy Day Funds will provide partial relief, and if the economy
continues to improve sales tax revenue will increase accordingly. From the expenditure
column, spending cuts must be made across the board. State agencies have already been
asked to cut their budgets by 15%, and more is likely to be necessary. In addition, for both
the short-term and long-term financial health of this state, we must continue to create
sound public policy that will keep Texas as the number one state to do business.
A: I favor using a portion of the state’s Rainy Day Fund to help close the budget gap.
However, we must not spend all of the approximately $9 billion currently estimated in the
Fund because we need to keep in mind the next budget cycle in case current recovery
trends are not sustainable and there is another shortfall in 2013.
A: Prior to my 2006 election to this position, the business margins tax was passed in 2005
with the promise of a trade-off in the form of lowered school property tax rates. The
projected revenue has not materialized as calculated, creating a structural budget deficit.
Since that time we have made adjustments increasing the gross revenue threshold from
$300,000 to $1,000,000 to ensure that small businesses are not adversely affected. An
additional problem is that businesses have not realized gains through the school property
tax tradeoff due to increases in school property tax rates and increased property tax
values since that 2005 legislation.
A: The state’s system of rating schools must accurately reflect student achievement of high
academic standards. As a member of the House Public Education Committee, I have
worked to make changes in the Accountability System including new End of Course Exams
scheduled to replace the current TAKS exams at the high school level and a measure that
accounts for progress toward an absolute goal. This next Session we need to review such
changes to evaluate and make adjustments if there were any unintended consequences as
we move to the new State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) in the
2011-12 academic year and the new state rating system beginning in 2013.
A: Changes in the school funding distribution system must be considered, as it is still tied
to outdated 2005-06 snapshot figures, which does not take into account higher costs due to
inflation, utilities, or transportation fuel. The result has been an inequitable fund
distribution since that time. Given the Texas demographic trends of expected overall
student population growth of over 80,000 students annually, along with the growing
percentage of children who are economically disadvantaged, the state's educational
system faces great financial challenges. To generate more local funds under current law,
School Boards may exercise one or more of several local options, including: (1) holding a
tax rollback election to increase local maintenance and operation tax rates up to $1.17 (2)
utilizing excessive fund balance (3) spending proceeds from gas well drilling (4) decreasing
or eliminating additional local homestead exemptions above the $15,000 state minimum.
The other side of the coin is that local districts may determine that budget cuts are
necessary to balance their budget. Although the availability of these options varies by
district, some School Boards have taken action to access these local funding sources
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because of the state funding crisis.

A: In order to determine whether the state’s new tuition policies for universities are
working, longitudinal data must be analyzed that looks at the cost relative to increased
access and affordability as compared to the past in Texas, as well as to other states.
De-regulation has given universities the ability to respond to rising costs in the face of
decreasing state aid over time. Re-regulation of tuition would necessitate a commitment
for more state funds for higher education, which is not likely to occur again like it did in
2009 due to the budget shortfall. We must expect transparency and accountability for
efficient use of the state funds currently provided to the state’s post-secondary institutions.
However, tuition is only part of the increased costs of higher education; expenses of
student fees and textbooks burden students as much or more than tuition increases. As a
member of the House Higher Education Committee, I have worked to offset tuition
increases by encouraging options such as e-books and textbook rental. We also must
ensure that high school graduates are adequately prepared for successful matriculation in a
post-secondary educational institution. Reducing the need for developmental, or remedial,
courses decreases overall costs to students. Furthermore, availability of high-quality
courses online and other distance education options improves student access through
increased course schedule flexibility. Affordability and access to higher education is critical
for the future of this state; therefore, programs such as the reinstituted Texas Tomorrow
Fund II to help parents save for their children’s college education and the Texas Grant
Program are critical in addressing this issue.
system?
A: The financial needs and condition of Texas’ roadway system can be characterized as a
pressing situation. The roadway system is strained just trying to keep up with the annual
net population increase. Given the lack of public transportation options, maintaining and
improving our roadway system is necessary for now and for the future of this state.
A: Generating new transportation revenue can be accomplished through a number of
approaches. As anyone who has driven north or south on I-35 is aware, the problem of
traffic congestion on this interstate highway is a serious and dangerous one. Unlike the
Trans-Texas Corridor planning that encroached on rural Texas family farmland, the best
way to do address this issue to utilize existing right of way to expand lanes at both the
ground and raised levels. Toll roads can be appropriate in the mix when they are newly
constructed roads, but such a plan should not include conversion of existing roads to
toll-roads. However, because these toll-road contracts are generally 30-50 years in length,
the contracts should be carefully examined before they entered into to ensure that it is the
best agreement for the people of Texas over the terms of the contract.
A: I favor allowing local regions to call elections on local options for transportation to
determine what type of transportation options and the best funding sources. Local voters
would decide their preference of the various modes of transportation possibilities ranging
from improved highways to light, commuter, and/or high speed rail, and decide their
preference on the sources of funding possibilities, such as increases in fees for motor
vehicle registration, new resident impact, or gasoline tax increases. The most important
feature in this scenario is that the dedicated funds would be used for their intended
purposes.
A: The state needs to protect the aquifers to ensure clean water suitable for human
consumption in which fish and other wildlife can thrive. Adequate state laws to restore and
conserve wetlands need to be in place, as well as encouragement of private and public
support. Throughout Texas aquifers vary greatly in size. The state needs to protect the
aquifers to ensure clean water suitable for human consumption in which fish and other
wildlife can thrive. Adequate state laws to restore and conserve wetlands need to be in
place, as well as encouragement of private and public support. I support efforts to improve
openness and transparency in transactions at every level of government.
quality?
A: The Legislature should address air quality through such initiatives as the recently
announced establishment of an independent air quality monitoring process for the North
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Texas region. In order to make good decisions about air-pollution standards independent
monitoring is necessary to make sure that we have accurate information that everyone
agrees is accurate. This regional air monitoring system is administered by an independent
third party contract, not the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) or the
industries. At the request of Legislators, TCEQ has also a new interactive website
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/implementation/barnettshale/bshale-viewer to give the public
the ability to see the results of air monitoring data from the Barnett Shale region in North
Central Texas. The website is available 24 hours a day and will be continually updated with
the most recent monitoring results and toxicological analysis to give residents information
about local air quality.
pursue?
A: I am cautiously optimistic that deregulation of electricity has worked. In the last 18
months prices are down about 25%, largely due to competition. However, I am concerned
that prices will go up if the price of natural gas increases. The Legislature needs to
encourage diversification of the fuel mix, including clean coal, nuclear, and emerging
technologies such as wind and solar energies.
A: Changes to the administration of the death penalty in Texas are not needed at the
present time.
justice system?
A: I am a strong proponent of the death penalty. Newer technology has exonerated
persons wrongly convicted prior to the existence of such advanced DNA technology. This
same technology will greatly reduce the chances of wrongful convictions in the future.
However, when a person's innocence or guilt hangs in the balance, the Legislature should
be flexible enough to make changes when there is compelling evidence that improvements
are needed in the justice system.
A: Although the state’s natural disaster risks are a significant driver in the high homeowner
insurance rates in Texas, the Legislature needs to take steps to encourage competition in
the industry. This will result in having more insurance companies competing for business,
especially in the coastal areas.
A: Expansion of gambling is not a solid solution to solving the state’s financial woes.
Interestingly enough, in this recent economic downturn neighboring states that currently
have forms of expanded gambling have not fared as well as Texas overall. My Arlington
District 94 has developed its community brand as a family entertainment destination.
According to recent surveys of my constituents, gambling expansion in our area doesn’t fit
with that image. As to expansion in other parts of the state, over the years the existing
lottery games and racetracks have not generated the state revenue promised at the
outset. Therefore, it is unlikely that expanded gambling revenue would be a significant
budget gain, especially given increased state expenses due to various negative aspects
associated with gambling.
A: Although immigration law enforcement is primarily the responsibility of the federal
government, the response at that level has been woefully inadequate; therefore, to
protect our Texas citizens we have taken steps at the state level such as increasing the
number of border patrol agents. We must have better border security in this state to
protect our citizens against rampant drug and human trafficking.
A: To improve the middle school years where many students in North Texas and elsewhere
face a drop out path, we must approach this challenge from two angles. First, prior to the
middle school years, the elementary school instructional model must be one of excellence
because many students “drop out” in third grade, although they don’t “walk out” until the
ninth grade. The early years are the beginning of good academic habits coming from the
home and school. Secondly, the curriculum in the middle school years must be rigorous
and relevant in order to keep the student meaningfully engaged in learning. To encourage
parents to be engaged with their child’s education, a team approach should be taken,
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where the parent, child, and the child’s teacher sit down to delineate that child’s
educational plan. The student must be evaluated as to individual needs so that the
educational needs can be diagnosed and the appropriate academic instruction be
prescribed and provided. This takes everyone working together for the child’s success.
A: As a member of the House Higher Education Committee, I am proud of the
commitment by the Texas Legislature to provide access to a high quality higher education
experience in the southern half of Dallas. Through the allocation of funds to expand the
campus of University of North Texas Dallas, along with support for the implementation of
the new University of North Texas Law School in downtown Dallas, the North Texas area
will have improved higher educational opportunities.
A: Leadership I admire among current members of the Texas Legislature includes so many
of my colleagues that it would be difficult to name just one member. Because we work in a
collaborative process, depending on the particular policy topic, I have seen great
leadership emerge from various legislators who have made a huge positive impact on this
state. Texas is blessed to have so many fine individuals serving in the Legislature, and I
am privileged to serve with them, those people who are willing to unselfishly serve the
citizens of Texas to help make this the best state in the country.
Ryan Seward
Party: G
Biographical Info:
Name: Ryan Seward
Street Address: 4605 Canyon Way #14105
State: TX
Fax Number: N/A
E-mail Address: r_seward@sbcglobal.net
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.txgreens.org/ryanseward
Questions:
A: 22 years (entire life)
A: Music Performance/Private Music Instruction
A: None.
A: University of North Texas Campus Coordinator for Ralph Nader for President 2008
Member of UNT Students for a Democratic Society (organized tuition increase protest)
A: Arlington City Council, District 8 (write-in) 2008
A: None at present.
A: None.
A: No.
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A: Require businesses to accurately report and pay taxes on their personal property,
borrow from the Rainy Day Fund, legalize casino gambling
A: Yes. The Rainy Day Fund was set up to set aside excess revenue for use in times of
unexpected revenue shortfall. Before discussing layoffs and cuts in state public services,
we must seriously consider drawing from the nearly $10 billion available in the fund. With
one of the highest rates of unemployment in 20 years, we simply cannot afford to cut state
and local government positions to close the budget gap.
A: No. From early on, while HB 3 was being debated in 2006, loopholes and tax
exemptions were given to big business and special interest groups, undermining any equity
the initial bill promised. Whereas the business tax offered much property tax relief for
many Texans, revenue from the tax is only spent on lowering property taxes, not in
providing much needed money to our public education system. As Texas struggles with
maintaining academic excellence, we should again look towards an equitable broad-based
business tax structure whose revenue would also provide money for public education.
A: No. I oppose over reliance on high-stakes standardized tests when such tests are used
as the primary criterion for grade advancement, graduation, or teacher pay. Likewise, I
refute that the averaged scores from such tests can be used to make fair or meaningful
comparisons between schools. Measuring a state's academic standards by standardized
testing is ineffective and in some cases, not a true representation of a school's actual level
of "achievement". The incentives for higher test scores causes states to lower their
standards of academic "excellence". A state who lowers its standards for increased funding
is a disservice to the students who attend public schools and the taxpayers who fund them.
A: In the name of tax fairness, we must implement a sound revenue recovery strategy
that retains tax dollars lost through evasion, shelters, tax loopholes, and an outdated
corporate minimum tax rate. Fundamentally, it is necessary to reform Texas' broken tax
system to align the state's revenues with the educational and service needs of its citizens.
I support the eventual elimination of tuition and student fees at Texas public colleges and
universities for Texas high school graduates.
A: I believe that free, egalitarian access to public education through the university level is
a fundamental human right and an obligation of the state to its people. I vehemently
oppose school vouchers. Public funding must serve public schooling. Texas cannot
simultaneously build an excellent public education system and finance private schools.
system?
A: Locally, I would characterize the conditions of our roadway system as constantly
improving with adequate financial funding. The developments along I-30 and 360 are
actively seeking to reduce congestion and increase regional mobility. I think it is
necessary, however, to seek environmentally responsible alternatives to our physical
roadway structuring. On the whole, it is vital that Texas allocate research money towards
sustainable infrastructure methods and design.
A: I support a registration tax on all gasoline vehicles that fall short of a minimum fuel
efficiency standard. I also support the construction of toll roads, however I do not support
the building of private toll roads and am still to be convinced of any benefits to private-
public partnerships.
A: Yes. The process for building toll roads should be changed to allow input from citizens
and affected city and county governments. Citizens should be enabled to petition for a
referendum on proposed toll roads. Existing highways and roads, or single lanes on
existing roads, should not be converted to toll roads without the same citizen and local
government input.
A: The major flaw with the state's water plan is that it assumes that both growth patterns
and the electric generation sector will continue to grow at current rates. We can do a
number of things to prepare ourselves for an increasingly abysmal scenario before pouring
billions of dollars into a potentially short-sighted and fatuous water plan. We must strive to
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maximize water conservation and efficiency across the state and ensure they are included
in planning scenarios so unnecessary water supply projects are not constructed. Inevitably,
the state must develop mandatory water conservation guidelines for individuals,
businesses, and agriculture and encourage the development and adoption of water-saving
technologies such as drip irrigation and low-flow toilets.
quality?
A: The state must take the responsibility of public health seriously and immediately yield
to the EPA's call for more stringent air-pollution standards. Texans desperately need clean
air laws that dramatically reduce pollutants that cause smog, acid rain, respiratory
disease, global warming, and mercury contamination from power plants. Strict
enforcement of the "new source review" provisions of the federal Clean Air Act are
fundamental, requiring old industrial facilities, including power plants and refineries, to
install the best available pollution control technologies when they are significantly
modified. In addition, I support "cumulative impact" laws that assure new industrial
facilities will not be permitted in areas where the cumulative impacts of pollution from
existing facilities present a health hazard to surrounding communities. Likewise, I support
mandatory greenbelt buffer zones between industrial facilities and surrounding
neighborhoods.
pursue?
A: No. Consumers were sold deregulation after being assured that they would be able to
"choose" their electricity supplier. The reality is that 90 percent of households in "retail
choice" states have no ability to "choose" an alternative supplier because the retail market
has suffocated under an uncompetitive wholesale market. Many of the 10 percent of
consumers that do "choose" an alternative supplier are actually getting their power from
an unregulated retail affiliate of the old distributional utility. We must revoke market-based
rate authority from all power producers, thereby returning the Texas energy market to
cost-of-service ratemaking. Decentralized power sources such as distributed generation
and wind and solar energy should be promoted as well.
A: The death penalty in the State of Texas must be abolished for a number of reasons.
Scientific studies have consistently failed to demonstrate that executions deter people from
committing crime any more than long prison sentences. Moreover, states without the
death penalty have much lower murder rates. The South accounts for 80% of U.S.
executions, and has the highest regional murder rate. Life without parole is a sensible
alternative to the death penalty. Almost every state in the U.S. now has life in prison
without parole. Unlike the death penalty, a sentence of life in prison without parole allows
mistakes to be corrected or new evidence to come to light.
justice system?
A: Refer to question above.
A: The state must establish a tighter system of regulation and supervision for insurers,
insurance agencies, and insurance producers chartered or licensed under state law that
ensures the stability and financial integrity of those insurers, agencies, and producers and
that protects policyholders and other consumers served by such insurers, agencies, or
producers.
A: Yes. We have seen schools go underfunded, teachers go underpaid and insurance
benefits to teachers slashed by the millions. Casinos create millions in taxable revenues,
further stimulate the economy by the creation of direct and indirect jobs, and stimulate the
economy through the generation of tourism revenues.
A: No. Most importantly, immigration law enforcement policies should be free of abuse,
respect human rights and international law, and cease the militarization of the Mexican
border. What Texas needs instead is a comprehensive legalization program for all
undocumented women, men, and children now living in the Texas. In addition, immigrant
workers deserve the just labor policies that provide them with the same economic and
labor rights guaranteed to any resident or citizen of the United States, including the right
to a social security number, the right to organize collectively and to unionize in order to
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improve wages and working conditions, as well as the right to worker mobility.
A: The Legislature should consider sponsoring efforts to expand service-learning programs.
Service-learning is a method of teaching through which students apply their academic skills
and knowledge to address real-life needs in their own communities. Service-learning
provides a compelling reason to learn, teaches the skills of civic participation and develops
an ethic of service and civic responsibility. Service-learning increases motivation and
retention of academic skills as specific learning goals are tied to community needs. By
solving real problems and addressing real needs, students learn to apply classroom
learning to a real world context. At the same time, students provide valuable services to
schools and communities. Essentially, is a method of teaching through which students
apply their academic skills and knowledge to address real-life needs in their own
communities. Motivation and practical application need to become high-priority values in
our education system. The Legislature can encourage parents to become more engaged in
their child's education by offering adult programs in child psychology and development to
educate parents on the necessity of close involvement in their child's academic endeavors.
A: Yes. The UNT-Dallas campus plays a vital educational role in serving the ever-expanding
city of Dallas. It provides students living locally an opportunity to attend an institution of
higher learning within Dallas city limits. Increased funding for the UNT-Dallas campus will
not only stimulate the academic milieu of the DFW Metroplex, but will also provide
assistance and opportunity to a community of individuals who may not otherwise receive
these necessary services.
A: I have admired the leadership of Representative Lon Burnam of Ft. Worth and his
involvement on the Publicy Safety and Environmental Regulation Committees. I would
welcome the opportunity to work with him.

Description:
Chris Turner
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Chris Turner
State: Texas
Fax Number: 866-531-5641
E-mail Address: chris@votechristurner.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.votechristurner.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/TADU4thp58Q&hl=en
Questions:
A: 36 years in Texas; 12 years in district
A: I own and operate a communications consulting firm.
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A: Locally, I am a member of the Arlington, Crowley, Kennedale, Burleson and Mansfield

Chambers of Commerce. I am also on the Board of the Arlington YMCA. During my first
legislative session, I served on the Committee on Defense and Veterans Affairs and the
Committee on Urban Affairs. Because of my work on veterans’ issues, including filing six
pieces of legislation aiding our nation’s veterans and passing the measure that created the
Veterans Cash lottery scratch-off ticket, I was named the bi-partisan Veterans’ Caucus
“Freshman of the Year,” given the Leadership Award by the Texas Veterans Commission
and named “Legislator of the Year” by both the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Texas
Veterans of Foreign Wars. My work on consumer protection issues led to my being named
“Freshman of the Year” by Texas Watch, a non-profit consumer protection advocacy
organization. Recently, I received the “Best of the House” award from the Combined Law
Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT). I am also a member of the Legislative
Veterans Caucus, Texas Legislative Tourism Caucus, Texas Women’s Health Caucus, Texas
Manufacturing Caucus, Community College Caucus and the Clean Air Caucus.
A: Prior to running for office, I held the position of District Director in the office of Texas
Congressman Chet Edwards. I am a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and an
Eagle Scout.
A: I’m the newly elected State Representative in HD 96, representing portions of
Arlington, Fort Worth and Burleson and all of Crowley, Kennedale and Rendon. I took office
in January 2009.
A: $394,100
A: My top three contributors in this campaign are Aimee Boone, Steve Mostyn and Bernard
Rapoport.
A: No
A: Texas faces an $18 billion budget shortfall next biennium, and it is time that state
leadership thoroughly examine exactly how we got into this situation and address the
underlying causes. While part of our budget shortfall is due to the down economy, a large
portion of it is due to a structural deficit that the state has been running for several years,
compounded by a system of smoke and mirrors that has created the illusion of a balanced
budget. In reality, money has been diverted from one source to fund another, state debt
has increased and payments are delayed to make it appear as though the books are
balanced, when they are not. In order to truly address our budget shortfall - and not just
kick the can down the road and have the problem recur every biennium - I believe that we
need to have a complete overhaul of how the budget process is conducted and increase
transparency. We need to be honest with taxpayers, so they know exactly where their
money is being spent. We need to do this while ensuring that we stay committed to
making sure our economy grows for generations to come and adequately funding public
and higher education.
A: It is appropriate to utilize part of the Rainy Day Fund to cover shortfalls created by a
severe economic downturn, such as the one we are now experiencing. However, it is
inappropriate – and would be irresponsible – to use the Rainy Day Fund to compensate for
a structural deficit, as outlined above. This would simply put a band-aid on a gaping
wound, which requires a long-term, meaningful solution.
A: No, the new franchise tax is not performing adequately. When passed in 2006, it was
known at that time that the revenue generated by the increased business tax would not
compensate for the property tax “swap.” To make matters worse, the business tax has not
even generated the level of revenue that was projected, inadequate as it was. Had I been
in the legislature in 2006, I would have supported a plan that would have provided most
homeowners a greater property tax cut by increasing the homestead exemption and would
have provided a far better funding system for our public schools. I believe this is one
approach that should be reconsidered going forward, in the context of a complete overhaul
and reevaluation of the state’s budgeting process.
A: I believe our accountability system is far from perfect, yet is improving. For the last
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several years, the state has relied too heavily on standardized testing (the TAKs test).
With last year’s passage of House Bill 3, which I supported, the TAKs test will be phased
out for all but the 5th and 8th grades and teachers will hopefully have more freedom to
teach the subjects they were hired to instruct. In high school, students will be required to
pass end of course exams which will test their knowledge of the course material and not
how well they have been trained to take a standardized test. It is my hope that the new
standards will better measure achievement, and more importantly provide students the
academic tools they need to succeed in college and in the work force. I will be closely
monitoring the implementation of the new accountability standards to see where further
improvements can be made.
A: The current school finance system, which they passed in 2006, is inadequate in many
regards. The primary problem with it is that it froze school district funding levels at
2006-2007 levels, putting a severe strain on many local districts. In 2009, through House
Bill 3646, we increased funding for public education by $1.9 billion, while improving equity
and eliminating recapture for over two dozen school districts in the state. As a part of this
measure, teachers and other school employees received a much-needed pay increase.
However, this was not designed to be a long-term solution and much more needs to be
done. As public education is the single biggest budget item in our state budget, I believe
we should comprehensively reform school finance along with our budget process. A new
school finance plan should do the following: increase equity, provide adequate funding
levels for districts that take into account the rate of inflation and a thorough examination of
unfunded mandates with the goal of ending them and improving efficiencies.
A: College tuition in Texas has increased, on average, 90% since tuition deregulation was
enacted in 2003. I do not know any families in North Texas who have seen their income
increase that much in the last decade. Deregulation of tuition was the easy way out for the
Legislature after having consistently under-funded higher education. The result is, in some
cases, deserving children of middle class families are being priced out of a college
education. Texas must renew its commitment to higher education, and it starts with
making college affordable. As a state, our goal should be to see that every student who
has worked hard and proven his or herself has the ability to attend a Texas college or
university.
system?
A: Our roadway system is nearing a crisis level. It is so complex and of such magnitude
that there is no “cure all” solution. It will require attacking the problem on several fronts:
1. Promoting the development of regional transit systems, particularly in the Metroplex. 2.
Working with our Congressional delegation to see that Texas gets a fair return on our
federal gas tax dollars. 3. Stop the practice of diverting highway funds to other priorities.
Finally, TxDOT needs to be held accountable during the Sunset Review Process, which the
Legislature failed to pass in 2009. Now is the time for us to reform the agency and try to
fix some of the underlying, structural problems in transportation.
A: The first thing we must do is end the practice of diverting gas tax revenue to pay for
non-transportation budget items. Last session alone, $1.25 billion was diverted away from
highways to pay for other programs. That money was intended to pay for the construction
and maintenance of roads and not to fill holes elsewhere in the budget. Given the tough
economic situation we are currently in, it is the wrong time to consider raising the gas tax,
which would hit lower and middle class families the hardest. As for toll roads, Texas has
become too reliant on using tolls in order to build roads. It would be a mistake to rely
solely on toll roads as the answer to all our transportation problems. Toll roads have
proven useful in certain instances in our region – the Dallas North Tollway and George Bush
Turnpike are two examples. However, I firmly oppose tolling existing highways and do not
support the idea that every new highway should be tolled.
A: Yes. I support local control and the right of local communities to make certain
transportation funding decisions with voter approval. Given that the state has inadequately
funded transportation for years, it is understandable that local leadership is asking for the
tools to address the crisis themselves.
A: According to the Texas Water Development Board, water usage is expected to increase
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27% over a sixty-year period. With our state’s population increasing at a growing rate, it is
imperative that we plan for the growth, including how to handle a dwindling water supply.
In the 2007 plan, the board outlined ways to increase access, but with no funding
mechanism in place to play for the plan. This is another key area that should be taken
into account when putting together a budget overhaul, so we can plan for the future and
stop kicking the can any further down the road. We should also use this as an opportunity
to look at ways to increase water conservation across our state in order to reduce the need
for additional and new water supplies. We also need to be vigilant in protecting our
aquifers. State law currently provides for the creation of groundwater conservation
districts which can place limitations on the rule of capture. This places water usage rules at
the local level, which I support. One potential area of improvement is to look at
groundwater districts for entire aquifers, as opposed to arbitrary geographic boundaries.
quality?
A: The EPA has been calling on Texas to strengthen its air-permitting process for several
years now, going back to the Bush Administration. The TCEQ should stop dragging its feet
and work proactively with the EPA, air quality advocates, legislators and industry to put
into place stronger standards that protect the health of Texans. Texas families deserve to
breathe clean air as much as any other citizen of the United States. Additionally, the
TCEQ is undergoing the Sunset Review process, meaning that next session legislators will
have the opportunity to address the agency’s inadequate oversight on air quality issues.
pursue?
A: On one hand, deregulation has created competition, spurred the creation of new
generation facilities and provided choice. However, to the average consumer, prices have
not decreased as promised in 1999. The state and the retail electric industry must do a
better job publicizing available options to consumers. Earlier this year, I held a series of
workshops in House District 96 on electric choice and ways for consumers to reduce their
electric costs. Given the number of people who attended, it was obvious that this type of
outreach is sorely needed. At a bare minimum, the state has to do much more to let
Texans know how they can secure lower costs for electricity. Last session, I authored a
measure that requires retail residential electric providers to give customers at least 30
days notice before their fixed rate contract expires, so that they have the option to stay
with the same company, but with a new contract or switch to a new provider with a lower
rate. This measure is intended to prevent dramatic and unexpected rate hikes on
consumers.
A: I support the death penalty in cases of heinous crimes, but we have to make absolutely
certain that when the death penalty is administered, the defendant has been given every
legal right to prove his innocence. Incidents such as the Court of Criminal Appeals in 2007
refusing to accept an inmate’s petition because it got to the court just after 5:00 pm is
absolutely inexcusable and it should never happen again.
justice system?
A: With 40 DNA exonerations in Texas since 1994, it is critical that the Texas Legislature
continue to look at ways to ensure that innocent men and women are not wrongfully
convicted. The 2001 law, which provides greater access to DNA testing, has shown to be a
catalyst in the exonerations and is a step in the right direction. Last session, I
co-authored the measure that increased the state’s wrongful conviction payments to
exonerees – that measure won’t compensate for years of life lost behind bars, but
hopefully it will help make for a better life once finally released. I also supported
legislation creating the Timothy Cole Innocence Commission, which will look at the cases
of those who have been exonerated in order to study what led to wrongful convictions and
what steps can be taken to avoid convicting innocent individuals using DNA and other
technologies.
A: With the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) going through the Sunset Review
Process, the Legislature will have the opportunity to make changes to how our state
regulates insurance companies. Recently, two of the largest homeowners insurance
companies in Texas announced rate hikes, one raising rates twice in a six-month period. I
believe this practice is unacceptable and have been a strong advocate for restoring TDI’s
ability to approve rate hikes before they take effect. In addition to paying some of the
highest homeowners insurance rates in the nation, many homeowners do not know what
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they are paying for and are unable to compare policies from different companies, because
there is no standard policy among competitors. Last session, I filed a bill that would
require insurance companies include an easy-to-read cover sheet with homeowners
insurance policies, outlining what is covered and how much it costs. I intend to file this
again during the 82nd Legislative Session. Standardized homeowner’s insurance policies
will help consumers compare apples to apples. Insurance companies must also end the
practice of using credit scores to determine how much a homeowner (or driver) pays for
insurance. Although not allowed as a primary means for determining rates or insurability,
it affects many Texans unfairly and forces them to pay more for coverage.
A: With several billion dollars a year leaving Texas to be spent on gambling in neighboring
states, I do support giving voters the right to decide on slot machines at existing
racetracks. With respect to casinos, I would have to see that any proposal strictly
regulates the number and location of casinos before I would consider supporting it. I do not
want to see Louisiana-style gaming in Texas, where there is gambling in gas stations and
restaurants.
A: This is a federal responsibility and Washington’s inability to secure our border over a
period of many years has placed an undue fiscal burden on our state at a time when we
are already facing budgetary shortfalls. Nevertheless, our state must take certain
measures to prevent massive unchecked illegal immigration. That’s one reason why I
supported $118 million in border security funding in the last session. I agree with
Governor Perry and others that Texans will decide the right approach for Texas.
A: Recent studies have shown a link between a student’s middle school performance and
ability to succeed in high school. When students don’t do well in middle school, they often
times struggle in the 9th through 12th grades and are less likely to graduate. It is
important that we make sure that students in need of academic assistance have access to
tutoring and additional instruction from teachers when needed. I was fortunate to have
many mentors growing up who taught me that I could succeed if I worked hard. Today, far
too many kids lack this sort of role model. We need to find ways to increase access to
mentoring programs for at risk children, especially in the middle school age group.
Finally, parental involvement is the key to success. While not being able to force a parent
to be involved, I think we need to make sure that parents understand how critical a role
they play in their children’s educational future. To do this we should look to local school
districts, parent groups and teachers for solutions.
A: I think that our state’s commitment to higher education needs to be increased overall.
That includes the UNT system, which is an integral part of our state’s higher education
system.
A: Rep. Charlie Geren – for telling it like is, genuinely wanting to help his colleagues and
for his deep commitment to the State of Texas and the House. Rep. Scott Hochberg – for
his mastery of public school finance and accountability systems.
Bill Zedler
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Bill Zedler
Street Address: 5502 Hidden Trails Drive
State: Texas
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Fax Number: 817-563-7582
E-mail Address: bill@billzedler.org
Campaign Web Site Address: www.billzedler.org
Questions:
A: Texas - 67, Years in the District - 32
A: Investments
A: Member Park Springs Bible Church; Advisory Board Arlington Pregnancy Center;
Member Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Mansfield Chamber of Commerce, Kennedale
Chamber of Commerce, Crowley, Chamber of Commerce, Arlington Kiwanis Club, &
Arlington Rotary Club
A: Chairman of the Board, Park Springs Bible Church; Board Member, Park Springs Bible
Church
A: State Representative 2003 to 2009
A: $100,000
A: In District: Stephen Lockwood (Arlington), Robert McCaslin (Mansfield), Raymond
Bailey (Mansfield; Out of District: Bob Perry, Texans for Lawsuit Reform, Associated
Republicans of Texas.
A: No
A: I believe we should consider “Zero Based Budgeting,” where each agency and
department should be required to justify their spending each biennium, instead of the
current justification of only new spending. Next we should implement programs like LEAN.
This has been done in private industry for years and is now being implemented by other
government institutions with success. With these types of initiatives, we can cut waste
across the board, rather than just picking 3 agencies to cut.
A: I don’t favor using the rainy day fund, but we may have to use some of it. I will not
vote to use the fund on a new expense, but would be more flexible to fill a hole in the
budget of an existing one.
A: We must modify the tax, without creating an income tax, so companies operating at a
net loss are not required to pay.
A: No, I don’t believe that the current system does a good job of measuring achievement.
All too often you can have a small number of students that drag down the entire school
rating. We need to revise the system so that it will more accurately show disaggregated
data.
A: The current formula is outdated. We need a comprehensive study of the entire funding
system. We need a system that is fair and equitable for every student in Texas regardless
of whether they are educated in a rural, suburban, or urban school.
A: Universities should not be required to charge the same tuition rates, but every
university should be required to follow best practices that will work to reduce expenses and
lower tuition rates. We can’t allow the flagship universities to price middle class families
out of their school.
system?
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A: The Texas roadway system is in desperate need of change. TXDOT is an agency that not
too long ago lost a billion dollars. It needs a major transformation in the way that they
operate so that we can be assured that they are spending the money that they receive in
an effective manner.
A: I will oppose any and all tax and fee increases. We need to make sure that money is
not redirected from road programs to other spending projects. If TXDOT needs more
funding we should shift it from existing state revenue, or stop the current practice of
transferring fuel tax dollars from highway construction and repair to other state expenses.
However, we should not look at giving this agency any additional revenue until they prove
that the money that they currently receive is spent wisely.
A: I favor local control, but at this time I feel a fee or tax increase would only hinder our
already struggling economy. We need to increase government accountability, including
cutting waste that could help fund these local needs.
A: In the 80th session, Senate Bill 3 established a study commission to develop a plan in
order to meet state’s future water needs. That study was to be completed no later than
December 1st of this year.
quality?
A: Like most Texans, I want clean air. But, I don’t want a federal government targeting
certain states that may release more pollution because of political gain, while ignoring
others. The Texas Legislature should do what is right for Texans, but the federal
government should not target energy-producing economies.
pursue?
A: Over the last year utility costs have been going down due to competition and the lower
cost of natural gas. In 2000, when our utility costs were lower, it was as a direct result of
low natural gas prices because it was priced at $2 per MCF. However, we grew overly
dependent on natural gas, and when natural gas prices sky rocketed to over $12 per MCF,
our utility cost also went up. In order to keep our utility cost down we need to expand our
sources of electricity to more clean coal, nuclear, and wind.
A: There needs to be a thorough study of any possible shortcomings of the current system,
policies and procedures that might be implemented to strengthen the system in order to
prevent innocent people from getting the death penalty.
justice system?
A: The response to the above question will deal with this issue as well.
A: We need to follow policies that increase competition among insurance carriers. For
sometime in this state we followed policies that discouraged insurance carriers from doing
business in this state. That has been reversed, but we need to continue policies that
encourage more competition.
A: This is an issue that needs to be thoroughly studied by the legislature, and the findings
should be released to the public. We need to know not only the predicted revenue, but the
predicted costs to the state in the form of social services and crime. We need to know how
many dollars will stay in the state, or will we just be making Nevada-based companies
richer. We need to know how the state plans to fill future budget shortfalls when gambling
revenue is down, an answer Las Vegas and New Jersey didn’t have. Finally, before we send
it to the voters, we should consider the net positive or net negative impact to both local
and state economies.
A: Apparently there are different interpretations of what the Arizona law is. Some argue
it’s the state taking on what the federal government is already empowered to do. Others
argue that it’s racial profiling. One thing is clear; the federal government has completely
failed in its job to protect the border. We have millions of people in this country illegally,
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and it does not work from a security or fiscal point of view. We simply cannot afford to
allow millions to be here illegally. States also cannot afford to sit back and allow the
federal government’s inaction to cause fiscal problems. Without using racial profiling, law
enforcement should have the authority to inquire whether or not someone they have
arrested is in this country legally, like they have the authority to find out if the person has
outstanding warrants. Businesses should be encouraged to use the E-Verify system that
discloses whether an employee is a legal resident.
A: The rising dropout rate is alarming and should be addressed. It’s ironic to see local
ISD’s and school boards criticize the state for mandates, but then want the legislature to
fix their local dropout issues. Is the student quitting because of a learning disability that
hasn’t been identified, language or cultural issues, lack of interests, or the threat of
violence? In cases of the threat of violence or gangs, the teacher should be allowed to
conduct class without allowing 1 or 2 students from preventing the rest of the students
from learning. In the case of lack of interest, I think we need more vocational programs
for those that are not interested in college. Some problems have to be solved with local
answers – afterschool programs, community outreach, faith-based outreach, etc…
A: The state is in no financial position to give special help to any university at this time.
The state will be working hard to keep the current levels of higher education spending in
this next legislative session. However, if the University of North Texas can find the funding
through their existing resources, we should encourage their expansion.
A: Warren Chisum is the House leader that I most admire. Representative Chisum is a
founding member and President of the Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute
(TCCRI), a not-for-profit entity which acts as a source of legislative policy information for
the public. He has also served three years as a board member of the Texas Conservative
Coalition (TCC).

Description:
Mark M. Shelton
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
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A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
system?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
quality?
A: - no response -
pursue?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
justice system?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Rod Wingo
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: rod wingo
Street Address: 6118 madoc fork dr.#1221
City/Town: fort worth
State: texas 76116
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Fax Number: 817 244 4627

E-mail Address: rwingo4228@sbcglobal.net
Questions:
A: 5 yrs
A: hvac company
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: state rep dist 97
A: 0
A: n/a
A: no
A: all departments
A: no return it to the taxpayers
A: abolish it
A: no privatise schools
A: abolish school taxes
A: privatise schools
system?
A: a disgrace
A: abolish taxes and go to a user fee system
A: no
A: abolish it
quality?
A: use real science
pursue?
A: its been a joke--have true deregulation
A: give the victims family the final say
justice system?
A: a complete overhaul
A: deregulate
A: no it should be legal in the first place
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A: yes
A: privatise the entire system
A: no
A: none

Description:
Eric Johnson
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Eric Johnson
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
E-mail Address: info@johnsonfortexas.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.JohnsonForTexas.com
Questions:
A: Rep. Johnson was born and raised in House District 100. It has been seven years since
he returned to Texas after graduate school, and he has lived in House District 100 for the
past three years.
A: Rep. Johnson is a founding partner of the law firm Helms, Johnson & Diaz LLP.
A: State Bar of Texas Dallas Bar Association United States District Court, Northern District
of Texas Dallas Arboretum, Board of Directors The Arts Community Alliance, Board of
Directors TheDallasAssembly Leadership Dallas Alumni Association Kappa Alpha Psi
Fraternity, Inc., Dallas Alumni Chapter Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
Westmoreland Heights Community Center, Volunteer Dallas Independent School District,
Volunteer Named one of 2007’s Five Outstanding Young Dallasites by the Dallas Junior
Chamber of Commerce Named one of the “40 Under 40” by the Dallas Furniture Bank in
2009
A: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Board of Directors Martin Luther King Jr.
Community Center, Board of Directors Educational Opportunities, Inc., Board of Directors
West Dallas Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance,
Board of Directors Big Brothers/Big Sisters DISD Program, Volunteer Dallas County
Historical Commission At-Large Barack Obama Delegate, 2008 Texas Democratic Party
State Convention Barack Obama Precinct Captain, Precinct 3340
A: Rep. Johnson has been State Representative for District 100 since April 20, 2010. Rep.
Johnson never previously sought public office.
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A: For information about Rep. Johnson's campaign finances, please view his reports
submitted to the Texas Ethics Commission available online at
http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/.
A: For information on Rep. Johnson's campaign contributors, please view his reports
submitted to the Texas Ethics Commission available online at
http://www.ethics.state.tx.us/.
A: No.
A: Rep. Johnson is out meeting with his constituents and seeking their input on the issues
that are important to them that he will have to vote on in the upcoming legislative session.
Rep. Johnson would love to learn more about your concerns on the issues that matter most
to you. Please feel free to contact his office at 214-565-5663 or via email at
District100.johnson@house.tx.state.us.
system?
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quality?
pursue?
justice system?
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A: - no response -

Description:
Cindy Burkett
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Cindy Burkett
Street Address: 1024 Primrose Street
City/Town: Mesquite
State: Texas
E-mail Address: cindy@cindyburkett.org
Campaign Web Site Address: www.cindyburkett.org
Questions:
A: 30 years; 25 years
A: Co-owner of company that owns and operates five Subway Franchises.
A: State Republican Executive Committee Woman for Senate District 2 (2006-2010)
Mesquite Area Republican Club – Founder and President (2007 – 2010) Texas Federation of
Republican Women – Member Sunnyvale Garden Club – Member Mesquite, Sunnyvale, and
Balch Springs Chambers of Commerce – Member Mesquite Symphony Guild Mesquite
Historical Society Precinct Chair for Precinct 2315 (2005 - 2010) State Delegate for
Republican Convention 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 Mimosa Lane Baptist Church, Member
A: Texas State Senator Bob Deuell (Deputy Regional Director, April 2004 – January 2006)
Mesquite Board of Adjustments, Vice Chair (2007-2009) Keep Mesquite Beautiful Board,
Member (appointment period 2005-2006) TFRW Tribute to Women Honoree 2008 Dallas
County GOP Chairman Award (2008) Election Judge 2006, 2008 Election Clerk 2004, 2005
A: Not applicable
A: Available at Texas Ethics Commission Website
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A: no
A: Because of shrinking sales tax revenues, Texas is projected to have a budget shortfall of
$12-18 billion dollars. Unlike the federal government, Texas is constitutionally required to
balance its budget each year and cannot rely on deficit spending to compensate for
revenue shortfalls. The legislature has two choices: raise taxes or cut spending. My choice
is to cut spending. As a state, we faced a similar situation in 2003. The legislature cut the
budget. It was difficult and painful. But that decision created a stronger and better
prepared Texas when the recession hit in 2008. Governor Perry also made a difficult
decision when he rejected some federal dollars that required more spending from Texas.
But now some states are paying a heavy price for accepting those funds. Texas is better
able to handle the lingering effects of the recession. Our response should follow what has
worked in the past. Raising the tax burden during a time of economic recession would be
irresponsible and would be a drag on the economy and employment. First, we should
resist new Federal programs which lock Texas into ongoing and unsustainable spending.
When you are in a hole, as the saying goes, stop digging. Second, to jump-start the
budgetary process, Texas departments have been asked to prepare for a 10% cut. I
support this measure. Ideally, every agency should justify every dollar of its budget every
biennium. In times like these, we cannot afford to do things just because we always have.
Businesses and families are making tough decisions and so must government. From there,
we will have to move to budgetary “triage.” Essential programs will experience small cuts.
Unfortunately, some programs that are not essential to the core mission of government
will have to be trimmed dramatically. We must recognize that there are no easy answers
and that doing the right thing will be painful. However, if we stay the course, Texas will
emerge from this economic downturn quicker and stronger than any other state.
A: As the nickname suggests, the Economic Stabilization Fund is to be used in the case of a
real or natural emergency, and not as a “line of credit” in non-emergency situations.
Although cutting spending to work within a budget deficit of 5-8% is going to be a
challenge, we faced a similar challenge in 2003, and we were able to cut the budget to
meet a $10B shortfall. Our actions in 2003 made the state stronger and better able to
weather the current economy. We need to plan for what may happen in future budgeting
years.
A: No. Revenues from the gross margins tax are approximately $3 billion less than
anticipated. The margins tax is a bad tax. It is difficult to collect, and it stifles economic
growth. Businesses are taxed on their gross receipts, which means that many businesses
have to pay this tax even if they fail to turn a profit. In effect, it is an income tax on small
businesses in the state of Texas. In the long term, the gross margins tax should be
eliminated. However, with the current budget situation, even though the tax is not working
well, it probably won’t be immediately eliminated. There are still some steps that can be
taken to move us in the right direction. First, we can remove the tax liability for businesses
that lose money in a reporting year – no profit, no tax. Second, businesses should be able
to claim the cost of all contract labor and other operating expenses as a deduction. Finally,
we should vote to keep the trigger for the tax at $1 million in gross receipts, and not allow
it to slip back to $600,000 after the initial two years.
A: Overall, the new testing and accountability standards are a step in the direction of
transparency. We now can easily ascertain district, school and individual campus testing
ratings via the AEIS (Academic Excellence Indicator System) website
http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/aeis. That snapshot, however, does not always
take all pertinent data into account. Additionally, some of the data it measures may not
even be real. For instance, the Texas Projection Measure needs to be discontinued. The
Dallas Morning News recently calculated that one third of the students that were given a
passing grade in 2009 because of projection tool actually failed in 2010. This type of spin in
order to get desired scores brings into question the credibility of the entire system. Test
scores must be a part of any measurement system, but they must be considered along
with other factors, such as teacher evaluations and baseline benchmarks for each student.
Movement to a system that encompasses more than just TAKs scores would give a more
rounded account of improvement, and also would highlight the efforts of excellent
educators. As we continue to evaluate the effectiveness of the system, it is essential to
keep an open line of communication with our classroom teachers. The accountability
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system cannot be so rigid that it removes the ability of experienced teachers to adapt to
the educational needs of their students.
A: We need to strive to keep the tax burden low on our individual property owners by
looking for inefficiencies and areas of duplication that may be present in non-teaching
positions, administrative processes and technology. Free teachers up from administrative
burdens to let them teach and empower the teacher to be in charge of the classroom. This
will reduce administrative burden and costs associated with it, which frees up money that
can be passed on as more robust benefits to teachers or additional tools for the
classroom. School funding will always be a problem. But the long term solution will be
focusing resources on things that help kids learn and less on those things that do not.
A: Unlike other sorts of deregulation, tuition deregulation never promised to lower rates.
It was understood that some, if not all, state schools would raise tuition rates to cover the
increasing costs of providing education. But there are other forces at work here as well.
There are many options for higher education, and school administrators are pressured by
alumni, students and parents if they raise tuition too much. The system of local control of
tuition can be painful, but it is working. For example, Texas A&M was ranked among the
top 10 public Universities for “Best Value” by the Princeton Review. Furthermore, our State
schools are still a bargain when compared with non-state schools. University of Texas &
Texas A&M are highly ranked and have in-state tuition less than 1/3rd of what you would
pay to go to Rice – which is the only school in Texas ranked higher. The bottom line is that
the Texas Legislature cannot possibly know the appropriate tuition rate for every state
school in Texas. Administrators will have to make these tough decisions, but they will
make them with a much better understanding of the particular situation of their university.
And they will do so knowing that there are universities like Texas Tech or UTA that have a
good reputation and who offer an education at a much lower tuition rate. Texas Tech is
more than 20% less expensive than Texas A&M or the University of Texas. Nevertheless,
under deregulation, administrative positions and pay have increased at an alarming rate,
and I will investigate this problem when elected. Deregulation does not need to be used as
an excuse to increase public employment at administrative levels.
system?
A: The Texas Constitution dedicates almost all revenues from motor fuels taxes for the
construction, maintenance and operation of roads (a portion is constitutionally diverted to
education). The main problem we face right now in regard to transportation funding is
diversions. Fixing the diversion problem is step one before we can gain an accurate picture
of the financial situation of our transportation system. We must enact legislation requiring
the Legislative Budget Board to study diversions in the last 10-20 years to determine
where dedicated funds were used improperly, as well as the impact on our current
transportation system if we allowed all the dedicated funds to reach TXDOT (e.g., the
availability of funds for new road construction rather than just maintenance). Additionally,
we must complete the TXDOT sunset process. One of the main purposes of these sunset
commissions is to uncover agency inefficiencies. We will not know where we actually stand
on transportation funding until we have stopped the diversions and scrubbed the agency
for inefficiencies.
A: Increasing taxes in our current economic environment is not an option. Adding more
taxes now will only serve to slow our economic recovery and thus lessen the amount of
state funds available for capital projects (such a road construction). We need to speed up
recovery, and more taxes will have the reverse effect. Instead, we must stop diverting
transportation dollars away from their constitutionally mandated purpose: the construction
and maintenance of roads. We also must complete the sunset review of TXDOT. Finally, I
think it is time to explore making the Transportation Commission an elected body that is
directly responsible to the people for its decisions. If the Commission were elected, I don’t
think we would see the same level of inequity between the various regions when it comes
to building new roads.
A: No. The local option gas tax is not the solution to our transportation funding needs. First
of all, it is overly optimistic about what it can accomplish with the money raised from the
local tax. Second, in urban counties, the county-wide vote on the tax would not guarantee
suburban communities enough of a voice in the election. Third, it does not take into
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account that north Texans already pay more for transportation than they see in benefits.
Texas only gets 70 cents of every dollar of gas tax it sends to Washington, and North Texas
gets less back than it sends to Austin. Finally, I do not trust the promise that North Texas
will continue to receive its current level of funding from the state once we institute the tax.
The legislature’s track record on honoring statutory restrictions regarding transportation
funding is not comforting. Transportation is a statewide function, one of the few
constitutional mandates for our state government. This is an issue that needs to be dealt
with as a whole. Local option funding will result in a patchwork program.
A: Currently, the state only contributes around 2% of the cost of water project funding. It
could increase its role in funding regional water projects by offering one-time grants and
low-interest development loans for these projects.
quality?
A: Texas, unlike many states, has a rapidly growing population. That growth has forced us
to use every energy and water resource at our disposal just to keep up. We often have
been in a position of using expensive and less environmentally friendly sources of energy
in order to match demand. States with a flat, slow-growing, or declining population find it
easy to keep up with energy demand, and therefore, they are able to stop using less
economic or environmentally unfriendly energy sources. But despite Texas’ difficult
position, we have actually improved air quality. Despite population growth in Texas, we
saw a 15% reduction of NOx emissions from 2002 until 2008, and we should work to
continue this trend. One of the ways we can continue this trend is through the use of clean
energy sources. Texas is a national leader in the production of wind power, but we lack the
infrastructure to transport this power to consumers. The legislature should work to connect
wind power to the grid, and also should investigate nuclear energy. However, this increase
in the use of new and cleaner sources of energy will be expensive to rate payers. So, as
we see higher energy bills, we must understand what is driving the cost – to a large
extent, it is population growth combined with the necessity to have clean air. With Texas
already improving despite our difficult position, raising the demands is not a smart path for
the EPA to take. Slow and steady improvement is the way to go. In a state with a declining
population, more improvement is certainly possible. But in Texas, punitive new standards
could be catastrophic to the economy.
pursue?
A: The problems inherent in our Texas energy market are discussed in the prior question.
Despite the difficulties we have, I invite you to compare your electric bill Kilowatt rate to a
ratepayer in Europe. We benefit from a better system. But that does not mean we cannot
do much better. Deregulation has worked poorly because providers have not operated by
the rules of the free market. When the state “deregulated,” it still afforded retail electric
providers coercive powers in relation to their customers. During a billing dispute, for
instance, retail electric providers can go beyond cutting you off from their own product,
they can effectively separate you from the grid. No other merchant has this form of
power. Furthermore, many retail electric providers have failed to operate by the rule of
good faith in their variable rate plans. Price-fixing sellers cannot charge discriminatory
prices and their prices must stay within market range. The Public Utility Commission
should take a more pro-active stance in investigating consumer complaints, and at the
very least, should do a better job of informing consumers of their options during billing
disputes. That being said, the main cause of the recent increase in the price of electricity
is that Texas is a growing state that is forced to purchase expensive, peak use fuels, such
as natural gas. We must continue to diversify our energy portfolio so that less expensive
fuels will suffice for more of the demand.
A: No changes.
justice system?
A: Technology will continue to change and improve. However, advancements in technology
do not indicate that changes are needed in the justice system itself, simply that we need to
incorporate new technologies into the process, which we are doing.
A: Texans are subject to both hurricanes and tornadoes in addition to all the hazards that
threaten homes in other states. But our neighboring states that deal with some of the
same weather related issues have similar or higher rates than Texas. Oklahoma rates are
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significantly higher as are the rates of Mississippi. Arkansas and Kansas are almost the
same as Texas. A few years ago, Texas was the undisputed leader in high rates. However,
that was before we dumped the system of “Prior Approval” and went to a system of “File
and Use.” In the years since, Texas has had one of the best records in the nation of falling
rates, despite being hit by two major hurricanes. We can certainly do better, but it is clear
that forcing insurers to compete against each other rather than simply appeal to a
bureaucracy is much more effective in lowering rates. We should continue to do everything
we can to bring more insurance competition into the Texas market and drive the expenses
lower.
A: Based on my upbringing and personal values, I am not comfortable with legalizing
gambling in Texas. However, I have respect for people who hold the opposite opinion. I
think it is important to remember that the only reason we are having this debate right now
is that some in our government view gaming as a way to generate more revenue in the
form of taxes, which in a tough economy, could come in handy. While I applaud anyone
who comes forward with new ideas to bring government budgets back into balance without
raising taxes on Texas families, I would submit that our government has never had a
so-called "revenue problem.” Instead, we have a spending problem. The proper way to
bring our government and its budget back under control is to cap spending and then roll it
back. We must also cut taxes as a means of spurring employers to retain employees they
may have laid off or to hire new employees. These two moves will do the work that needs
to be done. A government that no longer lives beyond its means and a workforce that is
working will solve our economic distress faster than anything else we could do.
A: Texas needs to use all legal means to enforce our laws in relation to protecting our
borders. As a state, we have moved too slowly in this area. Now we have the advantage of
seeing what other states--not just Arizona, but MANY states--have come up with in order
to deal with this problem. We need to learn what we can from other attempts, both the
good and the bad, and move to pass a TEXAS specific law right away.
A: It's clear based on recent studies that our dropout problem is serious but correctable.
School districts in Texas and around the country have been under reporting their drop-out
rates for years. Remember a few years back when ISDs would actually claim that all but
about 5% of their students were graduating? Now we have learned that it's more like 50%
in some of the larger ISDs. That's the bad news. The good news is that there has been
some very clear research on this topic that has helped educators from a plan of action. As
the question suggests, we've learned that the overwhelming majority of dropouts are
those children who fail either the 8th or 9th grade. These kids, at that age, become close
to 100% drop out risks, due in part to the shame of having to stay back a year while their
friends move forward. Most of these children just disappear. Fortunately, innovative
school districts have adopted a method to retain about 3/4 of the children who would have
normally left the schools for good. The method in question is to place at-risk children in a
highly structured classroom, located within their public school, where they are taught the
grade they just failed and then taught the next grade level all in the same year. Thus at
the end of the year, they are reintegrated back with their friends and there's no longer any
shame. These specialized and accelerated classrooms have specially trained teachers,
special layouts of the classroom itself, and greater use of hands on learning than traditional
classes. This method works. From 2005-2008, one program had the following results:
82% of at-risk children - who were almost 100% likely to drop out of school - completed
the program. Sixty-six percent successfully completed the full two year jump. And 16% at
least got through the year they had previously failed, keeping them in school and giving
them hope. As an aside, since school funding is based on "average daily attendance,"
schools that solve their dropout problem are better funded. So our ISDs have a huge
financial incentive, in addition to a moral one, to keep our children learning.
A: This expansion should be considered alongside all other higher education funding
priorities.
A: Phil King and Kelly Hancock.
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Robert Miklos
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Robert Miklos
Street Address: 328 Clear Springs Drive
City/Town: Mesquite
State: Texas
E-mail Address: Robert@robertmiklos.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.RobertMiklos.com
Questions:
A: I’ve lived in Texas for 43 years. I’ve lived in Mesquite for three years.
A: Attorney
A: State Representative, House District 101; Member of First United Methodist Church of
Mesquite; Poteet PTA, Austin PTA; Member – Mesquite Chamber of Commerce; Member –
Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce; Member – Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce;
Mesquite Bar Association.
A: Legislator of the Year, North Texas Crime Commission; Freshman of the Year, Combined
Law Enforcement Association of Texas; Freshman of the Year, Texas House Democratic
Caucus; Former Chief Prosecutor, City of Dallas; Former President, Mesquite Bar
Association.
A: State Representative (2008)
A: $139,000
A: House Democratic Campaign Committee, Steve Mostyn, and Texans for Insurance
Reform.
A: No.
A: The State of Texas faces an estimated $18 billion budget shortfall. Most state agencies
have already reduced their budget by five percent, and there will have to be further
reductions. Three places where spending can be reduced are the Legislature, the Executive
Branch and The Enterprise Fund. The Legislature: The budget for the Legislature
increased by 3.2 percent from the last biennium. With everyone else tightening their belts,
it’s important for the Legislature to do the same. We need a 10% across-the-board cut to
the legislative operating budget, including the Legislator’s daily expense pay, called the per
diem. The Office of the Governor and other Executive Branch agencies: The Executive
Branch must also cut its budget by 10%. This includes the Governor’s housing budget and
staff pay. We must all cut back, and the cuts have to be real. The Enterprise Fund: The
Governor’s Enterprise Fund is a luxury that we must trim in lean times. We can spur
economic development more by maintaining our public schools and keeping taxes low,
rather than making deep cuts to vital services while doling out taxpayer dollars to the
Governor’s political friends.
A: Yes. The rainy day fund was made for times like this, in order to prevent catastrophic
cuts to public education or border security. We must find the money to maintain our public
schools, and maintain the public safety budget, while closing the loopholes in our tax
structure and not adding to the tax burden of our citizens.
A: The margins tax was instituted to replace the drastic loss in education funding as a
result from the property tax cuts. To date, the margins tax has yet to completely make up
for the loss of revenue to our public schools. Utility companies and big oil companies took
advantage of the property tax cuts. When the margins tax was implemented, it came
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complete with loopholes so that those utility companies and oil companies could avoid
paying their margins tax. In 2009, small businesses were given a tax cut to help in job
creation, and I was happy to support and vote for that tax cut. That tax cut provided relief
to many of the small businesses in the State. We must continue to evaluate this tax to see
where we can close the loopholes on the large corporations, while continuing to give relief
to small businesses to spur job creation.
A: The TAKS test is the Frankenstein’s monster of our modern education system. We teach
to the test, get ready for the test, test, evaluate the test scores, and place banners on our
schools telling what the test results are. The only thing missing is the part where we teach
our children math, writing, science, and art. We have quality public schools in Mesquite,
Balch Springs and Sunnyvale, due to the hard work of our educators in the district. Let’s
trust our teachers, and stop spending billions to micromanage them.
A: Our current public education system needs to be completely overhauled. The sad state
of funding all began with property tax cuts meant to benefit small businesses and hard
working families. Instead, it ended up benefiting big businesses while putting our children’s
future in jeopardy. We need each school district to receive its fair share. Mesquite ISD
receives among the lowest amount of money from the state per student than any school
district in the area, more than $2,500 less per student than Prosper ISD. That’s wrong, and
I’ll continue to fight for our kids to get their fair share of funding from the state. This
district needs someone who will fight for its fair share of school funds.
A: Whether the kids from middle-income families can afford to go to our State
Universities. Our Universities must be affordable for Texas kids. The tuition at our State
Universities has skyrocketed since tuition was deregulated. We must not price our students
out of receiving a college education.
system?
A: The only roads not crumbling and packed with cars are the ones owned by foreign
corporations with excessive tolls. A complete overhaul of TxDOT is needed right now, and
we must end foreign owned toll roads. We shouldn’t pay twice for the same roads, and we
shouldn’t make Spain and France rich while we drive on the old, crumbling service roads.
A: In a recession, I would not support increasing taxes, especially the gas tax. As for tolls,
I authored an amendment to the budget that would prohibit turning pre-existing free roads
into toll roads. Texans should control our roadways, not foreign corporations. We must
reform TxDOT, and see what monies are available after reforming that agency. We must
then look for innovative ways to fund new free roads without raising taxes on those
hardest hit by this recession. We need to look at regional road impact fees, to serve as
financial backing for new regional roads and transit systems. It is important that North
Texas money stay in North Texas to build the next generation of the North Texas
transportation system. It’s only fair that developers who build new subdivisions pay for the
roads that are required to be built to those new subdivisions. We can find the means to
build new roads and transit systems without building a bunch of foreign owned toll-roads.
A: No. Mesquite, Balch Springs, and Sunnyvale should not be at the mercy of DART and
Dallas, which is why I authored a bill that allowed cities and not counties to call those types
of elections. Last session the Mesquite City Council unanimously requested that I support
allowing cities to seek their own solutions to transportation issues. I worked closely with
Mayor Monaco and other city leaders in Mesquite to support the city in its request, and to
deliver Mesquite specific options for commuter rail and other mass transit options.
Commuter rail, controlled locally, outside of DART, is Mesquite’s best option for the future,
and such a project would create thousands of jobs locally. I strongly support the notion that
local voters should have input over local taxes and fees that may fund transportation
projects.
A: We need to look to regional water impact fees to address the unique water needs of the
different regions of Texas. That impact fee would be collected as part of the price of a new
home. We build new reservoirs to serve new residents. Those new people should pay for
these new reservoirs, not current citizens who have already paid their share. Water rates
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should not be raised on current customers as a gift to new residents.

quality?
A: Clean air and clean water are economic development issues. It’s a myth that cleaning
our air and our water or enforcing reasonable environmental regulations comes at the
expense of jobs. Ask any out of work shrimper in the Gulf of Mexico right now if they wish
the Federal Government had been a bit better in inspecting that BP oil well before it blew
up. Being reckless about failing to enforce our regulations in place is just another Wall
Street bailout to companies like BP that already have billions upon billions in profit while
working families in my district struggle to pay their mortgage. And, who ends up paying to
clean up the mess most times; we do.
pursue?
A: Deregulation of electricity was a mistake. Since deregulation, residential electric rates
have gone up 64%. Texans went from paying some of the lowest electric rates to paying
some of the highest electric rates in the country in ten short years, while our energy
companies make huge profits, pay for lobbyists in Austin, and we keep on doing the same
thing. Oklahoma’s electric rates are 52% lower than Texas. That’s hundreds of dollars
more out of our pockets each month, and it doesn’t have to be this way.
A: As a former 13 year prosecutor, I support the Death Penalty in Texas. I chaired the
Death Penalty subcommittee during the last legislative session. It is important that we
continue to examine the process of admitting scientific evidence, and witness identification,
to ensure we are convicting the correct individuals.
justice system?
A: We must continue to review scientific evidence to ensure that junk science does not
convict an innocent person. At the same time, we must not delay the process so long that
people stay on death row longer than they were alive before their conviction.
A: Return to the Prior Approval system to make insurance companies justify their rates.
We must also have an elected Insurance Commissioner, someone who is accountable to
the voters. In Texas, we have some of the lowest home prices in the country, and yet the
highest home insurance costs. Why is that? Enough is enough already.
A: I believe in the people’s right to make these important decisions.
A: Both parties have dropped the ball on this issue. The federal government should have
resolved this issue, but they have refused to. Governor Perry has taken the Arizona type
approach off the table in Texas, so the state is left to manage as best it can. We must
secure our borders, and give every resource available to law enforcement to fight the drug
gangs, the human traffickers, and stop illegal aliens from being employed here in Texas
through a workable e-verify system.
A: My middle son will enter Middle School in MISD next year. Like all kids his age, he
needs to be challenged, engaged, and have one-on-one contact with his teachers. That just
won’t happen if we make slashing cuts to our education system or drain it through a
voucher program. I think we need to make a special outreach effort to chambers of
commerce and independent business people to get more involved in our schools in more
creative ways that can help middle school students see the connection more clearly
between what they're learning and what they hope to do later in their careers. We are all
in this together.
A: Unfortunately, it’s hard to see it happening this session as we face an $18 billion
shortfall, and we’re fighting to keep class size limits and veteran teachers in the classroom.
But make no mistake about it; we won’t be in a serious position to compete economically
until we address our lack of funding for higher education.
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A: Scott Hochberg on Education, and Brian McCall before he retired.

Description:
Stefani Carter
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Stefani Carter
Street Address: 12660 Hillcrest Road
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
E-mail Address: stefani@carterfortexas.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.carterfortexas.com
Questions:
A: I was born and raised in the district. After earning my undergraduate degrees in
Government and Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, I earned a Master’s in
Public Policy from Harvard University, then a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Along the
way, I did a brief Fellowship at the Heritage Foundation and served as an editorial writer
for USA Today.
A: Attorney
A: Texas Bar Association; Dallas Bar Association; J.L. Turner Legal Asssociation; Saint
Joseph's Church, Member; Mentor for at-risk teen; Dallas Young Lawyers Association;
Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Volunteer; Various Republican organizations, Member
A: Texas State Board for Educator Certification; Richardson Citizens' Police Academy; Big
Brothers Big Sisters; Patrick E. Higginbotham Inn of Court; Dallas Association of Young
Lawyers, Diversity Committee Co-Chair; Jack and Jill of America, Inc.’s Regional
Conference, 2008 Speaker (on why John McCain is a better presidential candidate than
Barack Obama); Dallas Jewish Community Foundation’s Scholarship Reception, Keynote
Speaker (2007 and 2003); Harvard Journal on Legislation, Writer; Various Republican
organizations, Board member
A: I had not run for political office before, but I am running for Texas House because I am
deeply concerned about the direction of our country, state, and district. In order to run for
this office, I resigned from the State Board for Educator Certification, to which I had been
appointed by the Governor for a term of six years.
A: No
A: Texas is looking at deficits bigger than the rainy day fund can cover in 2011. For some,
the State of Texas will never adequately fund all programs – whether it be for education,
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transportation, social services, etc. Texas is often attacked for having underfunded various
kinds of programs. But now, when one compares Texas’ budget crisis to the one
experienced by states like California, New York, and Illinois (the recent report is that the
State of Illinois is insolvent), Texas has fared much better during the current economic
conditions. By remaining a low tax state that attracts new businesses, Texas is in the best
position to recover quickly, create jobs and expand the tax base to increase revenues. In
the short term, just as Texans across the State are tightening their belt to make ends
meet, so too will our legislature. Those who think we can tax our way out of an economic
slump are simply wrong. The rainy day must be tapped to begin to overcome our
shortfall. Every single department in Texas must then make cuts and find efficiencies. That
process has already begun. There is no question that many good programs will be cut.
Unfortunately, that is our only choice. And States that make tough choices now, as Texas
has made in the past, will be happy they did it in the long run. Programs that are not
essential must be eliminated or postponed until state revenues begin to recover from the
recession. This is not a unique process. Texas families are already doing this in their own
family budgets. Texas simply must do the same rather than make the situation worse for
those Texas families by increasing taxes on them.
A: Yes. Absolutely.
A: When the Gross Margins Tax was implemented in January of 2008, it had a devastating
effect on small business across Texas. Small business owners were getting loans from the
bank, dropping employee benefits like health insurance and letting employees go – just so
they could pay this new tax. The 2009 Legislature did increase the exemption, relieving
some of the burden of this tax. The fact remains, when people are losing jobs and
businesses face bankruptcy it is not the time for a tax that hits even those who are already
struggling and maybe even not operating at a profit. Therefore, we need to repeal the
gross margins tax. In lieu of a full repeal, I support reforms such as eliminating the tax on
companies with a net revenue loss in a fiscal year, deducting compensation for
independent contractors, and reinstating the research and development (R&D) tax credit
incentive. Small businesses are the most powerful engine driving the Texas economy, and
we must do everything we can to help them grow, especially during these economic times.
A: Overall, the new testing and accountability standards are a step in the right direction,
and I am confident the State of Texas will continually refine the system as we learn from
experience. We are moving away from standardized testing and toward tracking the
growth of the student. Tracking the growth of a student is a more reliable indicator of the
educational environment than a snapshot of one test taken on one day. If a student
finished 4th grade with a D average, on the surface that would be considered below
average and an unsuccessful education year. However, if that same student started 4th
grade at a 2nd grade level and was able to improve over the course of the school year, to
me that is a successful year of education.
A: As in most government spending, our biggest challenge is not finding more money but
finding better ways to spend the money we have. Texas has dramatically increased
spending per student in recent years but has not seen an accompanying increase in test
scores or other measure. So, if we think that simply increasing spending will result in
better results, we would be only setting ourselves up for disappointment. Potential
solutions: (1) Spend money in the classroom and increase the teacher-to-student ratio
instead of the administrative-staff-to-student ratio; (2) Continue to make great strides in
increasing financial transparency; and (3) Tie new money for public education to
enrollment growth and inflation so parents and taxpayers know how their tax dollars are
being spent. There are no easy solutions, but as state representative I will work with
educators, the business community, and local taxpayers to find a stable, reliable source of
revenue to pay for our children’s educational needs in a way that will not increase the tax
burden on Texans.
A: Since 2003, when the Legislature deregulated tuition by allowing individual boards of
regents to set prices for each school, tuition and fees at four-year state schools has
increased by an average of 63 percent, from $1,934 per semester to $3,150 according to
the last state figures, from 2008. Usually when you think about deregulation, you are
hoping to see prices drop. That was not the intent of deregulating tuition. The attempt was
to let local schools decide for themselves how much money they need to keep their doors
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open and their students’ educated. It was understood tuition would go up. But the problem
has been in how MUCH they have gone up. Each year the U.S. News and World Report
ranks colleges. One of its rankings refers to the “value” of the education that a school
provides. This is a ratio of the quality of the education to the price paid. In spite of the
tuition increases, Texas universities still rank positively on the value index which lets us all
know that it is not the Texas policy that has resulted in higher tuition; it is a nationwide
problem. And Texas is suffering less than some, if not most, other states. Nevertheless,
Texas tax dollars are being used at our State universities. And when State money is being
spent, the Legislature cannot simply turn over responsibility entirely to unelected school
officials – if for no other reason than that our state’s tuition policies must result in
affordable tuition in order for young people attend and graduate from colleges and
universities. The State has a strong interest in this. Therefore, toward that end, the
elected Texas legislature, which is accountable to the people, should take a bigger role in
setting tuition and fees, rather than leaving it entirely to the appointed boards of regents.
system?
A: The financial needs are great. A panel of experts appointed by the Texas Transportation
Commission concluded Texas needs $332 billion more over the next 20 years to maintain
its roads and bridges and build the new ones needed to serve the state’s growing
population. And while the easy solution would be to support higher taxes to pay for the all
of these projects, I would ask the question “Has TxDOT been good stewards of the
taxpayers’ money?” Completing the TXDOT sunset process would help uncover agency
inefficiencies. As state representative, I want to require greater accountability in the use of
existing state tax dollars. The one bright spot is that as of 2009 we have funds to allow us
to move forward with the 635 expansion through a combination of managed lanes as well
as increased capacity of free lanes. That will help our keep congestion at no worse than
current conditions through the next 10 years. Also, TxDOT has undertaken significant
low-cost freeway bottleneck improvements in recent years. For example, Dallas EB IH 635
to NB U.S. 75 widened and restriped the left-side ramp from one to two lanes. Dallas SB
U.S. 75 to WB IH 635 converted inside shoulder on IH 635 to allow a dedicated ramp from
U.S. 75. Perhaps similar low-cost improvements can be made that would have almost an
immediate and significant effect.
A: Historically, road construction and maintenance have been directly funded by the motor
fuels tax and bonds. Yet revenues from Fund 006 (the State Highway Fund) are routinely
diverted from highway construction and maintenance, and are appropriated to six other
agencies, including the Office of the Attorney General, the Health and Human Services
Commission, and the Texas Education Agency. Ending diversions must be a priority. If we
end diversions, it would produce $77 billion over the next 20 years. We must end
diversions, and prioritize transportation spending over non-critical spending. Finally, we
must cut inefficiencies in the road contracting so that your dollars are spent the best way
possible. Increasing taxes in our current economic environment is not an option. Adding
more taxes now will only serve to slow our economic recovery, and thus lessen the amount
of state funds available for capital projects (such as road construction).
A: No. We do not need more gas taxes and that is what could result. Gas taxes already
increase with population and with increasing miles driven. It is false logic to point
constantly to increased traffic as a reason to raise gas taxes. More gas taxes are
automatically paid when mileage driven increases. Reasonable gas prices are one of the
things that set America apart from places like Europe where often 70 percent of the cost is
tax. The freedom to travel is not something that should be narrowed simply because the
gas tax is such an easy target. There is a huge regressive harm that is done when gas
taxes are raised. It raises the cost of everything we do, everything we buy, everything we
eat. It is throwing sand in the gearbox of prosperity. Gas taxes are an easy target for
politicians and it is usually said the money will go to highways. But then inevitably the
funds are raided for other purposes. We need to reverse that process, not start it all over
again.
A: Unlike most state issues, water funding is closely tied with money paid by those who
use the water. With limited exceptions, that should continue and even move more in that
direction. Water consumers should pay the full cost of what they use. It is fair and self
regulating. With our state population is expected to double in the next 30 years, safe,
reliable water resources are crucial to the health of our citizens as well as business and
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industry. Senator Kip Averitt was working to reserve about $80 million in the state budget
to kick-start state water projects, while leaving the issue of paying for the remaining $675
million over the next 20 years to a joint interim study by state lawmakers. The first step
we should take to fund this state’s water plan is to focus state resources on serving as a
clearinghouse for water marketing and banking, and expand public private partnerships for
developing and delivering water. In so doing, we must expand public-private partnerships
for developing and delivering water, while respecting private property rights. What is
certain is that given a finite amount of water and a doubling of the Texas population over
the next thirty years, the cost of water in Texas will increase. It is not a matter of policy,
but it is a matter of supply and demand. With supply limited, and demand increasing, it
will be ever expensive to find news sources. And when they are found, as in the
desalinization of ocean water, they will not be cheap.
quality?
A: Texas is one of our nation’s fastest growing states. Despite that, our air is getting
cleaner every year. Imagine what it has taken to accomplish that amazing feat. What is
easy to accomplish for a state with an outflow of population, has been a herculean task for
a growing state like Texas. It is time for the EPA to accept that a slow and steady
improvement each year in a high-growth state like Texas is an incredible accomplishment.
They should step back from the threats and penalties that they direct toward our state. We
are on a glide path toward ever cleaner and cleaner air. We do not need to be put on a
crash trajectory. If we are, what will crash are our Texas economy and our Texas jobs
production.
pursue?
A: Texas has high electricity rates not because of deregulation but in spite of it. Had we not
deregulated, we would be worse off. We have high rates because we are a growing state
and we are being forced to use expensive peak use fuels like natural gas. The solution is to
keep up aggressively with demand and do it with sources that are cheaper than natural
gas in the long run – nuclear, wind and coal gasification. Nevertheless, many retail electric
providers have failed to operate by the rule of good faith in their variable rate plans. The
Public Utility Commission should take a more pro-active stance in investigating consumer
complaints, and at the very least, should do a better job of informing consumers of their
options during billing disputes.
A: None.
justice system?
A: So far, 40 Texas prisoners have been cleared based on DNA evidence. Striving for
justice and putting the correct offender in prison is unquestionably the goal of any
prosecutor’s office such as the one in which I worked. We have a large number of
exonerations in Dallas County. It is only right that those who suffered should be
compensated. A new law pays $80K per year. We should also provide job training or a
junior college education to get exonerees back on their feet. As a former prosecutor, I
believe we should also develop new methods of providing assistance to the victims. These
include legislation requiring that victims be informed of rights they might not have had
when the crime happened decades ago and that medical staff provide them with referrals
for counseling.
A: Texas used to be a “prior approval” state with regard to insurance. The State had to
approve every rate increase. We moved toward “file and use.” We used to have very high
rates, but since we went to “file and use,” our rates have dropped precipitously as
compared with other states. Although the question would indicate that Texas has among
the highest homeowner insurance rates, we are actually lower than most of our
neighboring states. The report by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
(NAIC), from which the “highest” rates statement is taken, specifically warns against
comparing rates between Texas and other states because each state promulgates policy
forms differently. While I would not argue that homeowners insurance in Texas is not
expensive, I question whether the report relied upon to formulate the question provides a
good source for comparing states. The best way to drive down the cost of insurance is
competition.
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A: As with most of the difficult issues confronting Texas, there is no easy answer. Nobody
wants the social problems that come along with further legalized gambling, and in 2003
when Texas had deep deficits, we were able to balance the budget without raising taxes or
licensing slot machines or casinos. However, at the same time, gambling is legal in
neighboring states, and we are already draining billions of dollars in our economic strength
and billions of tax dollars in all directions. This is a decision that voters may have to make
and, if so, it would not be an easy one.
A: We do not need an Arizona law; we need a Texas law. There is so much we can do that
we have not even started to do. First, we should pass an E-verify requirement which states
such as Mississippi have already passed. Employers should be required to access the
existing database before hiring a new employee. Illegal immigrants come here to work. If
working is not an option, they will not flood into Texas. I also support passage of Voter ID
in order to protect the integrity and reliability of the electoral process.
A: The idea that it takes government to make a person be a good parent is an amazing
concept. If parents are not concerned about their own child, what law is really going to
make them do it? No law possibly could. We should assume that parents do care about
their children and make sure we have a school system that allows them to be involved.
A: That is one of the many needs Texas higher education has. Whether it is critical at this
time, I do not know.
A: Angie Chen Button; Jim Jackson
Carol Kent
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Carol Kent
Street Address: 9638 Greenville Ave. 75243
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
E-mail Address: carol@reelectcarolkent.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.reelectcarolkent.com
Questions:
A: A sixth-generation Texan, I grew up in Garland, have lived in Dallas County almost all
my life, and have lived in the Lake Highlands neighborhood in House District 102 since
1983.
A: Texas State Legislator/spouse
A: As a new State Representative, I am proud to have helped pass laws increasing teacher
pay and reforming standardized testing in public schools. I co-authored the law creating
more top-tier universities in Texas and am fighting for lower college tuition rates. In
recognition of my work during this past legislative session, I received the “Best in Class”
Award from the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas, the largest law
enforcement organization in the state, was named “Freshman of the Year” by the Texas
Women’s Health Caucus, and was awarded the Preservation Texas award for my work on
creating the Texas Historic Roads and Highways Program for the state. My family and I
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have been members of Highland Park United Methodist Church since 1980. I am a member
of the Lake Highlands Exchange Club.
A: I have deep roots in our community and a record of accomplishment to serve House
District 102. I have been actively involved in PTAs at every level and served as President
of the Richardson Council of PTAs, where we were recognized as Outstanding Large Council
for the State of Texas. I taught at Richland College from 1988-2003, where I was selected
from among 800 adjunct faculty members to receive the Excellence in Teaching Award for
2001-2002. In 2004, I was elected to the Richardson I.S.D. Board of Trustees, serving until
being elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2008. I have demonstrated strong
commitment to our community. My husband, David, and I have lived in the Lake Highlands
area of Dallas since 1983. Our three children graduated from Richardson public schools. I
have held leadership positions in many local civic groups and service organizations such as
Girl Scouts (Assistant Troop Leader), Cub Scouts (Den Leader) and Boy Scouts (Moms
Patrol). I am a graduate of Leadership Richardson (Class 17), where I was a member of
the Business and Economic Development group and later served on the program’s Advisory
Committee. Our family has always been active in many areas of our church, where I have
served as a volunteer and teacher for Vacation Bible School and Sunday school. I have
served in various civic volunteer and appointed positions in our schools and community,
ranging from serving on the Advisory Board to the Youth Services Council’s after-school
program, to serving on the task force that created the Lake Highlands Freshman Center,
the RISD Budget Review Team, and Principal Selection Committee, to name just a few. I
chaired the Vote Yes! school bond committee in 2001. I have helped found neighborhood
crime watch patrols and have served as co-president of our homeowners association.
A: I was twice elected to the Richardson I.S.D. Board of Trustees. I am currently seeking
my second term in the Texas House of Representatives.
A: Since the beginning of 2009, I have raised over $375,000.
A: Annie’s List, the HDCC, and Elizabeth Hittson are my top contributors.
A: No.
A: The state needs to start from scratch in analyzing our fiscal problems and prioritizing
our needs. When families are facing tough times, they sit down at the table and add up all
of their expenses one by one before planning their budget. The state needs to do the
same. For too long, state leadership has created budgets that have overspent and
underperformed, and engaged in imprecise accounting. There are no quick fixes. But the
solution will be found by looking at every program to find efficiencies that will add up to
significant savings. For example, as a new representative last session, I saw firsthand that
we spend too much money on the Legislature itself. Some committees and taskforces can
be pared down and combined, both in the House and the Senate, thus saving millions of
dollars in spending by the Legislature. Additionally, the state needs to end diversions of
funds from their stated purpose in the budget, and provide a transparent and
straightforward analysis of where our funding comes from and where it actually goes.
Finally, Texas is losing millions of dollars in Medicaid fraud each year. The state can rein in
costs of Medicaid by better identifying and preventing fraudulent reimbursements. Only a
careful and deliberate assessment of the state’s needs and revenue will get us to a
balanced budget that is reasonable and workable.
A: The budget must be balanced through a combination of budget trimming and the
prudent use of our Rainy Day Fund. Being a limited revenue source, the Rainy Day Fund
ought to be used to fund one-time expenditures. If the Legislature delays responsible
budgeting decisions by using the Rainy Day Fund to cover the cost of ongoing
expenditures, it will be continuing the poor planning decisions that have led to the current
systemic funding shortfalls. The Rainy Day Fund should be used with restraint, and not to
supplant ongoing revenue sources that are needed for a sustainable budget.
A: No, the business tax (margins tax)is not performing adequately. The Legislature must
develop a more sustainable system that does not unfairly put the burden on the small
businesses that are paying more than their fair share to support an unworkable tax
system. The Legislature knew the margins tax would underfund the state budget when
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they passed it (before I took office). Those predictions have come true. The State needs to
close loopholes and enforcement gaps that allow some to avoid paying their fair share of
the business tax
A: The state of Texas has the responsibility to evaluate schools and to make that
information available to the taxpayers. While the current assessment (TAKS) serves as a
decent means to measure student success, we must ensure that teachers are not “teaching
to the test,” and that excessive pressure from the testing is taken off the students. Our
method of evaluating a school should not be solely limited to the test but based on a
comprehensive set of indicators with quantifiable measures. Furthermore, any assessment
is only as good as the public can trust it. Since TEA has factored the projected growth of
students’ future TAKS performance (known as the Texas Projection Measure) into its
evaluation of schools, however, some now question the validity of the published results.
While there is a role for factoring in students’ projected growth when making evaluations,
those calculations must be made transparently and in a manner that demonstrates all our
schools and students are being treated fairly.
A: We must increase the State’s share of funding the public education system. Currently,
the disparity in the State’s contribution to various school districts per student is too wide.
Local school districts must have more discretion in setting their budgets. Ultimately, the
State needs to make a greater investment in education, particularly to decrease class sizes
and hire more certified teachers. Investing more in education is the only way to prepare
the state’s workforce for the economy of the future and attract high paying jobs to Texas.
School districts need to be able to retain experienced teachers by paying them more, and
they should be given incentives to hire more science and math teachers. Finally, the State
should not divert money to a voucher program that would ultimately take billions of dollars
from public schools. Texas needs to maintain its current education spending levels through
2013 to be eligible for federal aid of more than $830 million.
A: Investment in higher education provides a larger dividend than almost any other
investment the State can make. Making higher education affordable to all Texans is one of
my highest priorities. If tuition rates go down and colleges are closing programs and
ending projects, then the State’s new tuition policies are not working. Tuition is
skyrocketing across the state. While in the short term our state institutions have moved to
address their immediate needs for cash flow through tuition increases, the long term effect
on the state will be to diminish the number of Texas college graduates, resulting in
restricted economic growth. Furthermore, with recent reports that the US has slipped to
12th among nations in the percentage of students who graduate from college, Texas needs
to do more to assure that students who are admitted are retained and earn degrees within
a reasonable time period. Finally, the State needs to protect the Texas Tomorrow Fund.
Parents who have budgeted wisely for their children’s education should have their
investment protected.
system?
A: The fiscal state of our roadway system is dire. The State should be providing leadership
instead of relying on Spanish-owned toll companies to build our roads. There is an
inadequate revenue stream to support and maintain our current roads and highways, not
to speak of the population growth expected in the Metroplex that will require expansion of
our transportation infrastructure. We need to have a sustainable transportation system.
A: Toll roads are not a better way to fund new road construction. A more reasonable
approach would be to spread the responsibility so that more entities are helping to pay a
smaller portion of the improvements. The State should develop a plan by which highways
and urban area bypasses are tied to traffic patterns and increased usage.
A: I agree with our local leaders and transportation officials that we need to come up with
viable and sustainable funding, and I applaud the bipartisan leadership of Sen. John
Carona, who has urged our state leadership to provide serious solutions to our region’s
mounting transportation needs by providing concrete options. The DFW region needs a
revenue stream that will prepare us to address the transportation needs of our growing
population. I oppose the efforts to impose fixed method of addressing these challenges on
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the voters. Rather, the decision must be made by voters of each county.
A: The Texas Water Development Board is charged with developing the state’s water plan.
The Board reviews and approves the plans submitted by sixteen regional planning groups,
combining the regional plans into one comprehensive, statewide plan. There is no
dedicated funding source for water projects, so the State will need to find another means
to pay for the plan. This may take selling bonds, which the State has done in the past. The
regional groups have recently finished their 2010 plans and the Legislature will be
receiving their report in the upcoming legislative session. Begun in the late ‘90s, the state’s
current water planning process includes 11 different stakeholder groups. These groups are
working with the Texas Water Development Board to identify areas of water shortages as
well as to balance competing needs across the state. In the Metroplex, population growth
is stressing our regional water resources. Ultimately, we must implement water
conservation policies. In a tough economic environment, we must be thrifty with our
consumption.
quality?
A: We need to chart our own path to develop stringent clean air standards that meet legal
compliance. The EPA is behind us and it is time to for TCEQ to step in and provide a
prudent balance of interests that meets clean air standards while working with businesses
to implement a plan that promotes economic growth. A good environment provides for a
good business climate, and we have seen that policies that promote clean air are
compatible with a pro-business agenda. The TCEQ ought to work with businesses in the
methods and timing of implementing their changes so that they have the least impact on
our businesses that we want to succeed and keep in our state, while at the same time
protecting and enhancing the quality of the air we breathe.
pursue?
A: No, deregulation has not worked. Since deregulation in 1999, utility rates have
skyrocketed because state leadership has not provided proper oversight to protect
consumers. People in Dallas County pay some of the highest utility rates in the nation. I
favor requiring utility companies to justify their rates by restoring real regulatory authority
to the Public Utility Commission.
A: The best way to change capital punishment in Texas is to reduce the need to use it.
Beyond the moral and legal reasons for questioning the death penalty, capital punishment
is a huge drain on state and county resources due to legal costs alone. A death penalty
case in Texas costs taxpayers an average of $2.3 million. We must focus Texas resources
on addressing crime prevention through investment in our public education system,
meaningful mental health care services, and active police deterrence, and then insist on
accurate criminal prosecutions.
justice system?
A: Considering the advances in DNA testing and recent death penalty sentences that have
been overturned, there are flaws in the capital punishment system. The State must
safeguard and preserve DNA evidence. Furthermore, the State must ensure that all
defendants have access to competent defense counsel at trial.
A: The “file and use” system, which allows insurance companies merely to notify the Texas
Department of Insurance when raising rates, has failed. Since the inception of that system,
Texas homeowners’ insurance rates have skyrocketed. Texas must give the Department of
Insurance the power to block rate increases through a “prior approval” system, which
would require insurance companies to justify and obtain approval of any new rates. I also
support election of the State Insurance Commissioner by the voters instead of
appointment by the Governor.
A: If there are clear and demonstrative gains to the budget, and if any revenue from
gambling were directed towards filling specific revenue priorities, then the State should
consider the possibility of expanding slot machines to existing race tracks and casinos in
those areas of the state that desire them. However, the State should not impose forms of
gambling that are contrary to the will of the voters. Therefore, it is important that the
voters decide whether to allow any expansion of gambling in the state. Furthermore, the
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State needs to be realistic and accurate about any projected revenue windfalls produced by
gambling. For example, state leadership’s projections about the fiscal effects of the Texas
Lottery on education proved to be completely unrealistic, and the Legislature must be
realistic about expectations if it is to consider the expansion of slot machine and casino
gambling.
A: I agree with Governor Perry that the Arizona law is not the right approach for Texas.
We need our hard-working state and local police to be able to concentrate on drug
smuggling and criminal behavior, rather than doing the job of a federal government that
has failed to address meaningful immigration reform.
A: As a former school board member of one of the most diverse and highest-ranked school
districts in the state, I have seen that the Legislature must provide schools with the ability
to create programs particularly geared toward meeting the needs of middle school
students. Schools need to provide more opportunities for self-paced learning for those
students who are ready for high school work as well as students who need remedial
instruction. Additionally, middle schools should be environments where students would
want to be---both during and after school hours. After-school programming is rare in
middle school, but this could provide students a place to catch up on studies and also
experience enrichment courses that prepare middle school students for high school and
college. From my 16 years of experience in the PTA, I have seen first-hand that a parent’s
involvement in a child’s education is vital to that child’s success, and that parents’
involvement in their local schools is vital to that school’s success. Schools, regardless of
where they are located, should partner with parents in working with the individual needs of
each pupil. There are often barriers of language, culture, and time that parents face, and
that school districts need to assess and overcome. Furthermore, during my time serving in
the PTA, whether it was operating the R.I.S.D. clothes closet, supporting school supply
sales, or organizing events for students and teachers, I saw the success that strong parent-
teacher associations can and must have in preparing our students for success.
A: Yes. It is imperative that the State provide educational opportunities for people of all
regions and economic backgrounds, both statewide and in Dallas County. Furthermore,
with as much educational opportunity as we have here in the Metroplex, expanding to the
south will increase our opportunity to become the preeminent center of higher education in
Texas.
A: Donna Howard, Marc Veasey, Paula Pierson, Diane Patrick, Rafael Anchia, Allen Vaught,
Robert Miklos

Description:
Rafael M. Anchia
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
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A: - no response -
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system?
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quality?
A: - no response -
pursue?
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A: - no response -
justice system?
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Description:
Roberto R. Alonzo
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
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system?
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quality?
A: - no response -
pursue?
A: - no response -
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justice system?
A: - no response -
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Description:
Loretta Haldenwang
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Loretta Haldenwang
Street Address: 2912 N. MacArthur Blvd. Suite 104
City/Town: Irving, Texas
State: 76062
E-mail Address: loretta@voteloretta.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.voteloretta.com/
Questions:
A: 26 years in Texas, 3 years in the district
A: Small business consultant
A: Irving Evening Lion’s Club Member, Irving NAACP Member, Irving NAACP Education
Committee Member, Irving’s Historic Hospital District HOA Member, Greater Dallas
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee Co-Chair, The National Political
Science Honor Society 2002-Present
A: United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Public Policy Committee Member (2007-09), North
Dallas Chamber Coalition Member (2008-09), Dallas Mayor’s Business Safety Task Force
(2008-09), Dallas Breakfast Group (2007-09), Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce
Government Affairs Committee (2008-09), Emergency Interim Successor, Texas House of
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Representatives (2005-07), Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Legislative

Committee Member (2007-09), Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Bylaws
Committee (2007-09), Mi Familia Vota Coordinator (2007-09)
A: None.
A: Approximately $240,000
A: Annie’s List, Steve Mostyn, HDCC
A: No.
A: Closing the budget deficit will be the primary challenge facing our Legislature when the
new session begins in 2011. I favor reforming our budgetary process to add transparency
as the best means to eliminate wasteful spending and find the most appropriate areas of
the budget to trim. I believe we should begin by looking at the Legislature itself, the
possibility of reducing office budgets and eliminating many of the expensive “special
committees” that have been created in recent years. I would also want the same sort of
internal budget tightening to occur in all Executive branch offices and departments. I
believe we must dramatically reform or even eliminate the Enterprise Fund, which allows
the governor to spend tens of millions of taxpayer dollars with virtually no oversight. We
must also crack down on Medicaid fraud, which costs our state millions of dollars a year
and raises the costs of healthcare for all our citizens. These are just a few key areas where
I believe we must begin to cut our state budget deficit.
A: Yes. Alongside working vigorously to bring state spending down, we should dip into the
state’s rainy day fund to ensure that we do not make unnecessarily deep cuts in key
program areas, such as education. This is precisely the sort of situation for which the Rainy
Day Fund was established.
A: When the franchise tax was transformed into a tax on gross receipts, proponents
argued that the change would make the state’s business tax structure “more fair” by
bringing almost all businesses into the system. However, the burden on small businesses,
and the fact that the tax applied to all received dollars over $300,000 in receipts meant
that even companies that were only marginally profitable, or unprofitable, would have to
pay the tax. Last year, a bill by Rep. Oliveira temporarily raised the gross receipts
exemption to $1 million. It is too soon to say if this change has helped small businesses. If
it has, we should make that change permanent, while finding ways to offset its cost. This is
a new system, and we must be open to adjusting it to ensure we meet the goal of
establishing a “more fair” business tax system without unduly burdening small and growing
businesses, and while ensuring that any tax system generates enough state revenue to
fully fund public education – something the new margins tax has failed to do.
A: The school accountability system in Texas remains deeply flawed. While changes passed
in 2009 lessen, to some degree, the do-or-die nature of standardized testing, our
continued reliance on that metric puts our teachers in an unfair situation, and the future of
our schoolchildren at risk. We will judge the current accountability standards as we judged
the previous standards — do they provide educators with meaningful feedback that is
improving education in Texas, leading to more students reading at grade level, fewer drop
outs, and a higher percentage entering college? Or will they perform like previous
accountability standards, and burden schools with excessive standardized testing while
failing to provide any positive results in the classroom? What is needed in Texas is ground
up rethinking of school accountability – one that tracks individual student achievement,
increases real instruction time in classrooms and ensures that the most important
educational decisions are made locally by teachers and parents, not dictated by
bureaucrats in Austin.
A: Texas uses outdated models and unfair tax structures to fund our public school system.
This chronic underfunding of education needs has led Texas to the bottom in national
rankings of student achievement and near the top in rankings of high school drop out rates.
The Legislature needs to recalibrate the decades-old models used to calculate the “proper”
amount of per-student funding each school receives, bring teacher pay up to the national
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average and ensure that Texas schoolchildren have access to the best textbooks in the
nation.
A: The key metric to determine if the new tuition policies are working in favor of Texas
college students is whether or not middle class families like those in Irving can afford to
send their children to our state’s colleges and universities. What is required are the sort of
strict guidelines and rules that existed before the 2003 legislative session. Bills such as
Sen. Zaffirni’s temporary rate hike cap would be a good step towards a more permanent
solution for college-bound Texas students.
system?
A: Poor. Our roads are being built on what can charitably be described as a “credit card”
system, reliant on tolls and massive bond debt. Meanwhile, our older, non-tolled roads are
crowded beyond their design capacity and often in need of serious repair for which funds
are not available.
A: Before we establish new taxes, or build more toll roads, we need to address the
problem with Texas’s motor fuels tax. This tax was created to provide funding for road and
infrastructure projects, but much of this money has since been redirected to other
spending programs favored by the Legislature. This must stop. Once we have redirected
the entire motor fuel tax to its intended purpose, then we can truly assess the need for
further funding options.
A: I support allowing local voters to make decisions regarding whether or not to fund local
transportation projects, particularly mass transit projects such as light rail. However, I
believe we must be watchful that the fees and funding options under such a plan are not
overly regressive.
A: Water plans are funded with a combination of state and local dollars. In fact, local
money provides the lion’s share of funding for water-related programs. As our water needs
become more regional in nature, the state should authorize more bonds for water plan
operations, and work with local communities to form regional funding operations. Each
region should be provided with a set of options for generating the revenue needed to
maintain its water infrastructure. I support allowing local voters to make determinations
about what specific revenue-generating measures to authorize.
quality?
A: Establishing a viable mass-transit system based on light rail will help remove vehicles
from North Texas roads, thus improving our air quality. For similar reasons, the Legislature
must stand firm against the construction of any coal-burning energy plants in the North
Texas region.
pursue?
A: Since deregulation, energy prices have skyrocketed for the average Texas family,
leading to the highest rates in the region. Reform measures such as breaking TXU into its
component operations have had little impact on this trend. To bring energy costs back
down, the state should establish protections that ensure that the needs of consumers are
weighed against the goals of the utility industry, including a requirement that utility
companies provide justification for rate increases before they come into effect.
A: The Innocence Project and investigations by the media have uncovered many alarming
questions about our administration of this irreversible penalty. We must ensure that those
receiving the death penalty have been properly convicted for crimes they unquestionably
committed.
justice system?
A: Many of these errors have been exposed because of the evidence maintenance rules in
places like Dallas County, where materials and samples are maintained for long periods of
time after court trials have ended. A similar arrangement should be put in place in each
County.
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A: Our homeowner insurance rates must be brought down. Texas should put in place
common sense consumer protections such as limits on fees and a requirement that
premium increases receive prior approval from the Insurance Commission. I also believe it
is time that Texas joined other states in electing an Insurance Commissioner who is
charged with protecting consumers in the homeowners insurance market.
A: I would support allowing voters to make the determination on whether to allow slot
machines at locations such as Lone Star Park here in Dallas County. Every year, jobs that
could be kept in Texas, and dollars that could be spent here, go out of state to slot
machines located at just-across-the-border casinos. This lack of slot machines has also put
our Texas horseracing facilities at a distinct competitive disadvantage to their competitors
in bordering states.
A: I agree with Governor Perry, who has said that the Arizona law is not right for Texas.
We share a far longer border with Mexico than does Arizona, which requires us to be more
effective in how we choose to address immigration issues. I support continued efforts to
coordinate operations between Texas DPS officers and Federal law enforcement personnel
to crack down on the entry of drugs and drug dealers into our state. I also believe that we
must require businesses to adopt sensible procedures, such as the use of the e-Verify
system, to prevent the hiring of those in the country illegally. What we mustn’t do is create
an onerous system that burdens Texas’s many small and family-owned businesses just as
they are beginning to recover from the recession.
A: We need to reinvest in early education, and find the dollars necessary for any increase
in costs through measures such as cancelling the governor’s Enterprise Fund and other
budgetary offsets. Lower class sizes, and better-paid, certified teachers will make it easier
to identify students who need more support to prevent an eventual drop out situation.
Parental involvement is essential to the success of a child’s education, and our Legislature
should be encouraging schools to be more accommodating in how they allow parents to
become involved in their programs, including providing non-workday and flexible
opportunities for parents and teachers to interact. Putting students on the right path
through more one-on-one attention and parental support will increase their commitment to
their own education and decrease their likelihood of dropping out later in their career.
A: Establishing more top-tier universities across our state must be a long term goal of our
higher education system. Not only would a more geographically varied set of attractive
universities bring economic investment and revitalization to the regions in which they are
established, the presence of such schools would lessen the stress placed on campuses such
as the University of Texas in Austin to accommodate students from across the state. The
University of North Texas in Dallas will be an important part of this diversification and
expansion of our state’s higher education system. However, it is unlikely that major
funding for expanded operations at the south Dallas campus will be possible in 2011, given
the budget deficit we are facing.
A: I admire Senator Corona’s willingness to put politics in the backseat and tackle hard
problems head-on. I greatly look forward to working on local priorities with Kirk England,
who has provided excellent and ethical representation for the Irving families in his district.
Linda Harper-Brown
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Linda Harper Brown
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Street Address: 100 Decker Court, Suite 160A Irving, Texas 75062
City/Town: Irving
State: Texas
E-mail Address: lhbcampaign@yahoo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.lindaharperbrown.com
Questions:
A: Lived in Texas all my life and in Irving for two decades.
A: Texas State Representative
A: Current & previous civic involvement & highlights: Texas State Representative, Mayor
Pro-Tem City of Irving, Trustee - Duncanville ISD, Treasurer - Dallas Regional Mobility
Coalition (DRMC), Member -NCTCOG Regional Transportation Council representing Irving
and Coppell, Vice Chair- Transportation Committee National Council State Legislators
(NCSL), Chair - NCSL Foundation Task Force on Public Private Partnership, Chair -
Planning and Development Committee Irving City council, Chair - Texas Municipal League
Transportation Task Force, Chair - Senators Policy Committee on Transportation, Chair -
Irving DART Committee, Member - Irving Firefighters Association Board, Member - Public
Works Committee, Member- DRMC Legislative Committee, Member- Yellow Rose
Ambucs, Member - Irving Schools Foundation (ISF), President – Irving Schools
Foundation, Vice President Development - ISF, Vice President Community relations - ISF,
Vice President - Irving Sister Cities, Founding Member - Irving Lyric Stage, Member -
Texas Public Policy Foundation, Member - Irving Symphony League, Member - Irving
Theater Guild, Member - Irving Community Concert Board, Member- Irving Healthcare
Foundation Guild, Member - Leadership Irving Alumni Association, Member - Irving Police
Academy Alumni Association, Member - Keep Irving Beautiful Association, Member -
Irving Women’s Republican Club, Member - Greater Irving republican Club, Member -
Golden Corridor Republican Club, Member- Park Cities Republican Women, Member -
Texas Conservative Coalition Foundation Board (TCCF), Vice Chair - Texas Conservative
Coalition (TCC), Chair - Underwriting Committee -ISF Recognition Breakfast, Member -
TexasFest Steering Committee Irving Healthcare Foundation, Member - Reagan White
House Conference for Drug Free America, CEO – Women’s Division Greater Irving Las
Colinas Chamber of Commerce (GILCCC), Treasurer - Irving Chamber of Commerce
(GILCCC), Treasurer - Women's Division Irving Chamber of Commerce (GILCCC),
Treasurer - Irving Lyric Stage, Treasurer - Irving Heritage Society, Treasurer - Las
Colinas Business and Professional Women, Treasurer - Irving Sister Cities, Chair - Local
Affairs Committee GILCCC, Chair - Recognition Breakfast ISF, Chair - Christmas in
September Irving Cares, Coordinator - Red Cross for Duncanville School Healthcare,
Member - Irving Chamber of Commerce Board (GILCCC), Trustee - David C. Williams
Montessori School, Chair - DISD Bond Election, Member - North Texas Association of
School Boards, Founding President - Texas Tech North Texas Dads and Moms Club,
Trustee - Texas Tech Dads and Moms Club, Member - University of North Texas College of
Education Board, Member - Irving Women’s Consortium
A: See answer above.
A: Texas State Representative, Mayor Pro-Tem City of Irving, Trustee - Duncanville ISD
A: $180,000
A: Bob Perry, Doylene Perry, Speaker Straus
A: No.
A: We need to prioritize what is most important to Texas families, starting with public
education, transportation and public safety. Then, in all other areas of government, we are
going to have to take a no-frills approach. In this tough economy, the only way to address
a funding shortfall is to decrease spending and I will oppose any efforts to raise taxes. The
easiest cuts we could make right now include prohibiting public funds from going to illegal
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immigrants outside of trauma/stabilization care. We could also consider consolidating

agencies. For instance, we could examine whether or not the Texas Alcoholic Beverage
Commission should be merged with the Department of Public Safety or combine the PUC
with the Railroad Commission. We could also examine greater use of outsourcing for
non-critical programs such as maintenance of parks and state buildings. And, we could also
consider offering state employees the option of Health Care Savings accounts, which has
saved Indiana considerable money.
A: We need to protect the rainy day fund and that starts with a smarter budgeting process.
For example, we need to start with zero-based budgeting as a way to make sure we are
wisely spending our tax dollars where they are most needed.
A: It is imperative that we continue providing a well-educated workforce in Texas and our
business community should assist with funding our schools -- especially when it helps
reduce the property tax burden on homeowners. But, I do think the restructured business
tax unfairly targets the mom-and-pop companies that drive our economy and produce new
jobs. That is why I worked to reduce the small business tax during the last session and will
continue looking for new ways to help protect our small businesses from high taxes so that
we can grow our economy and produce badly needed new jobs.
A: We must test our students to determine their progress, but I believe we rely too heavily
on the TAKS test. As a State Representative, one of the most common complaints I hear
from parents and teachers is that the TAKS system has become an overwhelming burden
on schools and students. With that said, we still need accountability and a way to track the
performance of our schoolchildren. I would be open to a committee of teachers, education
advocates, parents, university leaders and business community to determine the best
accountability system possible.
A: My position has not changed much since I was first elected in 2002. In Irving, we are
fortunate to have dedicated teachers who are committed to educating our next generation.
To continue our recent strides in education improvement, I do believe we need to look at
additional ways to provide more funds to better educate our students. But, this increased
funding needs to go directly to the classroom and not administrative waste or be
hampered by expensive bureaucratic roadblocks from the state. In previous legislative
sessions, we’ve enacted major reforms that make sure we do provide more money to our
classrooms, improved pay for teachers and helped our teacher retirement system. As I
have said before, education is one of the priorities our state government should focus on
and that should include cutting waste in other areas of government to insure funds are
available for our schools.
A: If we see a rise in low and middle-income families sending their kids to college, I will
judge that the state’s new tuition policies are effective. If this does not occur then I will
push for more regulation of tuition at state universities and that effort also should include
closer scrutiny of how university administrations spend public funds. One way to decrease
the costs for our college kids and their families would be to increase how much oil and gas
money from the permanent school fund we use, but again, we must be much more
aggressive in cutting administrative waste in order to free up more funds to go directly to
educating our college students.
system?
A: I have probably been one of the most vocal critics of TXDOT and I think they are
starting to respond to the concerns of Texans. While they should be commended for that,
TXDOT needs additional reforms to reduce expensive bureaucratic mistakes and we must
stop using transportation funds for non-traffic related projects – that alone would free up
$400 million to improve our highways. And, we need to stop all diversions of our
transportation dollars to the state’s general fund. If a state fee is transportation related, it
needs to stay in our transportation budget.
A: Before any new source of revenue should even be discussed, TXDOT must get its house
in order. Even the TXDOT Commissioners have admitted they do not expect the legislature
to give them additional funds until they resolve the issues found in the Grant Thornton
audit – an audit that found massive mismanagement and a shocking amount of waste. As
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elected officials, we can find much of the revenue needed for our transportation system by
making TXDOT more efficient, continuing the audit process for the agency, and as I
mentioned earlier, using all transportation related fees collected only for transportation
projects.
A: Texans pay enough in taxes. Our state has always placed a cap on the taxes that can be
created by local government, and it’s one of the policies that keeps our state economy
strong and should not be changed. I strongly disagree with Bill White who recently said
there should be no limits on new taxes that local governments can create (per FWST
coverage of his comments at the Irving conference). Many local governments currently
dedicate a portion of their sales tax money to transportation, economic development,
public safety or other needs. I think local governments should continue to decide which
priorities they wish to fund, and if they wish to fund transportation they currently have
available sales tax options to choose from. However, the overwhelming majority of local
governments in Texas use these funds for purposes other than transportation; and if cities
want to prioritize transportation, they should first use available tools before asking the
Legislature to give them new taxes. Other funding options could include allowing local
cities to utilize their revenues from the Barnett Shale and they also can set up
transportation investment zones where any new revenue in a zone could pay for
transportation improvements.
A: The state should support and facilitate private funding for water supply projects needed
to meet future demand. Public-private partnerships should also be considered. Water
markets should play a much bigger role as originally envisioned in Senate Bill 1. The
Legislature and TCEQ should clarify key provisions of Texas Water Code on water rights to
provide the certainty necessary for private investments and for transactions in a market.
quality?
A: The state should resist EPA’s unwarranted, unjustified and likely illegal demands for
major changes to the state’s highly successful program to protect air quality. Under the
current federal administration, EPA has abandoned the cooperative federalism between
federal and state authorities as has been the experience of the last twenty years and as
required by the federal Clean Air Act. Improvement in air quality in Texas over the last
decade surpasses anywhere in the country. In recognition of the federal administration’s
power grab, Texas has filed several lawsuits challenging the EPA’s expansion of control
over Texas government and vital Texas business. The state has, and is still making,
extraordinary efforts to reach common ground under the law with EPA. The effectiveness
of the state’s current program depends on resisting EPA’s heavy-handedness and moving
forward with our highly successful pollution reduction programs.
pursue?
A: Texas needs to lead the way for developing cheaper, safer, cleaner and more reliable
energy sources that help protect our families from the rising cost of electricity. I think our
first step starts with wind energy, which obviously is based on renewable resources. And, I
believe we need to dramatically slow down the permitting process for coal fired power
plants – there is no way that “fast tracking” should be allowed. The permitting process
should take the time to consider all economic, quality of life and air quality issues. And,
this includes making sure that only the safest technology is used to improve our air quality.
A: I strongly support a jury’s right to impose the death penalty for capital crimes while
giving them the option to impose life with absolutely no chance for parole. We need to
consider new rules that everyone who stands trial receives competent representation and
our law enforcement maintains the highest standards possible for keeping and maintaining
all evidence, especially DNA.
justice system?
A: A lot of these DNA exonerations occurred in counties where law enforcement
maintained good records and kept old evidence, including DNA. When the DNA science
improved so much in recent years, we saw an increase in the exonerations in the counties
that kept the old evidence – Dallas County is a prime example and a lot of credit should be
given to Bill Hill who started the exoneration process for most of the wrongly convicted. I
think we need new requirements for all law enforcement to maintain and keep evidence
for serious crime for longer periods of time as DNA science continues to improve.
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A: There are two areas of significance where changes can be made to alleviate the rates
issue Texans are facing. First, Texas needs to move towards a true file-and-use system of
insurance regulation, and second, we need TDI to increase TWIA’s [Texas Windstorm
Insurance Association] rates towards fair market prices. Currently, the State is in limbo on
whether to push towards a true file-and-use system for insurance regulation, or keep its de
facto prior approval system. By not having a clear regulatory stance, many insurance
companies are afraid to enter the marketplace, and when they do, they are forced to
hedge their rates. In fact, until very recently, over 40% of the market was subject to rate
disputes at any given time since 2004. By moving to a true file-and-use system, insurance
companies will have regulatory certainty, which will lead to more companies entering the
marketplace. A larger pool of risk will decrease insurance rates. Second, the State
currently sets TWIA rates at below market levels. It is able to do so by increasing taxes on
rate-payers that do not live on the Texas coast. By doing so, Texas has forced private
companies from the coast, as they cannot write competitive business. Since Hurricane Ike,
23 companies filed to partially or completely withdraw from the Texas market. This has led
to a smaller pool of companies writing insurance in Texas, thus increasing rates.
A: Studies have shown that casinos bring crime and destroy families while providing very
little economic benefit.
A: Yes, though each State has unique challenges and statutes so while the Arizona law has
some provisions worthy of consideration no law from another state is a perfect blueprint
for success in Texas. The bottom line is this – if we don’t stop illegal immigration, we will
continue spending billions of dollars in social services for people who are in our state
illegally. It is a bill that taxpayers can no longer support.
A: In the last two legislative sessions, we have taken steps to help improve middle schools
by establishing and funding two very important programs to help prevent academic failure
in grades 6-8 – the Texas Adolescent Literacy Academies and Middle-School Students in
Texas: Algebra Readiness Grant. These programs were created to provide students with
the literacy skills they will need to be successful in math, science, literature and social
studies. Also, services are now provided to help improve mathematic knowledge for
struggling or at risk students to ensure they are able to pass the Algebra I end-of course
assessment. Though the legislature cannot legislate parental involvement with their child’s
education, we can pass laws to help pull down institutional barriers that have been
created. We need to ensure that transparency and openness exist between parents and
schools.
A: Yes. I strongly support the expansion of education opportunities at the University of
North Texas Dallas’ campus. While there are many options for funding, I believe the state
could offer tax credits to local businesses that donate funds directly the University.
A: You have to admire anyone who is willing to dedicate so much time for his or her
community. But to highlight specific leaders, I have always respected Senators Florence
Shapiro and John Carona for their courage to take on the toughest issues facing our state.
In the Senate, I also admire Senator Rodney Ellis as we have worked together on many
transportation safety issues. In the Texas House, I’ve been impressed with Joe Pickett and
his ability to address tough transportation issues, the organizational skills of Geanie
Morrison and Warren Chisum for his even-tempered approach to hotly contested issues.
Cecil Anthony Ince
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Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Cecil Anthony Ince
Street Address: 320 Brown Dr. Apt. 109
City/Town: Irving
State: Texas
E-mail Address: cecil_ince@yahoo.com
Questions:
A: I have lived in Irving a little of Two years, this time. I was born in Fort Worth. Have
been a resident of the State of Texas most my live.
A: Actor
A: Community volunteer Member of Irving Church of Christ
A: Ordained Christian Minister Autism Awareness VFW Supporter Alcohol and Drug
Addiction Counseling Prior Army Reservist Worked with and lobbied legislators (Dem &
Rep) to bring about legislation
A: None
A: $150 to $300
A: Myself Libertarian Party Members
A: I have not been arrested in over 10yrs, and then they where only misdemeanors.
A: Cutting or reducing state taxes, it focus and concern I have. As for as cutting wasteful
government spending; I would support a thorough state audit targeting areas of wasteful
spending and wording toward eliminating those areas of wasteful spending.
A: NO. A prudent reserve or a "Rainy-day Fund" should only be taped in times of state
emergency, for unforeseen events that could cause economic burdens upon the state.
A: All taxes are designed to fund government programs. I support businesses and believe
and effective economy is autonomous to government taxation. The new business tax may
appear to be performing adequately today, but will it continue to?
A: Schools should be autonomous and should be rated by how effectively and efficiently
they educate our children. By focusing more on academics and less on sports programs,
teachers pensions, building new cafeterias and so on. I want to know if my son can read,
write and do arithmetic. If a school is not educating but only a third of its students K-12 it
gets and F+ in my book.
A: Complete change. Restoring our schools to Tax-subsidized school systems, within true
independent school districts. To restore our education systems to self-supporting systems
that work.
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A: Univercitys and colleges use to operate with out state or federal interferences and the
quality of educate received was of a higher quality.
system?
A: Well, I think the product we get out of our roads in not worth the money we pay. And
this system too needs to be evaluated and options need to be researched before decisions
are made.
A: Fuel Tax is a good way to generate highway funds. yet with the price of Gas as high as it
is, I would rather seek to research alternative way to fund our highways.
A: yes. Local issues need to be handled at local levels.
A: Put a Tax on Water. Allow the opportunity for Electrical Co-Ops and Water Co-ops to
come in to Texas and provide services at a cost and customers could pay 0.2 cents a gal
quality?
A: Allow environmental trespassing civil claims to be filed in state civil courts. The State of
Texas should not respond to the EPA in anyway and should set legislation in place that
would give Texans the power to protect the air they breath, the water they drink, and the
land in which the live. This could be viewed as a U.S. Constitutional 9th and 10th
Amendment Issue.
pursue?
A: Electric Co-Ops, Competition in energy providers, Encore has a monopoly and other
providers should come in to Texas.
A: I will need to evaluate this system as well.
justice system?
A: The Justice System in Texas has grown so Big in the past 30yrs and the prison system
houses more people than just about all other states that, a complete evaluation and
redesign is in order. I would start with institution Police Courts through out the State of
Texas.
A: I personally oppose all forms of insurance; however yield to them as a necessary evil.
The problem is more than just high insurance rates, the entire housing and mortgage
system; including property taxes is in need of a complete overhaul. And it will start with a
thorough evaluation of the entire system. Then bills will be drafted to institute new
regulations that will change system.
A: Yes.
A: NO. The problem is not THAT they are coming here. The problem is WHY they are
coming here.
A: It's not the Governments responsibility to educate our children, it the parents. As long
as the state and the public schools take on the responsible the parents will continue to rely
on it. The solution would be to restore the system where parents have the responsibility to
their children. The Tax- Subsidized Independent School District would be a state. And the
Schools need to state generating parent participation.
A: NO.
A: I am a Libertarian, don't know how to answer that question.
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Description:
Rodney Anderson
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Commerce Title Company
Street Address: 3165 S. Carrier Parkway
City/Town: Grand Prairie
State: TX
Date of Birth: April 29, 1968
E-mail Address: rodneya68@sbcglobal.net
Campaign Web Site Address: www.rodneyanderson.org
Questions:
A: 36 years cumulative. I lived for 6 years in Cedar Hill after getting married in 1991.
A: Employee of an independent title agency.
A: Member of Rotary International; Member of Powell PTA; A Rated by NRA; Grand Prairie
Chamber of Commerce; Arlington Board of Realtors Community Services Foundation;
Texas Land Title Association; National Conservative Hispanic Society; and Boy Scouts of
America Volunteer
A: Texas Land Title Association Committee Chair – Communications and Professional
Excellence Committees; First Free Will Baptist Church – Former member of General Board;
Cub Scout Pack 597 – Den Leader
A: None
A: $75,000
A: Available from Texas Ethics Commission
A: While in college more than 20 years ago, in order to avoid long checkout lines, I
attempted to leave the university library with books that I did not check out. I paid a $100
fine and learned a valuable lesson…always wait your turn in line.
A: The budget shortfall is largely due to weaker than expected sales tax revenues.
Spending priorities must be set in the following order 1) Constitutional mandates, 2)
Statutory requirements, and then 3) discretionary programs. The budget this biennium
should be a “zero growth” budget, and outside of constitutional mandates and statutory
requirements, the only programs that should be funded are those that have a rate of
return higher than the cost of the program. Lastly, programs that are provided by local
government and private enterprise should be the last priority for state spending.
A: The State of Texas should maintain as much of the rainy day fund as possible. It should
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be used for emergency expenses or to provide tax relief to taxpayers.

A: The business tax has increased expenses to employers who have had to reduce the
number of employees in order to cover this additional expense. This has had the opposite
of the desired effect as it has increased the level of unemployment in Texas. At a
minimum, the threshold for the margins should be raised from the current $1MM level to
$10MM to spur job growth among small businesses which account for the majority of jobs
in Texas.
A: No it does not. The current system teaches how to take tests instead of comprehension
of subject matter. Local school districts should be empowered to establish their own
guidelines for student achievement. Students in all districts should have the opportunity to
learn at a high level. Local school principals know which teachers are teaching well. They
should be empowered to make decisions at the school level to increase student retention
and student achievement.
A: Texas spends more of the annual budget on education than the average state. I don’t
want us to be average. I want Texas to be excellent. In order to do this, we must recruit
teachers that love to teach and we MUST pay them well. Per student spending has
increased more than 50% in the last 20 years even when adjusted for inflation. Why has
student achievement fallen behind other states? The answer lies in where the money is
being spent. More of the money already designated for education needs to make it to the
classroom, which means reduced management and administration. This would result in
more teachers, fewer students per classroom, and increased classroom performance.
A: As with primary education, the administrative costs for Texas’ public universities have
increased drastically. Operational costs, not classroom costs, but administrative and
non-faculty costs have risen more than 5 times that of classroom/teaching costs. I believe
we should explore ways to bring these administrative costs in line within the current
system.
system?
A: Our roadway systems can always use improvement. However, the Texas Transportation
Commission projected as recently as 2006 that we would need $188BB in transportation
funding through 2030. At the current rate of appropriations for TxDOT, the shortfall would
be less than $6BB or 4% of the anticipated transportation needs. This figure leads me to
believe that there is already an adequate source of funding for transportation
infrastructure. The question becomes: how are we spending what we already have? A
recent audit of TxDOT uncovered numerous examples of waste within the current system.
Given the current economic environment, I think we should focus on inefficiencies within
the existing system rather than increasing taxes.
A: I am a firm believer that the State of Texas, including the Department of Transportation
already collects enough money in the form of taxes, tolls, and fees. I will not support
increasing taxes, registration fees, or additional tolls on the taxpayers of Texas. The
inefficiencies in the Department of Transportation must be addressed prior to ANY
additional funding for the department.
A: No
A: A comprehensive water plan, just like any other financial plan, must have a clearly
defined and predictable regulatory process. Presently the administrative process as it
pertains to water rights, “production” and distribution is unpredictable. This standardization
must be accomplished first, and it should be done quickly as demand for water is projected
to double by the year 2060. The current supply and delivery infrastructure must grow in
order to keep up with this demand. We must examine both public and private funding
sources to fund this infrastructure.
quality?
A: As with many government regulations, once current standards are met, the rules are
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changed. Texas has done a remarkable job in meeting the current EPA standards. In fact,
based on 2009 data, only one urban area (DFW) hasn’t met the 85ppb EPA mandate and it
is at 86. The EPA’s new proposal of 60-70ppb would destroy industries throughout Texas.
Should the EPA enact these standards, the legislature should authorize a legal challenge
the EPA’s justification for the reduced standards and demand as part of that action that the
EPA assume responsibility for the “non-industrial” sources of pollution.
pursue?
A: The average charge per kilowatt hour of energy in Texas is 11.01 compared to 11.76 on
average for the US. The average price of the lowest 15 offers is only 9.27 per kilowatt
hour. This is less than a 6% increase since 2001 compared to the average national price
increase of 41.6%. Based on these numbers, yes, deregulation has worked, as Texans pay
less than the national average for electricity. One way to further reduce costs is to remove
the requirement that 50% of any new generation be provided using natural gas.
A: If DNA evidence can now be evaluated because of new technology, I believe that this
evidence should be tested immediately in all cases where it is available to exonerate
anyone who may have been wrongly convicted.
justice system?
A: As stated before, if there is DNA evidence that can now be tested because of new
technology that might exonerate a convicted person, this evidence should be tested in all
cases where the possibility exists of a wrongful conviction.
A: In general, insurance works this way; the higher the risk, the higher the rate. Texas has
large population centers and multiple risks. This causes rates, on average, to be higher.
Insurance reform passed in 2003 has not been fully implemented by the Department of
Insurance. A true “file and use” system of casualty insurance will reduce rates, BUT, it will
also reduce coverage. It is the consumer’s responsibility to know the coverage being
purchased.
A: Unlike most candidates, I believe this is a taxpayer issue. If the legislature would pass a
decrease in the sales tax, property tax, franchise tax, or other tax to offset any revenue
gained by the state from gaming, I could support such an initiative. However, like most
citizens, I remember the promises of the lottery, and all the lottery did was give politicians
another source of funding for increased spending. If legislators will trade a tax for a
voluntary activity, I can agree with that. BUT, if the only thing being done is lining the
pockets of politicians like my opponent and the gaming industry, I will take the side of the
taxpayer every time.
A: First we must secure the borders of Texas. We must also do everything possible to
ensure those who are in our country are here legally. We must enforce the current laws on
the books, but we should NEVER engage in racial profiling or engage in any actions that are
discriminatory to anyone.
A: Middle school is too late to address the dropout issue. The importance of a strong
education must start at the pre-k level and continue into middle school. As a parent with a
sophomore, a 6th grader, and a 1st grader in public schools south of I-20, I’ve seen
personally how the lack of parental involvement is a major issue. In these cases, the class
sizes need to be smaller so that teachers can pay more attention to individual students.
This means allocating resources from administration and facilities to more teachers
throughout the system
A: Yes
A: Jane Gray Nelson – State Senator Kelly Hancock – State Representative Warren Chisum
– State Representative Drew Darby – State Representative
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Kirk England
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Kirk Thompson England
Street Address: 3630 Green Hollow Dr.
State: Texas
Fax Number: (972) 262-1438
E-mail Address: kirkengland106@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.england106.com
Questions:
A: 49 years During college, at Texas State University, my primary residence remained
Grand Prairie.
A: State Farm Agent
A: I am an active member of the following organizations 20 year member of the Grand
Prairie Chamber of Commerce Grand Prairie Rotary Club Grand Prairie Board of
Realtors Grand Prairie Lions Club Grand Prairie YMCA Irving Chamber of Commerce
AMBCUS Irving chapter Irving Retired Teachers River of Trade Corridor Coalition
Tex 21 American Legislative Exchange Council Texas Democratic Party Texas Tourism
Caucus National and State Sportsmen’s Caucus Air Quality Caucus Texas
Manufacture Caucus Community College Caucus Texas High Speed Rail and
Transportation Corporation Legislative Caucus House Democratic Caucus Christian
Women’s Job Corp
A: Served twice as the Facilities Chairman on two successful school bond elections Just
ended my eighth year on the Board of Directors for the YMCA and recently sat on the
Capitol Campaign Committee. In 1998, I was awarded an honorary lifetime membership
to the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), I took an active role in the “Reading Buddy”
program. As a member of First United Methodist Church in Grand Prairie, I haved served
as head of the Board of Trustees, Administrative Board, helped managed the construction
of the youth building and served on the Staff- Parish Relations Committee.
A: None
A: $ 100,794.17
A: In 2010, Charles England, Texas State Farm PAC, and The Chickasaw Nation
A: No
A: As we approach this budget shortfall, we must first set our priorities: public education
and health care for needy children and seniors should be off limits to cuts. Having set
those programs aside, we will have to make some tough choices. I would first look at
reducing bureaucratic costs across the board by enforcing a hiring freeze on middle and
upper management and cutting travel, association membership costs, etc. to the bare
minimum. Next I would look at combining the Railroad Commission and Public Utility
Commission, which could save us millions of dollars. Finally, as a member of the
Corrections Committee, we are seeing positive strides from legislation we passed in 2007
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and reforms passed in 2009. Prior to their release, inmates are trained to develop job
skills and receive substance abuse treatment, which reduces the rate of recidivism. For the
first time in several sessions the legislature is not faced with the responsibility to spend an
exorbitant number of dollars on new prison facilities.
A: Currently, the Rainy Day Fund is estimated to have an $8 to $9 billion surplus,
therefore, to avoid raising taxes we have to look at our financial options. Certainly I agree
a responsible option is to dip into the Fund surplus to avoid cutting too deeply into the
state's critical areas of funding, e.g. public education, health and human services,
transportation, and public safety
A: I think there is a more precise and appropriate question: Is the business tax performing
as the experts told us it would? The answer is obviously no. In 2009, we cut the tax by
increasing the exemption from $300,000 to $1 million in gross revenue. As we now know,
the revenue projections were way off. I oppose lowering the tax exemption. Instead, we
ought to require close scrutiny of “expert projections” to increase the accuracy of tax
revenue forecasts. With a tough year in front of us, we need answers that everyone can
rely on.
A: It does accurately reflect where a student is academically at a particular point in time.
What it may not accurately reflect is the academic gains that a student made and in what
time frame. For example, all five-year-old students start kindergarten at the same age,
but they do not start kindergarten at the same academic level. So, does the TAKS
“achievement” measurement accurately reflect student achievement? It depends on how
you define achievement, and who you ask. I say it is quite possible that kids attending one
school may be achieving more even though TAKS rating may say otherwise.
A: First, unfunded mandates must stop. What money a district receives should be left to
the district to decide how best to use that money. Those closest to the children most know
the needs of the children. If Austin sets the academic expectations, it should leave districts
to decide how best to realize those expectations, including discretion to spend money on
critical needs. Unfunded mandates siphon resources away from critical needs. (i.e.
requirement for calculators for TAKS – district expense; additional P.E. time; etc.) Second,
the school-funding system is inequitable and unfair. For example, Grand Prairie ISD
receives less per student from the state than other districts. Specifically, GPISD receives
approximately $5,000 per student and Irving approximately $4,500 while many districts in
the Metroplex receive more -- including some that receive over $6,000 per student. Yet,
GPISD and IISD are rated on the same academic scale as all other districts even though
more of its students live in poverty. So we say to GPISD and IISD, “you must achieve the
same results as other districts even though you have more of the most challenging
students to educate, and you must do it with fewer resources than other districts.”
A: The deregulation of higher education has absolutely driven the costs through the roof at
a time when working families have most needed our leaders to look out for them.
University officials have increased tuition rates by more than 70% over the last 4 years
and have taken away the opportunity for many of our best and brightest to pursue their
dreams. We must take back the authority to limit/control the cost increases that state
universities can impose on our students.
system?
A: The need for new roads in many areas is critical. At the same time, many existing roads
are rapidly deteriorating. Perhaps worse, the Texas Department of Transportation is at
least partially responsible for these problems. Three years ago, TXDOT infamously made
a $1 billion budget error. The agency also signed secret, poorly constructed contracts with
foreign toll road companies. They seemed to fumble every task they were given.
Recently, new leadership has taken over at TXDOT, and they have stated they are
conducting a housecleaning. The Legislature should make sure they follow through with
that process. The first step in accurately assessing our roadway needs is accountability
within the responsible agency.
A: I oppose raising fuel taxes for transportation. Where appropriate, I support toll roads as
an alternative to other funding sources. I DO NOT support, however, letting toll road
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contracts to foreign companies as Governor Perry infamously supported in 2007.

A: I have always and will continue to support local control and citizen participation. To give
county Commissioners the ability to offer its citizens a voice in the highway funding crisis
seems to be the ultimate way to allow residents in the Metroplex the opportunity to be
heard.
A: The Metroplex could face a water shortage in the not-so-distant future. We're thirsty for
new water, and potential sources are uncertain. For years, we have battled with East Texas
legislators over building Marvin Nichols Lake. We want it. They don't. Right now, we're at
a stalemate. In my opinion, we cannot afford to wait for a change in the battle over Marvin
Nichols and, instead, must proactively pursue alternative sources. Otherwise, we could end
up waiting too long and find ourselves in a real crisis. In the meantime, we must engage
in aggressive conservation efforts to stave off the need for a new reservoir as long as
possible.
quality?
A: We need to start by holding TCEQ accountable for its actions. In the past, the
commissioners too often appear to have been motivated more by special interests and
corporate greed rather than a common sense approach to benefit all of Texas. Texans
deserve clean air… period. That said, there must be a reasonable balance between our
economic interests. We can do both.
pursue?
A: Electric deregulation has been a dismal failure. Since it was instituted, rates and
consumer complaints have skyrocketed. But, it's not the retailers that are driving up
rates. It's the wholesale market that is gouging us. We need to clamp down on the
wholesalers to protect consumers from their profit-taking.
A: I support the death penalty. I also support all efforts to eliminate the possibility of
executing an innocent person while allowing the real killer to escape justice. I believe we
have made progress in avoiding a “rush to judgment” in death penalty cases in the past
few years and will work to make sure that progress continues.
justice system?
A: Though Texas leads the nation in the number of DNA exonerations, it is also important
to point out that our criminal justice system gets it right far more often than it gets it
wrong. Thousands of men and women are working very hard to protect our families, and
they deserve our full support. Still, we cannot sit idly by as innocent people go to jail and
the guilty escape justice. We need to take a thorough, sober look at the factors that lead to
false convictions and see if there are ways to prevent them. At the same time, I will
oppose any measure that would overburden our already beleaguered justice system or
provide criminals with new "technicalities" to avoid jail. As we go forward, I would like to
know if there is a practical way to collect DNA evidence in every criminal investigation and
from every one arrested. The more irrefutable evidence, the less likely we will convict an
innocent person.
A: As an insurance agent, I am well-aware that Texans are frustrated with the cost and
quality of their homeowners insurance. However, I don't think any of the reform plans
currently proposed would accomplish what Texans deserve. The best way to hold down
insurance rates in Texas is to appoint an aggressive, hard-nosed director at the Texas
Department of Insurance to hold insurance carriers’ feet to the fire. Recent TDI directors
have been too passive and complacent. We need new leadership to restore order.
A: Yes. Texan’s should have the right to decide if we want to continue to allow literally
billions in gambling dollars and tax revenues every year to go to surrounding states or to
stay in Texas. Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie is located in our district. The expansion of
gaming here could generate hundreds of millions of dollars and create thousands of jobs in
Grand Prairie and Irving.
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A: If the federal government were doing its job, we wouldn't have to deal with this
problem. A federal district judge has ruled the Arizona law unconstitutional. Until it’s
resolved in the courts, there is no point in a similar approach. Instead, we should build on
our recent efforts to secure our borders. In 2007, we passed HB1196 which barred
companies from receiving economic development aid if the firm was found to be in
violation of federal immigration law. I would like to see that law expanded to all state
contracts. In 2009, the Legislature passed legislation that Lt. Governor David Dewhurst
described as "sweeping reform" of our efforts to fight trans-national gangs. In both 2007 &
2009 the legislature voted to increase overall funding for border security- specifically $110
million to Operation Border Star to increase border security personnel as well as aircraft,
patrol boats, communications technology, and more. Programs like these are essential in
order to secure our borders.
A: The Legislature should give those closest to the middle school students and parents the
latitude to address the needs of those students. A one-size-fits all Austin approach will
likely not solve the problem. We need to listen to our local districts, provide them
adequate resources, and provide them the discretion to address the needs of its students.
A: Yes. It will be very difficult to achieve because of the state's current budget problems.
However, expanding higher educational opportunities in one part of the Metroplex is good
for all of the students in the area.
A: I admire leaders who show they're independent-minded, courageous and intelligent.
Those qualities are exemplified by two colleagues of mine. One is a Republican, Todd
Smith of Tarrant County, and the other is a conservative Democrat from East Texas, Jim
McReynolds.
Gene Freeman
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Gene Freeman
Street Address: 4422 Cabot Dr
State: Texas
E-mail Address: gene.freeman@inbox.com
Questions:
A: 16 years
A: Senior OS Analyst - Internal management consultant at Luminant
A: Tea Party member - Christ Renews His Parish Team member at St. Michael the
Archangel church
A: - no response -
A: District 106 State Rep
A: Zero
A: None
A: - no response -
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A: 1. School spending must be brought under control. Extremely wasteful - unfunded
federal mandates, etc. 2. Audit TxDOT - They are spending too much and we are getting
too little. 3. Charge illegal residents fee for services
A: Hmmm looks like it is raining right now,, use some of it!
A: Eliminate it
A: I would look at national best practices, select a reasonable system, implement and
audit it.
A: Restore local control of funding. Disconnect it from property taxes. Once again, SPEND
LESS!! The answer to good education is NOT more money, it IS accountability. Teachers
unions do not contribute to excellence in education, they are there to feather the nests of
teachers regardless of performance. Stop the madness.
A: Need more data on this one.
system?
A: Audit and control TxDot NOW! NO MORE TOLL ROADS.
A: NO MORE TOLLS!!! They are Un-American!! A slight increase in fuel taxes may be
necessary.
A: Only on county and city roads. Not regional or state roads.
A: Pay as you go plan..bond issues.
quality?
A: As long as we are compliant, the EPA can get lost! How much cleaner does the air need
to be?? We can keep increasing standards until we kill economic activity. Stop it!
pursue?
A: Still studying this issue.
A: Use every last technology available to prove innocence, such as DNA testing etc.
justice system?
A: Require DNA testing where it would make a difference.
A: Choose ONLY citizens to the regulatory agencies, NOT industry hacks.
A: YES
A: YES
A: Provide parents with a voice that has TEETH, not solely advisory in nature. Let them be
involved in the decision making process, NOT just school boards & professional educators
who seem to be out of touch.
A: No - expand as demand increases.
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A: None

Description:
Brandon Parsons
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Brandon Parsons
Street Address: 10050 Lakemere Dr
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
Date of Birth: Denison, TX
E-mail Address: brandon@parsonstx.com
Questions:
A: I have lived in Texas for just over 10 years, and in district 107 for over 7.
A: I work in the VLSI (computer chips) group for HP's enterprise server business.
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: I was a candidate for State Representative in district 107 for the 2008 election cycle.
A: $0
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: We could certainly spend less money by not locking up non-violent offenders. The focus
for public safety should be to reduce crimes against persons and property. Large
transportation initiatives should likely be held off during the economic downturn, just as
businesses and households reduce spending during difficult economic times. I think the
important thing is to force each segment of government to turn in a prioritized budget list
to enable the legislature to weigh the tradeoffs.
A: I think it may be reasonable in some of the worst economic times to use a portion of
the funds if they can be exceeded with long-term proposals to reduce expenses by a larger
amount to avoid returning to these circumstances.
A: - no response -
A: No, I think the measurement system the state is using impacts that which they are
measuring far too greatly to be of much use--far too much class time is devoted
specifically to the existing measurement scheme. I understand the desire to measure
performance, but if a measurement scheme impacts what you are measuring by more
than 5%--maybe a little more if it can be demonstrated that the benefits far outweigh the
costs--then it isn't worth it. Furthermore, one has to consider what incentives are being
created, and ensure that the incentives create the desired behavior. Measuring teacher and
school performance isn't an easy task, I admit, so it's one that requires careful
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consideration before implementing. I think the best approach here is to take a timeout and
research new or existing alternatives.
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
system?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
quality?
A: - no response -
pursue?
A: - no response -
A: Given recent history of releases due to wrongful convictions, the sensible action in the
short-term would be a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, and a thorough review
of any present death-penalty inmates at minimum before re-instating it. Since our
accuracy is less than 100%, I think it should be abolished in the long-term.
justice system?
A: A thorough review of the data surrounding the efficacy of different types of evidence,
for starters. Studies on eyewitness testimony and informants have repeatedly shown that
they are often unreliable. State laws should require departments to have guidelines for
taking eyewitness testimony and ensure that the guidelines utilize methods that are
supported by scientific evidence. We should require that forensic methods be backed by
scientific validation, that standards of quality control exist, and that forensic analysis
include information about the margin of error.
A: - no response -
A: That or we should repeal the lottery.
A: No.
A: We should face the realization that a large portion of even the students who graduate
do not go to college, and take steps to ensure that our education system is relevant to
those students as well.
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Kenneth Sheets
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Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Kenneth Sheets
Street Address: 4607 Surf Drive
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-220-0439
E-mail Address: kenneth.sheets107@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.kennethsheets.com
Questions:
A: I have been a resident of Texas for over 24 years and a resident of District 107 for 4
years.
A: I am attorney with a Dallas law firm, Payne & Blanchard, LLP.
A: I am an active parishioner at Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. I am a council
officer within my Knights of Columbus Council. I am a member of the Lake Highlands
Exchange Club. I am a member of the State Bar of Texas. I am a member of the Dallas
Association of Young Lawyers. I have served for 14 years in the Marine Corps and the
Marine Corps Reserve. I am presently serving in the Marine Corps Reserve as a Captain.
A: I was the 2009-2010 Knight of the Year for my Knights of Columbus Council. I am a
fellow of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Foundation.
A: - no response -
A: Around $68,000.
A: Associated Republicans of Texas Harriet Miers J Ralph Ellis
A: No
A: Because of the budget shortfall, the Legislature will have to face the difficult task of
cutting the budget. Texas would be well served by following a policy of “shared
responsibility” to reduce spending across state government agencies and programs. We
should also not engage in new capital expansion or upgrading facilities until our budget is
back in order. Nearly 80% of the state budget is already dedicated to Health & Human
Services and education. This, along with overreaching federal mandates, will make the
task of bringing spending in line with revenue difficult, but not impossible. I believe we
need to begin the process by empowering agencies to establish their own goals to reduce
their budgets. Then the Legislature should start reviewing the entire budget using a zero
basis for every agency, determining the best and most efficient use of each tax dollar and
allocation thereof.
A: Thankfully, the majority within the Legislature last session had the foresight to ensure
Texas did not spend away the State’s saving account, the Rainy Day Fund. I support the
reasonable use of the Rainy Day Fund by the Legislature to cover some of the gap in the
budget. I believe the Legislature should avoid any attempts to drain our State’s savings
account completely. With continuing economic concerns, created by poor federal economic
policies, it is important to maintain some of the Rainy Day Fund beyond 2011.
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A: While there are significant questions concerning the effectiveness of the recently
adopted Margins Tax, there needs to be continued review of its performance and its impact
on business and the economy. The Texas Comptroller is presently chairing a study on the
margins tax. The Legislature should wait for an evaluation from the Comptroller before
taking any action. However, the Legislature should also review whether the structure of
the tax unfairly burdens certain industries. More importantly, the Legislature needs to
avoid creating new burdens on small businesses, which are the main job creators for our
state.
A: The State of Texas is already in the process of adjusting the school rating system. While
there does appear to be a need to change the present accountability system, we need to
be careful to keep some consistency in the program so we can maintain an “apples to
apples” evaluation process. I believe that any changes to the rating system need to include
a process to rate our schools’ financial accountability and the overall efficiency of tax
dollars to produce maximum results. As exemplified here in North Texas, more money
does not necessarily translate into better results. The proper and efficient use of funds in
the classroom, however, can benefit both students and taxpayers. We have several schools
in the North Texas area that are outperforming schools that receive more money per
student. The Legislature needs to help ensure school district administrations are being held
accountable for student performance, use of tax dollars, and the maximum amount of
dollars are making their way to our classrooms.
A: Unfortunately, the current school finance system is a hodgepodge of hold harmless
provisions for school districts. This lack of a formula-driven system will inevitably lead us
to the courthouse. Texas has spent too many years fighting over school finance in the
courts, therefore, we need to comprehensively review the entire system and design a fair
system for the entire state of Texas. Such a system should be cost rather than revenue
driven, and the Cost of Education Index, which has not been updated since 1992, needs to
be replaced as it is outdated and very unfair to our North Texas school districts.
A: The new tuition policy is not working. I have heard countless stories from students and
parents about the rising cost of tuition and the increased burden it is placing on families
and students. I am proud of the fact that I was able work my way through college with the
assistance of the G.I. Bill, and through law school with the assistance of student loans.
With the rising cost of tuition, fewer students are able to work their way through school.
The Legislature needs to more thoroughly scrutinize how our universities are spending
money – especially on capital expansions – to ensure tuition rates remain affordable for
our students. I believe it is imperative for our state’s future to have a well educated and
technologically advanced workforce in order to further our job growth and attract new
business opportunities to Texas.
system?
A: Texas has experienced significant population growth over the past ten years. This
growth has put an obvious strain on our roadways, especially in the North Texas area.
Throughout North Texas, we have seen the beginnings of several transportation projects
and will continue to see the implementation of several new projects over the next two
years. These projects, many of which will take several years to complete, will help relieve
much of the congestion on our roadways. Obviously, there will be the need for additional
projects, along with additional money, to fund these projects. Placing further burdens on
families and small businesses in an economic downturn is not a solution. Before the
Legislature even considers raising taxes for transportation, it should look to stop the
diversion of transportation funds to other non-transportation related projects and seek a
greater return on money sent to Washington by Texans.
A: Before the Legislature looks to ways to create more transportation revenue, it needs to
address the diversion of transportation dollars to non-transportation projects. Over the
past decade, billions of dollars of transportation revenue have been diverted from the
Texas Department Transportation to other agencies. It should be a priority of the
Legislature to ensure highway dollars are going to highway projects. I also support the
limited and reasonable use of toll roads and private-public partnerships. I believe the
Dallas area is a great example of how a region can use a mixture of public roadways with
toll roads to meet its transportation needs. Finally, I believe that the Legislature should
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continue to work toward reforming the Texas Department of Transportation to reduce

inefficiencies and improve public confidence in transportation spending.
A: No. I do not support placing an additional tax burden on our families and small
businesses during difficult economic situations.
A: As is the case with energy and transportation, as the population continues to grow, the
demand for water is growing. In the short term, our major water providers have been
funding, and continue to fund, the water plan with local revenue bonds and programs like
the Texas Water Development Board’s Long Program. It is clear, as we enter the 15th year
of the 50 year water plan, that we need to look to long term funding options for the water
plan. As Texas overcomes the current economic downturn, the Legislature will need to
focus on long term funding options for the water plan. It is also important that the
Legislature, along with local agencies, encourage and promote water conservation.
quality?
A: Texas has been a leader in reducing air emissions over the past decade. For the past
ten years, Texas has led the country in reducing air emissions while at the same time
experiencing a significant increase in its population. Texas has continuously met the federal
government’s increasingly stringent standards. The EPA’s recent call for more stringent
air-pollution standards in Texas is another example of the federal government’s attempts
to expand its powers and impose additional mandates on the states. This continual
interference by the federal government not only places additional costs upon Texas
taxpayers, but it also creates additional burdens on our struggling small businesses.
pursue?
A: Yes, but we need to increase the supply of energy. With the continued population
growth in Texas, the demand for energy continues to rise. We need to increase permitting
and expansion of nuclear power generation to increase our base load capacity. We also
need to continue to encourage the federal government to offer loan guarantees for the
construction and expansion of nuclear power generation.
A: None.
justice system?
A: We in the United States enjoy the benefit of the best criminal justice system in the
world. While this question correctly points out that new technology is being used to
exonerate the wrongfully convicted, it ignores the fact that this same technology is being
used today in our courtrooms, along with other scientific advancements. This same
technology is being used to present more reliable evidence to our jurors so that they may
make better decisions. The same advancements that are correcting past mistakes are
helping to ensure we do not repeat those mistakes.
A: As with any industry, competition is key to driving down insurance premiums. In 2003,
the Texas Legislature passed insurance reforms designed to increase competition in the
Texas insurance market by reducing unnecessary government regulation. One of the key
provisions of the 2003 reforms was a transition to a “file-and-use” system for homeowner
insurance rates. The “file-and-use” system has been identified by those in the insurance
industry as necessary in order to increase competition in Texas by attracting new insurers
to Texas. The effects of this shift to a “file-and-use” system cannot accurately be judged
yet, as the system has not been fully implemented by the Texas Department of Insurance.
The Legislature can work to continue to improve competition in the Texas insurance
market by moving toward a true “file-and-use” system. Additionally, the Legislature could
increase competition in the Texas insurance market by allowing Texas homeowners to
purchase out-of-state policies from insurers licensed in other states.
A: The expansion of casino gambling is not the right decision for Texas. Many believe that
Texas should allow for the expansion of casino gambling because it will increase state
revenue. While it may be true that casino gambling would increase state revenue, I
personally believe these benefits would be greatly outweighed by the social costs
associated with casino gambling.
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A: Arizona’s new laws were a reaction to the long-term failure of the federal government
to secure our borders, enforce our laws, and assist our states in protecting our citizens.
Texas needs to continue to pressure the federal government to meet its Constitutional
responsibility to protect our borders. I believe Texas should encourage more coordination
between local and federal law enforcement, especially when it comes to illegal immigrant
gangs, drug runners, and human traffickers. In North Texas, the City of Irving has had
marked success by coordinating the Irving Police Department with Immigration and
Customs Enforcement operations – this partnership has resulted in numerous criminal
illegal aliens being removed from the area and a subsequent reduction in the crime rate.
A: The ninth grade dropout problem is serious and unacceptable. When reviewing our
accountability system, we must focus on this huge issue and work with the school districts
to design innovative programs to help prepare students in their earlier years so that they
view their education as an invaluable asset to their future. I agree that we need greater
parental involvement in education. I believe that we should encourage a five year program
where parents and educators work together and share responsibility for education.
A: No, not with the current budget deficit. Much of the next legislative session will be spent
dealing the budget shortfall. Given the immediate need to reduce spending, I could not
support adding a further obligation to the budget. Additionally, before the Legislature
allocates any funds for the expansion of UNT’s South Dallas Campus, there should be a
study as to the effect this will have on the Dallas Community College District, which I
believe has done an exceptional job with its available resources.
A: Senator John Carona. Senator Carona is a hard working public servant for the people of
Senate District 16 who has demonstrated an ability to design creative solutions and build
consensus.
Allen Vaught
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Allen R. Vaught
Street Address: 6122 Palo Pinto Ave.
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Date of Birth: September 2, 1971
Home Phone Number: n/a
Mobile Phone Number: n/z
Fax Number: n/a
E-mail Address: allen@allenvaught.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.allenvaught.com
Questions:
A: Lifelong resident of Texas. Over five years residency in boundaries of HD 107.
A: Attorney.
A: Legislative awards: “Legislative Action Award” from Texas PTA (2009); “Law and Order
Award” from Texas District and County Attorneys’ Association (2009); “Legislative Award”
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from Texas Police Chiefs Association (2009); “Legislator of the Year” from Association of
Texas Professional Educators, Region 10 (2009); “Child Advocacy Award” from Texas
Pediatric Society (2009); “Legislative Initiatives Nurturing Children (LINC) Award” from
Children’s Medical Center of Dallas (2009); “Outstanding Supporter” from The Wind
Coalition (2009); “The Friend of Veterans Award” from Texas Criminal Justice Coalition
(2009); “Citizen of the Year” from The Dallas Elks Lodge (2009); and the “Golden Bootie
Award” from Dell Children’s Hospital of Austin (2010) Memberships: VFW Post 6796;
Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 542; Dallas Special Forces Association, Chapter
31; Exchange Club of Lake Highlands; Elks Lodge # 71; Greater East Dallas Chamber of
Commerce; Texas Lyceum; Lakewood Heights Neighborhood Association; Lake
Highlands/White Rock Democrats; National Rifle Association; Texas State Rifle Association;
Society of the Third Infantry Division; Dallas Retired Teachers Association Guest Member.
Involvement: Supporter of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; sponsor for Susan G. Komen
Race for the Cure; supporter of SPCA; For the Love of the Lake supporter.
A: Volunteer at VA Hospital Spinal Cord Ward; Pro-bono legal services for low income
individuals and military service members deploying to Operation Iraqi Freedom and
Operation Enduring Freedom; assisted in U.S. relocation efforts for two Iraqi translators
and their families.
A: State Representative District 107 (2006-present)
A: As of June 30, 2010, in excess of $155,000.
A: Texans for Insurance Reform ($10,000); Blackridge Consulting LLP ($6,200); UA
Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 100 PAC, Baron & Budd, P.C., and Texans for
Economic Development PAC ($5,000)
A: I have never been arrested.
A: It is important to note my response to this question centers on my willingness to work
in a bi-partisan manner with other legislators who are capable of putting common-sense
ahead of ideology to find reasonable cuts to the budget where we can. That said, here are
a few of my suggestions for my fellow legislators to consider. 1. General Government
Overhaul and Streamlining - It is not an easy or fun place to start, but a responsible
starting place is an inch-by-inch scrub of our state budget for waste and redundancy. In the
Texas House, there are already two committees working to this end in addition to several
agencies that were already under Sunset review. Done right, those efforts will turn up
some significant savings. Additionally, I am also a member of an organization (Texas
20/20) that hired Billy Hamilton (who assisted John Sharp to start and oversee the Texas
Performance Reviews) to make an independent review of places where we can look to
close Texas’ $18 billion budget gap. The end goal is to maximize use of every current
expenditure in order to preserve dollars that go to fund the most basic of our public
services—public education, colleges and universities, public safety, Children’s Health
Services, services for the aging and disabled (DADS) and transportation demands. 2.
Texas Enterprise Funds – While I support the basic mission of this program—bringing jobs
to Texas, it needs reform to ensure that Texas taxpayer money is used to create jobs for
Texas residents who are U.S. Citizens. I personally worked on issues during the interim
where it became clear to me that there is little to no government oversight on how these
funds are used once issued to a company. I am aware of at least one situation where Texas
taxpayer funds were used to subsidize foreign labor. That is unacceptable. 3. Texas
Department of Transportation – TXDOT is an example of a state agency run amok.
Although there is currently not proper funding for our roads, reform is needed to ensure
that expenditures for this agency further the purpose of a safe and effective roadway
system. Reports of the TXDOT spending millions of taxpayer dollars to advocate for the
Trans-Texas Corridor are troubling, and are not a proper use of resources. Additionally, a
bridge construction project (Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas) was recently awarded to
an Italian corporation that brought over Italian welders on improper visas. Given our 10%
unemployment rate, I was shocked that any state agency would allow this to happen. In
concert with other individuals, I worked to bring attention to that abuse of taxpayer money
and contacted the U.S. Department of Labor which found the visas improper. Texas
welders eventually went to work on that project, but not by the doing of TXDOT which
should have been monitoring that situation to make sure that U.S. citizens were on the
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job.
A: Anyone who does not realize that Texas is having an economic “rainy day” is
disconnected from reality. The first step before consideration of the rainy day fund is the
scrub the budget to remove any waste and redundancy. Beyond that, there is simply no
other plausible way—absent tax increases, which I will not support—to close the state’s
budget gap at this time other than to use a portion of the rainy day fund. We need to make
sure that the school doors stay open and the prison doors stay closed. I would vote to
authorize the use of rainy day funds for critical aspects of government, such as public
education and public safety. While we must cut the budget where we can during this time
of crisis, the Texas government must meet its most basic obligations to its citizens and
small businesses. Leadership must transcend political ideology. Otherwise, Texas is in
trouble.
A: While the revised franchise tax has not performed as promised, that may be a result of
the economic downturn. While the tax was enacted in 2006, its implementation was
delayed so that payments were not due until mid 2009. The recession was in full effect by
that time. We need to monitor receipts as the economy continues to improve to see what
changes, if any, are needed. I will say that in economic times like these, it would
absolutely not be appropriate to create added tax burdens for Texas businesses.
A: The accountability system has been a work in progress for a long time and probably will
continue to be one for years to come because we are trying to evaluate a complex process
– teaching children. In that context, the primary problem I see with the current system is
that it has only one measure – a single score on a single test – and doesn’t embrace the
breadth and depth of what a child should and does know. We need to develop a system
that addresses the whole child and looks at multiple measures to determine how much a
student is learning. It may take time to get from here to there, but it is a journey we must
make. The current system is limiting both the breadth and depth of our curriculum. It is
easy to manipulate, which we have seen with the Texas Performance Measure, and it can
be misleading when an exemplary school becomes low-performing because one sub-group
of students fails by a single point. We have a system that is broken on several fronts, and
it needs to be fixed.
A: Since the 1949 Gilmer-Akin Law, Texas has experienced a patchwork school funding
system that has resulted in funding inequities. Over the years, band-aids have been
applied to meet the ever changing challenges to public education finance. The most recent
and significant changes occurred in 2006 prior to my election but, unfortunately, even
those changes did not fix the system and were just another temporary fix. I believe that
government works best at the local level, and that we should allow local school districts
the flexibility to represent their constituents. After all, that is what representative
democracy is all about. A one size fits all “big government” Austin approach is choking
school districts around this state. I think a return to “formula funding” based on a weighted
per student average makes more sense than the current system where school districts are
capped at revenue models from 2006. Local control means flexibility to address local
needs. Citizens in school districts such as Lubbock and Cypress-Fairbanks face the very real
prospect of losing their homestead exemptions because of the current school finance
system. The Legislature meets for only 140 days every two years, and students, parents,
and eventually the Texas economy will suffer due to this lack of local control.
A: I judge whether the policies are working by listening to my constituents. What I hear
from them now is that tuition cost increases are not acceptable. Many cannot afford college
tuition anymore or are unable to adequately plan for what tuition might cost years from
now when their children are ready for college. Stories of mounting student loan debt,
home mortgage loans, or just not attending college due to costs are common concerns due
to the skyrocketing costs of higher education as a result of the 2003 deregulation by the
Legislature. I voted in favor of legislation last session to cap tuition hikes (HCR 288). That
legislation passed the Texas House, but was not considered in the Senate. Continued
support for Texas Grants is also needed. The Legislature and Governor must do more to
keep tuition rates in check.
system?
A: The financial needs are great and the Texas roadway system is not properly funded.
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Texas’ roadway system is too congested and more emphasis on reliable and long term
funding for transportation is needed if Texas is to attract new businesses and have cleaner
air. TXDOT is failing to adequately address this and immediate reform of that state agency
is a vital first step to addressing this problem.
A: I am open-minded and will work with other legislators on finding revenue sources that
are reasonable. I supported the local option transit bill last session, and I will support it
next session. I also support indexing the fuel tax to meet current needs as it has not been
updated for inflation since 1993. In other words, we have a 1993 revenue model funding a
2010 expense model for roads. A business cannot run that way, and neither can
government. Leadership in this state is being fiscally irresponsible when it comes to
investing in our roads and other types of transportation that, over time, are vital to our
economic well-being.
A: Yes. I am a staunch believer in local control.
A: The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and other major urban areas need more water
resources. Without those resources, our economy will suffer reduced growth. Historically,
we know that efforts to fund those critical plans via a sales tax, such as those proposed for
bottled water, have failed. Operating in that reality, I think funding should take a regional
approach with local option use fees that local governments can choose from to put on a
local ballot for voter approval. Given the scope of such a project, local voter approval
should be required. However, as those familiar with the history of this issue know, this is a
very sensitive issue, and cooperation with Legislators from other parts of the State is
critical to implementing a long term water plan. At the end of the day, it is in everyone’s
interest – urban and rural.
quality?
A: We should always hope for and, at times, even demand minimal federal government
interference with how our state protects its citizens. However, there are certain extreme
circumstances under which the federal government must step in to protect American
citizens. Such is the case now with the need for reasonable intervention in the absence of
adequate state government protections against air and water-borne toxins. If Texas were
its own nation, it would be the sixth most polluted in the world. More must be done at the
state level to protect our citizens from polluted air so that the EPA does not have to step in
and take care of our state government responsibilities. Reforms to the Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) are critical during the Sunset Review process next
session. The fact that the TCEQ is currently considering standards that would relax the
limits on benzene emissions, a well documented cause of cancer, shows that this agency
has the wrong balance of priorities. The goal must be a strong business climate balanced
with a clean air and water environment. I believe it is short-sighted and economically
irresponsible to go on ignoring this crisis and it is my sincere hope that the next Legislature
will enact meaningful change that will make the federal government’s further intervention
unnecessary.
pursue?
A: No. The price decreases promised as a result of electric deregulation have not
manifested themselves to date. The Legislature should pursue changes that give more
consumer protections while promoting a competitive electricity market. For example,
some consumers shop for and contract with the lowest rate provider only to find out that
the provider goes out of business overnight and that they have been switched to another
provider at a much higher rate. Consumers do not realize this “switch” until they get the
next electrical bill from the new provider. Often times, their monthly bill has skyrocketed.
Those consumers must be given better notice and options before their plans are
automatically switched.
A: Courts must be as tough on expert witness evidence in criminal cases as they are in
civil cases. Also, steps must be taken to ensure that defendants in death penalty cases
have access to competent counsel regardless of their financial wealth. It is morally
reprehensible for any innocent person to be put to death. The justice system must provide
basic tenets of fairness such as these.
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justice system?
A: I authored legislation last session that expanded the DNA database in Texas to include
all felons, even those who had been placed on probation or given deferred adjudication.
This legislation will result in more guilty people being convicted and has already helped
close a 4-year old burglary case in Huntsville. It will also help exonerate more innocent
people or help them from being wrongly convicted in the first place. I would like to see
fair access to DNA challenges by inmates seeking exoneration while at the same time
allowing the justice system to increase punishments (whether by adding more time to a
sentence or revoking inmate privileges) for frivolous DNA challenges. In fact, I filed a bill
last session addressing frivolous DNA challenges, but it did not become law.
A: The high cost of homeowners and other forms of insurance in Texas amounts to little
more than another tax on our citizens, as I see it. If you want to buy a home, drive a car,
see a doctor, or do business, you have to have insurance of some kind or another. As such,
it should be reasonably regulated. Texas needs an elected Insurance Commissioner and a
more consumer oriented Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). Those two things alone will
help lower insurance rates. Additionally, insurance companies that have been shown to
abuse consumers should be required to obtain pre-approval from the TDI before raising
their rates or making any significant policy changes.
A: Yes. I can imagine no good reason why voters should not be allowed to decide in a
democratic election whether to allow gaming in Texas.
A: Texas has an obligation to protect its citizens. While everyone should agree that
immigration law enforcement is a Constitutional duty of the U.S. Government, Texas has
the right to pass and enforce laws to protect its citizens and its border that do not conflict
with the Constitution or federal statute, especially while federal lawmakers have failed
time and again to adequately address the illegal immigration issue. If an individual who is
here illegally is lawfully detained by law enforcement, they should face penalties for their
illegal actions. Also, they should be deported.
A: The most important step next session is to defeat any push aimed at reducing funding
for public education. Beyond that, extracurricular and after school programs are important
aspects to keeping middle school children engaged and out of trouble. Recognition that not
all children are going to college, and that we need vocational high schools where students
graduate work force ready is important as well. Fortunately, changes to vocational
curriculum are already happening in many parts of the State. We need to make sure that
middle school children are aware that those vocational programs exist at the high school
level, and that there is good reason for them to continue their education even if college is
not something they intend to pursue. Also, support for the Children’s Health Insurance
Program (CHIP) is essential to keeping children healthy which results in better attendance
rates and less financial burdens on parents struggling to make ends meet. While there is
no magic wand the Legislature can waive to make parents become more involved, there is
little doubt that there is a direct correlation between student/school performance and
parental involvement. Local schools should promote and embrace PTA involvement. Also,
many parents are working multiple jobs to make ends meet, and time is lacking for them
to be more involved. We need to take every reasonable measure possible to grow the
number of good paying jobs so that parents and their children have more time to spend
together. I believe that the inland port in South Dallas is possibly one example of a positive
step towards that goal.
A: Eventually, yes. However, the time to do this is not when we have an $18 billion budget
shortfall. The Legislature should make this a priority once our state budget crisis is
resolved.
A: State Senator John Corona and State Representative Rafael Anchia.
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Description:
Dan Branch
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Dan Branch
Street Address: 3953 Maple Avenue, Suite 105
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
Fax Number: 214-745-5883
E-mail Address: info@danbranch.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.DanBranch.com
Questions:
A: Over 25 years
A: Attorney
A: Chairman, Board of Directors, SMU John Tower Center for Political Studies; Trustee, The
Fund for American Studies; Legislative Advisory Committee, Southern Regional Education
Board; Executive Board Member, Boy Scouts of America/Circle Ten Council Board Member:
Texas Education Reform Foundation, Southwestern Medical Foundation and Dallas Summer
Musicals Member: Dallas Breakfast Group, The Dallas Assembly, National Conference of
State Legislators Education Committee, American Legislative Exchange Council Education
Task Force, Council on Foreign Relations, Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations
A: President, The Dallas Assembly; Director, The Real Estate Council of Dallas; Chairman,
The Dallas Sixty PAC; Board Member, The Dallas Breakfast Group; Chairman, Greater
Dallas Chamber Federal Relations Committee; Member, Dallas Achieves Commission,
Dallas ISD; Member, Mayor Leppert’s Downtown Dallas Task Force
A: 1991 Special Election for Texas 3rd U.S. Congressional District Candidate; 1995-2001
Board Member, Texas Public Finance Authority; 1999-2001 Chairman, Texas Public Finance
Authority; 2003 – present, Member, Texas House of Representatives, District 108
A: Over $1.1 million on hand – please see public information filed with the Texas Ethics
Commission
A: Broad constituent and contributor support – please see public information filed with the
Texas Ethics Commission
A: No
A: The global recession caused our sales tax collections, the primary source of state
revenue, to drop dramatically over the last biennium. I support our state constitution’s
balanced budget requirement, and voted this past session for a budget that actually
reduced state spending for only the 2nd time since WWII. While we are on the road to
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recovery, the anticipated revenue shortfall we will face next session is significantly larger
than the $11 billion budget deficit we balanced during my first term on the House
Appropriations Committee. Fortunately, we are better prepared to address the shortfall
this time around. The economy is slowly recovering. The Legislature replaced the money
we borrowed from the state’s “rainy day fund” in 2003, and severance taxes helped
increase the rainy day fund, which means we will have the option to tap approximately $9
billion to fill this cycle’s shortfall. State agencies have already responded to our request to
cut 5% from funds appropriated for 2010-2011, netting $1.2 billion in savings. In addition,
these agencies recently submitted plans to cut an additional 10% from their operating
budgets next cycle, should it become necessary. I favor balancing our budget without
raising taxes, so tough choices must be made to reduce spending. Before making marginal
cuts to critical programs, we must first cut non-essential state services such as
administrative overhead, travel, marketing, redundant programs and personnel across
agencies. We must reduce non-critical spending in order to ensure we are properly
investing in areas essential to our state’s infrastructure such as education, transportation
and water.
A: Yes, on the conditions that we leave a portion of the funds untouched, and that any
funds utilized are replaced within an anticipated time period, as was done in 2003. While
Texas has weathered the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression better than
most states, with 14 months of falling sales tax revenues, it has certainly been “raining.”
What appears to be a positive trend of sales tax revenue this past summer is a reason for
optimism. Borrowing from the state’s rainy day fund is a smart way to avoid tax increases
and minimize cuts to essential state services, but it’s important not to drain the fund
entirely while one of the rainy day fund’s revenue sources, the severance taxes from
natural gas production, remains low and the economy is still uncertain.
A: Revenues from the Revised Franchise Tax are lower than anticipated, but many would
argue that it is now better aligned with our service-based economy. While the franchise tax
isn’t exactly “new,” (it’s been in statute since the early 1900s), the major revisions of 2006
& 2009 have underperformed, in part due to the economic downturn. While I am willing to
revisit certain provisions, such as exemptions, it’s critical that we keep the franchise tax
flat, low and fair.
A: In multiple ways, the legislature moved the ball forward the last 3 sessions by
increasing academic standards, and therefore the expectations, of our public schools. The
Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) newly adopted approach to evaluating schools under these
new standards is cause for considerable concern. The Texas Projection Measure, developed
by TEA, mixes hard data with equations designed to estimate future achievement. Our
accountability system should be based on actual, not projected, results. As the legislature
and the TEA work to find a more accurate measuring tool of incremental, individual school
progress, I will advocate for changes to accountability measures that are both fair and
accurate. In addition to maintaining rigorous standards, I support using year-over-year
progress as a measure of achievement. Measures that artificially inflate ratings are a
disservice to our students, our schools and our state.
A: In a 21st century economy, there is no more important “infrastructure” than an
educated workforce, which is why education should continue to be the state’s highest
budget priority. A bottomless checkbook, however, won’t produce the critical thinkers
needed to compete in a global economy. We must also demand a greater return for our
investment. In recent years, I’ve helped lead the fight for school finance reform. We’ve
passed important revisions that have pulled 26 districts, including Dallas ISD, out of Robin
Hood status and lowered recapture payments for the remaining property wealthy districts.
Since 2006, school finance reforms have saved Dallas ISD property owners over $350
million and HPISD residents over $100 million. I fought hard during recent school finance
debates to supplement property poor districts with state funds, and eliminate recapture for
property wealthy districts on marginal property tax increases. Last session, I also passed
HB 4294, which for the first time gives school districts the flexibility to purchase interactive
content and classroom tools with a portion of existing state textbook funds. This new law
was named model legislation by the Council of State Governments and now has been
passed in at least 8 other states. Going forward, my school finance reform priorities
include further reining in Robin Hood by having the state step up to help property poor
districts rather than redistributing local taxes from so-called wealthy districts. Moreover, I
will continue to advance targeted funding solutions to incentivize student engagement,
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college/workforce readiness and graduation rates.

A: If the best indicator for proper pricing of a product is consumer demand, then current
tuition policies are working. 2009-2010 was a record year for enrollment growth at all
levels of higher education. That being said, as a father of three college students (with
another close behind), I am acutely aware of the financial sacrifices families must make to
invest in a higher education for their students. During the last decade, the cost of college
has risen faster than inflation, utilities and even health care, which is why I passed HCR
288 in the House last session to direct universities to hold tuition increases at or below
3.95%. While many other large states had double digit increases in tuition, nearly all Texas
public universities followed our lead, and kept increases below 4%. The legislature’s role
is to monitor public universities and colleges to ensure their regents’ decisions on tuition
rates allow for broad student access and keep their institutions competitive with
comparable schools. Last session, the legislature dramatically increased financial aid
funding in order to make college more affordable for our most at-risk students. I will
continue to fight for state funding and legislative initiatives that help keep tuition affordable
for students and families while balancing the need for academic excellence. Our colleges
and universities must be more productive with existing resources, especially with their
human capital. It’s their responsibility to balance multiple missions. Our major institutions
have an obligation to provide a quality education at a good value for students and families,
while building outstanding programs that attract world-class faculty and research.
system?
A: Statistics inform us that we have huge, growing challenges facing our transportation
infrastructure. Anyone who drives around the metroplex or between our major cities can
attest that traffic congestion and road conditions tax our air quality, wallets and most
importantly, our time. The planning, funding and construction process for roadways
cannot happen overnight, which is why we must address our structural shortfall of
transportation funding before it reaches crisis proportions.
A: It’s going to take a full range of options in the transportation “toolbox” to build and
maintain the capacity we’ll need to keep Texas moving. With the population in North Texas
expected to reach 10 million by 2025, our traffic congestion will continue to grow in a
dramatic fashion. Toll roads have been a fixture in North Texas and Harris County for
decades, and will continue to help alleviate congestion and fund transportation projects.
We must take a critical look at tolled roads and lanes, public private transportation
partnerships, user fees and enhanced mass transit opportunities to avoid the congestion
that worsens our air quality, robs our citizens of family time and our enterprises of rapid
movement of goods and services.
A: Like school property taxes, transportation dollars aren’t distributed to regions in the
same proportions as they are collected. Consistent with my support for voters’ right to
approve taxes and bonds for local education projects, I support the notion of allowing
voters to approve or reject proposals for the construction and financing of local
transportation projects.
A: Maintaining an adequate water supply for our state’s municipalities, agricultural and
industrial sectors is an existing challenge and developing new water sources is critical to
future economic development. The legislature has now put a water plan in place. The next
step is to set aside resources to build up the Water Infrastructure Fund. Despite certain
water supply needs that are 50-60 years off, we must exercise the discipline to set aside
funds for anticipated growth and demand. Like education, transportation and power,
maintaining an adequate water supply is a major state infrastructure priority. It should be
treated with a high level of importance.
quality?
A: Attorney General Abbott appears to have some solid arguments for challenging the
EPA’s decision to reject the state’s Flexible Permits Program. The Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) submitted the Flexible Permits Program rules to the EPA
under Governor Ann Richard’s leadership in 1994, and has issued permits without federal
intervention until June 2010. While some permit approvals were issued despite legitimate
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concerns, Texas has reduced ozone by 22% and Nitrous Oxide (NOX) emissions by 46%
since 2000. In addition, Texas now has more wind generation capacity than any other state
in the nation. I will work with my colleagues to balance our goals of healthy air quality and
a healthy economy without micro-management from the EPA. Vehicles, more so than
power plants, are the biggest contributor to air pollution in Texas. For this reason, I have
repeatedly sponsored the law to extend the Texas Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) & Low
Income Repair Assistance Programs (LIRAP) that improve our air quality by helping
remove old, high-polluting vehicles from our roads and highways. In addition, I authored
HB 3457 last session to crack down on the unlawful distribution of vehicle inspection
stickers. The North Texas Council of Governments estimates that vehicles with illegally
procured inspection stickers create approximately 50 tons of NOX per day in the
metroplex.
pursue?
A: While we must continue to make improvements, deregulation is working. The
competitive market has brought Texans choices, new products and services, a growing
array of new providers and more competitive prices. Deregulation has brought investment
capital to the state and has helped Texas become a national leader in the generation of
renewable energy. Deregulation is still a work in progress, but each session, we’ve
reviewed the market and found ways to make it function better for our citizens. Last
session, we passed HB 1822, which requires common language on providers’ offers and
billing statements. The new law helps consumers know when their electric contracts are
coming up, and allows them to make “apples to apples” comparisons when shopping for a
utility plan. The Public Utility Commission must remain vigilant to protect the market;
monitoring providers to make sure they are fiscally stable and able to adequately serve
Texas consumers. This session, I am especially interested in considering the Sunset
Commission recommendations, including one to add new, independent members to the
board of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which oversees the electrical grid
operations. Independent members would bring greater oversight and additional checks
and balances, which helps keep the market working for everyone.
A: I support capital punishment as a just sentence for the most heinous of crimes;
however, it’s imperative to clarify exceptions for the insane and mentally retarded. Lives
have been ruined, and even ended, due to inaccurate results from DNA testing labs in this
state, which is why I support improvements to the appeals process to help ensure
convictions are solidly grounded in accurate evidence. Moreover, I supported the law
allowing life without parole as a sentencing alternative to capital punishment in certain
instances.
justice system?
A: At least 40 people in Texas have been exonerated for crimes they did not commit. Even
after proving their innocence, exonerates struggle to reestablish careers and relationships
after prison. Many of these individuals face significant attorneys’ fees and bills for other
expenses incurred during the legal proceedings required to prove their innocence. While
nothing can erase the pain, suffering and humiliation endured by the wrongfully convicted,
I authored the Tim Cole Act with Rep. Rafael Anchia to help the exonerated piece their
lives back together. Named for a Texas man who died in prison before he was ultimately
cleared of a rape charge, the Tim Cole Act provides the wrongfully convicted with $80,000
for each year of prison time served as well as provides health care and up to 120 hours in
tuition assistance. Recommendations from the Tim Cole Advisory Panel are expected to
lead to legislation filed next session. I look forward considering new ideas for statewide
eyewitness identification guidelines.
A: In a deregulated insurance market, Texans are focused on choosing the best policy at
the best price for their home. This allows consumers to the freedom to choose the level
and price of coverage for their situation. While the ability to explore the insurance market
should be preserved, it should not be provided at the expense of customers being held
hostage to confusing terminology and standards used by a multitude of insurance
companies operating in the state. We need more competition, but also more common
standards and plain language in bills and policy agreements, which can be coordinated by
the Department of Insurance. These reforms will ensure a more balanced approach to
deregulation – it will ensure that Texans have the freedom to choose a range of insurance
coverage from a range of companies, and provide more competitive pricing and consumer
protections.
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A: While guilty of investing in the stock market, I am personally opposed to most forms of
gambling. I have yet to purchase my first Texas lottery ticket. Many Texans are already
participating in gaming – here in Texas through the lottery or at horse and dog tracks, as
well as on their computers or by traveling out of state, which benefits other states’
economies and schools. I am not a proponent of gambling, but I would keep an open mind
and be willing to let voters give us a sense of direction on this controversial issue.
A: We are both a nation of immigrants as well as a country governed by the rule of law.
We have existing federal immigration laws, and until they are changed, they should be
enforced. We have a lengthy international border that must be protected. It should not be
porous. While the U.S. Congress has failed to address comprehensive immigration
reform, I have helped deliver over $200 million in new state funding to South Texas law
enforcement agencies to help secure the border from breeches by drug cartels, terrorists
or other unlawful immigrants. The Arizona Legislature has the right and responsibility to
enact public safety measures appropriate for their state. Obviously, we must also protect
the civil liberties and freedoms of American citizens and legal immigrants. If reelected, I
will work with my colleagues this session to develop a state enforcement package that
includes: deploying the Texas National Guard to aid with border security, enhancing local
law enforcement personnel along the border and requiring proof of identification at polling
places. I’m disappointed that the federal government is both failing to act on immigration
and now attacking a state’s effort to address the issue themselves. Texas should focus on
passing a reform package that improves upon the Arizona approach and provides adequate
protection of lawful residents and U.S. citizens.
A: When I chaired the House Select Committee on Higher and Public Education Finance in
2007-2008, our report to the 81st Legislature entitled Education: Priority One,
recommended the creation of a “Middle School Allotment,” similar to the existing high
school allotment, as a funding tool to help identify and assist middle school students before
they fall behind and start down the dropout road. Increasing emphasis on achievement in
the middle school grades is a cause I’ve championed since early in my legislative career.
As I visited campuses and evaluated data as part of my work on the Public Education
Committee, I realized many students begin to mentally dropout in grades 6-8, long before
they actually “walk out” of classrooms in high school. According to research conducted by
the “Middle School Years” research project conducted at the Center for Brain Health at the
University of Texas at Dallas, the development of critical thinking skills in core subjects are
key to ensuring long-term academic and financial success. This relates directly to dropout
rates, as well as crime rates and drug abuse. As a condition for admission to many
charter schools, parents must sign a contract that obligates them to take an active part in
their child’s education. I support expanding this practice to all our public schools to remind
parents or guardians that it’s their responsibility to show up at school functions and engage
their students outside the classroom.
A: Yes, even in a tight budget year, investing in education is a smart use of state funds.
Earlier this month, I toured the campus with Senator Royce West and Chancellor Lee
Jackson. State funding for UNT Dallas will help the school complete the process for
independent accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and hire the
faculty needed to keep up with enrollment growth, which is projected to grow from 2,500
next year to 16,000 by 2030. Due to its southern sector location, UNT Dallas represents
an invaluable opportunity for economic development for the areas adjacent to campus and
will provide an affordable, public university option to a traditionally underserved area.
The return on this investment will be measured not just by the number of new jobs UNT
Dallas will bring, but also by the increased educational attainment in our region. According
to CEOs for Cities, a national group of industry leaders, if the college completion rate is
raised by just 1% in Dallas (32,000 people), an annual “talent dividend” of $4.6 billion will
be generated in the city.
A: I have admiration for many of my colleagues from North Texas. Moreover, it is a
privilege to work and share constituents with both Senator John Carona and Senator West.
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As the 4th largest metropolitan area in the country, D/FW must have strong
communication between the Dallas and Tarrant area legislators in order to protect our
regional interests. Last session, I was elected by my North Texas House colleagues to
Co-Chair the Dallas Area Legislative Delegation. Together with Rep. Roberto Alonzo, and
our Tarrant County counterparts, Rep. Kelly Hancock and Rep. Marc Veasey, we’re working
hard to coordinate strategies to build more cohesive delegations and to advocate for North
Texas priorities.
Pete Schulte
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Peter A. Schulte
Street Address: 4131 N Central Expy Ste 680
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-276-1661
E-mail Address: pete@ElectPeteSchulte.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.ElectPeteSchulte.com
Questions:
A: Born and raised in North Texas (born at Medical City Hospital in Dallas). Attended Texas
A&M University in College Station, Texas for undergraduate studies. Attended the SMU
Dedman School of Law in Dallas (and the district) for law school. Have resided in the
District for the last seven years and the area my entire life.
A: Attorney, managing partner at Schulte & Apgar, PLLC. Office is also in the District.
A: Current reserve police officer for the Brazos County Constable's Department. Attorney
representing members of the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA). Instructor at
several local police academies.
A: Assistant District Attorney, Dallas County District Attorney's Office (2006-2007).
Reserve Police Officer since 1999. I enjoy volunteering my time to assist police
departments across the region.
A: Democratic Candidate for Dallas County Sheriff in the Democratic Primary in March,
2008.
A: I have raised approximately $7,500 so far for the campaign, however the first of
several fundraisers is being held Thursday, August 26, 2010.
A: 1. Peter Barrett, Esq. 2. Dennis Vautrot, Esq. 3. Melissa Hayward, Esq.
A: No.
A: 1. Public school funding (focus on bringing in more revenue). 2. Department of
Transportation 3. Department of Public Safety
A: Yes! It's time like these the fund was designed for. By continuing to cut services
necessary to Texas citizens because of a budget crisis is unacceptable. Of course, there is a
fine line between cutting certain budget items that are wants instead of needs. However,
when we start cutting too deep to necessary services, the State should utilize the rainy day
fund.
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A: No. There are too many loopholes and exceptions to the law that are passed each
legislative session. If there will be a business tax, it needs to be evenly and fairly applied
to all businesses across the State.
A: As a whole, we are too focused on standardized testing in rating our schools. It is
important to track the learning of students at each school, but the State should continue to
develop new ways to track learning by students besides standardized testing. Each student
learns a little differently and the State school rating system should take that more into
account.
A: The Legislature is never going to agree to change our system of school funding unless
we can increase the amount of dollars available. In my district, for example, 80% of school
tax dollars paid by citizens in the Highland Park ISD is sent to the State under the current
school funding plan. My opponent has allowed this to continue since he was elected to
represent this District. Citizens of HPISD continue to tell me that this is their number one
issue with their current Representative - He has done nothing to help that part of his
constituency with this issue. The other school district in my District, Dallas ISD, also is
plagued by the current school funding system. Last year, DISD paid 10 million dollars to
the State under the current school funding system. There is no way a school district like
Dallas ISD should ever be forced to share its revenue with the State. The system is flawed
and must be overhauled. My plan is this: Establish "Entertainment Districts" that will allow
gambling/casinos in areas of the State directly across the border where gambling already
exists across the border and perhaps in other areas meeting a strict criteria. I understand
the Texas comptroller estimates that Texans spend over 12 billion dollars a year outside
the State on gambling-like entertainment. This number does not count the dollars spent on
hotels, airfare, car rentals, and meals. By establishing such "Entertainment Districts" in
Texas, we will be able to tax the profits made by casinos and keep this money in the State
of Texas to help fund our public school system. It is clear that Governor Perry, if he is still
the Governor come next year, will veto any bill that comes out of the Legislature
authorizing gambling. I would draft a bill and submit it to the voters as a Constitutional
Amendment where, unlike the Texas Lottery legislation, require ALL proceeds collected
under the gaming act will be used strictly for public school funding. Let me be clear,
however: I am not advocating for casinos in downtown Dallas. The placement and location
of any Casinos must meet a strict criterion that will be included into the legislation. Such
criteria should include, but not limited to: 1. The proximity of gambling available across
State lines (most important criteria under my plan) 2. The population of the area/city
being considered 3. The local zoning of an area being considered for the Entertainment
District, i.e., is the area already a major entertainment district (with stadiums,
amusement parks, etc) 4. The ability for local and State law enforcement to handle an
increase in traffic/people Such legislation would involve establishing a State Gaming
Commission that would be the governing body of where such "Entertainment Districts"
would be established in this State. Once more money is available for school funding, we
will finally be able to establish a school funding plan that is fair across the board and
actually works.
A: As a graduate of a public university, I am somewhat concerned with the power of
individual universities to increase their own tuition rates without approval from the
Legislature. On the other hand, due to the Legislative system in Texas where the
legislature only meets every other year, the Universities do need to be able to respond
quickly to budget issues. I support the Universities managing their own tuition policies,
however there must be strict oversight by the State to make sure our public universities
remain affordable to Texans.
system?
A: I feel that the Texas roadway system has been neglected over the last several
legislative sessions. Unfortunately, it seems that whenever the budget is cut, funding for
roads and repairs is one of the first areas to be cut. I'm concerned in the overall condition
of the roadways in Texas, both in condition and ability to handle the increase in traffic. We
are behind in our transportation needs and the Legislature needs to act quickly to figure
out a way to increase funding (my plan will be more specifically described in the next
question).
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A: I would definitely support an establishment of a "transportation maintenance fee" paid
when a vehicle is registered in Texas. This fee will be paid by the individuals who actually
use the State transportation system on a regular basis (i.e. those who own their own
vehicles). I would also consider other fees that are in assessed in a direct relation to the
people who actually use the transportation system. I do not support the Trans-Texas
Corridor, and believe that the use of toll roads in Texas should be limited.
A: Yes. I believe with a State the size of Texas, local governments need to have the ability
to respond to their own transportation needs as each region of Texas has very different
needs. The Legislature should provide oversight to such a plan, and limit the tax levy
and/or fees that may be charged by the local governments if such a tax/fee is approved by
the voters.
A: The Legislature needs to make sure that we look long term for our water needs. Our
population is growing quickly and we need to make sure that an adequate water supply is
available for years to come. This takes planning, as it takes years to plan and construct
new reservoirs. The Legislature should look at least 20 years into the future to make sure
that we are planning on our water needs well into the future. We can save money now by
planning for the future.
quality?
A: Air quality is important. As a resident of Dallas, I have personally observed an increase
in the amount of days labeled as "ozone days." Government should do its part to protect
the health of its citizens by making sure that rules are in place to control air pollution,
using the EPA rules as a guide.
pursue?
A: Overall, I think it is beginning to finally work. With the establishment of many new
electricity retail providers, there is finally enough competition in the market that has
reduced the cost of electricity to the citizens of Texas. The Public Utilities Commission
(PUC) needs to retain its authority to regulate such companies to insure that the citizens of
Texas are not taken advantage of under our system of deregulation (which I do not believe
is currently occurring).
A: As a former police officer, prosecutor, and now criminal defense attorney, I believe that
the death penalty should only be utilized for defendants who commit the worst of the worst
crimes. In addition, the evidence of guilt should be so overwhelming that no person after
hearing the evidence would have any reasonable doubt of the guilt of a defendant. The
execution of an innocent person is a mistake the State can never make. The local District
Attorney in each district has a responsibility to the criminal justice system to evaluate all
capital cases and make a determination of whether or not the death penalty should be
sought. I applaud the evaluation of cases made by the Dallas County District Attorney's
Office, as I believe they take into account the strength of the evidence in these cases when
making such a determination.
justice system?
A: As a former Dallas County Prosecutor, I believe that honest prosecutors are the
backbone of the criminal justice system. I will look at options to insure that Prosecutors
are held accountable for intentionally withholding exculpatory evidence or other
information that may tend to show the Defendant did not commit the crime. Such behavior
should not be tolerated. In addition, I will be taking a detailed look at our current Grand
Jury system. Dishonest prosecutors can use the Grand Jury system to retaliate against
their foes, with very little oversight from the Judiciary. I support strengthening the
Judiciary's role in overseeing powers of prosecutors in this State in using the Grand Jury to
insure that they remain honest and good stewards of the peoples' interest.
A: As a homeowner, I, to, have to pay my homeowner insurance every month. One would
think that competition among insurance companies would keep homeowner insurance
premiums low. I would support the establishment of regulations to insure that insurance
companies in this State are not unlawfully working together to set insurance premium
"floors" to keep prices high.
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A: YES. The fact of the matter is that Texas ARE spending money gambling every year, and
we should retain the tax revenue produced from such gambling for use by our State to
fund public schools. My plan regarding gambling is discussed more fully above in regards to
changes in our school funding system.
A: No. Although I believe that the Federal Government is not doing as much as it should be
doing regarding illegal immigration, I believe that wasting tax dollars by passing laws that
would clearly be in violation of the United States Constitution is not the best way to be
good stewards of Texas tax dollars. Invariably, any law passed by the Texas Legislature
similar to the law passed in Arizona will subject Texas to spend thousands of dollars in legal
fees to defend. I will be somewhat willing to re-visit the issue after we see how things
work out in Arizona.
A: This is an interesting question, as I believe that parents are the answer to keeping our
children in school. This is a fundamental parenting issue, so I would establish a
requirement that parents of those children who are truant from school attend parenting
seminars about how to encourage keeping their children in school. We are not going to be
able to stop all students from dropping out of school. However, we can hopefully give our
educators the necessary resources to hopefully decrease the dropout rate.
A: I am a firm believer that the Legislature should allocate funds to public universities
fairly across the board with standard guidelines. If UNT can provide a compelling argument
for such funding, I will be happy to consider such a plan.
A: I most admire Rep. Carol Kent and Rep. Allen Vaught, as I believe that they are in the
Legislature to truly better the lives of Texans and continue to understand that the people
are their number one priority. When elected to the House, I promise to remember who
elected me and work hard every day to let my constituents know I'm in it for them.
Jarrett R. Woods
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Jarrett R. Woods
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
Fax Number: 214-393-3434
E-mail Address: jarrett.woods@gmail.com
Questions:
A: 5 Years
A: Real Estate Development
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A: TX State Representative district 108
A: $0
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A: I oppose any wealth transfer or entitlement programs, as well as the corporate welfare
more commonly known as economic development. I also oppose all unconstitutional
Federal mandates, and I will vote against spending any Federal funds not explicitly
authorized by Article I Section 8 of the United States Constitution. We can control our
budget by spending dramatically less on these items, and I will never support any effort to
impose an income tax or raise any existing taxes.
A: No, it should not be required. There is more than enough that can be cut from the
exiting budget without tapping this fund or raising taxes. Giving this money to the
Legislature would simply give it an excuse to continue spending.
A: Why would you want anything that sucks the life from our economy and takes from the
people of Texas to perform adequately? Every tax dollar taken from the Texas economy
prevents job creation and investment. The governor may brag about how great we are
doing compared to other states, but there are unemployed people all over Texas that wish
more companies were hiring. I would eliminate this tax.
A: No, they artificially inflate scores so that schools can "look good." They have NO weight
whatsoever! I feel the state needs to bring in private testing companies, similar to those
that administer the SAT and ACT. Independent assessments insure that if a student does
well, they truly do well and will likely get into college. Government assessments are
motivated by politics, and lie to these kids by telling them they passed when they really
did not know the material needed to get into to college. Plus, the governor appoints the
head of the TEA, whose number one job becomes making the governor look good. Do you
really feel that any political appointment would be the best person in charge of test scores?
A: The Permanent School Fund should stay in place as it is. This fund is not tax money. It is
a fund that was established in 1890 and has been invested for years to build a nest egg.
This nest egg pays for textbooks without taxes. Property tax funding, on the other hand,
needs some serious overhaul. I support reducing the property tax burden on families while
offering parents choices when it comes to the education of their children. One possible way
of achieving this would be through the use of a progressive voucher system. By changing
all schools to charter schools, we can take the money children receive and let families use
it at any school in the system. If we made all schools charter schools, we could significantly
reduce property taxes and then the money the state would pay in would then be allowed
to go to any school families see fit. I believe this type of system would be a step in the
right direction, a step towards reduced dependence on taxes and a step towards greater
educational freedom.
A: Tuition is not the problem. Education is too expensive because it is too heavily
subsidized and inflated by government intervention and debt. Demand for higher education
is ballooning at a time when the job market is unable to support the graduates. We must
focus on reducing government involvement, especially Federal government involvement,
so that demand does not become artificially inflated. We should start with the nullification
of any Federal government education subsidies, which do not have a constitutional
foundation anyway, and do whatever possible within Texas to prevent luring students into a
debt trap with government backed loans.
system?
A: The highway system's financial needs are being mishandled and abused by TxDOT.
TxDOT needs to go under sunset review and be fired.
A: Those who use the highways should pay for them, once, but the current funding system
is unconscionable. We should reject the current TxDOT system that requires people to pay
multiple times through both fuel taxes and tolls, all while private companies profit. I have
no objection to the idea of private companies building new roads on their own property and
charging tolls for their use. But when the government gets involved and builds roads on
land acquired by eminent domain and creates profits at the expense of taxpayers, that is
unjust. I will always oppose the use of eminent domain, and I will never support any plan
that causes taxpayers and drivers to pay twice or more.
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A: - no response -
A: Market pricing mechanisms should be used at the local level to make up for any gap
that the state needs to fill. I would be against any new taxes or debt to fund the water
plan. Users in cities like Dallas that consume water in amounts above and beyond the
average should pay at rates above and beyond the average. This would increase funds,
encourage conservation, and reduce the capital costs associated with the water plan.
quality?
A: The Federal government has no authority under the Constitution to implement air
pollution standards. The State of Texas should refuse to subsidize any environmentally
unsound industries, and it should protect citizens from damages caused by environmental
polluters through the judicial system. There should be no caps on damages for polluters.
This will encourage innovation to eliminate the financial risk.
pursue?
A: It is important to remember that energy costs have increased across the board, so
naturally we would have higher prices today under any system. All other things being
equal, competition yields lower prices, so I favor deregulation. I want to guarantee that
there is in fact a true free market rather than a system where partial government control
enhances the competitive advantages of some firms over others. We need to make sure
that competition is possible for all aspects of electricity generation and transmission.
A: Being Libertarian is about protecting life, along with liberty and property. How many
innocent lives have been lost due to errors? We should release all prisoners convicted of
victimless drug possession crimes to make more room and resources available to house
violent offenders. These criminal justice system resources could also be used to improve
how death penalty cases are handled. Until we can guarantee the accuracy of convictions,
we must err on the side of protecting innocent life.
justice system?
A: As mentioned above, our justice system is overburdened by the state's obsessive quest
to eliminate drug use. Victimless drug crimes are preventing us from cracking down on
violent crime, and they are distracting us from addressing reforms that would protect the
innocent from being wrongly convicted. When such a huge portion of prisoners are in for
drug related crimes, and when the underground market creates economic incentives for
violence, it is pretty clear what the problem with our justice system is.
A: If homeowner insurance rates are among the highest in the nation while under our
state's regulation system, does it not make sense to remove that regulation system?
People call on regulation with the good intention of helping, but it always hurts instead.
Regulations favor large corporations by increasing costs that small companies cannot
handle. Blocking competition keeps the big boys in business and thwarts any chance at
innovation or cost reduction. Let the free choices of free people decide what prices should
be.
A: I do not feel that slot machines and casinos should need licensing from the state, if at
all. Local governments can make choices about permits and zoning if they wish, though in
general I support freedom over government control. I would oppose new taxes on it as
that would give government yet another excuse to continue spending.
A: The State of Texas should enforce state laws. Washington's restrictions on legal
immigration are the problem, not the solution. The state should focus on protecting
property rights along the border and prosecuting violent criminals.
A: The idea that the state can mandate parental engagement in their child's education is
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ludicrous. Improving schools should happen through the local school boards. Texas is
incredibly diverse and trying to dictate from above will bog down the school districts and
cost the people money by adding another level of politics and administration.
A: No. The university saw a need and felt that demand warranted a new campus. If
competition or lack of planning on their part causes inadequate offerings, then the
taxpayers' money should not go to bail them out.
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Description:
Helen Giddings
Party: D
Biographical Info:
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quality?
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Description:
Barbara Mallory Caraway

Party: D
Biographical Info:
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Description:
Yvonne Davis
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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Description:
Angie Chen Button

Party: R
Biographical Info:
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quality?
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Troy Camplin
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Troy Camplin, Ph.D.
Street Address: 707 Pinehurst Dr.
City/Town: Richardson
State: TX
E-mail Address: zatavu1@aol.com
Questions:
A: Hotel Night Auditor
A: founded The Emerson Institute for Freedom and Culture, a free market think tank
focusing on the arts and humanities
A: volunteered to help Katrina victims; church
A: none
A: none
A: n/a
A: no
A: as a Libertarian, finding things to cut from the budget won't be much of a problem; with
the exception of roads and police, I would consider everything to be on the chopping block,
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especially things that private firms could do.

A: Yes; if a deep recession isn't a rainy day, I don't know what is.
A: The only thing a tax performs adequately is preventing as much economic activity as
could otherwise happen. I would eliminate all business taxes in Texas.
A: Any state rating system is going to have politically motivated elements to it and, thus,
will not do a good job of measuring achievement. Further, the question presupposes that
the government has any idea what a good education is or how to educate people at all. In
a field dominated by fads rather than driven by an increasing amount of scientific literature
on how children actually learn, there is little evidence that student achievement is a top
priority rather than job security.
A: It needs to be decentralized and taken off the property tax system, which should be
replaced with local sales taxes. The money should then be distributed as vouchers for
parents to send their children to any school they choose.
A: Can students attend college without racking up a huge student loan debt?; Our college
tuition rates keep increasing in direct proporiton to the amount of bureaucracy found at
those colleges. We have to figure out how to eliminate practically every element of
bureaucracy if we are going to be serious about reducing tuition. Bureaucracy increases in
direct proportion to how much an institution has to deal with government at all levels. How
can we eliminate government involvement in higher education to thus cut costs?
system?
A: We could have better roads if we made gasoline taxes exclusively into a road usage fee
(that is, the gas tax was used for, and only for, roads), and if we had more private roads,
inclduing private toll roads. Private companies have proven over and over again to do a
better job of maintaining their property than governments do of maintaining public
property.
A: Again, eliminate all use of gas taxes for anything but roads. It should be used as a user
fee and nothing else.
A: I do not think that people should be able to directly vote to take away money from their
fellow citizens any more than I think that legislators they elect should be allowed to do so.
However, if we are talking about gas taxes used exclusively for roads, and no other taxes
for roads, then that would be reasonable.
A: First, throw out its plan. Then privatize and completely deregulate so that water is
priced at its true value.
quality?
A: Respond that air pollution standards in Texas is the business of Texans, and not of the
federal government. If the state government should do anything, it could provide citizens
with a list of industries and their pollution output and allow citizens to decide whether or
not they wish to engage in business with those companies. If people really want cleaner
air, they will respond in the market, if they have the information to do so.
pursue?
A: It has worked, but it could work better. Companies should not have to ask permission to
raise or lower(!) prices. Prices should be determined by the market and the market alone.
A: There is little evidence that the death penalty actually reduces the crime rate. More, it
contributes to the creation of a culture of death. Repeal it.
justice system?
A: If DNA evidence is available, it should be required to be presented as evidence.
Prosecutors who block DNA evidence that would exonerate the defendant are acting
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unethically.
A: Deregulate. Allow the market to determine what insurance rates should be. History
shows (as well as economics) that the more government regulates insurance, the higher
the rates.
A: The state government has no business preventing adults from engaging in any behavior
that does not cause direct harm to others. Laws against gambling should be repealed in
Texas.
A: Immigration is by definition a federal responsibility. Our border with Mexico is an
international border, and thus is a responsibility of the federal government. If the state of
Texas does not like the fact that our federal government is not enforcing its own laws, it
should sue the federal government to make them enforce the laws. (This is a separate
issue as to what the federal laws should be -- which is a matter for candidates running for
federal office.)
A: We need to decentralize education, making it more responsive to the community. We
also need to deregulate a wide variety of laws that discourage parents from participating in
the schools. This means that the schools need to be allowed to have a wide variety of
programs and fundraisers to allow parents to participate in the school's success and
financing in a direct manner. Once parents have an investment in the schools, they will be
invested in seeing them and their children succeed. Further, students need to be allowed to
fail as early (and as often) as necessry. If a child does not know their letters and sounds
and numbers, they should not move on from Kindergarten; if they do not know how to
read, they should not move on from 1st grade. This will not harm their self-esteems. In
fact, this is the best time to hold them back, when it won't harm them emotionally as
much as it would later. Do we really want students who don't know how to read or do
math, but feel good about themselves (and, thus, feel good about being ignorant and
uneducated)? We also need to allow for the recognition that teachers are in fact the
professionals they are, and that they know better than anyone what their students need.
Parents do not know what their childen need *as students* (we need to acknowledge that
children act differently at home and at school), and certainly bureaucrats have no earthly
idea what the individual needs of each student may be. The teacher knows these things.
We need to eliminate all regulations which undermine teacher authority. Again,
deregulation and decentralization will improve matters a great deal.
A: If it is in fact beneficial to UNT to expand in south Dallas, they will do so. Government
funds result in misallocation more often than not. UNT should respond to the market.
A: Is there anyone who has consistently deregulated (in the true sense, not just regulated
differently), decentralized, reduced bureaucracy, not passed any laws to benefit one party
at the expense of another (including everyone else in Texas), eliminated government
programs, and eliminated taxes? If not, then there's nobody. In otherwords, nobody.

Description:
Jamie Dorris
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Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Jamie Dorris
Street Address: 5250 Hwy 78 Ste. 750, #322
City/Town: Sachse
State: Texas
E-mail Address: info@jamiedorris.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.jamiedorris.com
Questions:
A: Texas: 32 years District: 31 years
A: Human Resources Professional
A: Member, Skillman Church of Christ Member, Garland Gun Range Member, Texas
Democratic Women
A: Board Member, Dallas County Young Democrats
A: None
A: $73,000
A: 1) Annie's List 2) Steve Mostyn 3) Aimee Boone
A: No
A: First, the state should crack down on Medicaid fraud and double billing. This would bring
in a significant amount of money for our budget. Second, we should end the policy that
allows corporations such as insurance and energy companies to claim agriculture
exemptions on their headquarters property. Third, we should end wasteful spending within
the Governor’s office and the Legislature itself. The budgets of the office of the Governor
and the Legislature grow every biennium, and in 2011 both should be frozen.
A: Yes, we should use part of the rainy day fund to close the budget hole, but not all. We
must look for long-term solutions to our budget shortfall so that we address the root of the
problem, not just use the rainy day fund as band-aid.
A: No. The new business tax has not generated enough revenue to bridge the gap in
revenue lost from 2006. There are 40,000 businesses exempt, some merely by changing
their business status to avoid the tax. Other businesses are actually paying less since it is a
1% overall tax. One percent does not sound like a lot of money to big businesses but to
small, family-owned businesses with low profit margins, this tax can be crippling. We need
to adopt changes to the business tax that do not unfairly impact small businesses.
A: No. Rating a school based on high stakes testing is not an appropriate indicator of
student or school success. And, the current Texas Projection Measure is not a perfect
solution to offset those results. Problems with the Texas Projection Measure have been
documented in the Dallas Morning News, and Representative Scott Hochberg of Houston
has exposed that the system of projected test scores is not accurate. I agree with Rep.
Hochberg who said that the state should not use a system that projects what a 4th grader
will make on the test in the 5th grade when that student may not be in the same school.
Texas needs a system that will provide clear and insightful information to students,
parents, teachers, administrators and the state so that we can determine if we are on the
right path. The Texas Projection Measure currently does not accomplish this goal.
A: The school funding system is inadequate and cannot keep up with the needs of school
districts in Texas. Adequately funding schools begins with restoring the state budget. Under
the current plan it is impossible to get new funding for our schools because the structural
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deficit has caused chronic underfunding of public education. The first step in fixing this
problem is to fix the structural deficit.
A: This issue is one of the reasons I decided to run for state representative. As someone
who worked her way through college and became the first person in my family to graduate
with a bachelor’s degree, I know that tuition deregulation has not worked. A 70% increase
in tuition in Texas public universities since 2003 is proof of that failure. At this rate, college
students at public universities will either not be able to afford to finish school or they will
be weighed down with debt because of it. An educated workforce is essential to the Texas
economy and I am dedicated to reining in college tuition costs.
system?
A: The needs are urgent and require a series of comprehensive, bipartisan and regional
solutions. There is no “quick fix” to addressing our state’s transportation funding crisis –
this is an incredibly challenging issue that requires real leadership in Austin.
A: We need to address the underfunding of roads and highways across the state. There is
no easy answer to this important challenge. While we should consider a range of options, it
is important that any plan be transparent, and in the best interests of all Texans. That
means I do not support the Governor’s misguided plan to build a massive toll system
through the use of eminent domain that would be run by a foreign-owned company. I also
strongly oppose converting pre-existing roads to toll roads. I am willing to listen to plans
to address our state’s transportation funding crisis that meet limitations such as these.
A: I do not oppose this plan, as I believe it is vital and any transportation solutions we
adopt have broad input and support from voters.
A: Texas obviously needs to fund and develop new water supplies to accommodate our
population. Through our state's regional planning process, we are identifying areas of
water shortage and exploring ways to balance competing needs. In Dallas County, our
rapidly growing, dynamic population is stressing our water resources. Creating a new
funding mechanism during a session with an $18 billion budget shortfall will be a great
challenge, but adequate water supplies are critical to our state’s economic future. We must
look to water conservation to help minimize costs and ensure adequate water supply over
the long term.
quality?
A: We must promote alternative energies and mass transit. The Legislature should make
sure that Texas laws meet federal standards, and work to protect North Texas air quality
while respecting the needs of business.
pursue?
A: Deregulation of electricity has caused an enormous spike in rates for Texas consumers
and now we pay some of the highest utility rates in the nation. Protections such as caps on
rate hikes must be put in place and real regulatory authority must be returned to the
Public Utility Commission. Enacting these consumer reforms will be impossible until we
elect leaders in Austin who are willing to stand up to utility companies and other big
business special interests.
A: As the daughter of a former police officer, I believe the death penalty is a deterrent to
crime and should be applied fairly when appropriate and with the support of solid evidence,
including DNA evidence.
justice system?
A: Dallas is a leader in this issue and has done tremendous work ensuring that innocent
people are exonerated. DNA evidence not only helps exonerate the innocent, but it allows
law enforcement to go after those who committed the crimes and put them in jail where
they belong.
A: Currently, insurance companies are allowed to put their rate increases into effect
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immediately, after only filing them with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). As a
result, homeowners have seen dramatic rate increases in recent years and now we pay the
second highest homeowners insurance rates in the nation. The Legislature must grant TDI
the authority to approve the rate increases before they take effect so that homeowners
are protected from rate gouging. Insurance companies have seen skyrocketing, record
profits in recent years while our families are struggling.
A: I do not support expanding gaming beyond places where it already exists in Texas, and
I believe that additional gaming at racetracks should be approved by voters.
A: No. I agree with Governor Perry on this issue. Our local and state law enforcement
agencies should focus on fighting crime and keeping our neighborhoods safe, not enforcing
immigration policies. As a granddaughter and daughter of law enforcement officers, I know
that our police have enough on their hands trying to keep us safe and do not need to have
added responsibilities for which they are not trained.
A: Efforts to reduce the drop-out rate in Dallas County and across the state will always be
a struggle as long as our public education system is shortchanged by the legislature.
Education is the key to economic growth in Texas, but the Legislature in Austin continues to
fail Texas families, students and teachers by not passing true public school finance reform.
Public schools lack the funding they need to provide a quality education to students,
making it harder for students to compete in an already suffering job market. I will consult
with local school district officials and educators and reach across the aisle to develop
working solutions to public school finance.
A: Yes, we need to expand opportunities in south Dallas and a UNT campus would provide
greater educational opportunities for students in the southern part of the county.
A: I admire Carol Kent, who has worked tirelessly for her constituents and local schools as
a State Representative and school board member, and John Carona, for his bipartisan
work on transportation.
Joe Driver
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Joe Driver
Street Address: 1401 Seminary Ridge
City/Town: Garland
State: TX
E-mail Address: RepDriver113@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.JoeDriver.org
Questions:
A: Lifetime resident of Texas and District 113
A: Oner of a State Farm Insurance Agency.
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A: Current State Representative in District 113, New Beginnings Center Advisory Board,
Member Garland Chamber of Commerce, Member Rowlett Chamber of Commerce,
Member Sachse Chamber of Commerce, Noon Exchange Club, Greater Garland
Republicans Club Lifetime Member, Garland Citizens Police Academy Alumni, National Rifle
Association Lifetime Member, Texas State Rifle Association Lifetime Member, North Texas
Exes Lifetime Member, Leadership Garland Alumni
A: Chairman of the Garland Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Garland Economic
Development Authority, Member of the Garland Crimestoppers board, Member
Administrative Board, First United Methodist Church, Gifts Chairman Garland YWCA,
Member of the Garland YMCA board, Board member & Vice President of the New Beginning
Center - a family violence prevention center, Charter Member & twice (2) President of the
Noon Exchange Club, Graduate Leadership Garland, Class instructor & advisor for
Leadership Garland class, Junior League of Garland Advisory Board, Board member
Leadership Garland Alumni Association, Graduate Garland Citizens Police Academy, Heart
Association Board of Directors, University of North Texas Alumni Board
A: - no response -
A: No
A: We have been in this situation before and so we know what must be done to solve these
shortfalls. First, we must understand that we should NOT raise taxes. We must cut
spending and reallocate the funds we have. If you raise taxes in bad times, they will stay
high when good times return. It is virtually impossible to get rid of a tax increase once it is
passed. By contrast, if we cut spending, spending will definitely rise again when the
economy improves and state revenues are higher. So to solve the problem, we must first
begin to dip into the “Rainy Day” fund. This is precisely the kind of situation for which it
was created. We must follow through on the across the board cuts that the Governor has
asked agencies to pay for. When the pain is spread across all agencies, it will be felt less.
And all agencies can find efficiencies when we have to. And due to the economy, we
certainly have to. There are two more things we can do. We must resist the new
programs that the Federal Government is trying to force us to participate in. They should
know states are having a hard time now. This is no time to take on some huge spending
program and expect someone else (the State of Texas) to share the cost. And there are
certainly some optional programs that we will not be able to afford this year, as much as
we might like to. Some programs will not be able to be funded at all until better times
return.
A: Yes.
A: As I mentioned before, once a tax is passed, it is hard to get rid of it. The business tax
is not performing well but it is still going to be hard to get rid of. It was passed in an
attempt to cut another painful tax, the property tax. As bad as this tax is, with the
economy the way it is, it would be difficult to get rid of it at this time. When the economy
begins to recover, that tax should be phased out.
A: I hear many teachers in my district complain about the TAKS test. There is no question
that too much emphasis is put on it. When Texas rates schools, even with the exceptions
and adjustments, numbers do not match the reality perfectly. It is an imprecise tool but
the only tool we have now. Each session we try to make a few changes to make it more
accurate. I will resist changes that are simply a form of grade inflation, something that
would make numbers look better but not reflect true improvements.
A: The school funding formula has inequities and will need constant tweaking.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to fund schools. Every method is fair to some and
unfair to others. Student population is booming in many of our schools and so the problem
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is not going to get any easier. If you look back through the years, you can see many
efforts that were hoped to be a panacea. The lottery, the franchise tax, Robin Hood are
examples. There are no panaceas. We need to focus on the education side and make sure
we do not spend money on things which do not raise the quality of education. The money
needs to be in the classroom not in administration and overhead – which is exactly the
opposite of what the long term trend has been. In the long run, by spending money more
efficiently, we will do more to improve the quality of education than any new school
funding system. As spending has increased, we have had no improvement in schools. In
fact, the trend has been the reverse. So my effort is to spend smarter not spend more.
A: Texas had no choice but to put more power in tuition setting in the hands of the
administrators of schools. There is no way that Austin has more information on the
situation on the ground than the people in that school. Texas has some of the top
universities in America, and we do not want to see our schools fall to the bottom of the list
instead of near the top. Rates did go up quickly after the change, but so did rates all
around the country. Tuition rate increases tend to be cyclical. But the rate of tuition
inflation is too high and unsustainable. Texas still has some of the most “value” oriented
higher education in the country according to surveys by the two biggest organizations
rating school value. What value means is that you get an excellent education for your
tuition dollar spent. I am proud of our Texas schools. Even though the power is now in the
hands of the administrators and boards, it is still ultimately the responsibility of the
Legislature. And we must look very hard at the way money is being spent in Texas
Universities to make sure Texas students are paying no more than they should.
system?
A: Funding road construction is difficult. If you are a rapidly growing state like Texas, it is
even more difficult. States with little or no growth can simply focus on maintenance.
Texas, however, must pay to build roads to be ready for people who do not even live here
yet. So, they will not pay the taxes to build these roads because they are not yet Texans.
Texas has a difficult job. Not only do we have a huge expense in road maintenance, just as
all states do, but we also must prepare for our population to double in just 30 years.
A: I oppose additional gas taxes. Gas taxes rise naturally when people drive more or more
people drive. It is self regulating. Sometimes we have the need to build a road quickly and
do not have the funds available. That is the time for a toll road. But I support toll roads
that go away once the highway is paid for. I-30, the Tom Landry Highway was built that
way. It was called the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike. Once it was paid for, the toll booths
went away. Texas taxpayers now pay for maintenance and upgrades using gas tax and
drive the road for free. That is a good model for the future.
A: I oppose that effort. As I have said before, once you put new taxes in place, they never
go down. Texans already pay plenty of taxes. We should learn to live with the taxes we
have and simply focus our efforts on spending more efficiently. Governments have a pretty
bad record of success when we go into the big-project business. We have done well at
building roads, but done very badly at other transportation projects. If we are honest with
ourselves, you would be hard pressed to find a major non-road public transportation
project in America over the last 50 years that has been profitable, cleaned the air or
provided a service to a large number of riders. The most recent examples of projects like
California high speed rail and Austin’s rail projects are having dismal results. We should
step back and reassess what works rather than simply pegging more money to this.
A: Texas’ population will double in 30 years. But we barely have enough water for the
population we already have. While it is an obvious question to ask how other government
programs will be funded, that is not the appropriate question for water. Unlike virtually all
other government efforts, users pay for water (for the most part). And we can be confident
that as long as we do not eliminate the link between users and the funding mechanism,
there will always be water to fill the demand. The long term future for Texas will be in
desalinization. It is expensive, but as we do more, we will get better and more efficient at
it. So to answer the question about how do we fund our water plans? As long as we have
Texans demanding water, the more and more Texans there are will simply bring more
money resources to build the reservoirs and desalinization plants we will need for the
future. When you keep free enterprise in the picture, problems become opportunities.
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Thousands of bright young engineers and scientists in Texas universities today will have the
incentive to solve water problems. But if we make it a taxpayer driven solution, it will fail
to deliver the water we need in the future.
quality?
A: As I mentioned before, the EPA’s new standards are hurting Texas. It is a well kept
secret that Texas air quality has been steadily improving despite our dramatic population
increase. EPA should let that continue and not punish our state for our high growth.
pursue?
A: Texas is ranked 19th overall in the country on our electric rates (according to the latest
monthly Federal Government survey). We are lower than the other big states….California,
New York, Florida, Pennsylvania and Michigan. In fact, of the top 6 biggest states, only one
has lower rates than Texas – and just barely. Because Texas is growing rapidly, we will
have to build new plants to keep up with demand. The Obama administration’s EPA is
putting tough new restrictions on new construction. Because we are growing, we will not
be able to simply use existing plants like some small or low-growth states or we will have
brownouts like California did a few years ago. California’s Democrat approach to the
problem has resulted in the highest electric rates in America and the most energy
shortages. The only thing that has saved California from total catastrophe is that their
economy is doing so badly that some of their population is leaving and that diminishes
their power demand. If President Obama continues to penalize Texas with new EPA rules,
Texans will pay a heavy price on their electric bills.
A: No changes.
justice system?
A: Technology changes have already resulted in these exonerations. That is the system
working. It did not work in the past when these technologies were not available.
A: Texas has lower rates than most of our neighboring and nearby states. We have seen
success since we went to the “file and use” system. Anyone who watches TV, has seen
advertisements for lower insurance rates. In the end, it is exactly that kind of competition
is what keeps our prices low. Meanwhile, government programs are notoriously ineffective
at lowering rates. When you look at the two reforms proposed by Democrats – a return to
“prior approval” of rates and the election of an insurance commissioner and you look at
states which have those systems, you see the state’s rates are going up faster than Texas’.
The reality is that most states have already abandoned the ideas Democrats are
promoting because they did not work. What does work is competition. Bring in more
competition and watch insurance rates go down.
A: I have never been in favor of casino gambling in Texas. The cost is too high. Drive in
any direction in this country and you will see many casinos. Did they solve the problems of
education or roads for those states? No. They have the exact problems we have. The
lottery was supposed to solve education funding problems but now it is not even funding its
jackpots. There is no easy solution to our problems and casino gambling is no different.
A: Arizona has done some good things. Even the parts of its law that are not tied up in
court are working to solve one of the most difficult problems we now face.
A: There are some exciting new anti-dropout programs that have actually worked. These
programs cost money and it is a difficult time to spend more money. But these new
programs, with proven records in individual schools and other states, are what we should
focus upon. We do not need new ideas. We need to implement the ideas which are proven
elsewhere.
A: This will be one thing that we consider. As a UNT graduate myself, I would love to help,
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but it will be one of many needs the State considers.

A: Warren Chisum and Speaker Joe Strauss have done excellent job in difficult times.

Description:
Will Hartnett
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Will Hartnett
Street Address: 4722 Walnut Hill Lane
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
Fax Number: 214-855-7857
E-mail Address: WFHartnett@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.willhartnett.com
Questions:
A: Probate Attorney and Real Estate Investor
A: Member, Texas House of Representatives (serving on House Ways and Means
Committee, and Judiciary and Civil Practices Committee)
A: Membership in more than 50 Dallas civic organizations.
A: Member, Texas House of Representatives, 1991-present; Member, Board of Directors,
Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (a state education board) (appointed by Gov.
Clements, confirmed by Texas Senate); Member, Texas Judicial Council (2003-09)
A: $325,000 since 7/1/09
A: Carl Allen, Dallas; Texas Assn. of Realtors PAC; Texas Associated General Contractors
PAC
A: No
A: All areas of government will have to cut back. In 2003, the Legislature faced a $10
billion deficit. We responded by forcing all state agencies to come up with their own best
ways to trim fat from their budgets. We did not raise taxes in 2003 and will not need to do
so in 2011. Now we will tell government agencies to once again reduce their budgets
internally to fit our revenues.
A: Only if absolutely necessary to avoid increasing taxes.
A: For twenty years I have fought to make Texas' economy the best of any state in the
country. In 2009 I received the “Fighter for Free Enterprise” Award from the Texas
Association of Business. I voted against the new business tax, because I knew that it was
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hastily written, inconsistent, and not uniformly applied. A major review of permissible
deductions is necessary to assure that all businesses are treated fairly and similarly. For
example, businesses have to pay margin tax on flow-through funds that are mandated by
contract to be paid to other entities. Also, doctors' charges for critical immunizations are
subject to the state margin tax even though doctors rarely charge enough to make a profit
on those. These items should be exempted from the margin tax.
A: There is no excuse for poorly performing public schools. Texas should adopt a zero
tolerance attitude toward bad public schools, and repeal all loopholes like the outrageous
new rule that allows schools to declare that a student passed the TAKS test, even though
he flunked it, simply by saying that some formula predicts that the flunking student will
pass the TAKS test in the future.
A: I have consistently and vigorously opposed the "Robin Hood" method of school funding.
Because much has changed since the Texas Supreme Court mandated the current system
in 1993, I think that the current system should be challenged again before the Supreme
Court with the hope that "Robin Hood" will be set aside, or at least softened so that the
level of wealth transfer from North Texas to South Texas can be reduced. Meanwhile, the
Legislature should raise the threshhold for "Robin Hood" property tax shifting to assure
that Dallas ISD does not lose any of its property tax revenues.
A: Tuition at Texas state universities is lower than the tuition in most other states, and
significantly lower than private universities. I think that the current polities that allow
limited flexibility for state universities to set their own levels of tuition should be continued.
system?
A: Because I oppose higher taxes, I think that government-owned toll roads are an
appropriate revenue source for transportation. I think that the current condition of the
roadway system in North Texas is satisfactory, due to the combination of state funding and
tolls collected by the North Texas Tollway Authority.
A: In the current troubled economy, government-owned toll roads are the best choice.
A: Now is an especially bad time to consider new taxes. Dallas County already has a 1%
DART sales tax, which should be ample to support the current mass transit system.
A: Thanks to its careful long-term planning, Dallas has ample water supplies to meet our
future needs without any significant state support. We all pay for our present and future
needs in each monthly water bill. It would be unfair for the State to impose new Robin
Hood-type taxes to help less responsible areas of Texas make up for their failure to plan
and pay for their own water needs. I oppose a new water tax.
quality?
A: I oppose the EPA's politically-motivated interference with the efforts of the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality to set air pollution standards in Texas, and think
that such interference should be challenged in federal courts. In 2009, I was the joint
author of two pieces of legislation that facilitate and encourage the capture of carbon
dioxide at industrial sites for use in injection wells to enhance the production of oil and gas.
The Legislature should continue to encourage the capture of carbon dioxide and other
industrial emissions in a business-friendly manner that does not reduce jobs, and continue
to provide guidance and standards to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to
improve air quality while balancing the concerns of costs to consumers.
pursue?
A: Yes. The Legislature needs to repeal the law requiring that at least half of all electricity
come from burning gas.
A: I support the death penalty. We already have multiple safeguards in place to assure
justice. No changes are needed.
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justice system?
A: I think that sufficient safeguards are in place. Technology is steadily reducing the
possibility that innocent people could be convicted of a crime they did not commit.
A: Require standardized, plain language homeowners policies to help Texans understand
their policies better and easily compare insurance policies to look for the best deals.
Prohibit insurers who pull out of Texas from re-entering our state market for five years –
this eliminates their ability to play “cat and mouse” tactics with price regulators at the
Dept. of Insurance, and manipulate insurance prices. Require public disclosure of all
reinsurance purchases from affiliated companies, which create phony losses.
A: I am willing to consider a limited proposal to allow a handful of casinos in the largest
Texas cities as a means of attracting conventions and tourism.
A: The Legislature must take steps to protect our border, because the federal government
has largely failed. Most of the Arizona legislation has been ruled unconstitutional in federal
court and is being appealed. I support the following proposals which were not stricken in
federal court: 1) require businesses with more than 15 employees to confirm the legal
status of employees through E-Verify; and 2) allow residents to sue local authorities that
adopt policies restricting cooperation with the federal government in immigration
enforcement. Also I support making English the official language in Texas.
A: A high school degree is a minimum requirement for employment in today's economy.
Allowing children to drop out of high school is a disservice to those children and to our
society, because of the lost potential for fulfillment, the lost future earnings, and the
greater tendency of dropouts to fall into crime and welfare-dependency. I think that any
student under 18 who skips school or drops out should forfeit his drivers license.
A: Yes.
A: Sen. John Carona, for his courage to discuss politically difficult solutions and stand up
against powerful special interests.
John Wellik
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: John Wellik
Street Address: 4418 Goodfellow Dr
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: none
E-mail Address: john@johnwellik.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.johnwellik.com
Questions:
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A: 27 years in the North Dallas area. 14 years in District 114.

A: Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, United Surgical Partners
International
A: Volunteer, Anne Frank Elementary School (DISD)
A: Career Day Chairman, Dallas Chapter of Texas Society of CPAs Board Member, Dallas
County Adult Literacy Council Fundraising Co-Chair, Jesuit College Preparatory School
Finance Council, St. Monica Catholic Church Treasurer, St. Monica School Dads’ Club
President, Ursuline Academy Dads’ Club
A: None
A: $111,953 as of June 30, 2010
A: Aimee Boone Dave Dickson Steve Mostyn
A: Approximately thirty years ago, when I was a college student in Iowa, I was charged
with driving a vehicle after drinking. I took personal responsibility for my actions and
learned from my mistake.
A: Balancing the budget, as required by our State Constitution, will be one of the most
difficult tasks facing the next Legislature and should be the primary focus of the next
legislative session. As a businessman, when faced with closing a budget shortfall, I review
the company’s priorities to decide where to cut spending. It should be no different at the
state level, and it is imperative that Texas’ long term priorities are kept in proper
perspective during the budget process. Some areas where I would suggest focusing are:
Government administration We need to continue to seek out more efficient ways of
operating our state agencies and departments including the legislature itself as well as the
Governor’s office. The administrative dollars budgeted for the offices of our elected state
representatives have continued to increase year over year but need to be cut given our
difficult economic climate. State pensions for elected officials Most corporate employers
in Texas and across the country have migrated away from a “defined benefit” approach for
retiree payments to matching a portion of employee contributions to their own retirement
fund. While I would not suggest altering commitments that are already in place, I believe
we should evaluate changing the approach for additional contributions for members of the
State Legislature, whose pension benefits are extremely high relative to annual
compensation and provide an incentive for individuals to become career politicians. Texas
Enterprise Fund This program is too susceptible to political manipulation and does not
have sufficient accountability checks in place to ensure promised job or tax base growth is
generated.
A: Yes, I believe some portion of the rainy day fund should be utilized to balance the next
budget. Contingency or “savings” plans like this are put in place to fill gaps when things
don’t go as expected and to help make sure the State can continue to meet critical
priorities, like education and public safety, in down times. The recent economic downturn
and the resulting decrease in tax revenues seem to be perfect examples of “rainy days.”
A: The margins tax unfairly burdens small businesses. It is difficult and costly for
companies to comply with and difficult for the state to administer and collect. From a
budget standpoint, amplifying the failure of this tax restructure is the fact that a majority
of the property tax reductions associated with the introduction of the new tax went to large
commercial property owners as opposed to homeowners and small and mid-sized business
owners. We need to streamline the margin tax and make it easier for taxpayers to comply
with.
A: Some form of measuring school achievement is appropriate. However, our current
system has resulted in too much time and attention being focused on standardized testing,
diverting the attention of both administrators and teachers from their primary mission of
educating their students. Further, we have continued to lower the standards in an effort to
increase the number of schools that achieve higher performance ratings, which, if
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continued, would result in the ratings being meaningless. I would look to systems used by
states with higher performing schools for ideas on specific changes and believe that
changes need to come by bringing together parents, educators, and other individuals with
expertise in education.
A: As noted in an answer to a previous question, the business margins tax is flawed.
Rather than focusing on cutting taxes for large commercial real estate holders, a better
plan would have been increasing the residential homestead exemption in order to provide
more tax relief for families, while preserving vital resources for our public schools.
Additionally, the methodology for allocating state funds to school districts needs to be
revised to reduce the disparity in funding between suburban and urban districts.
A: There is no question that tuition rates at Texas public colleges and universities have
increased dramatically as a result of tuition deregulation. The rate of increase in our state
university tuition rates over recent years is alarming. If elected, I will vote for proposals
that allow middle-class Texas families the ability to afford to send their children to Texas’
public colleges and universities.
system?
A: The fact that our transportation budget will be insufficient to maintain our existing roads
and bridges within a few years is irresponsible and reflects a failure by our elected and
appointed officials in planning for the infrastructure needs of our growing population.
A: As a starting point, I believe that we need to ensure that existing revenues collected for
transportation should be utilized in that manner and not diverted to non-essential state
spending as is the current practice. Texas' congressional delegation must also work to
ensure that we are maximizing the return to Texas of federal tax dollars paid by our state.
Finally, given the magnitude of our transportation needs, I believe responsible leaders
from around the state and from across the political spectrum must put politics aside and
work together to make the hard decisions necessary to solve this serious challenge.
A: Meeting our transportation needs is a challenge in a growing state, and this is an area
where one size may not fit all. I think it is important to listen to ideas proposed by local
and regional leaders and do believe that voters should have input on solutions to local
issues.
A: Through our state’s regional planning process, local stakeholders are involved in
identifying areas of water shortages and exploring ways to balance competing needs. In
North Texas, planning for future water needs has been one of the reasons that our region
has been able to grow and prosper. However, our growing population will continue to stress
our water resources. Creating any new funding sources at the state level will be a
challenge in the next legislative session given the estimated $18 billion existing budget
deficit. But the most cost effective water to get is existing water that is not wasted. Water
conservation is the best tool we have to minimize costs and ensure adequate supplies over
the long term.
quality?
A: As opposed to debating or litigating what specific standards are appropriate, we need to
acknowledge that our poor air quality is an issue, particularly in North Texas. It is an issue
not only affecting our health, but also our ability to grow our economy. It will become
increasingly difficult to recruit employees and employers to North Texas if the frequency of
our “air quality alerts” continues.
pursue?
A: No, deregulation has not proved beneficial to homeowners and most businesses. Since
deregulation, our residential electricity rates have increased to some of the highest levels
in the country, and homeowners and businesses alike are tasked with interpreting and
monitoring confusing contracts as well as dealing with the ramifications of failed retail
electricity resellers. While returning to a completely regulated electricity environment is
not desirable or realistic, the Public Utility Commission needs to be given greater power to
protect homeowners and small businesses while also ensuring that the infrastructure or
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grid requirements of our growing population are addressed.

A: The death penalty needs to be administered fairly and consistently. Recent exonerations
and other high-profile cases raise important and serious questions about how justice is
being administered in Texas. I would support a comprehensive review of the system and
am open to proposals that would improve the procedures used in death penalty trials and
enhance public confidence in the outcome of those trials.
justice system?
A: As technology advances, we should ensure it is used to the fullest extent possible in
ensuring that our justice system accomplishes the goal of convicting only the guilty. Dallas
County has been a leader in this area. The Legislature can help ensure that these effective
practices are adopted statewide and adequately funded.
A: The Texas Department of Insurance needs more authority earlier in the rate increase
application process to protect homeowners from paying unfair rate increases. The current
system of allowing increases to become effective prior to approval is not in the best
interest of homeowners as years of litigation with several insurance carriers have shown.
A: I would be open to considering proposals to allow local ballots to include provisions for
the expansion of gambling and let the voters decide these issues.
A: I agree with Governor Perry’s viewpoint that our state and local law enforcement
officials have two primary responsibilities: deterring crime and apprehending criminals.
Adding responsibilities associated with enforcing immigration would cause those priorities
to be diluted.
A: The single most important thing our state can do to improve public education across the
board is to increase teacher pay to at least the national average, so that we can recruit
and retain the best and brightest people to work in classrooms. I also believe that we will
reduce the drop out rate by reducing the emphasis placed on standardized tests and
implementing programs to ensure students struggling in core subject areas get the
attention they need prior to getting several years behind. Finally, I support programs that
lay out school and career path alternatives other than a college preparatory high school
curriculum.
A: A shortage of affordable, quality universities is one of the challenges facing our State.
Expanding the University of North Texas at Dallas would be an excellent step in addressing
this need. A full university in the southern sector would provide an accessible college
gateway for students in the southern part of the county, including many first-generation
college students who need or would prefer to stay close to home. Expanding UNTD also
would support efforts to ensure that high school graduates in the region have the
alternative to stay in Texas in pursuing higher education.
A: State Senator John Carona has worked diligently to arrive at bipartisan solutions to
difficult issues, specifically in the area of transportation, impacting North Texans. Similarly,
Representative Dan Branch has worked to ensure that public education at all levels
remains our state government’s priority, most notably in efforts to expand the University
of North Texas. Additionally, I admire Representative Rafael Anchia for standing firm on his
beliefs and tirelessly working on behalf of his constituents.

Description:
David W. Bell
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Party: L
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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system?
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quality?
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pursue?
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justice system?
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Jim Jackson
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Jim Jackson
Street Address: 2100 Nob Hill, Carrollton --Mailing:PO Box 110247 (75011)
State: Tx
Fax Number: none
E-mail Address: jimljackson@verizon.net
Campaign Web Site Address: repjimjackson.com
Questions:
A: 25 years
A: Retired County Commissioner / Investments/ State Representative
A: Board Member Texas Office for Prevention of Devlopmental Disabilities ,State Chair
American Legislative Excchange Council,Named Paul Harris Fellow by Carrollton Farmers
Branch Rotary, Texas Association of Business Fighter for Free Enterprise, Americans For
Prosperity Defender of the American Dream Awaed, TLR Civil Justice Leadership Award
A: 2000 Carrollton Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award, 1999 Metrocrest Chamber
Citizen of the Year, NCTCOG Regional Transportation Council(83-96--Chair 93-96) North
Central Texas Council of Governments Executive Board(92-99)President 97/98, Member
Texas Commission on Jail Standards(99-04)Chairmanm 2004-05,Texas Association of
Regional Councils 96-99, Founding Member Texas Confrence of Urban Counties, National
Association of Counties-Large Urban Counties Steering Committee (95-03) Chair 95-Vice
Chair Transportation and Telecommunications Steering Committee(95-99)-Defered
Compensation Advisory Board Chair(03-04)
A: Dallas County Commissioner
A: Appox $50,000.
A: For 2010 TLR PAC IBAT PAC TRE PAC
A: no
A: Everything is on the table.
A: A limited amount can be used but using a major part would only be moving a possible
unsustainable budget to another year
A: The tax is not producing the revenue projected. I have no recommendations for change
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in the 82nd session but I'll listen to ideas others may bring forth.
A: The system may do an adaquate job of measuring schools in most cases but don't
confuse that measurement with individual performance.In addition, the current system
that requires schools to maesure all subgroups and base a schools rating on success within
each subgroup(large or small) as opposed to an inclusive average may be politically
correct but it doesn't make sense and I would change the se requirements, but I don't
think theres enough support in the house to do so.
A: The Cost of Education index recognizing the regional differences in education cost needs
to be updated.State allocations should be partially based on a best practices index.
A: Universities need to be challenged to bring real world management and fiscal restraint
to their campuses.
system?
A: The 82nd session should be devoted to curtural changes and better management at the
Texas Department.Precieved need exceed funds available for trasportation just as it does
for education, public safty and health and human services. We'll have to set piorities to
produce a balanced budget.
A: Adaquate transportation funding may require a mixture of all the possible sources
including fuel, tolls, fees(such as registration fees) When possible we should do away with
most deferals from the gas tax for non transportation issues. But any such change will
require revenue to backfill where the deferals are reversed (ie DPS). Given the current
economic condition I don't expect to raise taxes or new sources of revenue for these issues
during the 82nd session.
A: I supported this issue last session and it didn't have much support. I doubt it will have
more this session. I did so last session because I had challenged local officials to bring forth
a plan that didn't rely on a local sales tax expansion and they did. However the plan may
not be in our communities best interest and I don't pledge to support it again.
A: To get enough money upfrount to do the job, we'll have to have a bonding program.
The question is what dedicated source of revenue do we provide to fund the bonds? I think
it should be user fees on the users of the water and water recreation.
quality?
A: I support the Texas common sense approach
pursue?
A: Most of the complaints I hear are about the distribution companies who , unknown to
many people, are still regulated. The Legislature should do everything possible to promote
generation with fuels less expensive than natural gas ie wind, nuclear, clean coal.On
8-13-10 the website "Power To Choose. Com" listed over 100 plans with rates under
.12kwh with the lowest fixed rate at 8.8 cents.
A: none
justice system?
A: Obviously all DNA associated with a case should be tested prior to trial.
A: A system that requires those who build in high risk areas such as the Gulf Coast to
assume more of thier risk.
A: Regardless of all the hype many Casino companies have gone into or are close to
bankrupsy.I'm not planning to support gambling expansion this session
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A: yes. I've read Arizona's SB 1070 and Theres nothing in that law that's inconsistent with
existing State and Federal laws that I, and all other Texas officials, take an oath to
"support and defend"
A: I'm open to listening to others suggestions but the solutions need to start before middle
school. If a student can't read at grade level when entering middle school they're already
in trouble.
A: If the money's available.
A: Warren Chisum and Todd Hunter are two among many.
Governor
Description:
Kathie Glass
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Kathie Glass
Street Address: 9337B Katy Freeway #188
City/Town: Houston
State: Texas
E-mail Address: info@kathie4guv.com
Campaign Web Site Address: kathie4guv.com
Questions:
Q: Length of residency in Texas:
A: 33 years -- since 7/7/77.
A: Practice of law, a once noble profession.
A: Running for governor in an effort to save our country by restoring Texas sovereignty.
A: Libertarian Party state executive committee 1980-84. Delegate to Republican Party
state covention 2008.
A: Attorney general 1982.
A: Approximately $20,000.
A: Kathie Glass, Tom Glass, Michael Figaro.
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A: No.
Q: What are the greatest financial challenges that Texas will face in 2011, and how would
you address them as governor?
A: Our biggest financial threats are ruinously high property taxes and an out-of-control
$180,000,000,000 budget (that's billion with a "b") that has doubled in the last ten years.
We should slash our budget by 50% which would put us back to levels seen just ten years
ago. Just two items -- education and Medicaid -- make up about 60% of our bloated
budget. We should eliminate property taxes which would reduce education funding by
about 40%. We should at the same time increase local control over education including
(with voter approval) the ability to provide additional funding from local taxpayers. This
would result in a better educational product at lower cost. Medicaid was about 28% of our
budget before the federal healthcare nightmare known as "Obamacare" was passed. Now,
Obamacare has, among other things, required that adults be covered, increasing our
liability by 75%. There is no way can we afford that. We have no choice but to opt out of
Medicaid and use the resulting savings to fund the health care services that we want for
Texans, with the result being better health services at lower cost.
Q: The governor has limited authority under the Constitution and must work cooperatively
with legislative leaders to advance an agenda. What will you do to make that happen?
A: I reject the premise of this question. The governor of Texas has great powers if she
knows how to use them. Unlike our current governor, I will make frequent use of the
power to veto legislation. Also unlike the incumbent, I will enthusiastically use the line
item veto granted to the governor by our Texas constitution to eliminate wasteful spending
from the budget. I will appoint qualified people to state commissions and boards who are
not "cronies" and have nothing to gain from their service. I will call special session after
special session to require our legislature to act to nullify a whole host of unconstitutional
federal acts. I will secure our border using our Texas State Guard which is under the sole
control of the governor, an action which the governor can take without co-operation or
permission from either the federal government or our state legislature. I will use the
bully pulpit to unite Texans behind our common goals and force the legislature to act
responsibly or face the wrath of the voters.
Q: What changes, if any, should be made in the governor’s authority in granting clemency
or pardons? Should the governor have more than one 30-day reprieve at his disposal for
executions?
A: Execution of a human being is an extremely serious matter. I can think of no more
weighty responsibility as governor than to decide whether to exercise the power to save a
person from execution. As a civil trial lawyer, I know that transcripts of legal proceedings
can be thousands of pages long. A governor should be able to suspend execution for as
long as she needs to review the record and make an informed decision about clemency or
pardon. All human processes are fallible. If our legal system makes a mistake, we usually
have the chance to make it right. But if we kill someone based on less than solid evidence,
that can never be remedied. We must take the time to get it right.
A: No. The current rating system of testing is a joke and a waste of time and money.
Student and teachers alike are abused by this farce. State mandated tests are only
deemed necessary because our state government is grossly overpaying for education and
would like to be able to show Texas voters that the money is not being wasted, but that
cannot be done, as the money is being wasted. We should return public education to local
control. This includes the ability and responsibility of local school boards and voters to
decide what extras they desire in addition to the basic funding from the state, and how
they are going to pay for them. When the important decisions are made locally, the
decision makers know how well their money is being spent and will feel no need to inflict
endless testing on the students. They can return to imparting true knowledge instead of
"teaching the test."
A: We grossly overpay for our government schools which, largely due to lack of local
consumer control, produce an inferior product. I call for elimination of the school property
tax, which would reduce school funding by about 40%. Continued funding from the state
should be distributed to local school districts on a per capita basis for citizens -- free public
education should not be provided to non-citizens. We must provide for the ability of local
school boards -- with voter approval -- to steer their own course free of mandates from
Austin or Washington by adding to this basic package from the state, to be able to
supplement programs and services that the local community desires and is willing to pay
for, and to determine how those extras will be funded. With local elected officials and
voters making the hard choices about what they want and can afford, better decisions will
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be made. Texas will have a better educational product at lower cost and with greater
customer satisfaction.
Q: Half of the state’s public school students are Latino, and Hispanics make up the largest
share of students under 5. What policies should the state pursue to ensure they have the
best education?
A: Children under the age of five should not be in government schools, they should be at
home, in day care, or with babysitters, as their parents choose. Studies have shown that
Head Start and similar programs have no lasting effect and are a waste of money. Texas
laws should neither favor nor disfavor any racial or ethnic group. The changes I set forth in
the question above would benefit all classes of our citizenry. However, one of the best
things that we could do for students who do not speak English is to reject the concept of
bilingual education.
Q: What new initiatives would you propose to reduce the state’s dropout rate? How would
they be funded?
A: Repeal truancy laws. Repealing a bad law does not require any funding. In fact, it will
save money as we reduce class sizes and are not forced to waste precious classroom time
on students who for whatever reason do not want to be there and are apt to be very
disruptive. Our dropout rate means that we are turning out an educational product so bad
that we can't give it away. The solution is not to put the intended consumer and his parents
in jail, but to improve the product so that it does not have to be forced on unwilling
participants. Teachers can return to teaching in a calmer environment to students ready,
willing, and able to learn, and can cease being misused as babysitters or wardens.
Any changes needed now?
A: As the parent of a student in one of our state's premier universities, the insane
skyrocketing of tuition tells me that our tuition policies are not working. As long as the
state provides as much assistance to our universities as we do, we should insist on more
rational (lower) tuition rates. We must allow in-state tuition only to Texas citizens.
Q: What are the greatest needs for higher education that you would champion as
governor?
A: We must refuse in-state tuition to non-citizens, eliminate the 10% rule, get rid of
remedial classes for students who clearly are not ready for college and may never be,
require professors to teach full time, and eliminate wasteful and unnecessary research that
adds nothing to education. Finally, we should recognize that not everyone needs to or
wants to go to a four year college and provide more access to two year community or
junior colleges, and better and earlier vocational training.
system?
A: Having driven all over Texas during this campaign, I can attest that our roads are in
overall good quality and shape. We must continue to defeat land grabs like the Trans Texas
Corridor and other toll road boondoggles for which there is no real need or market
demand. The two main problems that I have seen (other than isolated congestion
problems in a few of our major cities) are 1) road repairs that take far too long and appear
to be poorly managed, and 2) red lights that are not synchronized and other traffic controls
not well used to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Q: What ways of generating new transportation revenue would you support — taxes, tolls,
borrowing, fees, other? Please be specific.
A: NONE -- no new taxes, tolls, fees, or borrowing. I call for a moratorium on all new toll
roads and large scale road projects. Existing projects should be wrapped up and no new
ones started until an assessment can be done to be certain that a true need exists, that
this project will satisfy it, that no less expensive alternative will do so, and that the
interests of the local community is compatible with the project.
A: No. We are TAXED ENOUGH ALREADY.
A: How we fund our current plan is not as important as what the plan should be. Our
current state water plan is unsatisfactory. Water rights is a critical issue, especially in
rural Texas. We have an inadequate and ill defined system of property rights as applied to
ground water. The ability to use and benefit from the water underneath your property is an
essential part of your property rights that must be recognized and enforced. Anything else
is a taking which does not even afford you the insufficient protections that accompany the
abusive use of eminent domain,such as was an integral part of the attempted Trans Texas
Corridor land grab. Too much power is given to regional water boards, local water
districts, and water supply companies with the result being that arbitrary decisions
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favoring some people and companies are being made -- yet another example of cronyism
at work in Texas. We have seen well-connected companies pump enormous amounts of
ground water from rural areas to fast growing urban areas where commercial developers
have failed to plan for the water necessary to support such growth. We have seen water
supply companies sell YOUR water back to YOU at a high price and YOU get nothing from
it. We must establish uniform rules regarding the amount and conditions under which
water can be removed from our aquifers and sold and transported for commercial
purposes to developers hundreds of miles away. We must estabish rules for the protection
of water rights that are fair to all, not just the politcally well-connected.
Q: What should the state do to address the quality of North Texas’ air?
A: Persons harmed by pollution of the air by a business or individual should file a lawsuit
for violation of their rights, for example, under the common law of nuisance, or file a
complaint with the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality. Established rules for
ensuring scientific reliability of evidence are essential to avoid fraudulent claims such as
bogus arguments about manmade global warming.
Q: The Environmental Protection Agency says that one of Texas’ air permitting programs
falls short of federal standards. How should the state respond to the EPA’s call for more
stringent pollution standards in Texas?
A: Texas must resist this unconstitutional attack on our state sovereignty by all available
means. The EPA's bogus complaint about Texas air permitting is a thinly veiled attempt to
shut down Texas plants and refineries and destroy the Texas economy, and has nothing to
do with air quality. A combination of lawsuits, nullification of unconstitutional federal acts,
and support of our businesses being attacked by our federal government is necessary to
resist this assault.
Q: Has deregulation of electricity worked? What changes, if any, should state leaders
pursue?
A: Deregulation of electricity worked well in Lubbock when a city utility competed with a
private utility company in all areas including transmission of electricity. In other parts of
Texas, what is falsely referred to as "deregulation" is actually a government-created
monopoly of the means for transmission of electricity and most definitely NOT the free
market. Consumer choices are limited, and there is almost no price competition, resulting
in ever-escalating costs. Texas should privatize the generation and transmission of
electricity, let the free market work, and allow consumer choices to proliferate and prices
to plummet.
A: Actual innocence or wrongful conviction should always be a paramount consideration
and never be deemed waived or untimely.
justice system?
A: There can be no greater injustice than the execution of an innocent person. We must
have regional -- not local -- crime labs that are truly independent of the prosecution. We
can do no less than follow the same (or even more) rigorous rules in criminal cases as we
follow in civil trials. All test and lab results should be disclosed to both prosecution and
defense ASAP. Experts hired by the prosecution should be accessible to the defense.
Defense counsel or experts should be allowed to be present to witness the lab testing, and
tests should be videotaped. Relevant tests should be done without charge to the defense,
just as counsel is provided. All evidence and tests results should be maintained. Anyone --
counsel, experts, lab personnel, judges -- who creates, promotes, allows, or condones
fraudulent evidence should be subject to civil lawsuits, criminal action, and disbarment or
other professional sanctions.
A: Greater consumer choices should be allowed including the ability to purchase insurance
across state lines and to join groups (in addition to employment-related groups) to create
a larger pool of insured risks and thereby bring down costs. Many insureds have had
claims wrongly denied but are unable to seek legal recourse because the amounts involved
simply do not justify hiring a lawyer. We should create a special category of courts,
perhaps in our Justice of the Peace courts, with a special set of streamlined rules tailored
to the resolution of insurance claims and with greater ability to recover attorney's fees and
related costs.
Rick Perry
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Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: James Richard Perry
Street Address: Texans for Rick Perry 807 Brazos Avenue Austin, Texas 78701
City/Town: Austin
State: Texas
Date of Birth: March
E-mail Address: (512)478-4734
Campaign Web Site Address: www.RickPerry.org
Questions:
A: 60 years
A: Governor of Texas
A: As governor of Texas, I make decisions everyday that impact the lives of millions of
people throughout Texas. Whether it's creating jobs, improving our education system or
working to keep taxes low, I'm working to improve the quality of life for every Texan in
every community throughout our state. While I will continue working to ensure every
Texan who wants a job has a job, I'm proud of the fact that Texas is in a better position
economically than almost every other state in the country and has become a beacon for
other states to follow. I travel across the state offering support to organizations and
causes that are not only important to Texans and local communities, but very important to
me personally: Boy Scouts, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, pro-life issues,
adoption advocacy, health and fitness and public safety, just to name a few.
A: The following list is a selection of awards and recognitions I am honored to have
received: American Legislative Exchange Council’s (ALEC) Thomas Jefferson Freedom
Award – for accomplishments in advancing the fundamental Jeffersonian principles of free
markets, limited government, federalism and individual liberty (August 2010) National
Child Care Coalition Champion of Texas Children Award – for work on behalf of children in
2009 (March 2010) Defender of Jerusalem Award – for demonstrated support and
commitment to the state of Israel and Jerusalem (August 2009) American Medical
Association, Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service – for leadership in
reforming Texas' tort system (March 2009) Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Eagle
Scout Award (December 2008) San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Pathfinder Award - for
efforts to grow the Texas economy and create jobs (July 2008) FBI Director’s Award for
Child Safety - for his efforts to ensure the safety of Texas children by supporting the
distribution of I.D. kits (March 2008) Global Leadership Council, Friends of Zion Award –
for leadership in homeland defense, border security and economic development (June
2007) East Texas Area Council Distinguished Citizen Award (December 2005) Woodrow
Wilson Award (June 2002) Texas A&M Distinguished Alumni Award (March 2002) Texas
Water Foundation Leadership Award (October 2001)
A: Texas State Representative Texas Agriculture Commissioner Texas Lieutenant Governor
Texas Governor
A: $20,039,006
A: Bob Perry Mica Mosbacher Curtis Mewbourne
A: No.
A: The greatest challenge before us is the need to continue leading America in job creation
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and fiscal responsibility. Like we did in 2003, when Texas faced a $10 billion budget
shortfall and balanced our budget without raising taxes, in 2011 we will make the tough
choices necessary to balance our budget. Unlike Washington, we can’t spend money we
don’t have, and given our current strength compared to the rest of the nation, I would say
Texas is better off for it. Just as Texas families do every day, we have to live within our
means and prioritize spending. We’ve also resisted the temptation to spend all the money,
establishing an $8 billion Rainy Day fund that, if needed, will help us tackle any future
fiscal challenges. We’ve overcome financial challenges before and by sticking to fiscally
conservative principles, we’ll do it again. Texas deserves experienced, executive
leadership to ensure we maintain our strong economy and that is what I will bring to the
table.
A: I have had the privilege of working with our legislative leaders over the last ten years
to create the strong economic climate Texas has today compared to other states and the
federal government. I look forward to continuing that relationship to effectively address
the challenges our state faces and maintain the successes we’ve already achieved.
executions?
A: Like most Texans, I believe in capital punishment for the most heinous crimes. I do not
believe the governor should have the authority to grant more than one 30-day reprieve for
executions. The convicted are given the opportunity for several appeals and I believe that
one person should not have the power to overturn indefinitely what a jury of the people
have decided and the court of criminal appeals has affirmed as a just punishment.
A: Texas has continuously seen progress in student achievement statewide, as our
students continue to rise to the challenge. It is important that we continue to raise the bar
so that our students are the best equipped to compete in the global market. There is no
bigger priority for Texas’ future, so moving forward, we are phasing in the STAAR
assessment tests, a new assessment tool for elementary and middle school students, and
high school students will be required to perform on their end of course exams. These
end-of-course exams will not only measure mastery of content but they will include a
college and career readiness standard as well. Texas has been recognized as a national
leader in adopting college and career ready standards.
A: We’ve created a system that is designed to provide equitable funding for education
across the state, and we will continue to fund that system to ensure every student has
access to the best education available. I’ve twice signed budgets that cut overall general
revenue spending and education has always remained a priority. From 2000 to 2009, the
state’s share of public education spending alone increased from $11 billion per year to $20
billion, an 82 percent increase. We also need more appraisal reforms to help control the
cost of rising local property taxes. This last session we successfully passed and Texas
voters approved constitutional amendments that provide further protection to homeowners
by mandating uniform appraisal standards and prohibiting residential property from being
assessed at its potential commercial use. I also support a 5 percent cap on property tax
appraisals.
best education?
A: Texas must continue to take the right steps to guarantee a quality education for all
students. Our state spends more on Pre-K than any other state, and is one of the top 5
states in the nation in the percentage of its students served in Pre-K. In Texas, every
economically disadvantaged, military, bilingual and foster child is eligible to attend half-day
Pre-K. Further, in 2009, more than $7.9 million in grants provided intensive instruction for
“Limited English Proficiency” students and training to teachers. For the 2010-11 biennium
more than 9.7 million each year has been appropriated for the intensive “LEP” instruction.
they be funded?
A: In Texas we have created an extensive toolbox to address this challenge. Some of
Texas’ programs have been nationally recognized in this endeavor including our Dropout
Recovery Program, our T-STEM Academies and Early College High Schools. Texas also has
a flexible school day program, which allows districts to provide classes at nontraditional
hours, after work or night classes, which accommodate students with unique sets of
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needs. Moving forward, I have proposed expanding the virtual school network, which will
expand online classes so that students who have dropped out can achieve a high school
diploma without being having to take class in a traditional brick and mortar school. Further,
I believe that driving in this state is a privilege and if you are under the age of 18, to keep
your license you must remain in school working towards your diploma. I’ve also proposed
a tax incentive for employers who provide their employees an opportunity to complete
their high school degree or get a GED while employed. One dropout will always be one too
many and we will continue pursuing innovative policies until this challenge is an issue of
the past.
A: Statewide enrollment in our institutions of higher education is at an all time high, with
2009 enrollment increasing by more than 102,000 students, the largest one year increase
ever in Texas higher education. Total enrollment for 2009 is more than 1.4 million
students. As more and more Texans enter our institutions of higher education, I remain
committed to finding ways to keep it affordable so that all Texans are free to pursue their
dreams. Under my leadership, financial aid has been increased by more than 900
percent. I will continue to push for a four year tuition freeze as I did last session, so that
the amount of tuition and fees Texans are required to pay their freshman year is locked in
for a full four years. Freezing tuition for four years provides needed financial certainty for
students and parents, and encourages students to complete their degrees in a timely
manner. The University of Texas at Dallas already has such a program, and I believe it
should be implemented statewide.
governor?
A: Texas will continue building upon its successes to ensure our higher education system
remains strong and that Texans are prepared and equipped to compete in the 21st century
economy. I was proud to support Proposition 4 which was passed by Texas voters this
November and will increase funding to get more Texas public universities on the path to
Tier One certification, enabling more Texas students the opportunity to study in the most
premier research facilities in the nation. It is increasingly important during these
challenging economic times that we hold our universities accountable to being good
stewards of taxpayer dollars which is why, in September, I directed the Texas Higher
Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to work with Texas higher education institutions to
find opportunities for achieving cost efficiencies. Texas was also recently one of only ten
states that received an overall “Best Practices” rating for its higher education accountability
system. We need to uphold our commitment to strong accountability standards moving
forward. We will continue to provide financial aid, both need- and merit-based, to help
offset the cost of college tuition. In 2009, the Legislature increased financial aid for college
students by $186.4 million, a 44 percent increase, through the Texas Grant program.
Merit-based programs like the Texas B-On-Time Student Loan Program, College Work
Study Program and the Top 10 Percent Scholarship program have also been successful, and
will collectively provide more than $180 million to hard-working college students over the
next biennium.
system?
A: For years, Washington has short-changed Texas taxpayers, sending back around 70
cents for road construction for every dollar in motor fuels taxes that Texans send to
Washington. We have the lowest rates of return on our dollar compared to any other state.
This is due to Washington’s failure to uphold a system that is fair, not driven by pork and
earmarks for powerful congressional members. Texas also currently diverts a large portion
of dollars intended for transportation to other state programs. These diversions must end.
Despite these challenges, Texas has found innovative ways to build the roads we need,
building more roadway miles than any other state in the last 10 years.
A: First of all, we need to get more of our money back from Washington D.C. for road
construction. Texas has for years been short-changed by Washington, receiving only 70
cents back for road construction for every dollar in motor fuels taxes. Secondly, we need to
end diversions of state money and put dollars collected from gas taxes into building roads.
Last session, we had some success with ending diversions, sending more than $300 million
back to TxDOT, but next session we need to do more – we need to end all diversions from
our state transportation fund.
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A: I do not favor a plan that would include raising local taxes. Texans already pay a lot of
money on a state, local and federal level on taxes that do not go to road construction as
they are intended to. Before any other options are considered, we need to end diversions
and get more of our money back from Washington D.C.
A: I am committed to continue utilizing my experience to help provide the additional
transportation, electricity and water infrastructure and resources Texas needs to grow and
prosper. In the 80th and 81st legislative session, we appropriated funds to issue more than
$1 billion dollars in bond proceeds to fund our water plan. $600 million has already been
committed through the Texas Water Development Board. This is for loans or grants to fund
new infrastructure projects that would provide new water supplies. But funding any project
always comes to priorities. The state, just like families all across Texas, has to make the
tough choices to determine what projects get funded.
A: Texas is a national leader in reducing emissions and known pollutants while at the same
time advancing renewable energy sources to become a leader in efforts to harness wind,
solar, biofuel, nuclear and clean coal sources. Texas has effectively balanced the need for
environmental improvements with fostering economic growth, new investment and job
creation. Texas has installed more wind power than any other state, and more than all
but four other countries. The air Texans breath today is cleaner than it was in 2000, even
though our population has grown by nearly 3.5 million people. Statewide, nitrogen oxide
levels decreased by 53% and ozone levels decreased by 22% between 2000 and 2008. The
Environmental Protection Agency also has data showing Texas’ CO2 emissions from fossil
fuel usage have fallen by more than almost any other state and every country except
Germany since 2000. Texas is clearly on the right track to improve its air while maintaining
a climate that invites job creation and economic investment.
A: The air permitting programs that the EPA has suddenly decided to oppose have been in
place since 1994 and have proven to be effective. Adopted in Texas under Ann Richards’
leadership and recognized as good permits under the Clinton administration, Texas has
seen significant improvements in air quality that I believe would not have been achieved
without significant economic harm under the process the EPA is now trying to force Texas
to implement. Texas is a national leader in reducing emissions and known pollutants
(nitrogen oxide levels have decreased by 53% and ozone levels decreased by 22% since
2000), and advancing renewable energy sources all while remaining a leader in the
nation’s energy production. We have successfully balanced the need for environmental
improvements with fostering economic growth, new investment, and job creation. Texas
continues to advance new, clean energy technology by using market incentives and stable
regulation, and not costly mandates and taxes. This move is yet another step in the
Obama Administration’s campaign to harm our state’s economy and impose federal control
over Texas. The increasingly activist EPA is ignoring the progress Texas has made to clean
its air over the last decade, and should instead look to our state’s successful approach to
issues concerning energy and the environment. I fully support Attorney General Abbott’s
lawsuit against the EPA’s action, which defends the right of the State of Texas to protect the
health of our citizens and will protect our state from further federal overreach.
pursue?
A: Yes, electricity is cleaner, more available, more reliable and, in many cases, more
affordable than before we allowed robust electric competition in Texas. In the parts of
Texas that have been opened to electricity competition, Texans currently have multiple
options of rates that are lower than what they paid prior to competition, and have the
ability to lock those prices in for more than a year to protect themselves from an increase
in gas prices. Further, we have been successfully diversifying our energy sources to make
Texas more resistant to the dramatic swings in natural gas prices. For example, Texas has
installed more wind power than any other state, and all but four countries. Texas has also
built more energy-efficient Energy Star homes than any other state.
A: Like most Texans, I believe in capital punishment for the most heinous crimes. Last
session, I signed legislation that will provide more experienced lawyers on death penalty
cases for their post conviction appeals. I also supported a change in the law that prevents
defendants being tried together in capital cases. If a defendant is to be punished with the
death penalty he should have his own trial. I commuted a case due to two defendants
being tried together, which led to the change in the law. Many, including prosecutors,
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supported the change. The convicted are given the opportunity to a fair trial and several
appeals, and I see no reason to change it.
justice system?
A: I was one of the initial supporters of using DNA evidence post-conviction, and I have
since supported using other forensic evidence. I am pleased that I have had the
opportunity to grant pardons for innocence based on DNA evidence.
A: Texas has implemented protections that have saved ratepayers hundreds of millions of
dollars in excessive homeowners’ insurance rates, and protected ratepayers by eliminating
past abusive practices of insurance companies charging Texans for catastrophic damage
that occurred in other states. Further, the state has aggressively defended ratepayers,
including legal and regulatory action against insurance companies, when those companies
have tried to impose excessive rates.
Deb Shafto
Party: G
Biographical Info:
Name: Deborah Shafto
Street Address: 7260 Santa Fe Drive
City/Town: Houston
State: TX, 77061
E-mail Address: Debshafto@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: Electdebshafto.org
Questions:
A: 28 years
A: retired
A: Green Party activist, Pacifica Radio activist, Anti-death penalty supporter, Clean Air
Texassupporter
A: Pacifica National Board, Local Station Board
A: Harris County Judge, City Council
A: $700.00
A: G. Reiter, C. Lee Taylor
A: No
A: We must overhaul our revenue system. We are dogging small business with fees and
taxes and we are unfairly levying taxes on the poor. The state needs a graduated income
tax that will allow those who have reaped the benefits of society to pay their fair share.
Public money must be used to jump start the economy. Investment in education has been
shown as the best way to the funds where they are needed. Rather than lay off teacher,
we should be decreasing class sizes, especially for the very young and for those with
developmental delays. The climate change crisis demands an immediate change in the
way we produce energy, and the manner in which we conserve our resources. The further
development of solar and wind power and the construction of a power grid to get the
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electricity to where it is needed will create jobs and help to clean up the air we breathe.
Acquisition must be accompanied by conservation. We can make Texas a leader in doing
what is right and responsible. The state can create jobs by overhauling and upgrading
infrastructure, which is aging and inadequate. Drainage systems and flood control are also
essential considering the probability of increasing incidence and strength of hurricanes. We
should be retro-fitting public buildings and private homes to be energy efficient. The
creation of jobs while undertaking these necessities will help the economy as a whole.
A: The governor’s power is based on the appointments she makes. I expect to consult with
legislators that have always acted with integrity and appoint people who are interested in
public service not self service. Many capable people are eager to use their skills to create a
better world, but are unable/unwilling to make the large political contributions necessary
to get consideration. I believe that starting with such a core will call to the best in others
and promote a truly responsible governing body.
executions?
A: The most important issue is that justice be done. Cases where the innocent have been
executed undermine the fabric of our society and shame our democracy in the eyes of the
world. The governor should have the power to see that every effort has been taken, every
investigation has been completed with integrity, and the law must both give her the
authority and demand that she fulfill her obligations.
A: The rating system currently used to measure achievement is deeply flawed and has
recently been shown to be of negative value. Where high stakes testing is required, there
will be cheating at all levels. If projecting passage in the future and using that projection as
a statistic in assessing current achievement is not cheating at the highest levels, I do not
know what cheating is. I believe the problem is that the authorities do not know what real
achievement is, nor how to measure it, nor how to promote it. We need to re-think our
entire educational system. We also need to return our principals to the schools, full time,
and let them be the principal educators, in the classrooms, promoting growth of teachers'
abilities, and helping with difficult children. This would allow them to really supervise and
grow. We can hire a business manager to do the rest.
A: The way we currently tax is regressive and is an unfair burden on the poor. We need a
graduated state income tax in lieu of sales, franchise and other taxes and the schools need
to be funded by the state with the greater wealth distributed to the schools where parents
have the lowest income, and the needs are the greatest.
best education?
A: Language is learned more easily and more profoundly in early childhood. Three years is
not too early to begin for a few hours a day. Free early childhood education is therefore
essential for students to be ready for our standard classrooms, and it must be state
funded. Bilingual education must honor and preserve a child’s native culture and language,
while immersing the student in the new.
they be funded?
A: We must eliminate high stakes testing in which language learners are at such a
disadvantage, I propose that we honor both the culture and the financial need of the
student’s family by promoting a system of paid apprenticeships in which a student can
continue with academics while working under supervision. Local businesses should be the
main source of employment and the school, itself can train children in a trade necessary
for the building, maintenance, and food service of the school. This would also include
clerical, library, tutoring and other primarily intellectual tasks. Of the greatest importance,
however, is that we cease testing that degrades by ranking.
A: An educated person is a boon to our society. It is most unfortunate that the lift of tuition
bar came just before the economic collapse. I believe the total cost, tuition and fees,
should not be such a heavy burden, particularly when lucrative employment is hard to find.
Rising costs are exacerbating the division of class in this country. We must tax those who
have benefitted the most from the system in order to allow others entry.
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governor?
A: We need to educate people for themselves, to be thinkers, analyzers and problem
solvers. We cannot and should not be job trainers. We need to be sure that every person
who wants higher education has access to the means and the opportunity. Additionally, in
Texas, too much is spent on athletics and athletic scholarships, a non-intellectual activity.
Freeing up the millions spent would allow more scholarships based on academic merit.
Millionaire/billionaire sports team owners should fund their own farm teams and not use
college funding to do their scout work.
system?
A: Current city and highway roads need better technology to provide longer and better
service. Maintenance is critical. While there may be a need for additional roads in rural
Texas, the metropolitan areas need to provide public transportation and decrease
dependence on the private car. High speed rail between major cities must be a priority.
The need to make profit cannot be allowed to overshadow our need to use our resources
wisely
A: Once there is adequate public transportation, I would support use fees such as tolls and
highway use taxes to more accurately reflect the actual cost to society of transport. This
would help promote local industry, encourage mass transit, reduce pollution and serve the
public's mobility needs.
A: I generally support bottom up government, however, allowing major funding at the
local level opens the door to public works that may be extremely profitable to particular
interests but inimitable to public interests. I believe there needs to be a capacity for the
state to supervise such taxing enterprise.
A: As I understand it, the funding is not the problem, rather it is that we have
overcommitted the supplies we have and the water tables are falling. As I understand it, a
county by county survey of the available water and the demands of industry and
agriculture is well underway. What remains to be done is the making of the hard decisions
about limiting access to maintain acceptable water table levels. We cannot continue drilling
deeper to support unwise use. There will, undoubtedly be legal expense involved, but I do
not understand the cal for major funding.
A: It is my understanding that there is an organization, Air North Texas, taking steps to
involve citizens and industry to clean up the air. I would look into tighter auto emission
standards and supporting the programs already created.
A: Texas should respond immediately and cooperatively setting meaningful standards and
should enforce these standards with more than a slap on the wrist where violators choose
non-compliance for economic reasons. Where companies engage in amoral behavior, we
must make the fines sufficient to encourage other choices.
pursue?
A: The deregulation of electricity has not worked. Rates have risen, service and reliability
have not. We should return to governmental oversight of rates, service and safety. We
need people who are knowledgable but who have not been employed by any utilities.
Individuals should not be allowed to leave a regulatory job for one in the industry. The
current policies that allow that have set up the situation now facing us, where the
regulators are too often acting as agents for the utilities on the state payroll.
A: The death penalty should be abolished immediately. It does not deter crime, it is
enormously costly to the taxpayers, and it has been proven to be unjustly administered.
Better to decree life imprisonment without parole for those judged to be beyond
redemption. The death penalty is the international shame of the nation and Texas leads the
way.
justice system?
A: While we probably could not afford to allow all inmates innumerable retrials, we
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absolutely must examine all evidence closely, and be willing to review in cases of new
evidence. Ambitious prosecutors who hide, fail to produce or destroy evidence to compile
impressive conviction statistics should be replaced by those with integrity who want
justice, not convictions. Attention and resources must be given to set up and maintain
independent, quality laboratory work and to control evidence so that it is available should
conditions warrant a re-examination.
A: Two things need to be looked at and regulated. Being in hurricane alley, we need to
control building in fragile areas. We cannot expect even a government plan to cover
building on beachfront property where storm damage is certain and the beaches are
eroding. Additionally, regulation is needed to be sure the rates are commensurate with the
actual risk. As with all regulation, the regulators must be prevented from taking jobs or
other favors from those in the industry being regulated.
Bill White
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Bill White
Street Address: 2100 West Loop South, Suite 700
City/Town: Houston
State: Texas
Fax Number: 713-659-9004
E-mail Address: contact@billwhitefortexas.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.billwhitefortexas.com
Questions:
A: Life, with some years away for college and for public service as U.S. Deputy Secretary
of Energy
A: Immediate past occupation: Houston mayor
A: For decades, Bill White and his wife Andrea have helped lead numerous charitable and
civic organizations. Together they helped start Expectation Graduation and Reach Out to
Dropouts to reduce dropout rates. Thousands of volunteers go to the homes of high school
students who have not returned to school. Approximately 8,800 students have returned to
school in the Houston area as a result, and this initiative has been replicated in
communities across Texas. Andrea is an author of books for young readers and helped
start a nationally-recognized foundation to improve public schools. The Whites are parents
of three children and attend St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Houston, where Bill
taught Sunday school for many years.
A: Bill White governed Houston with balanced budgets and surpluses, cutting tax rates five
straight years while making services more efficient and responsive. Under Bill White's
leadership, the Houston area added more jobs than 37 states combined. In six years of
votes by a diverse city council, not one broke down on party lines. That's why he was
re-elected with 91% and 86% of the vote.
A: Mayor of Houston; Served three (2 year) terms and was re-elected twice with margins
of 86% and 91%.
A: The campaign has raised more than $16.6 million since December 4.
A: Michael Zilkha Lester H. Smith Robert Patton
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A: No.
A: Today Texas faces a budget shortfall of $18 billion, and the governor should have begun
preparing for this likelihood almost a year ago. We will most likely need to use a portion of
the Rainy Day Fund to cover part of this shortfall. We will also need the kind of executive
leadership found in well-run businesses that face economic downturns. As the chief
executive of the state, the governor is responsible for identifying efficiencies and
productivity improvements that would allow a reduction in spending without a compromise
in service delivery or decimation of the state’s most essential business. This is precisely
what I did in the City of Houston when we were faced with declining revenues. Any
well-run organization can find these kinds of opportunities, but it takes attention to detail
and strong management skills to implement. For example, state agencies can reassign the
work of employees who leave their jobs to others within the agency so that the level of
service does not decline and expenses are cut. Consolidation of functions to reduce
overhead can also yield cost savings. The state should renegotiate some vendor contracts,
as we did in the City of Houston, yielding significant reductions in state obligations. I have
the skills and experience as a businessman and hands-on executive to do this at the state
level.
A: I will work closely with House and Senate leadership, and the leadership of both
parties, to ensure that the interests of Texas are advanced. I have had the experience as
Houston’s mayor to work in a nonpartisan, collegial and respectful manner with a
14-member city council comprised of people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
In addition, I have worked with representatives from both parties at the state and federal
level on matters important to all the people I represented. By working on issues that unite
Texans, rather than fringe or wedge issues that divide, we will build consensus on
important matters to move the state forward.
executions?
A: I would use my power based on the recommendations of a broad group of experts and
citizens with good judgment, and would defer to an expert recommendation. I would
respect the workings of the criminal justice system but would take these authorities
seriously and never allow politics to affect these decisions.
A: The state’s accountability system is overly reliant on high stakes testing, which hurts
students, educators and schools. In the past year, the TEA has reduced the passing score
on most parts of the TAKS test, while even counting some students who failed as passing
for the purposes of school rankings. The system is broken. Accountability systems should
be used to provide incentives for improved performance and identify trends, both good and
bad. The accountability system should avoid perverse incentives for "teaching to the test"
and should promote education that creates lifetime learners and cultivates skills necessary
for young people to obtain economic independence.
A: The quality of children’s education should not depend on where in the state they live.
The state should reduce the number of mandates that increase the costs to school districts
without adding value to the student’s education. See other questions for more details
about my approach to the budget.
best education?
A: We must ensure that our Latino population, and all Texans, gets an outstanding
education so that they can compete for good jobs and Texas can compete in the global
economy. I support increasing access to voluntary Pre-K programs. There is considerable
evidence to show that Pre-K programs improve student performance well beyond the
elementary years. One study of Oklahoma’s comprehensive Pre–K program found that
Latino children, especially those whose families did not speak English as their primary
language at home, received the greatest benefit from the Pre-K program. In the last
session, Governor Perry vetoed HB 130 which was passed with bipartisan support by the
Legislature. This bill would have expanded access to Pre-K and established standards to
enhance the quality of Pre-K programs. Education is the most important function of state
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government and accounts for most of the state’s budget. We must begin educating young
Texans as early as possible. I will work hard to increase educational opportunities for our
children.
they be funded?
A: There are many dropout prevention programs throughout the state that are effective
and can be implemented within the current funding structure. For students who must work
to support their families, we need to provide more flexible school hours and more paths to
graduation. For students who do not return to school in the fall, my wife Andrea and I
helped start Reach Out to Dropouts in Houston. Thousands of volunteers are mobilized to
work with community organizations, faith leaders, and schools to go door to door and bring
back students who don’t return to school. It’s been successful in bringing back over 8000 in
our area and is now done in other parts of the state. However, it’s also critical that we
keep students from falling behind in elementary and middle school. Summer Opportunity
Sessions, which we provided in Houston, prevents summer learning loss for students who
may not have the option to attend camps, use computers, or read books available at
home. We should identify existing programs that are successful and cost-effective and
implement those programs in other schools.
A: The new tuition policies are not working. Tuition has skyrocketed, increasing by over
93% since 2003. Neither family income nor financial aid has kept pace. This means that
college is becoming increasingly unaffordable for Texas students, especially those from
middle class families. I support the creation of programs that provide scholarships in
exchange for a commitment to public service employment upon graduation.
governor?
A: The first need is making sure that higher education, at both two and four-year colleges,
is within reach for Texas families. I would work to remove barriers, including cost barriers,
to higher education. We also need to send our students to college better prepared so that
fewer require developmental courses and more can graduate on time. Finally, we need to
support the attainment of “tier one” status for more of our universities as a way to
increase educational opportunities for students and economic opportunities for the state.
system?
A: Texas’ transportation system is broken, as a massive recent audit confirmed. Texas
must have a long-term transportation plan in which local communities have a voice.
Priorities should be set from the bottom up and not the top down. Planning should be
multi-modal. The Perry Administration was diverted from effective long-term planning
because of its preoccupation with the Trans Texas Corridor. Lack of planning has caused
enormous bottlenecks and traffic congestion, which hurts Texas families and the state’s
ability to attract new businesses.
A: I do not support tolling existing roadways but support allowing local entities, with voter
approval, various options to fund local transportation and mobility projects. Before any
new funding plan is enacted, careful effort and study must be made to look for efficiencies
within TXDOT and its budget.
A: I support giving local governments the opportunity, with the consent of their voters, to
raise funds for transportation projects.
A: Water planning is and should be largely a regional issue, determined with stakeholders
within each region, taking into account the needs and uses in that water basin. For
projects for which there is local support and funding to meet water needs in the region, the
state should work with local and regional governments to increase access to capital
markets or to decrease borrowing costs. The State of Texas of should not impose
statewide taxes to fund regional water plans.
A: Coming from Houston, I am very familiar with the air quality challenges in a large
metropolitan region, including ozone, particulate matter and air toxics. No entity has the
right to dump cancer-causing chemicals into the air that all Texans breathe. I believe the
state environmental agency, whose commissioners are appointed by the governor, can do
a better job of protecting public health by prioritizing its work based on risk assessments,
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changing its approach to issuing permits and increasing its enforcement activities. Clean
air and a strong economy go hand in hand; we must have clean air and water in Texas to
attract and maintain businesses.
A: Texas should comply with the same standards as all other states. The federal
government warned TCEQ for many years, including during the Bush Administration, that
the state’s ability to issue federal permits depended on the TCEQ issuing permits that met
the federal standards. Governor Perry ignored warnings, failed to make the TCEQ
accountable and decided to play chicken with the EPA to score political points. Now permits
of more than 100 Texas facilities and businesses are in jeopardy, and this kind of
uncertainty is bad for business. As governor, I will bring back decision-making control to
Texas where it belongs and make the TCEQ accountable.
pursue?
A: Texas deregulated prices of electricity in 1999 with support from then Lt. Governor
Perry. Since 2007, there has been no limit on consumer prices. Over the last decade, Texas
went from having utility bills lower than the national average to bills now higher than the
national average. The Public Utility Commission should be given the authority to avoid both
blackouts and price spikes by providing incentives for reserve margins, energy efficiency,
and cleaner fuels, including natural gas. I have been urging the state to take action on
these issues for years.
A: We must be certain that all capital cases are handled with the utmost fairness and
accuracy because of the irreversible nature of the sentence.
justice system?
A: There needs to be a larger file of DNA evidence and a means by which the suspects’
DNA can be reliably and efficiently tested against DNA records. Improvements in DNA labs
should strive for certification by national standards. There are multiple avenues for post
conviction relief for miscarriages of justice, and those are largely administered through the
judicial branch of government.
A: Texans pay the second highest rates in the US for homeowners insurance. Although
Governor Perry recognized this problem in 2002, he has not fixed it. The same three large
companies dominate the market, and the insurance industry remains a large contributor to
the governor’s campaign accounts. It is important for the Texas Department of Insurance
to protect Texans by ensuring that those companies offering policies are solvent and that
there are choices for consumers. At the same time, the agency must also protect
consumers from unreasonable price increases. I will make appointments to the
Department of Insurance based on the contributions a person will make to our state, not
the contributions made to a political campaign.
Lt. Governor
Description:
Linda Chavez-Thompson
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Linda Chavez-Thompson
City/Town: San Antonio
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State: Texas
Date of Birth: August 3rd
Fax Number: (210)829-0221
E-mail Address: lctlabor@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.texansforlinda.com
Questions:
A: I am a lifelong resident of Texas and worked in the D.C. area for close to 12 years.
A: I am a retiree from the AFL-CIO.
A: Currently, I am Secretary on the Board of Trustees for VIA Transit Authority in San
Antonio. I am also the President of the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas, which
is a 45 million member organization.
A: In 1995, I was elected to Executive Vice-President of the National AFL-CIO as the first
woman and person of color to hold that position. I was also appointed to President Bill
Clinton’s Race Advisory Board and the Committee on Employment of People with
Disabilities.
A: This is the first time I've sought public office.
A: $591,256
A: Working people who have contributed to labor unions.
A: I've been arrested twice for protesting and speaking out against the abuse of workers
and human rights violations abroad.
Q: What are the greatest financial challenges that lawmakers will face in 2011, and how
would you address them as lieutenant governor?
A: The greatest financial challenge is that we further lose our ability to compete in this
economy for high-paying jobs because we’re failing to invest in education, failing to ensure
students graduate high school, and failing to make a college affordable for regular families.
Texas is growing in minimum wage jobs, not high-paying jobs — a trend that will further
exacerbate our revenue shortfalls and the state’s ability to fund the infrastructure needed
for growth. I would make clear to Texas taxpayers the long term consequences of
continued neglect, and my plan would not only prioritize school funding, but tap the Rainy
Day fund, close tax loopholes, and ensure big business pays its fair share for an educated
workforce.
Q: Is the new business tax performing adequately? What changes need to be made, if
any?
A: No. Ask any school district if the business tax is living up to its promise. The answer is
an obvious “No” which is why Congress had to step in once again to provide emergency
funds to ensure school districts can afford to keep teachers in the classroom. These
emergency funds will help school districts keep up with growth — and maintain class size
limits — but Rick Perry and David Dewhurst complain that they don’t have more freedom
to divert these funds from our schools. Again, I would follow up on the legislature’s review
to close tax loopholes, and end the practices that have allowed big business to avoid
paying its fair share of the margins tax.
Q: What areas of the state budget were not adequately funded in the last legislative
session, and what are the effects today?
A: 1.) Education: Over 50,000 teachers are teaching in subjects for which they are not
certified. 2.) Transportation: Current funding only addresses one-third of our infrastructural
needs, and most of that funding goes away in 2012. 3.) Healthcare: Millions of dollars in
uncompensated care is passed to local property tax payers to foot the bill.
A: The state has gone on an expensive bureaucratic crusade that forces teachers to teach
to the test with the end result being a list of schools that everyone already knows are
struggling. I think our resources would be better put to use attracting veteran teachers to
low-income schools, strengthening mentoring and tutoring programs, and building parental
involvement programs.
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A: The state is under court order to live up to its constitutional obligation to provide an
equal education to every child. There’s little flexibility in how we fund our schools, and
frankly, too many political agendas in the debate. It’s time we move our focus to what
level of quality are we setting as the standard to make “equal.”
Q: What should the state do to reduce the dropout rate?
A: Our first priority should be to fund universal pre-K, which research shows will do more
than anything to increase a child’s chances of success in school. If a child enters the first
grade with reading difficulties, they will likely still be reading below their grade level by the
fourth grade. In addition to pre-K, programs like Communities in School have a proven
track record of keeping at-risk students in school as does Bill White’s initiative in Houston,
Expectation Graduation. Expectation Graduation works because it helps foster
conversations between dropouts and their parents, and lets them know the economic
necessity of completing their education in today’s economy and the programs available to
help them complete their education.
A: The Texas Association of Business has released a report stating Texas needs to graduate
7,700 more college graduates each year over the prior year, for the next 20 years if we’re
to have the workforce we need to successfully compete for high-paying jobs and industries.
That’s the challenge. And it should be our criteria for success. Our first step in meeting that
challenge should be to fully fund Texas Grants.
lieutenant governor?
A: The number one challenge is access. I would first look at fully funding Texas Grants,
then I would look at freezing tuition rates to ensure no more students are being priced out
of a college education. The second challenge is expanding geographical opportunities —
from strengthening new engineering and pharmacy programs in South Texas to expanding
the University of North Texas’ reach in to Dallas.
system?
A: In desperate shape, both financially and physically.
Q: What ways of generating new transportation revenue would you support – taxes, tolls,
A: It’s time to revisit former Comptroller Strayhorn’s proposal for road bonds, which could
lead to economic benefits as well ensure we do not fall further behind. It’s also time to
honestly address the diversions of the gas tax and stop playing a financial shell game of
robbing Peter to pay Paul.
A: Yes. Voters should have the opportunity to decide whether or not they want to invest
more in local transportation projects.
A: We all have a responsibility to ensure Texas’ water future is safe, secure, and plentiful.
We should look at a variety of revenue streams, from taxing new water hook-ups to
placing a fee on bottled water, while also being open to a conservative approach to water
bonds.
Q: What should the Legislature do to address the quality of North Texas’ air?
A: The declining air quality is due mainly to population growth, overreliance on cars, as
well pollution contributed by the Midlothian cement and energy plants. The legislature
could help reverse this trend by requiring all state contracts to purchase “green” cement —
environmentally responsible produced cement. Further, TXDOT should prioritize funding
based on local efforts to both expand and increase usage of public transportation.
A: When a parent has to miss work to care for a child with asthma, it is clear that the
neglect of air quality has both health and economic costs. This is a failure of leadership on
the part of Perry’s administration. Their rhetoric hides the fact that once again costs and
stresses are passed down to Texas families.
pursue?
A: Since deregulation, Texas went from having some of the lowest utility bills in the
country, to some of the highest. Utility companies should be required to justify their rates
and seek prior approval for rate hikes. The Public Utilities Commission, along with the
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Texas Railroad Commission, should have the authority to avoid price spikes by providing
incentives for energy efficiency, reserve margins and cleaner fuels like natural gas.
A: When capital punishment is imposed, Texans must be assured that it is fairly
administered. Inadequacies in our criminal system and frequency of executions increase
the likelihood that an innocent person will be executed. I support the establishment of a
Texas Capital Punishment Commission to study the death penalty system and a
moratorium of executions pending actions on the Commissions findings.
executions?
A: The Governor should have the power to grant clemency in death penalty cases without
a recommendation from the Board of Pardons and Paroles. I believe the Governor should
have more than one 30-day reprieve.
justice system?
A: According to the Corpus Christi Caller Times, there have been 38 DNA exonerations to
date. The Innocence Project says that number is closer to 40 or higher, but will wait until
the Court of Criminal Appeals finally clears their names before adding them to the list.
Most false convictions happen for specific, and many times repetitive, reasons, like
mistaken eyewitnesses, false confessions, even police and prosecutor misconduct. I
support the establishment of a Texas Capital Punishment Commission and would listen to
the advise of experts on needed reforms.
A: It’s time to make the Insurance Commissioner an elected position — accountable to the
people, not to politicians. Further, I would require insurance companies to justify their
rates and seek prior approval before a rate increase is put into effect. Also, issuing
standard policy forms would allow consumers to compare prices between companies
before making a decision.
A: I admire the leadership of Senators Kirk Watson, Leticia Van de Putte, and Royce West
among others.
David Dewhurst
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: David Dewhurst
City/Town: Austin
State: TX
Fax Number: 512-236-9797
E-mail Address: campaign@teamdewhurst.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.daviddewhurst.com
Questions:
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any?
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Herb Gonzales Jr.
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Party: G
Biographical Info:
Name: Herbert Gonzales
Street Address: 8711 Bowens Crossing #7207
City/Town: San Antonio
State: Texas
Questions:
A: Length of residency in Texas: I have lived in Texas for lifetime. I live and work in San
Antonio.
A: . Occupation/main source of income: I am a substitute teacher and do job placement for
contractor.
A: Current civic involvement/accomplishment highlights: None
A: Previous civic involvement/accomplishment highlights: NONE
A: Previous public offices sought/held: I was elected to precinct chair in 1992 in county and
precinct that I resided.
A: How much funding have you raised for your campaign? All funds raised will go to local
Green Party.
A: Who are your top three contributors? None
A: Have you ever been arrested? If so, explain: NO
A: The challenge of ensuring that revenues that are owned by Fortune 500 companies are
paid to this state
any?
A: Any tax is effective if all pay according to their ability and all abilities to game or avoid
tax can be eliminated
A: Texas suffers and its people are poorly served by a health system that is overburdened
by poor policy and inadequate funding. Physical and mental health are the underpinnings of
a civil and progressive society otherwise there is a disparity in the ability or opportunities
for well=being economic and cultural
A: They measure one test and that is all. Teaching is a vocation and profession that is
measured with student performance that is monitored by pre=testing and post-testing and
mastering the ability to analyze with regular and consistent classroom assignments that
promote writing and oral expressions and cooperative learning that emphasizes sharing
knowledge and learning through student to student teaching
A: A system that is financed by revenues from a minimum education tax on all Fortune 500
corporations that profit from the income of Texans.
A: Texas should be implementing and encouraging the development of learning centers for
youth and their families to complete their education. Students who are interested in
immediate job experience not college should be tutored and moved to career programs to
learn skills in the areas, e.g. (of building housing and transportation systems, plumbing,
solar and energy construction and information technology, medical assistant and office
management.)
A: If a measurable increase is seen in the enrollment and graduation rate.
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A: would champion the need for more community colleges and schools of technology as
well as funding the traditional liberal public education available at the UT and TAMU
systems.
system?
A: roadway maintenance issues and this is primarily due to the increasing numbers of
automobiles. Local communities Texas roadways especially the intra state system is well
maintained. It is the urban areas that have need to have more control on spending road
monies.
A: There is a need to decide if Texas will move to transportation that is built to encourage
people to reduce their dependence on the automobile to mass mobility with maximum
energy return. Then we can decide the funding mechanism that will best meet this need.
A: It seems to be sound and reasonable.
A: An immediate study of the estimated water needs for the next 50 years and to look at
protected status of all aquifers in the state with a clear plan that is developed by the best
in irrigation, hydrology and meteorology and demographics with how are were going to
use water for food, energy and human
A: The Legislature should make clear that air quality is a basic function of government that
must be carefully monitored and create processes to improve air quality through laws that
regulate the release of air-borne substances that are harmful to human health and that
have the ability to order any violator to stop and be stripped of its ability to operate in
Texas and to have to pay a restart fine if violator has been out of compliance and is back in
compliance.
A: Texas should have a standard of air quality that is recognized as a model for all states
to achieve. It is the obligation of Texas to do its best to protect the health and air quality of
all people living in this state.
pursue?
A: The cost of electricity in a deregulated environment tends to price increases that
outmarch the ability to expanded, maintain and generate more electrical energy especially
that of states that are as physically large as Texas. Texas and its collective electric
cooperatives and public owned electric utilities make an economic efficiency that is
superior.
A: A commission should be created to review and recommend changes needed in justice
system to include the death penalty.
executions?
A: Governor’s authority should be seen as being used to correct and to seek redress of
legal misrepresentation and miscarriage of justice and should include more than one
reprieve and should allow for more than 30 days but not to exceed 120 days.
justice system?
A: This important tool in conjunction with legal procedures of appeal should be allowed and
available to all persons in death row and those convicted of capital crimes and placed in
death row.
A: QTexas should ensure that Texas have the ability to have homeowner insurance rates
decreased if homeowner gives request for decrease, change, modifications in insurance
related to home improvements, and size of home, rental and/or business and changes in
employment and marriage.
A: I have heard that Mike Villarreal is a hard-worker and meets the definition of public
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servant.
Scott Jameson
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Scott Jameson
Street Address: 2024 Westridge Dr.
City/Town: Plano
State: Texas
Fax Number: 972-633-2081
E-mail Address: scott@scottjameson.org
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.scottjameson.org
Questions:
A: 43 years
A: Realtor and computer consultant
A: There are three primary measures of civic involvement – community participation,
electoral participation, and exercising one’s political voice. For the community, I give to
charities. Electorally, I vote when the polls are open, encourage others to vote, display
campaign materials (not just my own) and make campaign contributions. As a concerned
citizen and a politician, I am an advocate of contacting officials and the media about our
needs and concerns. I am willing to petition for the redress of grievances and champion a
just cause. I am a member of NFIB and a Realtor. I have served with Dallas Realtors on
their political affairs committee.
A: I have written letters to and received lengthy replies from the Texas Attorney General
Office Elections Division about the state’s failure to comply with major provisions of the
Help America Vote Act of 2002. I was a Dallas area ballot access petition coordinator for
the Libertarian Party, and have even helped the Green Party as a Notary Public for their
ballot access petitions. Although I will always be a Libertarian, I believe Texas voters need
choices other than the two legacy parties on Election Day. If Ross Perot decided to
resurrect the Reform Party, I would help him as well.
A: I ran as the Libertarian Party candidate for U.S. Senate against Kay B. Hutchinson. In
our live TV debate she admitted that she would not have voted to support the war in Iraq if
she had read the intelligence reports on her desk. Avoiding information one knows is
relevant to decision-making is intellectual dishonesty. She went on to say that President
Bush called her and told her to vote for the war, and that she followed his order the next
day in the Senate. I am the opposite of KBH. As Lt. Governor, I would read provided
information and seek out information I thought necessary to make optimal public policy
decisions. I have never done “what I am told” by someone pressuring me for their favored
outcome. I do respect KBH for her willingness to accept the invitation of the League of
Women Voters of Texas to participate in a debate, and would encourage David Dewhurst to
accept a debate invitation as well.
A: I want to raise enough campaign money for every voter in Texas to know about my
candidacy before they see my name on the voting screen on Election Day. Ideally, the
electorate would be fully informed about the Texas Libertarian Party platform and our
entire slate of candidates. I wouldn’t be a credible politician if I didn’t ask for campaign
contributions. Please contribute today to my campaign for Lt. Governor. Don’t be
complacent with the status quo Texas political power structure. I encourage you to vote for
Libertarian candidates based on your values, intellect and hopes for the best future for
Texas.
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A: I would like to thank my friends, the Libertarian Party of Texas, and everyone I have
met while campaigning for their spiritual, intellectual, and financial investments in
supporting my candidacy for Lt. Governor of Texas. If elected, the winner will be you, not
my campaign fund.
A: I have a clean record and like Governor Perry, I hold a current CHL.
A: Total state spending has exploded over the past twenty years. Under the proposed
2012-13 budget the state faces a record budget shortfall of $18 billion. Even though the
Texas Constitution requires expenses not exceed revenues (a balanced budget) and there
is a committee determined increase cap based on the health of the Texas economy, this
has not been enough to control runaway taxation and spending by the two legacy parties. I
would recommend to the Texas Senate that they not pass any budget with spending
increases exceeding our population growth and inflation. If implemented, this would mean
cutting $75 billion in spending from the proposed 3012-2013 budget of $182 billion. If we
want to plan for a balanced budget when federal stimulus dollars end we need to eliminate
billions more. Over half of all budget dollars go to just pay state employees to run
programs. To reach these goals, I propose the elimination of Health and Human Services,
state-level handling of public K-12 education tax dollars, and Business and Economic
Development initiatives. We would still have a strong core system of state government,
the same funding for public safety and justice, and provision for enforcement of our
environmental protection laws. Even if such major changes are not politically possible,
prudent budget management and increasing the amount state employees contribute
towards their health insurance costs (currently half of what public sector employees pay)
would allow us to at least cut expenses to match revenues. If he were re-elected, either
scenario would exceed Governor Perry’s promise of not raising taxes and synchronize with
his resistance to federal dollars. It would be even more expeditious in trimming the state’s
budget if Libertarian Kathie Glass is elected as Governor and we could elect Libertarians to
the Texas Legislature.
any?
A: Either due to poor technical accounting drafting of the bill or a veiled intention of the
legislature to randomly raise taxes on small and medium businesses, taxes on many SMBs
have increased 200 to 600%. Hearings have been held, but nothing has been done to
provide relief for the many SMBs crushed by the new tax. The tax rates need to be redone
by the next legislature to be fair to all industries and business sizes.
A: State pension plans are vastly underfunded. The current “Rainy Day” fund should be
converted into to seed money to start saving to meet these obligations. And no pension
funds should be "borrowed" to help balance a budget. The effects of unfunded obligations
today is the typical shift of financial responsibility for resolving this crisis to future
politicians and taxpayers or have the state default.
A: The Texas Accountability Rating System and School FIRST as administered by TEA are
acceptable systems of measuring achievement. However, the use of TPM should be
stopped. At the federal level, NCLB should never have been enacted and the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 should be repealed. Influencing education policy and
providing federal deficit-building funds to state education systems is not a role defined in
the U.S. Constitution. Instead of giving Texas billions of dollars and befuddling directives
for our education system, the federal income tax rate should be lowered for Texans,
thereby allowing us to voluntarily spend more of our incomes on the education
opportunities of our choice.
A: I support the implementation of a Modified Voucher System. When individuals and
corporations contributed to a voucher driven school, that school’s provision of education
tax dollars would be scaled down, possibly even to zero. Public school crowding and capital
expenditure borrowing pressures would be reduced. A MVS would provide optimal
education choices for students and progressively save the state billions. I also support
some property tax relief for home school educators.
A: With a 31% dropout rate my assessment is that many students are not happy with their
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choices. Like any other product provider, the education system must make its best effort to
optimally provide for the needs of the customer. Valuing each student is another reason
why I support a MVS. In addition to encouraging direct financial support, we need to reach
out to organizations to partner with our education system for excellence. A great example
of corporate synergy in reducing the dropout rate is the Coca-Cola Valued Youth Program.
While not endorsing their products, I cannot argue with the 2% dropout rate achieved by
the program. Also, the proven success of magnet schools should be expanded beyond the
major metropolitan centers.
A: The Texas Tomorrow Fund, as created by the Texas Constitution, must not only honor
its current contracts, but continuously make the program available to new participants. It
had no authority to stop accepting new participants, or change its name. The Texas
Constitution is also very clear about the importance of this educational expense planning
fund – if the fund is too low to cover its contract commitments, it must be properly funded
by the legislature as the first financial order of business. As Lt. Governor, I would enforce
the Texas Constitution, and guide the Texas Senate to reopen and stabilize the fund.
However, it does not make sense to deregulate state school tuitions while promising tuition
stability via participation in a state program based on investments in unstable financial
markets. Because the obligations of the fund must be met regardless of increases in
tuition, the state is competing with itself. Breaking this conundrum while complying with
our constitutional mandate must be addressed by the Texas Legislature.
A: I agree with all of the goals set forth for excellence in participation rate, graduation
success rate, national recognition, and research scope and endowment growth as set forth
in The Texas Higher Education Plan “Closing the Gaps” 2015 edition. The goals to reach by
2015 are: increasing higher education enrollment by 500,000, increasing the completion
rate by 50%, increased national recognition of Texas higher education, and increasing
science and engineering research funding by 50%. I support all of the actions
recommended in the plan to reach these goals.
system?
A: I want Texas to have the best roadway system in the nation. We are currently ranked in
the middle. Half of our state transportation budget goes to road maintenance and half goes
towards new road projects. Counties should be empowered to focus on maintenance with
the state focused on new roads. With the dramatic population growth projections, the
expansion of industry, and the volume of freight traffic it is important to improve and
expand our state roadway system. The TTC was almost a good idea. However, the physical
width of the corridor, the cost of the corridor, eminent domain concerns and the billions in
toll profits that would have gone to the Cintra-Zachry partnership all raised enough public
concern for TxDOT to finally back down on the original plan. I would like to see TxDOT’s
revised proposals to improve our infrastructure by separating freight carriers from
passenger traffic, with the new freight paths following existing right-of-ways as best as
possible. I would prefer that the contractors chosen for any state road projects be Texas
corporations and clear of any possible conflict-of-interest equity investors.
A: Public-Private Partnerships are important in meeting the state’s highway infrastructure
needs. We would not be able to expand and improve quickly enough to meet our needs
using only publicly funded projects. However, we need to use proper revenue sharing
models to limit windfall profits by the private partners and minimize the cost to the public.
Also, as a Realtor, I am informed about the controversial expanded use of imminent
domain, and I oppose the expansion of its traditional uses. Private property rights
combined with good environmental laws must be preeminent. Finally, Texas is a
technology leader and we need to encourage building the infrastructure for hybrid and fuel
cell vehicles.
A: Yes, counties should be allowed to call elections to vote on road maintenance plans. The
current state average of roads in good repair is 85.9% and is trending down. Counties
should be primarily responsible for maintenance of non-toll roads. Knowledgeable county
engineers and county officials can focus on specific maintenance needs quicker than state
level planners. They also have more direct accountability to the public.
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A: The population of Texas is projected to double by 2030 to 2040, so it is critical that we

address our future water needs now. Unfortunately, with the engineering requirements and
current legal issues, the creation of a new reservoir in Texas can take twenty years.
Reservoirs are constructed on prime farm lands where water naturally accumulates. Many
of these lands have been owned by family trees for generations. So in addition to the pure
market value of the land, there is emotional value as well. We could cut ten years off
reservoir creation time and save a fortune in legal expenses and construction delays by
offering land owners a significant premium over the buyout price as it is currently
calculated. There are already accepted Real Estate appraisal models that would take into
account both the highest and best use and more intangible factors like pride of ownership.
I propose we switch to using one of these pricing models in the public interest. I think the
newly created water regions have each done an excellent job in preparing their plans since
the passage of Senate Bill One, and I look forward to helping streamline the processes
needed to help them fully implement these plans region by region.
A: The funding and operations of the TCEQ have been slashed. To protect our land, air and
water, this must be corrected immediately by the 2011 Legislature.
A: I support the EPA clamping down on the mercury and particulate matter emissions of
cement plants. This will help protect both our air and our water. The capital investments
required to meet these standards are opportunities to stimulate the economy, create more
green jobs and technology, and rehabilitate our energy production infrastructure. It is time
to leave the courtrooms and get the job of complying with federal and state standards into
the boardrooms and manufacturing floors of Texas.
pursue?
A: On the retail side, we have attempted to commoditize the electricity market with some
degree of success. However, we still need further consumer protections in the retail
market. The installation of digital meters should be a consumer option, not an industry
mandate. You don’t need 100% participation of a population to measure and predict its
usage patterns. The industry position that they need everyone to have a digital meter for
grid stability and load planning is not accurate. Under the production system proposed by
Enron and others, and approved by Governor Bush, we converted electricity production
from a monopoly into a cartel. Currently, wholesale prices are set by the production plants
with the lowest efficiencies, and the windfall profits going to the industry instead of
benefitting the consumer. A weighted average approach would be better, and still provide
energy investors with a superior ROI. Also, we have lost a level of stability and redundancy
in the Texas power grid by foregoing government-assisted planning of the location and
capacity in the construction of new plants. Just like the water districts created by the
passage of Senate Bill One, we need to have new regional plans for meeting electricity
production requirements.
A: Every death row inmate should be granted an automatic review by the Texas Board of
Pardons and Paroles. Currently, only 10% of the capital punishment cases are reviewed by
the TBPP. If a death row inmate meets the requirements for a public defender, one should
be provided to them at the expense of the county where they were convicted.
executions?
A: As an integral part of the check system on the death penalty, the Governor of Texas, in
consultation with the findings of the TBPP, should have unlimited authority in granting
reprieves. I seriously doubt any Governor of Texas would abuse this authority to
circumvent justice against truly guilty death row inmates. The next governor should take
some political risk by addressing the overcrowding of Texas prisons caused by a major
increase in sentencing terms for minor convictions. This is not just to comply with federal
mandates against cruel and unusual punishment, but to provide financial relief to the State
and the families of minor conviction inmates. The tough on crime platform of many
politicians against relatively minor offenders must be tempered with the realities of limited
resources, requirements for humanitarian treatment and traditionally sensible terms of
incarceration.
justice system?
A: DNA exoneration cases do highlight a justice system that needs several major
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improvements. Any available DNA test results should be made available to the TBPP when
they review a felony or capital punishment case. The TBPP documents and review process
and recommendations should be transparent to the public. All of these improvements will
require new laws, because the TBPP is not currently required to review DNA evidence, and
its members do not appear willing let their process be transparent despite their current
ability to do so.
A: Unfortunately, millions of Texans may soon see even higher insurance rates. Several
insurance companies, like USAA, are asking to be allowed to use your credit score as a
factor in determining your homeowner’s insurance policy premiums. Even without a
recession and foreclosures, I think it is a bad idea to kick people economically when they
are already down. Also, the industry has not presented any reports to show that there is a
statistically significant underwriting correlation between having a lower credit score and
making more and/or higher insurance claims. Also, to lower the rates, it is important that
Texas voters elect judges to the Texas Supreme Court that are not owned by the insurance
industry.
A: Robert Miklos and Joe Straus.
Attorney General
Description:
Greg Abbott
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Greg Abbott
City/Town: Austin
State: Texas
Fax Number: (512)477-0774
E-mail Address: greg@gregabbott.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.gregabbott.com
Questions:
A: I have lived in Texas my entire life except from 1982-1984 when I was in law school.
The total length of my residency in Texas is 50 years.
A: Attorney General of Texas
A: State Leader of the Year Award, National Child Support Enforcement Association;
Commitment to Children Award, Center for Child Protection; Outstanding Crime
Prevention Program, Central Texas Crime Prevention Association; Outstanding Program
Award, National Child Support Enforcement Association; Inspector General's State Fraud
Award, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services; Champion for Fragile Families
Award, Texas Fragile Families Initiative; Courage of Conviction Award, Texas Association
Against Sexual Assault; Lone Star Champion for Kids Award, Texas CASA; Cybercrime
Fighter Award, McAfee; Texas Guardian of the Family Award, Vision America; Best
Consumer Outreach Award, Conference of Western Attorneys General; Leadership in
Statewide Awareness, Texas Council on Family Violence; Mike Merkel Law Enforcement
Award, Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse; Texas Super Lawyer (‘04, ‘06, ’07, ‘08, ‘09),
Texas Super Lawyers; Advocacy Angel Award, Ms. Wheelchair Texas Foundation;
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Administration for Children and Families Regional Administrator's Leadership Award, U.S.
Department of Health & Human Services; Western Interstate Child Support Enforcement
Council; James Madison Award, Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas; Jane Doe
Award, Genesis Women's Shelter; Best Brief Award (‘04, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’08, ’09, ‘10),
National Association of Attorneys General
A: Trial Judge of the Year, Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists; Jurist of
the Year, Texas Review of Law & Politics and Appellate Specialists; Appellate Judge of the
Year, Texas Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates; Big Brothers Big Sisters of
Texas, Honorary State Chairman, 2004; Governor's Committee to Promote Adoption;
Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research Foundation; Central Texas Chapter of
Goodwill Industries
A: State District Judge, Harris County, 1992, Elected; Justice, Supreme Court of Texas,
1995, Appointed; Justice, Supreme Court of Texas, 1996, Elected; Justice, Supreme Court
of Texas, 1998, Reelected; Attorney General of Texas, 2002, Elected; Attorney General of
Texas, 2006, Reelected
A: I have raised $8,096,362.45 since January 1, 2007.
A: Kenny Troutt, Harold Simmons, Bob Perry.
A: No
Q: Why are you running for this office?
A: People deserve a government that responds to them, not one that dictates to them. I
will fight back against unprecedented dictates by the federal government that threaten the
liberty of every Texas family. Whether it be Obamcare, which requires that every Texan
purchase health insurance or face a fine -- and will cost Texas taxpayers billions of dollars,
the federal drilling moratorium that threatens thousands of Texan jobs, or the federal
government’s failure to secure the border – now, more than ever, Texans need a proven
and effective leader who will take the fight to Washington, D.C. in defense of Texans’
liberty, jobs, and economy.
Q: How does your legal experience distinguish you from other candidates seeking this
office and uniquely qualify you to serve as Attorney General?
A: As a former Texas Supreme Court Justice and State District Judge, I had legal
experience that uniquely prepared me to serve as the State’s chief legal officer. As
Attorney General, I personally and successfully defended the Ten Commandments
monument before the United States Supreme Court. I have also personally appeared in
courthouses across the State to obtain indictments and convictions against criminals
ranging from capital murderers to child sexual predators, and have led the legal fight
against federal government overreaches that threaten our constitutionally protected rights
as American citizens. Additionally, I created a Cyber Crimes Unit to track down Internet
predators and a Fugitive Unit to arrest sex offenders. All together, those units have
arrested more than 2,000 criminals. I have also cracked down on waste, fraud, and abuse
in government by uncovering almost a billion dollars worth of Medicaid fraud. And, I
elevated Texas’ child support program to number one in the nation by collecting over $17
billion in child support for Texas children.
Q: For better or worse, the AG is determined by partisan election. Please discuss the
reason you chose your current party, with some specific examples of party philosophy that
led to that decision and how that would affect the way you do your job.
A: I am a Republican because I believe in limited government and separation of powers as
outlined by our founding fathers. As Attorney General, it is my job to enforce the
constitution and laws of our state, regardless of political persuasion.
Q: What does the AG’s office need most and how would you assure that it gets what it
needs. Are there other service reforms, if any, do you favor and how will you push them if
elected?
A: The Attorney General’s Office, and the people of Texas, need the federal government to
stop passing laws and regulations that violate the Constitution, trample our liberty, and
threaten Texas jobs. If reelected, I will continue to lead the legal fight against improper
federal government expansion like Obamacare, the federal drilling moratorium, and illegal
attempts by the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate Texas businesses.
Q: The Texas Attorney General appealed a Dallas County family court judge’s ruling that a
gay couple be granted a legal divorce in Texas even though the state doesn’t recognize
gay marriages. Was an appeal the proper procedure, or should the AG have stayed out of
this issue?
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A: I intervened in this case because legally it was the correct thing to do. As Attorney
General, it is my job to protect and defend the laws and Constitution of the State of Texas.
In 2005, 76 percent of Texans voted to amend the Texas Constitution and defined marriage
as a “union between one man and one woman.” Under the federal Defense of Marriage Act
that was signed by President Bill Clinton, each state is free to enact its own definition of
marriage and is not required to recognize out-of-state relationships that are inconsistent
with a state’s own marriage laws. In Texas, divorce is the legal mechanism for dissolving a
legally recognized marriage, so Texas courts cannot grant divorces unless a marriage is
legally valid under Texas law. The legal way to dissolve same-sex relationships from other
states is voidance, not divorce. In the Dallas case, the parties chose not to pursue
voidance but instead they illegally asked the court for a divorce. If the parties had properly
sought a voidance order, it would not have been necessary for the Attorney General’s
Office to get involved in an otherwise private matter. However, because the parties sought
a divorce — and because the court claimed the Texas Constitution’s definition of marriage
violated the U.S. Constitution — my duty as Attorney General was to defend the Texas
Constitution by appealing the judge’s misguided decision.
Q: Should the AG’s office take a more aggressive role in monitoring trade practices and
competition in the state’s energy markets?
A: Yes, the Attorney General’s Office should take a more aggressive role in monitoring
trade practices and competition in Texas’ energy markets. Doing so, however, is made
more difficult by the current Texas legal structure. Under Texas law, the agency charged
with overseeing and regulating energy providers is the Public Utility Commission
(PUC)—not the Attorney General’s Office. A separate but related independent state agency
called the Office of Public Utility Counsel (OPUC) is statutorily charged with representing
Texas consumers’ interests in rate cases and other regulatory matters before the PUC. As
the regulatory agency responsible for energy company oversight, the PUC has the
authority to establish rules that govern trade practices, enact regulations that protect
Texas consumers, respond to consumer complaints, investigate market manipulation
allegations, and order electricity retailers to make consumers whole when retailers charge
rates that customers did not agree to pay. A report issued this summer by the Sunset
Advisory Commission of Texas recommended that the Legislature further expand the PUC’s
authority to order consumer restitution and impose administrative fees. But notably those
recommendations were directed at the PUC, not the Attorney General’s Office. In fact, the
same July 2010 report explained that the Legislature has previously considered increasing
the Attorney General’s involvement in the oversight of electricity markets—but legislators
declined to do so.
Q: Some experts and lawmakers have suggested that the AG’s office prosecute or review
before trial all death penalty cases. Do you support or oppose this idea? Please explain
your reasoning.
A: Under current law, prosecutors with the Attorney General’s Office can only prosecute a
homicide if the local district attorney agrees to grant the State authority to do so. Texas
law authorizes the death penalty only after a jury of the defendant’s peers has
unanimously rendered a guilty verdict and has also unanimously determined that capital
punishment should be assessed based upon evidence presented during the trial. After their
trial, conviction, and sentencing, criminal defendants have access to multiple avenues of
appeal, including direct appeals through the state court system—which are ultimately
reviewable by the U.S. Supreme Court—state court habeas corpus appeals, federal court
habeas corpus appeals, and the state Board of Pardons and Paroles. Thus, a combination of
state and federal laws already provide multiple avenues for defendants to have their
convictions and sentences reviewed by state and federal courts. Whether to expand the
Attorney General’s criminal jurisdiction and require that the Attorney General’s Office
prosecute capital cases is a question for the Texas Legislature. However, if legislators were
to ask that the Attorney General’s Office take responsibility for those cases, I would work
to fulfill the Legislature’s request.
Q: Should the AG’s office take a more aggressive role in policing public pension funds?
A: I have already taken an aggressive role in policing public pension funds within the
limited jurisdiction available to the Attorney General’s office. I have repeatedly called for
increased reporting requirements and penalties for pensions that fail to report their
financial information and called for conflict of interest disclosure filings and revolving door
policies for investment managers and board members. The 2.3 million active and retired
public pension plan members across the state of Texas face an unfunded pension liability
that is growing at a rate we cannot afford to ignore. We owe it to Texas taxpayers, current
and future retirees, and our children and grandchildren, to hold public pension funds
accountable. Unfortunately, the Attorney General’s authority is limited when it comes to
investigating public pension plans, but I have asked the Legislature for more enforcement
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authority and taken steps to raise public awareness about the serious problems associated
with public pension funds. My website provides pension plan information to the public,
including total unfunded liability data, statistics showing unfunded liability per plan
member, and each public pension plan’s amortization period.
Q: Do you favor any changes to the Open Meetings and Public Records laws? Please be
specific.
A: People have a right to know what their government is doing -- and this is not possible
without robust public information laws. No action should be taken to limit public access to
detailed government information, and no changes should be made to limit or weaken the
Public Information Act or the Open Meetings Act. As Attorney General, I have
aggressively enforced the Public Information and Open Meetings Acts, including obtaining
the first known criminal conviction of a public official under the Public Information Act; the
first criminal indictment of a public official under the Open Meetings Act by a Texas
Attorney General, and ruling that the Governor’s budget papers, Trans-Texas Corridor
contract information, and emails containing official business sent from private email
accounts are all public information.
Q: What do you believe should be the AG's role in asserting states' rights regarding
immigration enforcement?
A: State Attorneys General must take a leading role in asserting states’ rights against the
federal government. In the last year alone, I have taken a leading role in defending states’
rights against the federal health care takeover, federal drilling moratorium, the
Environmental Protection Agency’s unilateral attempt to apply burdensome regulations to
Texas businesses, and the federal government’s position that states lack the authority to
protect their citizens by enforcing federal immigration laws. The federal government is
responsible for securing our borders, but it has failed to get the job done, and, as a result,
Texas families are at risk. Quite remarkably, when Arizona responded by empowering
state law enforcement officials to act in the face of federal inaction, the U.S. Department of
Justice filed a lawsuit that effectively challenges all states’ authority. As Attorney General, I
filed a brief in support of Arizona to preserve Texas’ ability to pass legislation to protect
Texans from the drug and gang violence that is piercing our border. Because the federal
government has failed to secure the border, it is clear that Texas’ authority to protect its
citizens needed to be defended in court.
Q: The Environmental Protection Agency says that one of Texas' air permitting programs
falls short of federal standards. How should the state respond to the EPA's call for more
A: Texas must do everything it can to reduce pollution and protect the health and safety of
Texas families --and we are doing just that. Emissions data cited by the Governor’s Office
indicates that the Texas clean air program achieved a 22 percent reduction in ozone and a
46 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide, which outpaces the eight percent and 27 percent
reductions that were recorded nationally. One way Texas was able to do this was through
its Flexible Permit Program. Texas’ Flexible Permit Program was established under
Governor Ann Richards in 1994 in an effort to incentivize grandfathered operations to
voluntarily enter into the State’s air permitting and environmental regulation program.
Facilities that were exempted because of their grandfathered status agreed to submit to
state regulation because the program offered them operational flexibility. In exchange for
emissions regulations, participants were authorized to allocate emissions on a facility-wide
basis rather than by source point. The end result was a program that gave facilities greater
flexibility and control but that reduced emissions and complied with all state health
standards, as well as all applicable federal Clean Air Act requirements. The EPA’s attempt
to take over Texas’ successful clean air program not only violates the law, but threatens
thousands of Texas jobs. I filed a legal challenge noting that the federal government’s
actions against the State violated Section 101 of the Clean Air Act, which provides that air
pollution prevention “is the primary responsibility of the States and local governments.” I
will continue to battle the EPA, enforce the law, and protect Texas jobs and the
environment.
Q: How aggressively should the AG's office seek to intervene in county-level law
enforcement issues?
A: As Attorney General, I work cooperatively with county and local law enforcement to
protect Texas citizens. The Attorney General’s office frequently assists local law
enforcement when local authorities need additional resources to investigate or prosecute
crime. For example, we have worked with local law enforcement to investigate and
prosecute capital murder, sexual assault of a child, robbery, corruption, child pornography,
and fraud. The Attorney General’s criminal division will continue to serve as a willing ally
with local law enforcement across Texas to hold accountable those who violate the law and
prey on innocent victims.
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A: With the federal government reaching into our lives more than any other time in
modern history, Texans have a choice between a proven defender of individual liberty and
states’ rights, and my opponent, who openly supports the expansion of the federal
government at the expense of states and individuals. I have a proven record of standing
up against the federal government and liberal activists by challenging Obamacare, which
will cost Texans billions of dollars, challenging the federal drilling moratorium, which
threatens thousands of Texas jobs, fighting the EPA’s attempt to regulate Texas air and
businesses--another job-killing federal expansion--successfully defending the Ten
Commandments monument before the United States Supreme Court, and defending the
Texas Constitution’s definition of traditional marriage. My opponent calls these actions
“meritless” and a waste of time. Additionally, I elevated the Attorney General’s child
support program to number one in the nation by collecting over $17 billion in child support
for Texas children; I have arrested and prosecuted more criminals than any attorney
general in Texas history--including child sex offenders, child pornographers, murderers,
thieves, human traffickers, and scam artists. I have protected Texas taxpayers by
uncovering almost $1 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs, secured
the largest ever penalty for violating state clean air laws, and I have prosecuted corruption
in government – by officials from both political parties. My record as Attorney General
proves that I have and will continue to protect the rights of all Texans, enforce the law, and
use every tool at my disposal to keep the federal government out of the lives of Texas
families and keep you safe.
Barbara Ann Radnofsky
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Barbara Ann Radnofsky
City/Town: Houston
State: Texas
Date of Birth: July 8, 1956
Fax Number: 713-357-3361
E-mail Address: barbaraann@radnofsky.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.BarbaraAnn2010.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/dH2owY4IxGs&hl=en
Questions:
A: 46years
A: Mediator/Attorney
A: FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association Board of Directors University of Houston
Forensics Society Advisory Board Board Member, Classical Theater Company of Houston
A: Graduate, FBI Citizens’ Academy (Spring 2008). Protect the Ballot Lawyer, serving in
West Virginia, Puerto Rico (2008), and Texas, Arkansas (2004). Inductee, University of
Houston Forensics Society Hall of Fame. Recipient, Texas State Tejano Democrats Moral
Courage Award (2005). Board Member, Houston Chapter, National Association of Urban
Debate Leagues (2008 - 2009). Board Member, Southwest Regional Board,
Anti-Defamation League (May 2001 - 2008). Previously served as Vice-Chairman.
Secretary and Board Member, Friends of World Foundation Medical Research and
Prevention (May 2001 - 2008). Faculty, Prejudice Awareness Summit, Houston, TX
(November 13, 1995). Faculty, Houston Bar Association Peer Mediation in the Schools
Project, teaching mediation to Spring Forest Middle School students (1994) and to Spring
Branch Middle School Students (1995 – 2004, 2006, 2008) and to Monarch School private
students (2002-2006). Member, Board of Directors, Friends of the Texas Medical Center
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Library (January, 1994 - 2005).

A: Democratic nominee U.S. Senate (Texas, 2006)
A: We’ve raised almost $900,000 with many “BAR raisers” working to help raise more.
A: Provost Umphrey Law Firm LLP Michael Rudelson Maconda O’Connor
A: No
A: We need statewide leaders to fight for the needs of Texas and Texans. The State's top
ten investment funds' losses totaled $35 billion, from 2007-09. And, even though the
Teacher Pension Fund claimed they "erased most of the decline" in first quarter of 2010,
that loss alone was still more than $14 billion, measured from 2007 to 1st quarter 2010.
Such losses, the physical impact to children, the elderly and to all vulnerable citizens, our
$18 billion Texas deficit, individual and business economic losses, massive agency cutbacks
and unemployment are legacies of Wall Street misconduct putting Texas and the rest of the
country into the Great Recession. As Attorney General, I'll fight fraud and crime whether
committed with a computer or a tire iron. * I'll demand the office never turn its back on
concrete evidence of crime. * I'll prosecute the price gougers profiteering at the expense
of every Texas consumer. * I'll fight to get our money back from Wall Street. * I'll
declare the margin income tax unconstitutional. Please visit my website
www.BarbaraAnn2010.com for more information.
A: Devotion to justice is part of my life as a daughter, wife, mother, teacher, and 30 year
lawyer. I’ve represented people and businesses of many kinds. My Dad was a great man: a
tailor, a NASA worker, a World War II Army Air Force navigator, and an escaped Prisoner of
War. My mom, too poor to go to college, is the smartest person I’ve ever known. She
made sure I went to the University of Houston with a scholarship and work-study grant.
She lives with us now, bravely fighting Alzheimer’s. In 2006, I left Vinson & Elkins to
become the first woman in history to serve as the Texas Democratic U.S. Senate nominee.
Outstanding Young Lawyer of Texas in 1988, I’ve been listed for the past 17 years in “Best
Lawyers in America". While at Vinson & Elkins, I petitioned the Consumer Product Safety
Commission to prohibit defective barbecue lighters with estimated annual savings of
millions of dollars and hundreds of lives. Texans need an Attorney General who will fight to
protect all Texans and not to protect self- interests. Please visit my website
www.BarbaraAnn2010.com for more information.
A: The Democratic Party best represents my philosophy, and the issues covered here and
on the website (www.BarbaraAnn2010.com). Importantly, the AG’s office must rise above
policies and my stances cross party lines. I believe business, individuals and our economy
face trouble, and see a positive role for government to fight profiteers and unfairness as
well as respect and protect individuals. The AG must obey constitutional limits. The AG has
no constitutional right to assert your and my individual liberty rights; it is wrong to claim
such power. These rights are ours, not the State’s to assert.
elected?
A: The AG’s office needs and deserves leadership from the top, respect for the career
employees, and the training and resources to serve the public. The technology, including
the child support calculation system, must be updated to properly administer the law and
serve the people of Texas. The office of the Attorney General should: * Take on insurance
and electric utility companies and protect seniors and consumers from profiteers. *
Declare the margin tax unconstitutional and help businesses create new Texas jobs. *
Declare war on Internet child predators. * Reform Attorney General’s Child Support
Division.
this issue?
A: The Attorney General shouldn’t intervene in the non-violent, orderly wind-down of a
relationship. He should leave divorce orders to the proper court decision making, and get
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back to work on the real problems facing our State. Orderly divorce and family law allows
the peaceful separation of the two disputants, property disposition, payment of taxes and
debt, alimony, child support and custody. That's the way civilized society is supposed to
function. Ignoring or voiding an out of state marriage, suggested by the AG, is not a
solution to these many issues and the need for courts to supervise peaceful, orderly
solutions.
A: Yes. Unchecked profiteering has led to sky high rates. The Attorney General has
massive power to protect the State and Texas consumers. The Attorney General can attack
profiteering and anti-competitive practices. The Attorney General has failed to protect the
elderly and people on a family budget, just as we all face skyrocketing electric rates. We
suffer from sky high electricity rates / increases. Solution: •Attack collusion and the
bypass of market domination rules. •Enforce rules limiting industry lobbying on agency
decision makers. •Educate customers how to shop for fair retail pricing, how to catch and
report unfair, anticompetitive practices like “bait and switch”. •Require PUC review of
postings on its own website. •Prosecute anticompetitive profiteering, deceptive trade
practices including scrutiny of terms of service agreements and advertising. •Enforce roles
of Texas Consumer Protection Division and major customers in PUC enforcement, which is
notoriously lax. •Recognize rights of cities, counties, and other entities to bargain for
lower prices on behalf of residents.
your reasoning.
A: The Attorney General must always be prepared to assist, on request in the trial of any
death penalty case, but should not intervene in every case. We have competent career
prosecutors throughout Texas. Importantly, the State must enter the 21st century on
evidence rules, including the recommendations of the Tim Cole Commission.
A: Absolutely. The State's top ten investment funds' losses totaled $35 billion, from
2007-09. And, even though the Teacher Pension Fund claimed they "erased most of the
decline" in first quarter of 2010, that loss alone was still more than $14 billion, measured
from 2007 to 2010, 1st quarter. Such losses, the physical impact to children, the elderly
and to all vulnerable citizens, our $18 billion Texas deficit, individual and business
economic losses, massive agency cutbacks and unemployment are legacies of Wall Street
misconduct putting Texas and the rest of the country into the Great Recession.
specific.
A: I oppose recent efforts to reduce transparency in government. Texas law and policy
provide that each person is entitled at all times, unless otherwise expressly provided by
law, to complete information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public
officials and employees. The Open Meetings Act, passed in 1967 and strengthened in 1973,
should remain in its entirety, including the penalties necessary for compliance
enforcement. We can adapt to modern communications and technology without a reversion
to shutting out the public and thwarting the will of the People of Texas, clearly expressed
through the legislature. Open Records requests must be treated in a non-partisan manner
with transparency, fairness and legal scholarship, understanding the presumption for
disclosure. Leadership at the top can remove partisan, political influences from office
leadership, stop poaching of key matters from the hands of career people, require written
policies, procedures and training (inside and outside the office), and allow the career
lawyers to apply the presumption fairly. Recently, the Texas AG conceded that it has not
tracked or kept status on how often it issues similar rulings on withholding data, and
should be educating requesting entities as to the basics of the law. The AG should make
sure governing entities are reminded of rulings they’ve already received. To prevent the
abuses and endless requests for "clarification", the AG should implement education
programs and tracking of requests and responses by agencies for clarification. This will
discourage unneeded or unknowledgeable requests for clarification and delaying tactics.
Between 2003 and 2009, agency referrals of requests for information to the Attorney
General increased 40.5 percent, while total number of requests those agencies received
dropped by 84.5 percent. This is a waste of tax payers’ dollars: governing bodies seeking
to withhold information already open. I oppose the current Attorney General opinion
against disclosure of school district use of force policies, allowing view of policies or
numbers only when voluntarily provided, as several school districts have done. The Austin
ISD Police Chief explained that maintenance of data was a “best practice” according to the
Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation. His department rewrote their manual, per
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recommendations, so that publication would result in no security threat. • The public has
a right to know what schools authorize tasers, pepper spray and other force against
minors, what rules govern and what training is required. • Disclosure promotes self
examination, better record keeping and outside experts' ability to evaluate the
effectiveness and safety of the policies and practices.
A: The federal judge properly ruled in the case of the Arizona immigration law which
violates the U.S. Constitution. The Arizona law, defended by the Texas Attorney General,
exceeds state authority and permits unconstitutional racial profiling affecting all our rights.
Texas has not received a fair share of federal funding and assistance for enforcement and
security including port security, counter-terrorism, drug interdiction and fighting human
trafficking. Texas taxpayers should not bear the unfair burden for immigration enforcement
and border security, a federal responsibility. The Attorney General should not waste our
precious tax dollars defending Arizona’s unconstitutional legal provisions, but rather fight
for the economic and physical well being of Texas.
A: The State should work towards compliance instead of filing resource-wasting lawsuits
against cleaner air. The AG should comply with the EPA and national pollution laws. The
Texas Attorney General should fight for funding for pollution remediation. An example of
AG failure was the ASARCO national litigation. State Senator Elliot Shapleigh specifically
asked the Attorney General to renegotiate on April 7, 2009, since the $52 million was
inadequate to cover $250 million minimum of cleanup including an arsenic plume in
groundwater of 233 million cubic feet, following a century of ASARCO deposited lead and
arsenic along the Rio Grande. State Sen. Shapleigh gave specific notice of vast
inadequacies in the settlement negotiated by the Bush Administration, for which the Texas
Attorney General takes credit as a "success" in certain of his pleadings criticizing the EPA.
enforcement issues?
A: The AG should stand ready to assist, and increase availability of assistance but not
intervene absent authority to do so. Any intervention should be scrupulously non-political.
The AG should not ignore concrete, first-hand evidence of crime brought directly by law
enforcement particularly when accompanied by evidence of malfeasance. When a Texas
Ranger brought affidavit evidence of sex abuse and crimes at the Texas Youth Commission
to the Attorney General, the AG should have taken reasonable steps to ensure a proper
investigation, including contacts with federal officials if Texas officials were unwilling to act.
Interference for political or headline grabbing purposes in ongoing investigations,
reasonably conducted, should not be tolerated. AG John Hill pursuing corruption in public
offices is a good model to follow.
A: After seven years, the State faces serious problems, some identified here and more on
the website at www.BarbaraAnn2010.com, dedicated to issues. Our current statewide
leaders aren’t fighting for us; they’re fighting for themselves. As Attorney General I will:
•Fight to get our billions lost to Wall Street fraud, unlike my opponent who has taken more
than $2 million from Wall Street interests. •Take on insurance and electric utility
companies and protect seniors and consumers from profiteers. •Declare the margin tax
unconstitutional and help businesses create new Texas jobs. •Declare war on Internet
child predators. •Reform the Attorney General’s Child Support Division. •Enforce rules
limiting lobbying on decision makers. •Increase availability of assistance to local District
Attorneys for direct criminal appeals and in habeas corpus proceedings. •Demand that the
office of the Attorney General no longer turn its back on credible law enforcement evidence
of abuse of the most vulnerable in our society. •Observe and enforce laws of equal
opportunity, protection and anti-discrimination, including hate crime legislation, with
accurate record keeping, law enforcement training, and analysis of the data generated;
and disability rights laws.
Jon Roland
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Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Jon Roland
Street Address: Office: 2900 W Anderson Ln C-200-322
City/Town: Austin
State: Texas
Fax Number: None
E-mail Address: jon@jonroland.org
Campaign Web Site Address: http://jonroland.org
Questions:
A: Since 1949, with periods away for college, military service, and work. Mostly in Texas
since 2001.
A: Before being laid off, was senior computer software developer with Home Depot.
A: Director of Constitution Society http://constitution.org Author of many articles, blogs.
Currently working on several books. Libertarian candidate for Attorney General in 2002,
2006, 2010. Active in efforts to reform public education through State Board of Education.
Re-founded Lancasterian Society to promote the Lancasterian method of education.
Frequent public lectures. Organize local pressure groups on many issues.
A: Most previous activity continues. Some highlights: http://constitution.org/reform/us/tx
/textbook/textbook.htm http://constitution.org/reform/us/tx/textbook/teks.htm
http://constitution.org/lanc/monitorial.htm http://vimeo.com/user2420029/albums
http://www.youtube.com/user/JonRoland1787 http://constitution.org/reform/us/tx
/redistrict/cnpr.htm http://constitutionalism.blogspot.com/2010/06/mcdonald-v-city-
of-chicago.html
A: U.S. Congress, in Democratic Primary, 1974. Texas Attorney General, 2002 and 2006.
A: None. I ask everyone to make independent expenditures and not tell me about it. I
regard all campaign finance statutes as unconstitutional, so prefer to avoid confrontation
on that by not accepting donations.
A: I am the only contributor I know about.
A: Traffic violations.
A: To arouse public attention to public corruption and needed reforms.
A: As a legal historian I have become a recognized expert on constitutional history, law,
and government. I have appeared in court as an intervenor to defend the Constitution
when other parties were not. I have been a signatory on amicus briefs to which I
contributed some of the writing. I have had several law review articles published. For my
CV see http://constitution.org/jr_cv.htm
A: The Libertarian Party is most congenial to strict compliance with constitutions, and free
of undue influence by moneyed interests or public corruption.
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elected?
A: It needs to open grand juries to complaints from private citizens about public
corruption, and see to it that meritorious complaints are prosecuted, if necessary, by
private prosecutors where the public prosecutors may have a conflict of interest. As AG I
would seek to have the Texas Rangers moved from DPS to the Office of the Attorney
General, and freed to investigate public corruption, even in the Office of the Attorney
General.
this issue?
A: He should have stayed out. His position reflects a failure to understand the legal issues.
A: Yes, with a view to preventing disasters and injustices before they occur. That is where
grand juries could be usefully applied.
your reasoning.
A: Not just death penalty cases. We need to watch out for signs of prosecutorial and
judicial misconduct generally. Can't make it a rule to monitor all cases. The OAG doesn't
have the resources to do that. But a situation like that in Tulia should have been spotted.
A: Yes. Again that is where grand juries could be usefully applied.
specific.
A: No, other than that they should be video recorded and presented online in a timely
manner.
A: He must enforce Texas statutes on the subject. A focus would need to be on Texas
government employment and contracting. Statutes against employment of illegals by
private parties might address a need, but they are generally unconstitutional. The main
focus, however, needs to be on the national security problem. Foreign criminals are
seeking to gain control over U.S. territory and people, especially along the border, along
transshipment corridors, and in our inner cities. See http://obitur-dictum.blogspot.com
/2010_08_01_archive.html
A: By challenging its constitutionality, since the Constitution delegates no such authority. I
would also encourage the establishment of a Nullification Commission to lead statewide
civil disobedience of unconstitutional federal actions. See http://constitution.org/reform
/us/tx/nullification/nullcomm.htm
enforcement issues?
A: Wherever evidence is found of official misconduct that is not being remedied at that
level. I would encourage local citizens to complain, and open grand juries to them to do
so. There is also a problem with corruption of family courts by federal funding. There are
too many parental rights terminations, juvenile detentions, and protective order cases that
seem driven by federal money rather than by merit. Child support enforcement should be
moved to the local level with only general supervision by the OAG.
A: My incumbent opponent has not been a crusader for needed reforms or prosecution of
official misconduct, and my Democratic opponent seems oblivious to the problem of public
corruption. She seems more bent on "suing Wall Street", which does not have a judicial
solution.
State Comptroller
Description:
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Susan Combs
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Susan Combs
City/Town: Austin
State: TX
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 512/327-3345
Fax Number: 512/328-2194
E-mail Address: susan@susancombs.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.susancombs.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/tZ_N3gAT04M&hl=en
Questions:
A: Born and raised in Texas – left to work in New York for six years – other than that, have
lived all my life in Texas.
A: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
A: Earlier this year I was awarded the Texas Travel Industries Association’s Silver Spur
award and the Bob Bullock Award for Outstanding Public Stewardship. In 2009, I was
awarded Government Technology’s Top 25 “Doers, Dreamers and Drivers” and was named
the “Champion for Small Business” by the National Coalition for Capital for my leadership
role in utilizing innovative economic development initiatives. In 2008, I won the Realtor
Legacy Award for demonstrating the highest level of leadership support to Texas property
owners and the Trailblazer Award from the Independent Bankers Association of Texas for
support of the independent community banking industry.
A: Almost all of my civic time has been spent on educational issues and helping children.
While my children were growing up I volunteered at their schools, helped raise money for
the Westbank Community Library and I volunteered to help the Eanes Education
Foundation raise money. In addition in the 80’s I was on the board of St. Mary’s Hall, a
private school in San Antonio, and was the president of this board for one year. I started
working in 2008 to raise money for the Laura Welch Bush library which is a branch of the
Westbank Community Library.
A: Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Texas Representative District 47 and currently state
Comptroller
A: Approximately $4.6 million
A: Bob Perry, Lonnie (Bo) Pilgram and Peter Holt
A: No.
A: I am running for re-election for Texas Comptroller because I am committed to insuring
that state government is run smarter and more efficiently. As Comptroller I am able to
make tangible, positive changes to state agencies and I am dedicated to continuing the
comprehensive modernizing functions of the CPA office.
office and uniquely qualify you to serve as Texas Comptroller?
A: State contracting with the private sector and spending public funds is a significant part
of being Comptroller. In addition, my knowledge of the legal issues related to tax collection
is very useful.
Q: For better or worse, the Texas Comptroller is an office determined by partisan election.
Please discuss the reason you chose your current party, with some specific examples of
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party philosophy that led to that decision and how that would affect the way you do your
job.
A: I am a Republican because I am a fiscal conservative. Growing up on my family’s ranch
in west Texas taught me the importance of having financial restraint in preparation for the
long haul. You never knew if there was going to be rain or a drought, but we were always
prepared. Furthermore, as a small business owner I appreciate and understand the
importance of limited government. It is through such limited government that personal
enterprise can and will flourish. Government, no matter the scope, is paid for by the
taxpayer and should serve their best interests. I run my agency with the knowledge I have
gained as an operating small business owner: that efficiencies and transparency are sound
ways to run a business.
Q: What does the Texas Comptroller’s office need most and how would you assure that it
gets what it needs. What other service reforms, if any, do you favor and how will you push
them if elected?
A: Since I was elected Comptroller in 2006, I have made a concerted effort to ensure that
Texas agencies make smarter buying decisions through strategic sourcing. It is through
this style of procurement that I have helped save Texas over $51 million dollars and I am
dedicated to finding more savings through examining other spending categories.
Q: What’s the most important duty of the Texas Comptroller?
A: Tax administration, financial management and revenue estimating.
Q: Is Texas’ tax system capable of meeting the state’s needs in? If not, what would you
recommend the Legislature do differently?
A: The tax system is structured by the legislature. A vibrant economy is key to the success
of any tax system.
Q: What efficiencies would you like to see in the way the state operates? Please be
specific.
A: I want Texas to continue to buy smarter by harnessing it’s buying power as a whole
therefore cutting costs overall. For instance, we've saved $73,000 by consolidating our
orders of toner for our printers and copiers into one single contract. In all, we have saved
you, the taxpayer, over $10 million while improving the way we do business and we are
continuing to find more ways to save.
Q: Texas’ tuition program, formerly known as The Texas Tomorrow Fund, has come under
fire for its failure to live up to its expectations. What should the Comptroller do to reform
the program? Should the state set aside money now for future obligations?
A: The Legislature could decide to set aside money for future obligations. The program
should remain closed.
Q: Should the Texas Comptroller have a role in making sure that the state’s public pension
plans are solvent, and if so how should this be done?
A: This should be done with an advisory board – the Employees Retirement System of
Texas (ERS) and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
Q: What are the greatest financial challenges facing the state in 2011, assuming today’s
economic trends continue, and how would you address them as Texas Comptroller?
A: First, the budget deficit that we face heading into the legislative session in 2011 will
cause shortages of funds for state programs and agencies. We will be providing specific
suggestions for cost containment. Second, the statewide unemployment rate, though one
of the lowest in the nation, must improve. I will work tirelessly to allocate money for job
training and the creation of jobs statewide.
any?
A: We will likely get lower revenue than the past couple of years because of the fact that
this year’s reports are based on business activity in 2009, during the economic downturn.
Any potential changes would be a legislative decision. They will have information from the
Business Tax Advisory Committee chaired by me, the Comptroller, which will be doing its
second report on the tax including analysis of revenue and industry categories and
exemptions (COGS etc).
A: As a small business owner I understand the importance of spending money wisely and,
most important, efficiently. I have pushed Texas to harness the buying power of
purchasing in bulk and have saved the state over $51 million. I have put all state
expenditures online and have worked to balance the books of other state agencies. By
making state spending transparent I have uncovered various ways to see Texas
government work smarter.
Edward Lindsay
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Party: G
Biographical Info:
Name: Edward Lindsay
Street Address: 5062 Tierney Ct. South
City/Town: Fort Worth
State: Texas
Date of Birth: January 2, 1939
E-mail Address: edsays@yahoo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.newmenu.org/lindsay
Questions:
A: 67 years.
A: Retired educator, Insurance Broker, Real Estate Broker.
A: Supporting organizations that protect our environment, wildlife, and animals as well as
supporting those organizations devoted to helping humans, especially children, in need.
Donations to religious organizations.
A: Charity work through various civic organizations, like the Jay-cees and the Lions Club.
Support for Children's and cancer hospitals. Donations to religious organizations. Support
and donations to organizations, like the Salvation Army and Women Shelters. Support of
American Veterans. Served 6 years as a volunteer officer in the Texas State Guard as
well as a Vietnam Era Veteran, holding 2 Honorable Discharges. Received Certificate of
Recognition from the U.S. Secretary of Defense in 1991. Received Certificate of
Appreciation from the U.S. Army in 2009.
A: Texas State Legislature. City Council.
A: I have just begun my fundraising.
A: This information is provided on the Texas Ethics Commission web site.
A: No.
A: Texas needs a Comptroller who will keep a close eye on the State's budget, insuring
that expenditures do not exceed revenues, who is prudent in how the Comptroller awards
taxpayers' monies to organizations like the Super Bowl Committee, who can work with
the State Legislature and the Governor's Office, and who can bring transparency to the
Comptroller's Office.
A: I bring a qualified background to the Comptroller's Office, having served as an
Associate Professor of Technical Mathematics and past Treasurer of the Texas Junior
College Teachers Association as well as being licensed in both Insurance and Real Estate.
job.
A: The Texas Green Party has been a proponent of a clean environment, balanced budgets
and refusing to accept special interest money. This platform coincides with my political
philosophy.
them if elected?
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A: The Texas Comptroller's Office needs to be a watchdog for the Texas taxpayers. Once
elected, I plan to hire accountants and attorneys who are astute in tracking state
expenditures and who have experience in state budgets, ad valorem and occupation tax
records, bonds and computers. I intend to make sure that the investment Texans make in
this state through their taxes is protected. Plus, I plan to bring transparency to the
Comptroller's Office.
A: Collecting state revenue, tracking state expenditures, and monitoring the financial
condition of the state.
A: Texas has been able to avoid income taxes through various other taxes. I would not
like the state to have to institute income taxes as a means of support. Rather, I think the
Legislature should allow taxes collected for specific purposes go for those intended
purposes instead of taking this money and putting it into the General Fund. I thought it
was deplorable that those in the State Legislature took about $500 million from a fund
designed to help Texans in need of paying their utility bills and placed this money in the
General Fund.
specific.
A: First and foremost, the state needs to realize it is a state government and not the
federal government and should not try to operate like our federal government which has
amassed a debt that will take generations to retire. Second, the state needs to set
priorities for its expenditures and to do away with frivolus projects, like grants to help only
a select few. These priorities should be public safety, health, education, roads and
bridges.
A: I think when the Texas Tomorrow Fund was instituted, those individuals who bought
into the program did so in good faith and should not be shortchanged. If colleges made
commitments to allow students to enroll based upon prior tuition agreements, then it is up
to colleges to honor those agreements. The state is already committed to supporting our
colleges.
A: Definitely, the Texas Comptroller should have a role in making sure that the state's
public pension plans are solvent. Through my insight which I bring to the Comptroller's
Office as an insurance agent for over 30 years, I will be effective in thorough monitoring
of how these funds are being spent and for warning those in charge of such funds if their
actions are not prudent.
A: Perhaps the biggest problem facing the state in 2011 is the projected $18 billion
shortfall. The Comptroller's Office should have warned the State Legislature that its
budget may not live up to expectations.
any?
A: There is no doubt that the new business tax is not bringing in the revenue which the
State Legislature and the Governor anticipated. It may be necessary for those in the
Legislative branch to look in making changes to the new business tax; but, first, I would
prefer the Legislature to stop dumping all revenue into one General Fund. State taxes
collected for specific purposes go for those purposes.
A: I bring a fresh approach to the Comptroller's Office with a keen eye for protecting
taxpayers' investment in their state through their taxes and in providing insight into
balancing budgets, a watchful eye over the state's expenditures, and closer monitoring of
the state's financial condition.
Mary J. Ruwart
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Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Mary J. Ruwart, Ph.D.
Street Address: 109 Latigo Drive
City/Town: Burnet
State: TX
Fax Number: 512-756-1324
E-mail Address: mary@ruwart.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.ruwartforcomptroller.com
Questions:
A: Since 1999.
A: Educator, scientific consultant, writer
A: Chair and Acting Treasurer, International Society for Individual Liberty Secretary,
Foundation for a Free Society At-Large Member, Libertarian National Committee
A: Board Member, Fully Informed Jury Association Board Member Heartland Institute
Board Member International Society for Individual Liberty At-Large Member, Libertarian
National Committee
A: Held: Kalamazoo Public Safety Task Force Sought: US Senate, TX Kalamazoo City
Commission Kalamazoo County Commission State House of Representatives MI State
Board of Education, MI
A: - no response -
A: My top three are individuals. I don't take money from PACs or special interest groups.
A: No.
A: The Texas Comptroller serves as the states treasurer, tax collector, and distributor of
authorized funding. In these troubled economic times, the Comptroller should be helping
other government agencies cut back spending and waste in order to stimulate the
economy. Unfortunately, the incumbent believes otherwise. She has increased employee
wages and benefits in the Comptroller's department over 10% from 2008 to 2009. While
most Texans are having to tighten their financial belts, those in the Comptroller's office are
loosening theirs. As Comptroller, I would set the example of slashing waste and spending
in my own department. I would then invite other state agencies to follow my lead. The
names of the agencies that did not (or would not)protect taxpayer interests would be
publicly disclosed to watchdog groups.
A: My Ph.D. M biophysics and 30-year career in the sciences has given me ample training
in computational analysis. In addition, I have kept the books for a number of small
businesses throughout my career, as well as analyzing budget items for the Libertarian
National Committee.
job.
A: Libertarian candidates seek the smallest government, fewest regulations, and lowest
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taxes possible. Unlike Republicans, who mouth libertarian rhetoric to get elected--and
abandon it once they do---elected Libertarian Party (LP) candidates work diligently to
lower taxes and spending. Our presidential candidates often qualify for the tax-derived
"matching funds." None of our presidential candidates have ever accepted them. LP
candidates walk the walk: we will work hard to keep your hard-earned money in your
pocket, not in our own. Integrity in word and deed is important to me; that's why I'm
running with the Party of Principle." If elected, I will work diligentty to give Texans smaller
government, lower taxes, and less regulation. Studies show that this is the tried and true
way to jump start the economy in these troubled time. A Libertarian State Comptroller is
in a unique position to suggest reforms and convince legislators to undertake them.
them if elected?
A: Annual audits by independent accounting firms and implementation of accounting
controls are used in the private sector to cut fraud and waste. The Comptroller should
demonstrate the potential savings from these procedures by having its own office
independently audited and implementing appropriate controls. The Comptroller can then
recommend that other Texas agencies follow suit. If Texans must tighten their financial
belts in today's economy, they should expect their government to do the same.
A: The Comptroller must lead the way in showing other government agencies how to
accurately report to taxpayers. Because government entities in the United States use cash
basis accounting, anyone monitoring the books sees what the State of Texas has already
paid, but not necessarily what it still owes. The Comptroller can provide more
transparency and accuracy by including additional information, such as outstanding
commitments, in its reporting to mimic the accrual accounting system used by most
businesses. Otherwise, even conscientious taxpayer watchdogs can get a wry skewed
picture of Texas finances.
A: Lowering taxes is the single most important action that the Legislature could take to
jump-start the Texas economy. Studies show that slashing taxes and government spending
is the surest path to prosperity. Ending unnecessary regulation is important too. The
average regulator destroys about 150 private sector jobs per year. For example, in 2007,
the Legislature passed a Law which requires computer repair technicians to become
Licensed private investigators. If rigorously enforced, this law will put many private "geek
squads" out of business. In addition, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is
threatening to shut down eyebrow threaders—who use nothing but tightly wound cotton
thread to remove unwanted facial hair—unless they obtain an expensive and unnecessary
License. One requirement is a year-long classroom program that costs close to $20,000,
Ironically, this additional schooling doesn't even teach eyebrow threading! Particularly in
these troubled economic times, the last thing we need is for government to put people out
of work. Fortunately, the Austin branch of the Libertarian non-profit, the Institute for
Justice, is taking on some of these cases pro bono in order to help Texans stay in business.
Ironically, lowering taxes and regulations generally create more revenue for the state. By
encouraging business and letting taxpayers keep their money to spend on their products,
the economy thrives and the tax base grows. Even at lower tax rates, more revenue is
generally collected.
specific.
A: The private sector uses annual audits by outside firms to help determine what could be
done to improve accounting processes and limit waste. The Comptroller could set the
standard for other Texas governmental agencies by contracting for such audits and
demonstrating the savings that they can engender. After streamlining its own department,
the Comptroller could then encourage other government agencies to do the same. The
Comptroller could also expose those agencies which refuse to use audits to improve their
efficiency and conserve taxpayer dollars. Watchdog groups would know which agencies to
target for reform.
A: The Texas Tomorrow Fund, like so many government program, will cost much more
than projected, so the Fund is approaching bankruptcy. Texas taxpayers will have to pay
much more than anticipated OR those who signed up for the Tomorrow Fund will be short
changed. Both options are bad ones. Libertarians do not support such programs;
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government provision of services cost us, on average, twice as much as they would if
provided by the private sector. Like Social Security, the Tomorrow Fund is a Ponzi scheme
that cheats both the participants and the taxpayers. Libertarians understand that
politicians often make promises that are impossible to keep. The best way to keep Texas
voters from relying on these unfulfillable promises is to keep government out of our lives
as much as possible. Consequently, Libertarians want to shrink government, taxes, and
regulations to a minimum. The Comptroller should help jump-start the economy by
showing other state agencies how to slash spending. When taxes are lowered as a
consequence, the economy will expand enough to give the government more revenue,
even at the lower tax rates. More revenue from an expanded economy is the only way
that the state can possibly hope to fund all of its commitments. Taking more tax dollars to
keep the Tomorrow Fund's promises will only cripple the economy further to everyone's
detriment.
A: The Comptroller should be the public's watchdog, alerting voters when a particular
program cannot meet its promises while demanding accountability and reform from the
legislature. If I am elected Comptroller, I will review each program and make
recommendations before it becomes insolvent. Like the Tomorrow Fund families, state
employees can only enjoy what has been promised to them only if we can expand the
economy by cutting back on government waste, lowering taxes, and ending regutations
that destroy our jobs. The State collects more taxes in a robust economy, even if tax
rates are lowered. On the other hand, if we raise taxes, we will only strangle the economy,
to the detriment of everyone.
A: Studies show that cutting tax rates, regulations, and government spending stimulate
the economy. Consequently, the amount of tax dollars collected usually increases, even
though the tax rate is lower. The Texas Comptroller is in a unique position to educate
legislatures on how to increase jobs and revenue by getting rid of wasteful spending and
regulations. Indeed, the only way that the state can keep its promises to Tomorrow Fund
families, state employees, etc., is to stop choking the economy and letting it breathe.
any?
A: Any tax on business pressures employers to relocate to states or even countries that
offer a more business-friendly environment. Texas could be a magnet for new businesses
and the jobs they bring simply by eliminating business taxes and the unnecessary
regulations that put small business owners out of business. At the risk of sounding
repetitious, the state government need not fear that it will be bankrupted by such
measures. Studies show the cutting back taxes generally result in stimulating the economy
so much that tax revenue actually increases, even though tax rates may be lower.
A: I'm running as a libertarian because I believe in performance, not promises. In these
troubled times, we need less government, fewer taxes, and less regulation to jump-start
the economy. The incumbent has the opposite philosophy. She has increased employee
compensation in the Comptroller's department over 10% between 2008 and 2009, white
the income of Texas taxpayers has dropped precipitously due to the latest recession. If
YOU have to tighten your belts during these troubled times, shouldn't the government do
the same? Texas taxpayers deserve a Comptroller dedicated to shrinking government and
putting more money back in the pockets of those who have earned it. In other words,
Texas voters deserve the chance to vote for someone who looks out for THEIR interests.
The established parties don't want voters to hear this Libertarian message, because it
takes control from them and puts it back into the hands of the taxpayers. Consequently,
Texas law requires Libertarians to spend tens of thousands of dollars to collect tens of
thousands of voter signatures every two years just to re-qualify for appearing on the
ballot. The established parties figure that such a burden will keep Libertarians from
getting their message to you. You can help keep the Libertarian Party on your ballot by
voting Libertarian. If even one of our state-wide candidates gets over 5% of the vote, our
Party is exempted from spending time and money re-qualifying for the 2012 ballot. If you
want to keep your freedom to choose, vote Libertarian. If you want to jump-start the
economy, vote Ruwart, Libertarian for Comptroller.
Land Commissioner
Description:
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James L. Holdar
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: James L. Holdar
Street Address: 4055 Retama Drive
City/Town: Brownsville
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (956) 4664380
Home Phone Number: (956) 4664380
Mobile Phone Number: (956) 4664380
Fax Number: (956)5460603
E-mail Address: hec@hughes.net
Questions:
A: 41 years
A: Social Security and Promissory Note Payments
A: Texas Surveyors Association, National Rifle Association
A: Jaycees, Rotary Club, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Texas Surveyors
Association, American Society of Material Testing, American Society of Civil Engineers,
National Rifle Association
A: None
A: 0
A: none
A: no
Q: Texas schools have long benefited from oil and gas production on state lands. How long
can that production remain a significant revenue source, and what should be done to
enhance it?
A: For the foreseeable future. Make sure that all state lands are available for lease and
that the lease holders actively develop their leases.
Q: What is your assessment of the health of Texas’ bays and estuaries?
A: The Texas bays and estuaries are reasonably healthy. Care should be given to
identifying any sources of pollution and eliminating them. Sea Grass beds should be
protected from propeller scars by a system of channels and no power outside of the
channels.
Q: What, if any, new safeguards should be put into place to protect the Texas coastline
from a catastrophic offshore oil spill?
A: We should maintain the current safeguards and research all new methods for controlling
and reducing any oil spills.
Q: How would you sustain Texas’ beaches against the constant challenge of coastal
erosion?
A: Work to revise laws and regulations to allow private property owners to protect their
property while preserving the public's right to use and enjoy the Texas beaches.
Q: What needs to be done to maintain adequate housing for Texas veterans?
A: Make sure the veterans loan fund is properly managed and efficient.
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Q: What can be done to promote greater public access to Texas lands?

A: Inform the public of the Texas lands that are open to the public and make sure that all
Texas lands that are appropriate for public use are made available to the public.
Q: The Christmas Mountains tract remains in the hands of the General Land Office after
years of debate over selling donated property and Second Amendment rights on public
land. What should be done with the Christmas Mountains tract?
A: I am not familiar with the Christmas Mountains Tract. I would research the issue and
work for an appropriate solution.
Q: Do you believe the General Land Office is getting the full income potential from all of
the state's land assets? How can revenues from land holdings be improved?
A: I doubt that the General Land Office is getting the full income potential from all the
State's land assets. An inventory of the State's land assets should made and/or updated,
and an analysis of the potential income preformed. Based on that inventory and analysis,
appropriate adjustment be made.
A: I am independent. I owe no political of financial favors. I am a strong believer in
private property rights. I believe that all Texas public lands should be managed for the
benefit of the citizens of Texas. I believe that the government should be keep as small as
possible, while providing for a safe and orderly society. Government should protect the
private property rights of its citizens while protecting the general rights of the public to
have access to roads, waterways, utilities, etc.,necessary for commerce , communications
and travel.
Jerry Patterson
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Jerry Patterson
Street Address: 2501 Pebble Beach Dr
City/Town: Austin
State: Texas
Date of Birth: 15November1946
Fax Number: (512) 477-2686
E-mail Address: info@votepatterson>com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.votepatterson.com
Questions:
A: 64 years
A: Commissioner Texas General Land Office, LtCol USMCR ret.
A: My current civic involvement/accomplishment highlights mirrors my past one as noted
in the question that follows below. I hope to be a positive influence on my grade school age
children (6 yr old twins) and my grandchildren, just as I was on my grown children. There
can be no higher civic calling than raising children who will be responsible and productive
citizens of this great state.
A: Father of four and grandfather of two. My oldest son is a Captain in the United States
Marine Corps and a veteran of two tours in Iraq. My oldest daughter is an attorney
working in Kosovo for an agency funded in part by the U. S. department of State. I
consider these two young Texans evidence of my accomplishment highlights from the past.
Being a scoutmaster, swim team Dad, soccer coach etc. must have been of some
significance in raising two fine Americans.
A: LtCol United States Marine Corps Reserve ret., Texas State Senate 1993-1999,
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Commissioner Texas General Land Office 2003-present

A: Cash on Hand as of 1September2010 is approximately $850,000
A: Walter Umphrey, Bob Perry, Texas Association of Realtor PAC
A: Not yet...
enhance it?
A: Oil & gas exploration and production on Permanent School Fund and Permanent
University Fund land will remain a significant source of revenue for many decades to come.
During my tenure as Texas Land Commissioner, the Texas General Land Office has set
records for income for the PSF, not only from oil & gas royalties but also royalties from
other energy production such a wind, solar, and geothermal. Since assuming office in 2003,
the GLO has signed the first offshore windpower lease in U. S. history, and the largest
offshore lease in the U. S. The General Land Office has increased the amount of land under
lease for alternative and renewable energy from essentially zero to over a quarter of a
million acres. During this same period, Texas has increased by a factor of 5 its installed
megawatts of wind energy to over 10,000 megawatts. Texas is #1 among all states, and if
it were a country would be #6 in the world. Additionally, under my adminstration we have
diversified the PSF income stream into real estate and real estate funds.
Nothwithstanding the green energy revenue, as well the real estate portfolio revenue,
traditional hydrocarbon energy is the number one source of PSF income. By conducting
competitive lease sales at the right time and right frequency, offering royalty rate
reduction when commodity prices are high to encourage production (20% of $100/bbl oil
raises more money than 25% of $50/bbl oil) and encouraging the use of high tech
enhanced recovery techniques such as CO2 floods, directional drilling to multiple bottom
hole locations, and 3D seismic, we can continue to make money for the PSF. It is also
important that the Commissioner be an advocate for the Oil & Gas industry against such
short sighted measures as offshore moratoriums and prohibitions on exploration and
production in the waters of coastal Texas or within the Padre Island National Seashore.
Short sighted measures such as those recently announced by the Obama administration
will result in a direct and immediate reduction of revenue to the PSF.
A: With some exceptions, Texas bays and estuaries are healthier than they have been at
any time since World War II. The Texas General Land Office has helped make this happen
by the activities of its internationally recognised Oil Spill Prevention and Response division,
by the millions of dollars of grants through the GLO administered CEPRA and CIAP
programs for coastal habitat and nursery area restoration and recovery projects, and by
its recently launched program to monitor water quality along the Texas coast called Texas
Beach Watch (www.texasbeachwatch.com). Additionally, the Texas General Land Office
spent over 40 million dollars to clean up Texas beaches, bays and estuaries after Hurricane
Ike, and in coordination with the U. S. Coast Guard protected Texas beaches and shores
from damage from the recent Deepwater Horizon blowout and spill.
A: The Texas General Land Offices Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division has most of
what it needs to respond to any oil spill along the Texas coast. What Texas needs however,
is additional staffing, resources, and funding for the Texas Railroad Commission to enable
the inspection and monitoring of offshore exploration and production, as well as
transportation of crude oil, that is that agencies responsibility. Additionally, the state
agencies (TX, LA, MS, AL, FL) primarily responsibile for oil spill prevention and response
along the Gulf coast need to begin to coordinate response plans and response equipment
planning. The Texas General Land Office has begun this process.
erosion?
A: Erosion control measures, including beach renourishment, are good investments of
public monies only in certain circumstances, and in certain locations along the 367 mile
Texas Gulf Coast. In many locations, failure to protect/preserve/renourish eroding beaches
would cost far more in loss of public infrastructure such as roads, utilities, ports, and
waterways than the cost of the renourishment project. The loss of ad valorem tax revenue,
hotel/motel tax and sales tax revenue from coastal tourism that would evaporate if there
was no beach to draw visitors can easily be calculated and compared to the cost of beach
renourishment. If it makes economic sense to put sand on the beach we should do so. If it
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doesn't make economic sense, mother nature should be allowed to prevail.

A: The Texas Veterans Land Board is by statute chaired by the Texas Land Commissioner.
As a retired Marine and Vietnam veteran I take this charge very seriously. Since I was
elected in 2002, we have doubled the number of Texas State Veterans Homes (long term
care facilities) from 4 to 8, and set an all time record ($1,000,000,000) in dollar volume of
home and land loans to Texas veterans. All of this was done without costing Texas
taxpayers a penny. We will continue doing what we've been doing for the past 8 years. For
more information about what Texas offers its veterans through the TVLB got to
www.texasveterans.com
A: This is a question for the good folks at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the
National Park Service, or local municipal and county park departments. The Texas General
Land Office manages trust land, that is land that is dedicated in trust for public education.
This land is not land for public access, although in some cases public access is made
available when it doesn't conflict with the fiduciary duty of the Commissioner or members
of the School Land Board. Adequate funding of the TPWD would be the most significant
thing that could be done to provide greater access to public land for park or wildlife areas.
A: The Christmas Mountains should be conveyed to a conservation minded private or public
entity that can live up to the provisions of the gift deed and conservation easements. Since
the National Park Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department have at various
times both declined in writing to accept this tract, an entity that can restore the property
to its natural state while allowing for some public access may be the best option. Currently
the property is open to the public via a Big Bend National Park easement as well as
through an agreement with the Property Owners Association of Terlingua Ranch Inc.
A: Yes
A: What would my opponent do better is the question that voters should ask.
Hector Uribe
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Hector Uribe
Street Address: 1105 Elm Street
City/Town: Austin
State: Texas
Home Phone Number: None
Fax Number: 512-477-9296
E-mail Address: hecuribe@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.hectoruribe.com
Questions:
A: I was born in Brownsville, Texas in 1946. The family moved to Florida in 1960 where I
attended high school, undergraduate and law school. I returned to Texas in 1970. I
tabulate my total residency in Texas at 54 years and have resided continuously in Texas for
the past 40 years.
A: Attorney / General law practice, consulting , retirement, and rental property income.
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A: I currently serve as a director of the Old West Austin Neighborhood Association in
Austin, Texas.
A: I have served on a number of charitable and non-profit boards. In Brownsville, Texas
where I lived until 1996, I served on the board of the Esperanza Home for Boys and the
Villa Bethany School for Girls. Since moving to Austin I have served on the board of
directors of the Austin Lyric Opera, MexicArte Museum, the Greater Austin Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Senate Hispanic Research Council and Community
Shares, Inc. My accomplishments include: recipient of the University of Miami Florida Dade
County Scholarship, (1964); recipient of Howard University's, Reginald Heber Smith
Fellowship,(1970); Texas Observer Award for 10 Best Legislators(circa 1987); Democratic
Party nominee for Texas Railroad Commission (1996); and a Screen Actors Guild Award for
Best Ensemble Cast (No Country for Old Men 2008).
A: I was elected to the Texas House of Representatives(1978)and to the Texas
Senate(1981)where I served for nearly 10 years on various committees including: the
Natural Resources, Finance, Education and Health and Human Services Committees. I was
the nominee of the Texas Democratic Party for Texas Railroad Commissioner in 1996.
During my final session in the Texas Senate I served as Chair of the Natural Resources
Standing Subcommittee on Water that wrote the first colonias legislation and created a
bond package to assure clean water and sewer facilities for colonia residents as well as
legislation to create a super fund to clean up contamination left by leaking underground
gasoline storage tanks. As Vice-Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I
authored legislation to establish standards for indoor air quality in public buildings and to
regulate asbestos removers. I also authored the Protective Services Bill for the Elderly Act
as well as the Texas Enterprise Zone Act to create jobs and promote economic
development.
A: Approximately $60 thousand through August 20, 2010.
A: My top three contributors are: family members who participated in a fund raiser at our
family reunion, The Texas Democratic Party (in-kind contributions of lists), and the
Communications Workers of America.
A: No.
enhance it?
A: The state has now used up most of its oil and gas on its own lands and the revenue flow
which used to gush into the Permanent School Fund is now a trickle. Adjusting for inflation,
the value of the money from oil and gas leases on Texas’ lands in 2010 will have dropped
nearly 67% since 1984. Many of our wells on state lands, including submerged lands, are
no longer producing for a variety of reasons. Is it financially feasible for some of these
wells to be returned to production as the demand for oil continues to rise and as we wean
ourselves from foreign oil? Some experts in the oil and gas industry feel that the time is
ripe to turn some of these abandoned wells to production but that the GLO is not providing
the leadership to demonstrate to producers how that can be done. I propose that we
complete a survey of wells abandoned on state lands (including submerged lands). Only
then can it be determined how many are financially feasible to rehabilitate in order to
return them to production. The reality is that as far as oil and gas production on state
lands is concerned - Texas has seen better days and mineral leasing promises to be a
dimininishing source of revenue in the future. But there's much that can be done to
enhance the revenues from our state lands from 21st century renewable sources such as
wind and solar. I invite you to read my response to to your question on how the GLO can
make up for the diminution in revenues that flow into the PSF. The GLO should lead Texas
into a 21st century energy paradigm that will create new revenue streams that will flow
into our PSF.
A: Included in the General Land Office’s portfolio are the beaches, bays, estuaries and
other "submerged" lands extending 10.3 miles in the Gulf of Mexico. According to the
National Wildlife Federation, five of our seven major bays and estuary systems are in peril.
Only the Upper Laguna Madre and the Copano / Aransas bays are considered healthy by
the well-respected organization. For the most part, the threat to our bays and estuaries is
upstream. Because our bays and estuaries are at the very end of the line of our state’s
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public rivers and streams, they’re last to share in the fresh water flow. Although the bay
and estuaries have no legal claim to a specific volume of fresh water flow, our current land
commissioner could and should have been an effective advocate for our bays and
estuaries. He has witnessed their deterioration and failed to intervene effectively. As a
steward of our state’s natural resources it was his job to seek solutions to, and oppose, the
diverting of water from our state’s rivers and streams by developers for human use.
Texans want strong protections for Texas’ rivers and estuaries. My opponent could have
done more in his almost eight years in office. For example, the National Wildlife Federation
suggests that the issuance of the permits could have been opposed because the
applications requested more water than was needed for development. Fresh water flow is
the lifeblood of our bays and estuaries. As Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office
I will ask the Texas legislature to recognize the importance of our bays and estuaries by
allocating a sufficient flow of water to insure the health of our bays and estuaries for all
time. Since the water in certain rivers has not yet been allocated, I will also seek
legislation that permanently sets aside flows from those waterways to preserve fish and
wildlife habitats. Finally, I will encourage our Texas legislators to enact legislation that
regulates and restricts development along our major waterways and require all
communities along our state’s waterways to adopt strict water conservation measures.
A: The GLO has long had an effective and well-trained oil spill staff, initiated prior to my
opponent's tenure. However, it has lacked the leadership and the authority necessary to
ensure that the oil companies and their contractors have realistic and enforceable
prevention and remediation plans in place to ensure that such spills do not occur in the first
place. Secondly, in the event of an oil spill disaster, the GLO lacks access to immediate,
massive funding to avoid the fouling of our coast and the polluting of our wetlands, and fish
and foul habitats. The projected remediation cost for the Deep Water Horizon catastrophe
in the Gulf of Mexico is an indicator of future costs of oil spill clean-up. Raymond Gellner of
the World News Examiner reports that estimates from at least two sources have
determined the cost of cleanup for the BP oil disaster will be $100 billion, and that Moody’s
has lowered BP’s credit rating amidst concerns that the initial $20 billon escrow account to
be funded by BP would only be a fraction of what is needed for the cleanup. It is clear, that
currently, the GLO is financially unprepared to respond to a massive oil spill and that our
coast is extremely vulnerable, to either a shallow or deep water oil spill from our state’s
submerged lands in the Gulf of Mexico or elsewhere in the Gulf. I will propose legislation
that requires our oil and gas industry to collectively fund a massive, immediate response
to save our coastline from an oil spill – before one occurs. This fund should be invested and
dedicated for the specific purpose of response to an oil spill and should not be diverted.
However, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and our experience with the
United States Department of the Interior‘s failed regulatory framework underscores the
importance of maintaining leasing duties separate from regulatory and enforcement
duties. Clearly, it is the Texas Railroad Commission’s duty (in Texas waters) to insure that
wells do not blow-out and that they are properly maintained to prevent oil and gas field
disasters and prevent the contamination of ground water, bays and the Gulf. Unfortunately,
the Texas Railroad Commission has historically failed and continues to fail Texans. By 1990
the number of wells that needed to be plugged grew to a staggering 64,000. That number
exploded to 116,500 wells in 2003 and it has continued to grow. Since the Texas Railroad
Commission has consistently failed Texans, I will also propose legislation to insure that the
GLO has authority to prohibit drilling on Texas’ submerged lands until drillers have safety
plans in place to prevent blow-outs, spills and, in the event of a spill, remediation plans,
including proof of financial responsibility. Further, I will ask the legislature for authority to
ban a company from drilling on Texas waters and lands if a company abandons a well or
fails to remediate as claimed in their plan until after they demonstrate that they have
remedied all their operational shortcomings.
erosion?
A: Our beaches belong to all Texans. It’s the Texas General Land Office’s statutory duty to
protect and preserve our sandy beaches. Today it faces an ever-mounting challenge to
meet its responsibility to protect our beaches from erosion from a number of causes,
including rapidly rising sea levels as result of global warming, hurricanes of increasing
intensity and frequency, and rapid coastal development. Our sandy, barrier islands serve
as a sturdy buffer to protect the mainland from hurricane force winds and tides. Without
them, the ravages of hurricanes would be visited upon the mainland with much greater
impact and damage. The dunes on these islands act as flexible barriers to ocean storm
surges and waves, protect low-lying backshore areas, and help preserve the integrity of
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low barrier islands. In addition, they provide a habitat for many animals, including
migratory birds.” With proper planning and management, their functions may be
enhanced. As land commissioner I will insist on the enforcement of the Dunes Protection
Act, the Open Beaches Act by the Texas Attorney General and I will support the legislative
granting of ordinance making powers to counties to provide them the tools to address
beachfront development as critical elements of a coastal management policy. In addition,
because our coastal communities are great income-generators for state and local
businesses, I‘ll be a strong advocate for beach replenishment programs. Engineering
solutions - seawalls, breakwaters and groynes, are often ineffective because the coastal
systems are complex and have caused additional problems, such as redistributing sand
supply along the shore. Beach replenishment is preferred on both economic and
conservation grounds. .
A: The availability of credit for the purchase of a home for a veteran in the current
economic environment decimated by unscrupulous lenders, bundlers of mortgages and
inflated appraisals means that the Veterans Land Board has a unique duty to insure that
Texans continue to repay the debt we owe our veterans by providing them low interest
rates for home, and land purchases and home improvement loans. The Veterans Land
Board (VLB) is funded primarily with the loan repayments and investment earnings
associated with VLB-issued bonds through the Veterans Land Program Administration Fund
and Texas Veterans Homes Administration. During the construction phase of the Texas
State Veterans Homes and Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, federal grant funds are also
used. All VLB programs are fully self-supporting. It’s imperative that the VLB be operated
as efficiently as possible to provide the maximum benefit to veterans. Yet the salaries and
wages of Veterans Land Board employees administering these programs spiraled to nearly
$10 million in the 06-07 bi-annual budget. A complete review of the VLB’s salary structure
is in order to determine if savings can be derived that can be re-directed to fund additional
loans for more veterans. Also, in its self-evaluation prepared in 2005 in anticipation of the
Sunset Review process, the Veteran Land Boards representative wrote : ( I paraphrase) no
policy issues were identified requiring changes to the statutes governing the operation of
the VLB. The writer concluded that currently the VLB has the legislative authority to
address most issues pertaining to the operations of the board and its programs. Indeed,
this agency, for the most part, has not experienced turmoil even as it was tasked with
additional duties by the Texas legislature. However, an exception to the writer’s
conclusions in 2005 was raised by the Sunset Commission: “Texas Lacks a Comprehensive
Approach to Making Veterans Aware of Available Benefits and Services.” The Sunset
Commission’s staff noted that “The state does not use county service officers to reach
veterans at the local level.” They recommended the adoption a strategic plan to integrate
county service officers into the state’s veterans’ assistance network. Specifically the
Sunset Commission staff recommended the merger of the separate communications
centers operated by Texas Veterans Commission and the Veterans Land Board. They
proposed requiring the agencies to operate one call center, to maintain and share
databases of veteran contact information, and to pool some direct mail efforts. The
current VLB web site, to its credit links to the VLC. The VLC web site does not link to the
VLB web site. It is essential that every effort be made to reach out to our past and our
most recent Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, many who are reestablishing their lives with
their families in Texas and some who have returned to Texas disabled, and deserving of
special attention and care. It is unclear whether the VLB has fully implemented the
recommendations of the Sunset Commission.
A: Since our state faces a potential deficit of $18 billion, promoting access to our Texas
lands is made increasingly difficult. The current administration has directed across-
the-board cuts to the budgets of all state agencies. There appears to be litle enthusiasm
from our legislators for addtional taxes to address the shortfall. Our GLO will have to be
creative to promote greater access to our public lands. Very little of Texas’ public lands
have been set aside by the GLO for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as symbols
and evidence of our history and prehistory. Our state park system should include more
examples of our natural vistas in our diverse regions of the state. In addition there exist
many historic places that represent important aspects of Texas history, but are endangered
by development. Collectively, these places present a Texas pre-history and history
textbook, a textbook that educates us about the people, events, buildings, objects,
landscapes, and artifacts of our shared Texas past and about the aspirations and actions
that produced us. I propose that the General Land Office reserve or acquire, as part of its
portfolio, sites that represent varying aspects of natural and written history and reserve
them for ultimate transfer to our Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Furthermore, I
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propose that the GLO set aside or acquire sites near urban areas so that as metropolitan
communities continue to grow there are reserved natural landscapes as retreats for urban
dwellers unable to travel long distances to enjoy nature. Also, we should not forget that
our beaches belong to all Texans. To insure that we all have access to our sandy beaches, I
support the enforcement of the Dunes Protection Act, the Open Beaches Act and the
granting of ordinance making powers to counties to address beachfront development in
unincorporated areas. Because our coastal communities are great income generators for
state and local businesses and provide a tax base for our local school districts, I‘ll be a
strong advocate for beach replenishment programs. According to beach management
authorities, engineering solutions such as seawalls, breakwaters and groynes, are often
ineffective. That's why beach replenishment is preferred on both economic and
conservation grounds.
A: It’s not Texan to break a promise. When Gary Mauro accepted the Christmas Mountains
on behalf, and for the benefit of all Texans, from the Mellon Foundation, they expected our
duly elected representatives to keep their word. The National Park Service recently
indicated its interest in managing this great wilderness treasure. Our current land
commissioner said: “No guns .... no deal.” So, the National Park Service removed its
opposition to guns. Now the current land commissioner is saying “no hunting, no deal.”
He’d prefer to put the Christmas Mountains into private hands. To me, that means not
today, not tomorrow, not ever, to those seeking a transfer of our state’s Christmas
Mountains to the National Park Service which prohibits hunting in our national parks but
not on some of our national preserves. As a proud sixth generation South Texan from a
family with a rich hunting and ranching tradition I strongly support hunting and the Second
Amendment to the U. S. Constitution. But the current land commissioner is wrong to use
hunting to thwart the purpose of the grantors and put this wilderness preserve in private
hands. The sale of the Christmas Mountains to private owners is violation of the
agreement, a breach of trust, and a broken promise. I’ll keep our Texas size promise to
the families who gave Texans the Christmas Mountains. When elected your Texas Land
Commissioner the first thing I’ll do in office is transfer the Christmas Mountains to the
National Park Service. The transfer is a gift from us in Texas, to us in the USA. It’s an
amazing gift that we get to keep.
A: We Texans have been blessed. Among the blessings we have enjoyed were the bountiful
oil and gas deposits that made our state rich and that our prudent elected leaders invested
in the most valuable of our state’s resources, our children. Those leaders created a
permanent fund for their education. However, the state has now used up most of its oil
and gas on its own lands and the revenue flow which used to gush into the permanent
education fund is now a trickle. Adjusting for inflation, the value of the money from oil and
gas leases on Texas’ lands in 2010 will have dropped nearly 67% since 1984. According to
Boone Pickens, an authority on energy and who is actively promoting the development of
wind power farms in West Texas on private lands, one wind-turbine would produce a
$20,000 annual royalty to a land owner and as many as 10 turbines could be installed on
640 acre tract. Texas owns the submerged lands stretching 10.3 miles into the Gulf of
Mexico along its 376 mile coast. I propose that the General Land Office aggressively
promote the development of wind farms on our submerged lands to provide a clean and
permanently renewable source of energy to our coastal cities. I will ask legislators to
support legislation that will require that at least 50 percent of the revenues derived from
our state lands be generated from clean, renewable sources such as wind and solar by
2020. Wind farms over Texas' submerged lands would create a new and permanent
source of funding for our Permanent School Fund. Furthermore, the installation of
approximately 5000 wind-turbines would generate as much value as generated by our
mineral leases back in 1984. The goal of 5000 wind-turbines in 10 years or less is
achievable. The United Kingdom already boasts of 2906 operational wind-turbines. In
Spain, on November 8, 2009 wind power reached its highest electricity production by
covering 53% of total demand. Not bad for a country that’s as large as Texas and has 15
million more inhabitants. Solar energy development on our state’s West Texas lands could
also be a new source of revenue for our education fund but it would require the
construction of a new electrical grid to deliver electricity to our major metropolitan areas.
This could be a costly and longer-term venture. My opponent has had nearly eight years
to prepare for Texans' future educational needs. How many kilowatts of wind-generated,
electrical power have been generated from our Gulf submerged lands during his tenure in
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office? Not one. He’s just beginning to talk about it.

A: Most importantly, my opponent has failed to lead Texas into our 21st century future and
kept Texas mired in its fossil fuel past. He has failed to develop plans that acknowledge
that the Permanent School Fund now receives but a third of the value that it received in
1984 and failed to recognize that the state has now used up most of its oil and gas from
state lands. He has failed to plan for Texas' energy future and failed to create a new
revenue stream from wind and solar power that promises to replenish the flow of income
that used to pour into our Permanent School Fund from its mineral leases. My opponent
has failed to promote wind energy on our submerged lands in the Gulf of Mexico. As a
result of the failed leadership, Texas risks losing a new industry and construction jobs in
these emerging fields to other countries and states. In addtion, my opponent has failed to
protect our bays and estuaries. Because of his neglect and failure, 5 out of 7 of those
sensitive sites, home to many fish and foul habitats, are imperiled. He has failed to be an
effective advocate for a steady stream of fresh water that keeps our bays and estuaries
healthy. I will re-focus the GLO's vision on 21st century energy resources on state lands
to create new revenue streams that will replenish the revenue flows into the PSF. Texas'
future dominance in the field of energy requires the GLO to lead in the creation of a new
energy technology and create new jobs for Texans by creating additional demand for
renwable energy. My opponent has broken Texas' promise regarding the disposition of the
Christmas Mountains. I won't sell the Christmas Mountains to a private developer as he
has proposed. I'll ask that they be made a part of Big Bend National Park. When I'm the
Land Commissioner I will immediately transfer the Christmas Mountains to the National
Park Service, so that they may be preserved as public lands for generations to come. I’m
running against a career politician in charge of oil spill prevention and clean-up in Texas.
He has minimized the magnitude of the recent British Petroleum disaster in the Gulf of
Mexico which is the worst man-made environmental disaster of all time. He quibbled with
reporters because they used the term "spewing" instead of the term he’d prefer
-"discharging." He is a proponent of the "drill, baby, drill" philosophy which caused the BP
diaster. If the best my opponent can do is to minimize, apologize, rationalize, and shrug
his shoulders, and claim that it's just one of those things, then it's time for him to go and
for Texans to move ahead into the future with a new leader.
Agriculture Commissioner
Description:
Rick Donaldson
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Rick Donaldson
Street Address: 576 North King Road
City/Town: Royse City
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 972-722-7545 469-338-1639 cell
Home Phone Number: same as above
E-mail Address: Antishyster2@sbcglobal.net
Campaign Web Site Address: www.rickdonaldsonfortexasagriculturecommissioner.com
Questions:
A: Moved here with my family in 1969.
A: Truck Farmer and organic consultation
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A: Local Activist for LIBERTY
A: US Navy from 1973 to 1977 and upon discharge got directly involved in Agriculture.
1980's to 1990's Founding member of Citizens for Legal Reform Libertaran Activist and
Candidate for 5 other races Republican Delegate to 2 state conventions in the 2000's and
a delegate to the Texas Strawpoll Convention in 2008
A: Texas Land Commissioner candidate in 1990 Texas Senate District 2 in 1992 2 ballots
for Rockwall County Judge one in 1994 and 1996 1 applicant for Unexpired Term for County
Judge
A: Not a whole lot.
A: private contributers mostly cash contributions
A: Yes, somewhere around 100 since 1988. all Misdemeanors. All Commercial Licensing
requirements. I prefer Freedom to Licensing as a Commercial Entity as per the Texas
Transportation (Commercial) Code (please refer to your Webster's Dictionary and look up
'Transportation') Mostly 'failure to I.D' in unwarranted traffic stops. 1 Interfering in Public
Meeting, I.e., refusing to participate in a Municipal court where I had been required by
citation to attend. Wrong charges for the consequences provided. 1 possession of a
controlled substance, less than 1/2 gram of Marijuana. paid the exorbitant fine
Q: What sort of sustainable agricultural policies do you support?
A: Reduce to eliminate use of Toxic Chemicals in Food production and landscape/home
usage. Increase the education in ALL Public Schools to include participation in
Understanding Agricultural programs for all public School Children. Pro's and con's of
Chemical usage and genetic modifications. Decriminalize Hemp production to allow the
Agriculture industry to capitalize on the Many products that can be made from this crop,
from Fuel oil (no distilling necessary to make a better Diesel fuel for farm and auto usage,
to food cake, Cloth, Paper, Biodegradeable plastics, hard construction materials
(eliminating deforestation and chemical pollution), insulation materials, Fine oils for paints
etc.., sealants, medicines, and many, many more...
Q: What is your assessment of the state’s 50 year water plan?
A: Not satisfactory. To much waste in catchmen, and usage. Lakes, when at their lowest
levels in summer need to be dug out and deepened to allow for more water to be retained
for future usage. Black water needs to be routed differently from grey water so it can be
cleaned more appropriately for re-use. Increase in Home landscape and government
plantings of native plant materials instead of the high water useage plants imported for
their beauty. Education in Drip irrigation for farm, commercial and home landscapes
Q: Do you think rural Texas has sustainable water systems? If not, what would you do to
promote them?
A: Texans needs to 'increase' the amount of water they collect and store for later use.
Farmers should increase the surface water collection systems and the Urban dwellers need
to start collecting more 'onsite' water for their own use, thereby reducing the load for
water companies and their needs to supply. Urban and suburban communities need to
educate themselves in better water use and conservation of the available water. more
Native species and xeroscape landscapes. Tax incentives should be promoted for these
projects, not grants.
Q: Do you favor limits on the rule of capture? Why or why not?
A: If this is about water, No Limits on Capture. Tax incentives for those who would create
more usable water for their own use and the use of their communities. Farmers and
Ranchers should capture more water for their own Agricultural persuits. Homeowners and
Home Builders should incorporate water catchment facilities in each and every constrect
and modify existing homes and businesses with Rainwater collection devices.
Q: What, if any, changes should the Agriculture Department make regarding its role in
improving rural broadband access?
A: Except for identifying FRAUD and Corruption in the System, Nothing should be done. Let
the Free Market operate and improve connectivity.
Q: What policies do you support to connect farmers to nearby cities?
A: More Farmers Markets and more urban gardeners to create more neighborhood
co-ops. Everyone has something to do with Agriculture on a daily basis. Reduce to
eliminate any and all taxing of Agricultural endeavors throughout the State.
Q: Does Texas have sufficient regulations over feedlots? What improvements, if any,
should be made?
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A: Most Feedlots are run by Private corporations and partnerships. When abuses or
abnormalities occur, the Agriculture Commission should Identify the problems and work
with these folks on corrective measures. Regulations are best left to the industries, when
FRAUD or health matters occur, it is the Duty for the Ag Commission to step in and help to
make the proper corrections, and make sure that any Fraud or Criminal activities are
properly prosecuted.
Q: How would you better promote Texas farm products?
A: ALL Land and Production materials, including Homestead farming, should be TAX FREE
in the hands of the producer. This includes ALL Value Added Agricultural Products as well.
Texans Farming Texas, for Texans and the World !
Q: What is your view of using farms to grow new forms of energy?
A: This has been an old subject with me. There are a multitude of plants as products and
by products that can be used to CREATE more energy. Kenaf and hemp being but two of
them. Some even have multiple uses that can be used as more economic stimulations. I
am in full support of Decriminalizing ALL forms of Agricultural Products and investigation of
others for Energy! Let the Free Market create the innovations necessary in the production
of energy rather than the State trying to regulate and control it. No more government
Grants for Government sponsored industries to invent or produce what the Free market
can create on it's own.
A: We've had over 150 years of Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum to see what they have to
offer. Regulate and control of the civilian population is NOT what 'We the People' created
with our Constitution. The Constitution was devised to define the specific areas where We
needed to have protection from Monopolies and Perpetuities from committing Fraud and
Corruption upon 'We the People'. I offer a new Paradigm in Agriculture, or should I say, the
rebirth of the old System, where the Farmer/Rancher is Individually Liable for his own
production, and the People are Free to do whatever they choose as long as they do not
interfere with the rights and property of others. Get the State and the Federal Government
out of the Farmers Fields and Pastures. Let the Free Market control the Marketplace.
TANSTAAFL There Ain't no such thing as a Free Lunch. Government regulations create
more problems than they solve... Just look at the current value of the money to see what
I'm talking about. A Dollar in 1971 could buy approximately 2 gallons of gasoline, and now
it takes over 2 current dollars to get 1 gallon, yet, if the money was still based in the
Constitutional Substance of Article 1 section 10 of the U.S. Constitution, we could get 6 or
more gallons for THAT dollar. This is FRAUD and the Agriculture Commissioner is required
by his Oath of Office to prosecute this in front of and for the people of Texas.
Hank Gilbert
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Hank Gilbert
City/Town: Whitehouse
State: Texas
Fax Number: 888-866-5821
E-mail Address: trey@hankgilbert.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.hankgilbert.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/v4x1hfQw6TU&hl=en
Questions:
A: 50 years
A: Rancher and owner of a small business
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A: Co-Founder of Texas TURF, the organization credited with halting the Trans-Texas
Corridor and toll road projects across the state.
A: Past President of Pineywoods Sub-Regional Planning Commission Former High School
Agriculture teacher, 4-H leader, President of local 2500 member water cooperative, past
President and director of several regional and state cattle breed associations
A: Troup ISD Board Commissioner of Agriculture, 2006
A: In excess of $225,000.00
A: Farouk Shami, John Miller and William Mitchell
A: Yes. As the result of unpaid traffic tickets, I was briefly detained.
A: I'm a big proponent of the use of biodegradable and natural pesticides, local sourcing
and soil conservation with innovative production techniques to maintain the quality of the
land for future generations without sacrificing production.
A: It's inadequate. Water will become a more precious commodity in my lifetime, if we
don’t do a better job of planning. We need to repair damaged alliances with our
neighboring water-rich states, as well as invest more in desalinization plants and
conservation systems using San Antonio and El Paso as model. We cannot simply rely on
the construction of reservoirs on state rivers, we have to invest in new technologies to
increase efficiencies and open new sources.
promote them?
A: In a lot of areas, no. As the past President of a rural water cooperative, we could not
sustain ourselves on wells alone with our consistent population growth. In some areas, we
need to create regional cooperatives, as well as regional water districts involving multiple
counties. They should have the ability to capture water regionally for use.
A: No. I believe that regional areas should have the ability to capture as long as the
capture areas do not directly impede a major tributary that supplies others downstream.
Currently, a large amount of runoff (estimated as high as 80%) ends up in the Gulf.
A: A number of changes need to be made, including shifting the focus to wireless from
wired access. The technology scales far more effectively and can be upgraded easily as
compared to fixed installations. The Department needs to do a far better job working with
existing rural providers and helping them partner with companies than can provide this
technology. That, in conjunction with existing subsidy programs should make the net
impact to taxpayers zero and allow us to finally offer affordable broadband to those in
underserved areas. Additionally, the department needs to re-evaluate its existing contract
with Connected Nation, the controversial “partner” to which the department has awarded a
$3 million in taxpayer funds.
A: Increased broadband access throughout rural Texas and good, free roads that aren't
tolled or privatized. Infrastructure is a critical issue in Texas as one that must be addressed
with all relevant state agencies.
should be made?
A: Yes. The feedlot industry is barely surviving. Frankly, there's just no reason to fix
something that's not fundamentally broken. Granted, there need to be some changes to
handling of waste, for example, and that's something I intend to work on if elected.
However, on balance feedlots provide an essential service to the cattle industry in Texas
and shouldn't be burdened with over-regulation. We need to look at the real and perceived
problems and address them in ways that won't negatively effect this vital part of Texas
Agriculture.
A: With real marketing. The Go Texan Program has been a failure. Other states, like
California. are out-marketing us everyday. We need to create processing coops for various
products here in Texas, and develop a domestic, national and international advertising
campaign to promote our products as true Texas products. This will create local jobs,
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increase the local tax base and add much needed profits for Texas producers, as well as
additional state revenues.
A: It's a key part of my plan, specifically creating incentives to grow preferred crops that
are more energy dense than one of the ones we're using for biofuels now. Further, it's
essential to involve, through low cost loans and grants, stakeholders in the fuel supply
chain to get them to invest resources in providing these fuels to market. Once a stable
supply is being created, we can bring down costs to compete directly, without subsidies,
with petroleum based fuels. You can visit my website to see my plan to create jobs,
increase agricultural income and make us energy independent once again.
A: I've been in the industry all my professional life which means I'm far more qualified and
it's simply too important a job to leave to a professional politician. That's not to say I don't
know my way around the Capitol. I've successfully lobbied to keep the TTC down, to stop
the privatization of our infrastructure, put an end to eminent domain abuse and help out
small farmers in this state. On many of these issues, I've been fighting my opponent
whose been on the opposite side. Today, the Department of Agriculture, is a broken shell
of what it once was and that needs to be fixed. We have overburdened our inspectors and
as a result many citizens of this state are being cheated at the gas pump and the cash
register. It's time we restore the consumer protection functions of the Department and
hold cheats accountable. We need a real biofuels policy to break our dependence on
foreign oil and create jobs here. Finally, we need to reform the Department to increase
efficiency and reduce waste through duplication of efforts by other agencies of State
government. This will reduce the regulatory burden on producers and merchants while not
sacrificing the safety of Texans. Since 2007, TDA has spent only $500,000 on food safety
programs. That's far too little to protect a population that's north of 23 million. I intend to
do a much better job of making sure that the food you and I serve our families is the
safest in the country. My opponent has had almost four years to do that and his failures
have been made embarrassingly public. My opponent has spent the majority of his time as
Commissioner handing out federal money like it's his, ignoring food safety, ignoring the
safety of his employees and of the people of Texas. He's spent the better part of this year
blaming others for his mistakes and trying to attack me personally. He's not come after
my plans or ideas. Texans deserve far better than a child who'd rather deflect blame than
accept responsibility. I've been open and honest with voters and the press about my fight
with the IRS, which is quite common for many small business owners and my traffic
tickets. I've never attempted to hide any of it. In short, unlike my opponent, I can admit
when I've been wrong and I've worked hard to make it right. Texans can't expect
perfection but they can expect someone who'll take responsibility and fix the mess. I'm
that man. It's time for someone who actually wants to serve Texans to lead the Texas
Department of Agriculture.
Todd Staples
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Todd Staples
City/Town: Austin
State: Texas
Fax Number: 512-912-1191
E-mail Address: admin@toddstaples.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.toddstaples.com
Questions:
A: 47 years
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A: Commissioner of Agriculture/Real Estate/Rancher
A: Received endorsements and awards from the following outstanding organizations:
Independent Cattlemen of Texas, Texas Farm Bureau, Texas Association of Realtors, Texas
Forestry Association, Texas Poultry Federation, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers
Association, Texas Water Conservation Association, among many others. Deacon, Norwood
Heights Baptist Church
A: State Vice-President of Texas FFA; State Co-chair, American Legislative Exchange
Council; “Golden Apple” Award, Texas Association of Mid-Sized Schools; Civil Justice
Leadership Award, Texans for Lawsuit Reform;“Fighter for Free Enterprise,” Texas
Association of Business;“Champion for Children,” Equity Center; Deep East Texas Legislator
of the Year; “Legislative Champion,” Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas; “Law
and Order” Award, Texas County and District Attorneys Association; Repeatedly named
among Texas’ Top 10 Conservative Legislators; Family Law Association Award for Efforts in
Family Law and Juvenile Justice; Legislative Hall of Fame, Texas Association of REALTORS
A: Texas Commissioner of Agriculture (2007-Present); State Senator, Senate District 3
(2001-2007); State Representative, House District 11 (1995-2001); Palestine City Council
(1989-1991)-Mayor Pro-tempore(1990-1991)
A: $1,065,709.00
A: Texas Farm Bureau/AGFUND
A: No.
A: Sustainable agriculture is a system that continues to supply the most affordable and
reliable food and fiber supply in the world, from right here in Texas. That comes from
responsible policies such as sound water planning, fair tax policies, aggressive marketing
and common sense environmental practices. These policies encourage both large and
small enterprises to meet diversifying consumer demands, from high quality beef to
organic citrus,rather than the intrusive federal government that seeks to tell consumers
what they want by steering food and fiber production.
A: The water planning process is one of the most critical elements to meet the needs of
Texas growth. The water plan is most effective when local stakeholders identify needs and
sources of water through a cooperative arrangement with regional authorities. The five
year renewal process of the water plan is a very important component to adjust for
changes.
promote them?
A: Water systems are vital to a rural community and those communities are vital to
sustaining an affordable domestic food supply. Upgrading this rural infrastructure takes
strong coordination between local, state and federal leaders in order to efficiently access
financial assistance tools already in existence. Water must not be considered an urban
verses rural issue because we need an ample water supply for municipal, industrial and
agricultural uses, covering all areas of Texas. To ensure an ample water supply, state
policy must include funding for technological advancement; promote partnerships,
incentives,and conservation; and reward land stewardship programs.
A: I support a landowner's right to access and utilize water on their property, as the rule of
capture ensures. Continued management of groundwater resources through groundwater
conservation districts, while improving accountability, consistency, science and
transparency, is essential to honoring landowners' rights and meeting our state's growing
water needs, which can happen in tandem. To ensure proper water management and
stewardship, continued recognition of water as a vested property right is vital.
A: Broadband service is today what Farm-to-Market roads were in the 1950’s. The first
step to building is always a blueprint. When the federal government made the decision
through the stimulus bill to put $7 billion into this complex nationwide project, they should
have honored my requests, and those of so many other Texas officials, to map existing
service locations before any taxpayer funds were invested into building new infrastructure.
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The federal government did not do that, but Texas now has an initial draft map of service,
and it is important for all Texans to compare the map (www.connectedTX.org) to their
area and provide feedback so this map can be improved and identify those un-served
areas of Texas. TDA is actively seeking and encouraging regional partnerships for
deployment, encourages tax incentives to expand to rural areas, and seeks federal
programs for interested communities and small businesses.
A: I have implemented improvements to the GO TEXAN program to increase the number
of Texas products available to Texas consumers by linking restaurants with Texas farmers
and increasing the number of GO TEXAN members by more than 50%. Other initiatives to
connect rural and urban Texas even more include the GO TEXAN Wildlife program (Go
Hunt. Go Fish. GO TEXAN.), TDA’s Rural Internship program and the expansion of Farmers
Markets efforts. Through “Agriculture is Your Culture” (www.TexasAgriculture.gov/culture)
we have connected urban Texans with the stories of how agriculture impacts daily life.
Continuing these efforts are critical to ensuring agriculture thrives and continues to meet
the demands of our growing population without becoming dependent on foreign sources of
food.
should be made?
A: Animal feeding operations are the source of a significant amount of our affordable
domestic food supply. They are highly regulated by science-based federal laws that are
important to ensure public and environmental protection. Creating new levels of
government control would only limit the ability of Texas consumers to continue to have
access to an affordable domestic food supply.
A: Consumers across Texas and around the world know that Texas products are the best
their money can buy. I will continue to seek access to international markets, work to
maximize specialty crop funding in order to expand both productivity and markets,
promote Texas agricultural products through retail promotions and collaborate with all
trade associations in welcoming international buyers. In addition, my team and I have
bolstered the GO TEXAN marketing program to include the GO TEXAN Restaurant
Round-Up and the Go Texan Wildlife Initiative, and we will continue to seek out new and
innovative ways to promote Texas products, both here and abroad.
A: Agriculture has a strong role in providing complimentary fuel sources. I requested that
the Legislature expand its investment for biofuels production, and develop the Texas
Bioenergy Policy Council and Texas Bioenergy Research Advisory Committee that is
bringing together the varied stakeholder groups with diverse interests to ensure we are
not product or crop specific. In order for our state policies to be successful, we must have
three clearly defined criteria when dealing with alternative energy sources: our policies
must be equitable, sustainable, and defensible. Government cannot and must not pick our
alternative energy sources, but rather create an atmosphere that welcomes and
encourages investment by farmers and industry to meet consumer demand in a market
based environment.
A: Having been involved in agriculture my entire life, I understand it is the backbone of the
Texas economy. As a small business owner for over 20 years, city council member, state
representative, state senator, and now as your Agriculture Commissioner, I have lowered
taxes, increased government accountability, helped bring jobs to Texas, worked on
common sense environmental solutions, increased consumer protections, passed sound
water policy, and encouraged individual initiative toward healthy lifestyles. I will continue
to ensure we have access to the safest, most reliable, and most affordable food supply in
the world. I will also continue to fight an overreaching federal government, and keep
intrusive government off our land.
Railroad Commissioner
Description:
Art Browning
Party: G
Biographical Info:
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Questions:
A: - no response -
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Q: How does your experience distinguish you from other candidates seeking this office and
uniquely qualify you to serve as Texas Railroad Commissioner?
A: - no response -
Q: For better or worse, the Texas Railroad Commissioner is determined by partisan
election. Please discuss the reason you chose your current party, with some specific
examples of party philosophy that led to that decision and how that would affect the way
you do your job.
A: - no response -
Q: Critics have faulted the commission for giving gas companies too much leeway in
replacing dangerous pipeline couplings and steel pipes. Is the commission moving fast
enough to improve pipeline safety?
A: - no response -
Q: Railroad Commissioners have been criticized for taking money from the oil and gas
industry that the commission regulates. Are there specific promises on political
contributions that you would make to assure voters that you are acting independently and
in the best interests of all Texans?
A: - no response -
Q: Residents in the Barnett Shale area are concerned about concentrated urban drilling, in
particular, the impact on neighborhood health and safety. Should the commission take any
steps to control the activity and, if so, what are those steps?
A: - no response -
Q: What, if any, changes should the Railroad Commission recommend regarding
restrictions on the large amounts of water used in hydraulic fracturing?
A: - no response -
Q: Despite its name, the Texas Railroad Commission is an energy agency. Should the
commission develop a comprehensive state energy plan, and — if so — what details belong
in that plan?
A: - no response -
Q: Do you believe that man-made climate change is real, and if so, what should be done to
prepare Texas for tighter national and international climate change rules?
A: - no response -
Roger Gary
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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A: - no response -
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you do your job.
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in that plan?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
David Porter
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: David Porter
City/Town: Austin
State: Texas
Fax Number: 512.233.2905
E-mail Address: Info@VoteDavidPorter.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.VoteDavidPorter.com
Questions:
A: I moved to Midland 30 years ago and have lived there full time until just recently when
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I purchased land in Giddings Texas. I now split time between the two.
A: I am a CPA. I built my CPA practice in Midland focused on providing accounting and tax
services to oil and gas producers, royalty owners, oil field service companies and other
small businesses and individuals. As part of my practice, I have also assisted numerous
Republican candidates and conservative causes with campaign finance disclosure and tax
compliance.
A: I have been active in conservative and Republican circles since being an officer in Young
Americans for Freedom and a member of College Republicans while at Harding. I have
worked as a volunteer in numerous campaigns at all levels from national to state and
local. I have also served as a delegate at several county and state Republican conventions,
as well as Precinct Chairman in Midland and Lee Counties.
A: I was a director and officer of the Midland Jaycees. An officer in District 44 Toastmaster.
Treasurer of Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility – a citizens watchdog group, served several
terms as a Republican precinct chairman in Midland County, served as treasurer for several
local political candidates, am currently a member of several professional organizations,
was a class member in Leadership Midland, and taught for Junior Achievement and served
as a Deacon at Fairmont Park Church of Christ before we moved from Midland. Since
moving to Giddings I have been Vice Chairman and Precinct chairman for the Lee County
Republican party and an member of the Giddings Church of Christ.
A: In 1989 I was elected to a 2 year term as a director of the Midland County Hospital
District. I did not run for reelection.
A: The answer to this question changes almost daily. See reports filed with the Texas ethics
commission for the most current answer.
A: This answer also changes frequently. See the reports filed with the Texas ethics
commission for the most current information.
A: The industries regulated by the Railroad Commission are vitally important to the state
of Texas. The health and safety of the people of Texas as well as the economic well being
of the citizens of Texas are directly impacted by the Railroad Commission. The oil and gas
industry is one of primary economic drivers of the state of Texas in both supplying jobs and
tax revenues. This job is too important to be left to career politicians and lawyers. My vast
experience as described in the answer to the next question will enable me to understand a
broad range of viewpoint regarding the issues facing the commission. I will use this wide
understanding to insure that I will act fairly and impartially in the best interest of the
citizens of Texas while serving as a Railroad Commissioner.
A: My experience in the oil and gas industry is broad and is perhaps the broadest of any
candidate for the Commission in nearly two decades. In 1985, I started my own small
business in Midland, an accounting firm specializing in energy. As a Certified Public
Accountant, nearly my entire career has been spent working with independent oil and gas
producers, operators, oilfield service companies and royalty owners providing accounting,
financial and tax counsel. I also own various working and royalty interest in a number of
leases. Further, I have earned a three decade-long record of pro-business, free market
credentials that will guide me as I serve Texas on the Railroad Commission. I will bring
real hands-on oil and gas experience to the job. And I know first-hand the challenges that
producers face from overregulation and taxes. I also live in rural Texas on acreage (in
which I am only a surface owner no royalties) that has two producing oil wells, there is a
pipeline crossing our property and we get our water from a water well on the property. I
have a personal interest in clean ground water and safety for those living and working near
pipelines and production. I do know what it is like to walk outside your front door and see
and hear a drilling rig.
you do your job.
A: I am a conservative Republican, and will serve the people of Texas as such. My
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conservative philosophy will lead me to serve the people of Texas as a regulator who
believes in regulating efficiently, protecting Texans, and promoting free market principles
that promote the growth of the Texas energy sector. As a Railroad Commissioner, my
priority will be continuing to provide energy and security for Texas and our nation in an
environmentally friendly way while putting the health and safety of citizens first. I strongly
believe the regulation of the Texas energy sector is a state function and should not be
taken over by the Federal Government.
A: It would be arrogant and unfair of me to comment too specifically on certain issues at
the Commission without having access to all the data that commissioners have. I believe
that the RRC must do everything in its power to ensure the safety of our citizens across the
state.
A: It will be my number one priority to serve the people of Texas independently from any
contribution I may receive. No contribution or contributor will influence any decision I may
make while serving the people of Texas as their Railroad Commissioner. Every political
office takes contributions from industries they regulate and or control from the Texas
legislature to the Governor to the President and Congress. Any perceived problem is
systemic and not limited solely to the RRC.
A: Drilling has moved into large Texas urban settings where many of the citizens are less
familiar with the oil and gas industry. As a result of this the RRC must work even harder to
keep open a dialogue with the citizens to make sure they understand what the Commission
is doing to regulate the industry and to understand the citizens concerns. The RRC must
find a way to balance environmental concerns and human safety with economic concerns.
The RRC should ensure public safety while promoting the growth of the oil and natural gas
industry. The RRC must be vigilant to make sure we balance the two, or the Obama
administration is sure to go to every length to “balance” them by its own standards.
Water disposal poses challenges that rural areas don’t have to deal with. TXDOT and the
RRC should work together to maximize the use of State right-of-ways to move the oil, gas
and produced water efficiently and with minimal disturbance to our neighbors and
maximum protection of their water. Cities also have the rights by Texas law to impose
regulations on drilling activity in addition to those imposed by the RRC if they consider it
necessary for public safety. I believe the RRC should in all regulatory activity take serious
consideration of the population density of the area in formulating rules for production
activities in the area. In other words one size rules don’t fit all.
A: Water is the only resource that over the next 50 – 100 years will be more important to
the economic future of Texas than oil and gas. So it is vitally important that we protect
fresh water in Texas just like it’s vitally important that we produce all the oil and gas we
can safely. First we need to quantify just how much water is being used in hydraulic
fracturing. We need to work with industry and the excellent research universities here in
Texas both to see if there is anyway to reduce the amount of water used in fracturing or to
see if we can use produced water for hydraulic fracturing. If research would support either
of those two alternatives as not substantially effecting production or harming the water
resources of the state I would be in favor of the RRC incorporating that into the
Commission rules.
in that plan?
A: As a state, Texas must ensure that we utilize EVERY option out there in the energy
realm. Because we are both the largest consumer and producer of energy, we must use
every resource available to us which is to say we must depend on natural gas, crude and
coal for our base power and supplement it with emerging renewable such as wind and
solar.
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A: I do not believe in man-made global warming. I think the science out there right now is
far from conclusive. I am 100 percent opposed to the EPA taking over any regulations from
the RRC. We must continue to ensure that Texans are regulating the Texas oil and gas
industry, not Washington DC. It seems the priority of Washington is to control, constrain
and confine the Texas energy industry to the point it destroys the Texas economy. The RRC
must continue to regulate in a common sense manor that both protects the health and
safety of the people of Texas and promotes the efficient production of the energy resources
of this state so that the oil and gas industry stays profitable and continues to provide jobs
to the citizens of Texas.
Jeff Weems
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Jeff Weems
Street Address: 614 Lindenwood
City/Town: Houston
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 713-465-1990 (Campaign), 713-843-7840
(Work)
Fax Number: 713-465-1991
E-mail Address: jeff@jeffweemsforcommissioner.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.jeffweemsforcommissoner.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/mBD0y_EcA3w&hl=en
Questions:
A: Over 35 years. I moved here from Louisiana in 1974.
A: I am an oil and gas litigation partner at the Houston firm of Harrison, Bettis, Staff,
McFarland & Weems.
A: I am a board member of the Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi. I am a Life Member
of the 100 Club. I am a member of the National Association of Royalty Owners. I am a
member of the Houston Chapter of the American Petroleum Institute. I am a member of
the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners. I am a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar
Foundation.
A: In addition to the matters noted above, I was the Stewardship Chairman and a Deacon
at First Congregational Church, Houston, Texas.
A: None.
A: To date, just above $190,000.00
A: H.K. Acord, Jim Finley and Roger Weems
A: No.
A: I am running for Commissioner to bring balance to this office. We have had three
Republicans in the office – all with little to no industry experience – for over a decade. I
have over 35 years of experience in the industry – I know what to do. We must balance
the needs of the industry with concerns of the stakeholders affected by drilling and
production activities. Specifically, we must be certain we are properly exercising our
oversight responsibilities regarding drilling and production, pipeline transmission, and retail
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natural gas delivery. I will bring the dedication, expertise and zeal for this position that will
restore the public’s faith in the Commission.
A: In 1975, I began working in the summers with oilfield service companies. When I was
injured working offshore, I personally experienced what happens when you do not have
proper safety protocols in place. I was a mud engineer as I went through college - so I
have worked on the rigs and I am quite familiar with their operation. After graduating with
high honors from the University of Texas with a degree in Petroleum Land Management, I
was a landman with Shell then on my own. In that capacity I was able to witness the
interaction of the companies, the landowners, and regulatory agencies. After graduating
with honors from The University of Texas School of Law, I have been an oil and gas
attorney for over 20 years. In all, I have spent over 35 years in activity directly related to
the oil and gas business. That experience is crucial, especially because much of what the
Railroad Commission does is legal or quasi-legal in nature. Much of the work done at the
Commission deals with interpretation of statutes, implementation of regulations, and the
application of these legal concepts to real-life facts. I need no up-to-speed time to prepare
for this function. I have much more comprehensive oil and gas experience (field and legal)
than any other candidate in the race – and any other current Commissioner. I understand
much the technology currently employed in the industry. If you do not understand it, you
cannot effectively regulate it. In my practice, I represent both operators and landowners –
I know both sides of the equation. In both my work and in this campaign, I have spent
months visiting with those affected by the intense activities in the Barnett Shale, the
Haynesville Shale, the Eagle Ford Shale, and West Texas. I understand the issues and the
complaints raised by neighbors, landowners, county commissioners, and operators. This
understanding comes from listening – another skill acquired as a litigation attorney.
you do your job.
A: The structure of this question begs a comment, and that is this: There are no partisan
issues or philosophies at the Texas Railroad Commission. I have travelled to 145 counties
so far, and I have yet to hear a single partisan issue that relates to the Railroad
Commission. I am a Texas Democrat because I believe in a government that is
conservative and frugal with funding and spending but that has the best interests of all of
its citizens at heart. In my younger days, I identified as a Republican. My identification
changed early in this decade as I grew to understand that, in Texas, the Democratic Party
and its representatives were more interested in solving issues while the Republicans I
knew seemed to focus on splinter social issues, often losing sight of sound policy. For
example, I am just as big of a fan of tax cuts as the next person – but when the agencies
in charge of basic health and safety oversight (like the Railroad Commission) do not have
enough money to do their jobs adequately, then the cuts have gone too far. I personally
am glad to pay my taxes for adequate police, safe highways owned by Texans, and
agencies that have enough workers to accomplish their basic oversight functions, and I do
not understand those who would sacrifice these things in the name of some unrelated
platform plank. My party affiliation is unrelated to the job, but a few related principles will
come into play. The first of those is focus. I only will be a Railroad Commissioner. I have
no interest in ever running for any other office. That to me is critical because I will not tow
any party line for some dogma that is irrelevant or detrimental to doing the best job
possible on the Commission. Second, I look at inclusiveness as a strong Democratic trait. I
will be inclusive among stakeholders as I investigate matters to reach decisions on
pressing issues. For example, before ruling on matters dealing with activities in the Barnett
Shale, I intend to continue visiting with everyone affected by those operations so my
decisions can be balanced and informed. Third, I will use my position on the Commission,
and the corresponding balance that will bring, to get in front of Democratic lawmakers and
discuss pressing Commission and oil and gas issues that affect Texas and Texans. There
currently is precious little interaction between our all-Republican commissioners and
Democratic lawmakers – and that is unhealthy. At times my message may be similar or
identical to that of my Republican colleagues, but I will have a better chance of being
heard by Democratic lawmakers – especially when policy is shaped by the Democratic
Party.
A: No. Although I applaud the recent movement at the Commission toward mandating
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replacement of steel lines with plastic ones in certain legacy Lone Star Gas systems, the
Commission has moved much too slowly toward resolving the issue on these lines and
compression couplings. Home explosions due to leaking gas were a major issue in the
Commission race two years ago – what took so long? Once a public safety issue is
identified, especially with something as volatile as natural gas, resolutions must be
reached quickly. On a final note, we also must be certain that the costs of these
replacement programs are allocated fairly.
A: Yes. I have pledged since I entered the race over a year ago that I will push for
campaign finance reform for the Railroad Commissioners. First, since the Commission is
quasi-judicial in nature, I propose that Railroad Commissioners be treated like Supreme
Court justices. In other words, a few months after the general election, there should be no
more contributions allowed to sitting Commissioners until they announce for reelection or
nine months before the filing deadline, whichever is later. That will close the window on
contributions to Railroad Commissioners for about four years of their six-year term.
Prohibiting contributions in that time frame will block the perception some hold that certain
contributors have undue influence on the Commission. I am unaware of any instance
where undue influence was exerted – I am just saying it looks bad to many Texans.
Another proposal I have in this arena also mirrors the rules with judges – before you can
announce your candidacy for another office, you must resign your post. For too long, the
Railroad Commission has been used as a stepping stone for higher political summits. This
too casts a shadow on the perception of independence when a sitting Railroad
Commissioner is seeking contributions toward his/her campaign for another office, often
seeking these contributions from people with matters pending for decision before the
Commission. It currently is perfectly legal – it just looks bad.
A: The Railroad Commission has the responsibility to monitor and oversee gaseous
emissions from facilities under their control, including drilling sites, well locations, and
compressor stations. The Commission is better suited to conduct these operations than
other agencies because of their field personnel’s innate knowledge of these operations and
activities. The current Commissioners have refused to acknowledge this responsibility. I
will act. Further, the Railroad Commission has absolute authority to regulate hydraulic
fracturing – which many fear will adversely affect their water resources (and which process
also involves air emission issues when the fracturing fluid has flowed back to the surface).
The Railroad Commission must investigate processes to be certain that the hydraulic
fracturing procedure does not contaminate fresh water aquifers. For example, the
Commission should investigate requiring water well sampling within a particular radius of
planned operations so that a baseline of water quality can be established and after-the-fact
questions can be answered. The Commission also oversees hauling of fluids recovered
from the well bore. In many cases of reported spills, the source was the vehicle hauling
the fluids away. The Commission should pursue implementing best practices for hauling
these fluids – and for tightening the reporting requirement thresholds currently in use. Of
course, none of this can get done if the Commissioners are not willing to fight for adequate
funding so that they can acquire and maintain the field personnel and equipment necessary
to carry out these functions. That is another talent I intend to bring to the Ciommission - a
dogged determination to do what is right and best for the workers at the Commission so
that they can do their job and do it well. Many of the other issues attendant with urban
drilling are outside the Railroad Commission’s authority, which is strictly limited by the
grants given by the legislature. I would support an expansion of the Commission’s
authority in order to allow for a comprehensive set of regulations relating to urban drilling
statewide.
A: The amount of water used in a particular fracturing operation is not something that can
be altered readily. What can be done, however, is to look to reclaiming the fluids once they
return to the surface. The Railroad Commission should implement a fast-track study of the
efficacy of requiring some degree of water reclamation in fracturing operations. A few
companies have investigated produced water reclamation, but the most common comment
has been that the cost was too high. The Commission’s investigation should focus on
site-specific reclamation, for which the technology is emerging and growing more
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economical. This approach would reduce the downside of transportation of produced water.
in that plan?
A: In fact, the Railroad Commission is a quite limited energy agency. The Commission
does nothing with solar or wind power. It has no authority relating to coal and nuclear
power except its authority over strip mine permitting (including opening and closing such
locations) in Texas for coal and uranium. It has no authority over electricity transmission,
storage or usage. As such, the Commission’s ability to create a comprehensive energy plan
would have no teeth. Having said that, the Commission can push its portion of a
comprehensive approach on two fronts. First, as a Commissioner, I would be outspoken in
advocating an expansion of wind and solar power. As a side note, the Railroad Commission
ought to be given authority over the permitting of land for wind and solar uses because
some of the same issues regarding correlative rights (the rights of neighboring
landowners) come in to play with these industries. Most importantly, the Commission
could prove to be a major piece of the energy plan puzzle by promoting the use of natural
gas as a transportation and power-generation fuel. In Texas, we have been blessed with
abundant reserves of clean-burning natural gas. We should promote the replacement of
Wyoming (and other non-Texas) coal as a fuel for our power plants and start a systematic
replacement of such facilities with equipment designed to burn Texas natural gas. At the
same time, I believe a major part of the equation is to help build the infrastructure for
vehicles powered by natural gas. These two steps would build Texas solutions based on a
Texas product. Obviously, conservation is the best approach – but we must simultaneously
plan for the probable continued expansion of Texas’ population.
A: Yes. It is undeniable that the world’s climate has warmed significantly in the last 100
years. Further, the anthropogenic contribution to this trend is undeniable – man’s actions
are indeed contributing to the current warming of the Earth. Texas needs to lead the way
in addressing many of the root causes of man's contribution to global warming by
promoting and encouraging the use of the gift we have received – abundant supplies of
native natural gas. There is no dispute that, among fossil fuels, natural gas is the cleanest-
burning. I intend to promote natural gas’ use as a power generation fuel (to replace the
Wyoming sub-bituminous coal currently burned at many Texas electric generation plants)
and as a transportation fuel (for all vehicle types). These two actions alone will result in a
significant decrease in the greenhouse gasses generated in Texas from man-made
activities. Further, another beauty of an aggressive strategy on the transportation fuel
front is that as the market continues to develop biomass and other sources of methane,
the use of “original” natural gas can be diverted to perhaps even more efficient forms of
transportation fuel, like di-methyl ether. As we push toward a Texas that, in the short
term, employs natural gas more fully for its needs, we must remain vigilant and
concentrated on an equally-important goal – reaching the point where natural gas
extraction is as “environmentally friendly” as its consumption.
Texas Supreme Court, Place 3

Description:
Debra Lehrmann
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Justice Debra Lehrmann
Street Address: PO Box 355 Colleyville, TX 76034
City/Town: Colleyville
State: TX
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Fax Number: 800-433-1387

E-mail Address: debra@judgedebralehrmann.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://judgedebralehrmann.com
Questions:
A: A lifelong resident of Texas, I was raised in Baytown where I graduated from Ross S.
Sterling High School. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, I graduated with high honors from the
University of Texas in 1979 and from the University of Texas School of Law in 1982. Since
that time, I practiced law in Tarrant County and served as District Judge of the 360th
District Court in Fort Worth, Texas.
A: I currently serve as a Texas Supreme Court Justice. Prior to this appointment, I served
as a judge in Tarrant County for almost 23 years, and have more than two decades the
amount of judicial experience as my opponent. Prior to my appointment to the bench, I
worked as a prosecuting attorney with the Tarrant County Domestic Relations Office,
prosecuting cases involving child abuse, non-payment of child support and other child
related matters. I then joined the law firm of Law, Snakard and Gambill, the third largest
law firm in Tarrant County, where I practiced law until I was appointed to the bench.
A: Awards and Recognition: Recipient of the Judge Eva Barnes Award by Tarrant County
Family Law Bar Association for outstanding dedication and exemplary service to the legal
profession, 2009 Recipient of Scott Moore Award by Court Appointed Special Advocates
(CASA)for dedication to children and families, 2005 Recipient of Texas Bar Foundation’s
Outstanding Bar Journal Award, 2003 for “The Child’s Voice—an Analysis of the
Methodology Used to Involve Children in Custody Litigation,” Texas Bar Journal, Nov.
2002 Professional Activities and Leadership Positions: Uniform Laws Commission (ULC)
Commissioner, 2004-2010, appointed by Governor Rick Perry American Bar Association,
Family Law Section Chair-Elect, 2009 to present Association of Family and Conciliatory
Courts (AFCC), Texas Chapter, president, 2003; vice-chair, 2002; board member, 2000-01,
member 2000 to present Eldon B. Mahon Inn of Court, Master member, 2004 to present
Co-Chair, Texas Legislative Ad Hoc Ad Litem Committee, 2000 to 2007, which drafted
legislative amendments to Texas Family Code Chapter 107 Course Director, Annual
Conference of AFCC, Texas Chapter Fall 2002, “The Child’s Voice” Fall 2003, “High Conflict
Families—Methods in Therapeutic Jurisprudence" Fellow, American Bar Foundation, 2004
to present Charter Member, Tarrant County Bar Foundation, 1998 to present Fellow,
Texas Bar Foundation, 1996 to present American Bar Association, Judicial Section,
member Judicial Section of the State Bar of Texas, member National Association of
Judges, member U.S. District for the Northern District of Texas, member Tarrant County
Bar Association, member Tarrant County Family Bar Association, member Tarrant County
Women Lawyers, member Community Involvement & Activities National Adoption Day,
Tarrant County, chair, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2008; committee member, 2000 to
present Involved with creation of Texas Supreme Court Permanent Commission for
Children, Youth & Families, 2008 to present United Methodist Church of Colleyville, Church
Council, 2009 to present; active member
A: Awards and Recognition: Outstanding Young Lawyer of Tarrant County, 1990
Professional Activities and Leadership Positions: Fort Worth-Tarrant County Young Lawyers
Association, president, 1988; president-elect, 1987; vice-president, 1986; secretary,
1985; treasurer, 1984; board of directors, 1983 Committee to develop statewide Title
IV-D software package for family district courts, member, 1989-90 West Texas Legal
Services Protective Order Task Force, member, 1988-89 Tarrant County Family Law Task
Force, member, 1987-88 State Bar Convention Planning Committee, member, 1987-88
Tarrant County Family Bar Association, membership committee, chair, 1986 Tarrant
County Teen Court judge, 1987-88 SMU Moot Court judge, 1989-90 Texas Association of
Domestic Relations Offices, secretary, 1985-86; board of directors, 1984-85 American
Foster Parent Annual Convention, mock trial presentation, organizer and presenter, 1985
Tarrant County Dispute Resolution Services, mediator, 1984-86 Tarrant County Domestic
Relations Office Task Force, member, 1984-85 Community Activities & Recognition Open
Arms (organization which deals with domestic violence), advisory board, 2000-2002
National Amazing Woman Award, 2001 Who's Who in Texas, 1985 Notable Woman of
Texas, 1983 Network for Executive Women, past member Fort Worth Professional
Women's Organization, 1986-87 Tarrant County Parents United, board of directors,
1985-86
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A: District Judge, 360th Judicial District of Texas Commissioner, Uniform Laws Commission
A: Over $530,000 since 2009.
A: Vinson & Elkins Texas PAC Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC Mr. Peter O'Donnell, Jr.
A: No.
Q: Do you support our system of electing judges in partisan contests? Or do you support
moving to a new system, such as one where judges are appointed and then run later in
non-partisan retention elections?
A: I believe that there are problems with each method of selection; however, I believe
that our current method of election of judges provides more transparency that our current
method of appointment of judges. Unfortunately, many of the judicial vacancies in our
state are filled by appointment, within a system that provides no transparency in the
process whatsoever. A single phone call by a disgruntled litigant could sabotage the
appointment of a qualified applicant. On the other hand, judicial elections are determined
by large numbers of the electorate. However, they generally involve candidates who have
no name recognition, and therefore these down-ballot races are non-transparent in other
ways. That is, they are usually determined by factors that have nothing to do with
qualifications, such as ability to raise money, name identity, and placement on the ballot.
A merit retention system that utilizes a selection panel of qualified members who
represent a cross-section of the community might be a better alternative. It would be
important that the selection panel be comprised of lawyers, judges, and other members of
the community who understand the basis for a qualified judiciary and who have no special
interest connection with the judiciary.
Q: The Supreme Court oath that all lawyers take requires them to say that "we will avoid
the appearance of impropriety." In light of that, how can judges justify accepting campaign
contributions from lawyers who have appeared, or will appear, before them in their
courtroom?
A: Our system of electing judges in Texas requires candidates seeking judicial office to
raise money to finance their campaigns. Judicial ethics regulations recognize this, and
therefore allow judges to preside over cases in which the participants have contributed to
their campaigns. If elected to continue my service on the Court, I will recuse myself from
any case when required to do so by the Code of Judicial Conduct or any other rule of law.
Q: What value do you place on precedents? What would motivate you to deviate from a
precedent?
A: Consistency in the law is critical. It is very important that justices carefully analyze the
law as it relates to the legal issues involved in any particular case and carefully apply the
law to the facts of the case. Our judicial system is based upon the premise that judges will
decide each case according to the precedent that has been established by prior cases,
rather than according to their own personal views.
Q: How important are unanimous Supreme Court opinions? What would prompt you to
write a separate opinion?
A: Concurrent and dissenting opinions play an important role in our judicial system
because they help other courts understand the decision being rendered. I would write a
separate opinion if I felt that doing so would be helpful in clarifying the law. I would also
write a separate opinion if I disagreed with the majority, and that doing so would assist in
the proper progression of the law. I am currently working on several dissents in pending
cases.
Q: What’s the most important quality a voter should consider in a jurist? For example, is it
a sense of fairness? Ability to reason dispassionately? Decisiveness?
A: While many qualities are important when evaluating a jurist, such as the ability to
efficiently manage a docket, I believe that the most important quality to be considered is
whether the jurist has a sincere respect for due process of law. Due process requires that
each party to any lawsuit be treated fairly, listened to with respectful attention, and that
the law be fairly applied to the specific facts.
Q: Writing is an important part of this job. If opinions aren’t clear, the public, including
lawyers and lower courts, are left confused. How should voters judge your ability in this
area?
A: The author of numerous published articles, I was recognized by the Texas Bar
Foundation for legal scholarship and writing ability in 2003, with their award for the best
bar journal article of the year, for The Child’s Voice An Analysis of the Methodology Used To
Involve Children in Custody Litigation” (Texas Bar Journal, November 2002). I author two
legal treatises which are updated yearly, Texas Annotated Family Code (Lexis Nexis-
Matthew Bender) and Court Appointed Representation of Children in Texas Family Law
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Cases—A Practical Guide (Lexis Nexis-Matthew Bender). A frequent author and lecturer at
Texas Wesleyan School of Law, my work includes: “The Uniform Collaborative Law Act,”
Texas Wesleyan School of Law, May 2009 “Problem Solving Courts,” Alternative Dispute
Resolution Symposium, Texas Wesleyan School of Law, February 2009 “We’ve Come a
Long Way—Docket Control & Pre-Trial Scheduling Orders-Part I,” Tarrant County Bar
Journal, February 2008 “We’ve Come a Long Way—Docket Control & Pre-trial Scheduling
Orders-Part II,” Tarrant County Bar Journal, March 2008 “Alternative Forms of Dispute
Resolution” Texas Wesleyan School of Law, May 2008 “The Rule of Law & the Civil Courts
System,” Texas Wesleyan School of Law, October 2008 “Best Litigation Practices,” Eldon B.
Mahon Inns of Court, October 2008 “What Judges Want to Know,” National Business
Institute, November 2008 “Docket Control & Pre-Trial Scheduling Orders,” American Bar
Association Family Advocate, Fall 2008 “Uniform Representation of Children,” Divorce on
the Beach, San Destin, Florida, 2008 “Representation of Children,” ABA Family Law
Section Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, 2007 “Ten Custody Cases You Should Know About,”
Advanced Family Law Course, Dallas, 2007 “Uniform Representation of Children in
Abuse, Neglect and Custody Proceedings Act,” Law Education Institute, Colorado, 2007
“Therapeutic Jurisprudence—A New Paradigm,” Texas Association of Mediators, Fort Worth,
2007 “The Power of Perspective,” ABA Family Law Section Meeting, California, 2007
“Practical Tips for Lawyers in Family Law Court,” Texas Wesleyan School of Law, 2007
“Family Law- Title 5,” Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Fort Worth, 2006 “Family Law Case
Update,” N.E. Tarrant County Bar Association, 2006 “Court-Appointed Representation of
Children,” Texas Institute of CLE, Dallas, 2006 “Learning to Make the Texas Family Code
Work for You,” Texas Institute of CLE, course director, Dallas 2006 “Family Law Case Law
Update,” Annual Judicial Conference, Texas Center for the Judiciary, Houston, 2006
“Admissibility of Mental Health Records,” Law Education Institute, Colorado, 2006 “Family
Law- Title 5,” Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Fort Worth, 2005 “Ethical Issues and the
Representation of Children in Domestic Violence Cases,” Houston Bar Association, Houston,
2005 “Daubert’s Application to Opinions of Mental Health Experts in Custody Cases, Fort
Worth , Inns of Court, Fort Worth, 2005 “The Child’s Voice: Role & Responsibilities of
Lawyers for Children, Dallas Bar Assoc. Juvenile Justice Committee CPS Training, Dallas,
2005 “Judicial Perspective About Ethical Issues,” ABA Family Law Section Meeting, San
Diego, 2005 “Legal Ethics & the Representation of Children in Family Law Cases,”
Advanced Family Law Course, Dallas, 2005 “Evidentiary Issues in Family Law,”
moderator, ABA Family Law Section Meeting, Austin, 2005 “When Public Policy Interests
Collide—the Need for Information v. the Need for Privacy” Dallas Family Law Inns of
Court, March 2005 “HIPAA and the Admissibility of Mental Health Records.” ABA National
Telephonic Seminar, 2005 “Family Law- Title 5,” Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Fort
Worth, 2004 “Admissibility of Mental Health Records,” ABA Family Law Section Meeting,
Milwaukee, 2004 “Parenting Coordinators & Parenting Plans—the Proposed Statute,” Texas
Association of Domestic Relations Offices (TADRO) Annual Convention, Austin, 2004
“Duties & Ethical Responsibilities of Court Appointed Lawyers for Children,” Texas Wesleyan
University School of Law, spring, 2004 “The New Ad Litem Statute—One Year Later,”
Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, spring, 2004 “Tips from the Bench,” ABA Annual
Meeting, Family Law Section, Atlanta, Georgia, 2004 “Changes to Texas Family Code
Chapter 107—A Year Later,” Advanced Family Law Course, San Antonio, Texas, 2004 “Ad
Litem Appointments,” Dallas Family Law Section, July 2004 “Amicus Attorneys and
Attorneys Ad Litem—A Judicial Perspective,” Texas Center For the Judiciary, Associate
Judges Training, Austin, July 2004 “Changes to Texas Family Code Chapter 107,” Pro Bono
Continuing Legal Education project, Brownwood, Texas, May 2004 “Ethical Challenges for
Experts,” AFCC Annual Conference, San Antonio, Texas, May, 2004 “Court-Appointed
Representation of Children,” AFCC Annual Conference, San Antonio, Texas, May, 2004
“Domestic Violence in Family Law Cases,” Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, spring,
2004 “Representation of Children in Family Law Cases,” Denton County Family Bar
Association & CASA, spring 2004 “Family Law- Title 5,” Texas Wesleyan School of Law, Fort
Worth, 2003 “Therapeutic Jurisprudence,” Texas Chapter of AFCC Fall Conference, 2003
“Discoverability of Mental Health Records,” ABA Family Law Section Meeting, Seattle,
2003 “Clarity At Last—An Analysis of the New Ad Litem Statute,” Advanced Family Law
Course, Texas, 2003 “Problem Solving Courts & Access Facilitation,” Association of Family
& Conciliation Courts (AFCC) Annual Convention, Ottawa, Canada, 2003 “A Practical
Primer for New Lawyers,” Texas Wesleyan University School of Law, 2003 “The Child’s
Voice—An Analysis of the Methodology Used To Involve Children jjin Custody Litigation,”
Texas Bar Journal, November 2002 “Amendments to Chapter 107 of the Texas Family
Code,” Texas Chapter of AFCC Fall Conf., 2002 “Evaluating the Probative Value of Child
Custody Evaluations,” Juvenile & Family Court Journal, spring 2002 “Access Facilitation—A
Litigation Tool,” Texas Association of Domestic Relations Offices (TADRO) Annual
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Convention, Austin, 2002 “Who Are We Listening To?” Advanced Family Law Course,
August 2002 “Attorneys as Ad Litems,” Texas Wesleyan University School of Law 2002
“Conciliatory Law,” Tarrant County Bench Bar Conference, 2002 “Listening to Children,”
ABA Family Law Section Meeting, Vancouver, B.C., 2001 “Nuts and Bolts Seminar,” Fort
Worth-Tarrant County Young Lawyers 2001 “Brown Bag Seminar—Attorneys as Ad Litems,”
Tarrant County Bar Assoc., 2001 “Domestic Violence—The Tragic Facts,” Texas Christian
University, 2001 “Access Facilitation—A Tool for Families in Conflict,” Arlington Bar
Association, 2001 "Who Are We Protecting? An Analysis of the Law Regarding Attorneys
and Guardians Ad Litem " Texas Bar Journal, February 2000 "The 360th District Court—
Access Facilitation," Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association, 2000 "Judicial Intent and
Ad Litem Appointments," T.C. Child Protective Services, September, 2000 "Ad Litems in
Peril? " Advanced Family Law Course, August 2000 "Ethical Issues Regarding Guardians
and Attorneys Ad Litem," TADRO Annual Convention, 1999 "Temporary Orders," West
Texas Legal Services Family Law Course 1998 “Alternate Dispute Resolution,” Bench Bar
Conference, 1996 "The 360th Associate District Court," Tarrant County Family Law Bar
Association, 1995 "Title IV-D—What Judges Should Know," Regional Judicial Conference,
1990 "Federal Child Support Legislation," Texas Judicial Conference, Killeen, 1990 "Title
IV-D," Texas Judicial Conference, Texarkana, 1990 "Expedited Process," Judicial Training
Seminar, Austin, 1990 "Testifying at Trial," Family Court Service Training Course, Fort
Worth, 1989 "Overview of Enforcement," TADRO Annual Convention, Fort Worth, 1986
"Visitation and Mediation," TADRO Annual Conference, San Antonio, 1985 "The Wage
Assignment," TADRO Annual Conference, Galveston, 1984
Q: Does the court have the right to intervene if the Texas Legislature fails to fund key
constitutional responsibilities such as schools, jails and highways? If so, how does the court
enforce that obligation?
A: No.
Q: The perception is this court is tilted toward business. Why is that?
A: Justices should never allow their personal views to influence their decisions; decisions
should be based only upon the facts and the applicable law.
Q: Does this court have a significant backlog? If so, what would you do to reduce it?
A: I believe that the Court should make changes to more efficiently handle the cases over
which it decides to take action. Litigants suffer when cases are not disposed of promptly.
The Court is currently instituting methods for tracking cases that will result in greater
accountability for the currently sitting justices.
Q: What is a reasonable length of time for the court to dispose of a plaintiff’s case?
A: This depends upon the facts of the specific case at issue. If all parties are interested in
disposing of their case expediently, the case should be tried as soon as discovery issues
have been fairly addressed and the case is ready for trial. Courts should efficiently manage
their dockets through scheduling orders and other docket management techniques, so that
no litigant will be caught in the quagmire of a case that never ends. Some cases should be
disposed of within a few months from the date that the lawsuit was filed, while others
should be disposed of within a year from the date of filing.
Q: Name one state judge and one federal judge, living or deceased, whose opinions and
work you admire. Why do you admire them?
A: State District Judge Charles Murray, a jurist who was known for his patience, knowledge
and respectful dedication to due process of law.
Q: As a judge (if applicable), have any complaints been filed against you to the Judicial
Conduct Committee. If so, please explain the disposition of those complaints.
A: None.
Q: As a lawyer, have you had any proceedings (complaints) filed against you with the
Grievance Committee. If so, what was the disposition (unfounded, private reprimand,
public reprimand, suspension, disbarment)?
A: None.
Q: Because Texas selects its judges and justices through partisan elections, you chose to
run as a Republican or a Democrat. What philosophies of that party led you to choose it for
this race?
A: I chose to run as a Republican because I strongly believe in the conservative judicial
philosophy that judges should never legislate from the bench and should strictly apply the
law.
A: I am honored to currently serve as a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court, and am
writing and voting on many cases that are pending. I have worked tirelessly since my
appointment to get up to speed on all matters currently before the Court. I have found the
work to be stimulating, challenging and fascinating. I am committed to continue to work
tirelessly to serve the citizens of Texas if elected to serve in this capacity. Having had the
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privilege of serving as a trial judge for almost 23 years, I have over two decades more
judicial experience than my opponent. This is very important, as the Texas Supreme Court
reviews cases that originate in the type of court that I have presided over for so many
years. While many extremely qualified jurists currently serve on the Court, there is a need
for trial court judicial experience. I have over double the amount of trial court experience
of all the other justices combined. My opponent has less than two years of judicial
experience and no experience as a trial judge. In 2003, I was appointed by Governor
Rick Perry to represent Texas as a Uniform Law Commissioner. As part of the Texas
delegation to the Uniform Law Commission, I participate in the study and drafting of
uniform acts that harmonize and bring efficiency and predictability to vital areas of
interstate interaction. Over the past six years, I have participated in revisions to the
Uniform Commercial Code, Uniform Probate Code, the Uniform Trust Code, and many
other uniform acts. Additionally, I served as the Chair of the ULC drafting committee on
the Uniform Relocation of Children Act and on the committee which created a uniform law
on the court appointed representation of children. This experience affords me invaluable
insight into national legal issues and the interplay between judicial, legislative, and
practical issues. As part of my dedication to the practice of law and training of lawyers, I
speak frequently at continuing legal education events throughout the state and country,
and am a regular lecturer at Texas Wesleyan School of Law. I author two legal treatises
which are updated yearly, Texas Annotated Family Code (Lexis Nexis-Matthew Bender) and
Court Appointed Representation of Children in Texas Family Law Cases—A Practical Guide
(Lexis Nexis-Matthew Bender). The author of numerous published articles, in 2003 I
received the Texas Bar Foundation’s award for the best bar journal article of the year, for
The Child’s Voice An Analysis of the Methodology Used To Involve Children in Custody
Litigation” (Texas Bar Journal, November 2002). I have been an active leader within the
legal profession for many years. I am a past president of the Texas Chapter of the
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), a past president of the Tarrant
County Young Lawyers Association, is a master member of the Eldon B. Mahon Inn of
Court, served on the Advisory Board of Tarrant County Dispute Resolution Services, am a
fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and the American Bar Foundation, and am a charter
member of the Tarrant County Bar Foundation. I actively participate in the national legal
community as well. I currently serve as the Chair-Elect of the Family Law Section of the
American Bar Association (ABA/FLS). I also serve as the Section’s liaison to the Judicial
Division of the ABA. I am a past member of the Executive Committee of the Section
Officer’s Conference (SOC) of the ABA. In 2005, I received the Court Appointed Special
Advocates (CASA) Scott Moore Award as recognition for my service in the judiciary. Most
recently, in December of 2009, I received the prestigious Judge Eva Barnes Award for
dedication and outstanding service to the legal profession. In 1990, I was recognized as
the Outstanding Young lawyer of Tarrant County.
Jim Sharp
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Jim Sharp
Street Address: P. O. Box 2611
City/Town: Houston
State: Texas
Home Phone Number: private
Mobile Phone Number: 713/869-0090
Fax Number: call ahead
E-mail Address: sharplaw@justice.com
Campaign Web Site Address: sharpforjustice.com
Questions:
A: 57 years
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A: see response to the first entry in Biographical info
A: I have been a blood donor for many years. In fact, I’ve previously been recognized as a
"Gold Level" Donor to the Commit for Life program of Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. I
wish more Americans would take up the cause; it is quite literally the easiest and most
direct way that the average citizen can save a life, one pint at a time. I also serve as a
Lector at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Houston. While service to my Church, may be
considered community service, I have always felt I get much more than I give. I also
serve on the Board of Directors of Houston Works USA, a workforce development and
human services organization dedicated to providing a quality workforce to businesses and
citizens of the Greater Houston community. There is no greater way to change a person's
life than the dignity of an honest day's pay. In 1986 I was commissioned Governor Mark
White as an Admiral of the Texas Navy. I am also a member of the Naval Order of the
United States and the Texas Navy Association. I am an active member in good standing
of the following professional and Community organizations: College of the State Bar of
Texas; American Bar Association (Judicial Section) State Bar of Texas; Houston Bar
Association (Appellate Section); Irish Society of Houston. Preservation Council Steward of
the National Trust for Historic Preservation; Honorary Citizen of Father Flanagan’s Boy’s
Town, Boy’s Town, Nebraska; Patron of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. In addition to
those noted above, I have supported Habitat for Humanity, Amnesty International; various
charities whose focus is upon refugee populations.
A: see above.
A: two prior races for Texas' First Court of Appeals (2004 and 2006); elected in 2008.
A: Approximately $160K
A: Vinson & Elkins David Matthews William Fred Hagans
A: N/A
A: please note: as a sitting Texas Appeals Court Justice, I don't "support" any scenario
------ were the question to be asked "Do you think (a) is right for Texas, or (b) is right for
Texas, I'd answer as follows: a) yes b) no I support accountability to the citizenry in all
public officials. Elections for the Judicial branch are a clear example of the citizen’s check
and balance on the judiciary. Checks and balances and accountability are what is
important, if there is a better way of doing so than answering directly to the people, it has
yet to be invented. Our 3 branch system of government depends on checks and balances
whereby each branch is checked by the other, and ultimately all are accountable to the
voters, I see no reason to exempt one branch of the government from such a proven
system. Everyone would agree party politics should play no role in the evaluation of the
cases before the court.
courtroom?
A: Molly Ivins is oft credited with a statement that I will paraphrase as something akin to:
"If you can't take their money, drink their whiskey, and vote against them the next day
you have no business in the legislature." This is all the more true for Judges(we work year
round, rather than 6 months every other year). You focus upon lawyers'
contributions....but what of the contributions of non-lawyers? Yes, typically it is the law
firm or firm's PAC that contribute to the candidate they desire to win the election but
sometimes it is the individual or business owner him or herself that makes the contribution
directly. That person may not appear in court but his/her business interests may be the
gravamen of the case before that court. Impropriety? or simply a citizen/business seeking
to elect a Judiciary best for his/her interests? One need remember, these are not funds for
the personal use of the judge him/herself! Moreover, the contribution limits imposed upon
judicial candidates measured against the actual costs of campaigning for the office is very
restrictive. And the reporting requirements are maddeningly tedious. And this is how it will
be until the people of Texas demand public funding of Judicial Campaigns.
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precedent?
A: Stare Decisis is an important principle. It provides certainty. Certainty in legal outcomes
is important for all the court's consumers. It is vital to the business owner who wants to
plan his company's future, it is crucial to the political dissident who wants to fairly and
legally challenge the boundaries of government actions, precedent allows newspapers like
yours to know it won't get hauled before a tribunal and forced to disclose confidential
sources. Stare Decisis is the legitimacy of court, the precedents that establish that
legitimacy should be disturbed only when compelling reasons exist to do so. a)
Precedents, decisions of prior cases, ought be followed if they are 1)applicable to the facts
and law of the case currently under consideration and 2)were correctly decided. b) The
opinion cited as precedent was inapplicable or incorrectly decided.
A: I do not feel the need to cower behind the veil of unanimous opinions. Unanimous
opinions serve their place; they provide a clear articulation of the jurisprudence on a given
issue, but no more so than a vote of 8-1 or 7-2, etc. Ever been to a meeting on anything
in which 9 different people had exactly the same feeling about any topic? Even were we to
all agree on the outcome, it would most likely be for vastly different reasons. Unanimity
has its place, but it is not often in the holdings of 9 separate Justices. At the intermediate
court of appeals level it may not be unusual at all to have unanimity, but the dynamics
only involve 3 Justices, to triple that number and still get no divergence of opinion is not
only unimaginable, it is unimaginative. I would write separately in the event the majority
opinion got it wrong (in which case I write a dissent) or the majority opinion neglected to
treat upon an aspect of the case that I believe need be addressed (in which case I write a
concurrence).
A: For we appellate court justices, it is the ability to be able to ferret out the truth as it
(presumably) resides in those reams of paper that comprise the parties' briefs and the trial
transcript. To be able to read a trial transcript and recognize that sometimes the real story
is not what was said at trial or written in the briefs but what was NOT spoken or written.
Additionally,it is the ability to be able to distinguish between what was proven at trial and
what the lawyers before us on appeal say was proven at trial. What is found in the reams
of paper that are the record of a given case, not necessarily, what the advocate before us
tells us is the truth of those very reams of paper. Intermediate appellate courts are often
the least understood branch of the judiciary - they are removed from the testimony, the
demeanor and sincerity of witnesses, the rich commanding voices of charismatic attorneys,
etc. A trial court, or a jury lives with the case for sometimes weeks and months, they see
the demeanor of witnesses, they detect a pregnant pause in an answer when their should
not have been, or they see the insincerity of a position advanced by an un-credible witness
or disingenuous lawyer. All these things die in the written record; the appellate court
justice has to bring them back to life. Or, as One of current Justices of the United States’
Supreme Court noted when recently asked about the sort of person that should sit as an
appellate court Justice, “You have to know not just what those law books say – that’s part
of it. And what all those cases say, and what the briefs say – that’s part of it. But you have
to have what I would call a certain kind of imagination, because you have to be able to
think yourself beyond the room, into the lives of the people whom these decisions will
actually affect.” “A person of independent mind, a record of excellence and integrity, a
fierce dedication to the rule of law and a keen understanding of how the law affects the
daily lives of the American people. Powerful interests must not be allowed to drown out the
voices of ordinary citizens.”
area?
A: This questionnaire is a good start. They can also read my opinions (especially my
dissents, which are not encumbered with the complete dissertation of the facts and
procedural posture of the case).
A: Like all good lawyers who reply to limited hypotheticals, perhaps I should answer
respond, "It depends." Absent specifics of such a scenario, my gut would say that as a
co-equal branch of government sworn to protect the Constitution and the People of our
State, the Judicial Branch would not only have the right but an obligation to intervene. The
specifics of this hypothetical “how” depends on the specifics of this hypothetical
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“what”...One could imagine a fact pattern that would result in Court Order to specific
branches of the government requiring them to carry out their legal duty.
A: Because sometimes, perception is reality. An all-Republican Court, funded
overwhelmingly by business special-interests that yields 87% pro-business opinions? Gee.
Hard to say. However, an All-Republican Court, in itself not bad, the truth is in the work
product, and there we find: a court funded overwhelmingly by business special-interests
that yield 87% pro-business opinions. The truth sometimes hides in plain sight. This court
is perceived to be anti-consumer and anti-family because 87% of the time, their work nets
those results.
A: Apart from the single case of 5+ years pendency for which the Court was sued, I'm not
familiar with its overall backlog, if any. Nor would I speculate as to how to address any
backlog prior to being seated on the court. NB: When three tenths of one per cent (.3%) of
the entire state budget is spent on a one-third co-equal branch of Government ("all things
Judicial") it should come as no surprise that the there may be some issues with getting
blood from a turnip. There are fourteen intermediate appeals courts in the state which are
obligated to accept appeals from trial courts and two courts of last resort which do have
discretionary review of their cases (within certain carefully prescribed areas,the Court of
Criminal Appeals and Supreme Court of Texas may accept or reject whichever cases each
desires). There are also more than 500 trial courts all across the state. At the appellate
level it is a matter of reading often extremely voluminous records covering complex facts
to which we apply frequently intricate statutes and case law. There's quick and then there's
correct...when it comes to the Jurisprudence of the State of Texas, I'd suggest the latter is
the better route.
A: I would prefer to answer this from experience rather than supposition. It is fair to say
that each case is different, some may be addressed fairly rapidly, and others may take
much longer depending on the complexities presented. It is also fair to say that justice
delayed is justice denied. We must strive to improve the presentation of our work product
just as any enterprise is charged with the need to produce. Our product is written opinions,
I want to make a good product and I want to make it fast. Ask me at the end of my term
and I will tell you how to write an opinion that is good and fast.
A: Chief Justice Phil Hardberger, Texas 4th Court of Appeals (Ret.) - brought a long-view
perspective, tremendous experience, unbounded curiosity and one of the world's keenest
minds to his work. When we lost former U.S. 5th Cir Ct of Appeals John R. Brown it was a
tremendous loss to maritime jurisprudence across the nation because, largely due to his
dedication to that area of the law during his long tenure there, the 5th Cir, was known as
THE locus for admiralty law.
A: N/A
A: Yes. Dismissed.
this race?
A: No "philosophies" dictated my decision to run as a Democrat. I may be a Democrat but
I am also their most vociferous critic. I grew of age politically when JFK was a candidate
for President. I'm an Irish-Catholic, as such our parents raised us in the Kennedy tradition,
one that asked us to do for our country. My parents grew up in the Depression. They
benefited from FDR's leadership. Yet both voted for Eisenhower. Then for JFK. Later dad
would live to deeply regret his vote for Nixon in '72 because, as a WWII vet, he desired to
spare me the experience of going to war and believed Nixon when he said he “had a plan
for peace.” I grew up in North Dallas in 50's and 60's, which means I speak fluent
"Republican". I count many of them as dear friends. It is fair to say that each party is a
welcome check on the other.
A: I simply have a far broader base of experience upon which to draw than does my
opponent. My opponent may have been a fine associate at a downtown Ft. Worth firm
when she was appointed to be a family court associate judge. She may have been a fine
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associate family court judge when she was appointed to be a family court presiding judge
by Governor Perry, and Governor Perry obviously thought well enough of her service to
appoint her to the position she now holds, but any objective observer of our records would
have to conclude that my experience as a practicing lawyer greatly exceeds that of my
opponent, even inasmuch as she has been assisted by our current Governor, my
opponent’s experience cannot credibly stand up to mine. Prior to being elected to Texas'
First Court of Appeals, I practiced law for almost 20 years as a solo attorney in arguably
the most sophisticated legal community in the country, all over the state of Texas. Before
becoming an appellate justice, I handled a wide spectrum of legal matters for a very
diverse group of Texans in courts across this state. My experience also includes working
on the staff of the Texas House of Representatives and on a standing Committee
(Education) of the Texas Senate. Practicing law let me see how my job affects everyday
people, interpreting the law as an appellate justice gives me a great deal of humility at the
importance of what I do, but my experience in the legislative staff gave me experience in
seeing the law get created, my opponent cannot come close to the breadth of my
experience.
William Bryan Strange III
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: William Bryan Strange, III
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
E-mail Address: wbstrangeiii@gmail.com
Questions:
A: Born in Lubbock Texas. Resident of Texas since birth with the exception of service in
the U.S. Navy and Graduate School.
A: Attorney/Project Manager
A: Active in Libertarian Party of Texas.
A: Former Leader in Boy Scouts of America. Former member of State Libertarian
Executive Committee.
A: 2008--Libertarian candidate for Court of Criminal Appeals Place 5.
A: None.
A: None.
A: No.
A: I support a judicial selection system that avoids partisan elections. An appointed system
with term limits or retention elections will minimize politics in the picking judges. Citizens
deserve both the appearance and the reality of blind justice. Ending partisan elections for
judges will enhance the quality of the judiciary.
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courtroom?
A: Human beings cannot reasonably be expected to banish thoughts of political
contributions. Taking contributions from those who appear before them places a judge in
an impossible position. We should free our jurists from this challenge and adopt a
different system.
precedent?
A: The value of precedent depends on the quality of its reasoning and the degree to which
the precedent truly deals with the precise issues that are currently in dispute. I would
deviate from precedent only as a last resort and only if the precedent was incorrectly
reasoned. A precedent that represented a "poor policy" should be resolved by other
branches of government or through the political system.
A: Unanimous opinions are not important as such. I would write separately whenever I
believed it necessary or useful to distinguish essential issues or if I strongly believed that
the other opinions were materially incorrect.
A: No single trait is more valuable than any other. Different cases demand different
qualities of analysis and decision making. The most valuable judicial skill is the ability to
make clear and concise rulings that will guide future behavior by others and solve the
dispute in a way that is respected by those who disagree with the outcome.
area?
A: Less is more. Verbal kudzu is the bane of the legal profession. I reject it.
A: I will not comment on a matter that could come before the court. In general terms,
judicial review should not extend to "political" questions.
A: This perception has probably resulted from reports in the media that emphasize the
status of litigants and keep score based on that status. The "winner" of a case is
determined by the facts and the law. Those with the better case should win without regard
to their status. The court cannot control the character of the cases it faces and the identity
of the winner is not a valid metric by which to evaluate the court.
A: There is a pressing need to expedite justice. Any backlog at all is a function of the
complexity of the system and volume of cases. I would consider use of special masters or
other process to assist with the work load.
A: It is not possible to define a metric for disposing of cases without more information.
Judges should strive to expedite proceedings but the bar has a role in this as well.
A: I admire Roger Traynor (former Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court) for his
wisdom in addressing the changing nature of the society. Though I disagree with his
judicial actions in many respects, he correctly identified unjust aspects of our democracy. I
value his courage in standing up for causes that were just but unpopular. I also admire
Justice John M. Harlan II of the U. S. Supreme court. Justice Harlan was a careful writer
who skillfully interpreted the Constitution. I appreciate his effort to limit the law to its bare
essentials and leave matters to the other branches of government or to the political
process. While I agree with most of his legal decisions, I believe the results of those
decisions were often at odds with the other values of the society. I admire his courage for
standing for principle at all times and doing so without rancor. In selecting both a "liberal"
and a "conservative" as objects of my admiration, I acknowledge that we can learn from
others without regard to whether we agree with them. More importantly, we can and
should take a courts ruling as the starting point for other actions within our democratic
structure.
A: Not applicable.
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A: No.
this race?
A: I am running as a Libertarian. Those who drafted this question would do well to inform
themselves about the Libertarian Party. We are a true alternative to the major parties.
Libertarians reject the notion of using government to benefit special interests. The
philosopher Karl Popper said that the greatness of democracy is not in what is does, but
rather in what it prevents. Libertarians support this view and urge a minimal role for
government. Libertarians know that power corrupts and seek to limit that power. We
reject the myth of the necessity for a concentration of power in the hands of the few. We
stand for the rights of the individual first and last.
A: I will only serve a single term. I have no further political ambitions, but after that term,
I will actively support judicial reform. I am not the candidate of either major party. I
stand apart from the existing Republican and Democratic structures and I reject partisan
approaches to selection of judges. I have not taken money or endorsements. I refuse to
use money to obtain judicial office. I pledge to question all assumptions with an open
mind. In deciding cases, I will rely on my practical experiences in life outside of the
courtroom to resolve disputes quickly, clearly and without political or economic influence
from anyone. I will bring to the Court an attitude of openness to new procedures and I will
strive to gain the respect of the average citizen.

Description:
Paul Green
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Paul W. Green
Street Address: 500 S. Congress Ave.
City/Town: Austin
State: TX
Date of Birth: 1952
Fax Number: (512) 457-0437
E-mail Address: pgreen13@austin.rr.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.justicepaulgreen.com
Questions:
A: I've lived in Texas my entire life--58 years.
A: Justice, Supreme Court of Texas
A: At this time, I am not formally involved with any civic organizations.
A: I have been involved in numerous civic organizations over the years, including the Boy
Scouts, Indian Guides, Rotary, and Crosspoint, Inc., a San Antonio non-profit halfway
house.
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A: From 1995-2004 I was a Justice on the Fourth Court of Appeals in San Antonio.
A: Haynes and Boone PAC; HillCo PAC; Andrews and Kurth, LLP PAC
A: No.
A: I think that the partisan election of judges is the worst possible way to select judges.
The principal vice inherent in such a system is the money that must be raised by judges or
judicial candidates. Surveys have indicated that a large percentage of the public believes
that money given to judges for their campaigns affects judicial decision making, which is
another way of saying the judicial system is corrupt. Money must be removed from the
process of selecting judges for the public to regain confidence in the judiciary. Any change
in judicial selection that removes the money will be a great improvement.
courtroom?
A: Precisely. See answer to the previous question. The same question can be asked with
respect to litigants who appear before the courts, or contributions from special interests
who have matters of interest in the courts. It is an objectionable system, but because
there is no broad support for changing it, fundraising is necessary for judicial campaigns.
precedent?
A: Precedents are what make up the common law. Consequently, they are very important
for maintaining consistency in the law that citizens can rely on. I would only consider
deviating from precedent if some legislative action indicated a change in public policy or if
the precedent in question is shown to be demonstrably wrong.
A: Unanimous opinions are desirable, but not at the expense of principle. Robust debate,
and even dissent, is good for the process of arriving at better reasoned decisions. I don't
often write separately, but don't hesitate to do so when I believe a contrary opinion needs
to be expressed, or when additional clarity might be useful.
A: I think a good jurist is one who is able to set aside personal biases and make
dispassionate decisions based on the rule of law. Injection of personal beliefs or biases into
judicial decision-making leads to unprincipled, subjective rulings which run counter to a
consistent rule of law. The problem for voters, of course, is determining in advance which
judicial candidate will faithfully abide by the rule of law, rather than rule on the basis of
their own personal beliefs.
area?
A: The best way is to review my written record. Of course, some candidates will not have
such a record, making it hard to tell.
A: One of the functions of the third branch of government is to provide a check on the
other two branches. If a constitutional violation becomes apparent because of the action,
or inaction, of the legislative branch, it becomes the duty of the courts to act to enforce the
constitution.
A: I think that that perception is largely a result of a misunderstanding of the way the
Court functions, and stands in contrast to the record. Many judgments against business
interests are upheld by the Court when their petitions for review are denied. In those
cases, which are included within the 90% of petitions that are denied by the Court, the
plaintiff prevails. That being the case, I believe the perception is without support.
A: The Court's backlog, which are the argued but undecided cases held over at the end of a
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term, has been greatly reduced in the last few years.

A: By "plaintiff's case" I assume the question refers to any case. Generally speaking, I
think it is reasonable to dispose of a case in an average of 6-8 months after the case is
submitted. Of course, some cases are more difficult than others.
A: I have great respect and admiration for many state and federal judges. Of course, I
also know some judges whose work I fundamentally disagree with. But I do not think it is
necessary to name what judges I place in either category.
A: No.
A: No.
this race?
A: I come from a family of "Shivers Democrats," the conservative wing of the "old"
Democratic Party. The Republican Party in Texas generally represents that conservative
philosophy more so than the present day Democratic Party.
A: I have a judicial record that reflects the conservative values that I believe most Texans
want on their courts.
Bill Moody
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Bill Moody
Street Address: 500 E. San Antonio, Ste 905
City/Town: El Paso
State: Texas, 79901
Fax Number: 915-532-8513
E-mail Address: we_moody@hotmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: Moodyforjustice.com
Questions:
A: 52 years
A: State District Judge
A: Chairman El Paso History Museum Advisory Board Board of Directors El Paso County
Historical Society St. Matthews Catholic Church - Lector Phi Kapa Phi
A: Captain U.S. Army Honored Ex - Eastwood H.S. Texas Association for Retarded Citizens
Editor Research Review (Historical Journal) Texas Law Foundation Humanitarian Award -
B.E.P.D. Boy Scouts
A: State District Judge - Six Terms - 23 years 1986-present State Ethics Commission
member 1983-1986 Texas Supreme Court 2002, 2006 Administrative Judge, 6th Judicial
Region of Texas 1991-1995 Presiding Judge, Council of Judges El Paso County 1997-2001,
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2003-2005
A: $44,215
A: Communication Workers of America Cope PAC James Scherr George Andritsos
A: NO
A: I have been an opponent of electing judges in partisan election for over 20 years. I
have spoken before many groups for many years regarding the flaws in the Texas system
of selecting judges. I favor electing judges in non partisan elections at a time seperate
from primary or general elections.
courtroom?
A: Campaign fundraising primarily from the attorneys and parties that appear before the
Court is an unsavory business that causes suspicion among the public. Presently we limit
those contributions to $5,000 per attorney or $30,000 per law firm.
precedent?
A: Precedent is critical to appelate rulings, they are the primary reason for our decisions.
Deviating from precedent needs to be considered after long periods of time have elapsed
between the date of the original decision and the present case before the court. A
deviation from precedent also needs to be considered when legislative changes in the law
have occurred since the original decision or where the reason for the original decision is no
longer practical.
A: Unanimous decisions carry more legal weight and show less conflict in the law. Seperate
opinions should be written when one feels the wrong result occurred or the majorities
opinion is based on faulty legal reasoning.
A: Fairness within the framework of the law.
area?
A: I have written several legal and non legal articles. I have written professionally on
historical topics. I have written legal opinions that are available to the public.
A: Only when the legislature fails to meet its constitutional mandates and then only after
the Courts have given them a fair opportunity to act and they still fail to act should the
Courts take action. The Court would then and only then issue orders for action.
A: Because whenever a case between a worker, home owner, patient or other similarly
situated person and an insurance company occurs, the insurance company prevails on
almost every occassion.
A: Yes, I would work with my collegues to set stricture guidelines for accepting, reviewing,
and handing down opinions. I would try to get more legal assistance from law schools on a
volunteer basis to facilitate basic research.
A: From time of accepting cert. to oral arguments - 4 months From oral argument to
decision - 2 months
A: State Judge - former Chief Justice Tom Phillips. I worked with him on several issues
over the years such as judicial selection reform and judicial campaign finance reform. He is
a legal genius. He should have been appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Federal Justice
John Harlan: His dissent in Plessy v. Ferguson was a generation ahead of its time. He
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clearly realized that the doctrine of seperate but equal was a judicial fantasy in regards to
education. In time his dissent and reasoning became the law of the land.
A: I am only aware of one in almost 24 years and it was dismissed.
A: No
this race?
A: I firmly believe that judges should not be forced to run in partisan elections. I believe
the Democratic Party for almost 100 years is the party that has stood for social justice and
been willing to move forward and implement fundamental change when necessary to
preserve and protect our great democracy.
A: I can add a new fresh voice to a Court that will create a more active dialogue. My
opponent has lost sight of the importance of the judicairy in balancing the often competing
interests of society while maintaining a strong respect for the rule of law.
Tom Oxford
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
courtroom?
A: - no response -
precedent?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
area?
A: - no response -
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A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
this race?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -

Description:
Jack Armstrong
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Jack Armstrong
Street Address: 1709 Virginia Ave
City/Town: Austin
State: Texas
E-mail Address: Jack@Jack4Justice.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.Jack4Justice.com
Questions:
A: 44 years
A: attorney and real estate brokerage
A: I contribute to charities through events. I created the successful Stars for SafePlace
event for example.
A: Just general charitable donations and local acts of giving wherever possible.
A: n/a
A: I have not actively sought contributions generally because I believe campaign funding is
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the root of all bias and evil on our Texas Supreme Court. I do have a place on my website
- and 3 friends donated $120. The Justices on the Court have so much campaign/political
debt, the only way to repay it is to NOT recuse themselves where often there is no
question that they should. I’m not for sale. I have no political debt except to the voters of
Texas. If any friends came before my court, I would recuse myself
A: 3 friends for a total of $120
A: n/a
A: I support a new system - of elections with no political funding. Only equal time in all
forums. Equal ad time (or no ads).
courtroom?
A: A code of conduct taught 1st Year law students prohibits any action that bears "the
appearance of impropriety." This means, you do NOT do a thing that even LOOKS wrong.
The 9 Justices of our Court heard a case involving a large corporation who helped buy their
campaign. This looks REALLY improper because it is. 'Miraculously,' the corporation won
the case after losing to up to that point. This decision is a disgrace! The Justices knew
better and should be kicked off the bench!!! Here's an article about the case:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories
/021010dntexslater.10075e2ff.html Eva Guzman has no history of corruption that I know
of, but she does have political debt to Governor Perry, the Republican party and her
corporate sponsors. She "acquired" over 1/2 a $$ MILLION DOLLARS DOLLARS $$ just for
her primary race against Rose Vela!!! THAT's a LOT of political DEBT! All those firms,
lobbyists, insurance companies, oil companies expect to get what they paid for: decisions
that are good for them not the common people who go to court against them. I believe
this kind of bias on the bench should not happen and presents a clear danger to
even-handed justice on the Supreme Court of Texas. I'm not a bought and paid-for
candidate. I have NO political debt and owe ONLY THE PEOPLE! I'm NOT for Sale!! and the
Justices who are, threaten our American way of life.
precedent?
A: I believe precedents are extremely important to maintain a continuity and reliability of
our law. People need to be able to a) understand and b) depend on what is expected of
them in our society. What makes a contract? What rights do you have when you buy
property? Who decides whether or not you can end your own life? I would deviate from a
precedent that strays from the basic principles of Liberty that our Country was founded
upon. Precedents that engorge government controls over citizens’ lives, while diminishing
personal freedoms and responsibilities, for example, are not in keeping with our Texas
heritage.
A: Supreme Court opinions are guide-posts for Texans to live by. A unanimous decision
serves as a bright-line of understanding for all Texans. I would only write a separate
opinion where additional light on the subject would serve to elucidate those seeking to
understand, clarify, rewrite or expound upon Texas Law.
A: Voters should consider if a jurist’s beliefs represent their own above all else. The people
of Texas need to be represented on the highest court, and I do not believe they are. Any
sense of fairness or ability to reason, is rooted in and relative to a jurist’s beliefs.
area?
A: Voters have these answers and my website www.Jack4Justice.com to consider how
clearly I think and write.
A: It’s sad to think the Legislature would fail in these basic duties (if it happened, the
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entire Texas Congress should be removed by the voters of Texas). I like the idea of a
fail-safe to ensure our basic societal needs are met where no other system is already in
place, but the action described in this question appears to brazenly exceed the purview of
the Court. If no fail-safe exists, I favor one - and would be open to a means through the
Texas Constitution that would enable it.
A: Because it is. In a recent study by a University of Texas law professor that documented
that bias, finding that the court ruled in favor of corporations or the insurance industry 87
percent of the time. A separate study by Texas Watch, a non-partisan, advocacy
organization reached much the same conclusion based on the court’s rulings for
2007-2008, stating in a recent article that “Texas families and consumers do not have a
level playing field at the Texas Supreme Court. The Court has exhibited a clear bias
towards insurance and corporate special interests for several years.” "In many opinions
the Supreme Court has held against a Texas citizen by deciding that the 12 members of the
jury, the trial judge and the three Court of Appeals judges were 'unreasonable' in their fact
findings. This is tantamount to stealing our right to trial by jury ... a right that is
guaranteed by the U.S. and Texas constitutions.” -- To read the complete study by David A.
Anderson, click here. " - from Bill Bailey's Website.
A: As a business-owner-lawyer, efficiency is a necessity to my existence. For 16 years I’ve
had to become extremely adept at streamlining operations to maximize efficiency and
efficacy. I would apply my agile problem-solving skills to complete the task of defining the
Laws of Texas in the most efficient way practicable.
A: The answer depends on the case. There are thousands of new cases petitioned to the
Supreme Court of Texas each year. The nature and intricacies of the suit determine
whether or not a case should even be heard. Several might be capable of disposition in a
day, others a week or longer.
A: Oliver Wendell Holmes is my favorite Federal Justice because he was 1. pragmatic and
clear in his decisions, 2. did not believe in legislating from the bench, 3. promoted a living
law in step with our growing society rather than some sort of mathematical logic equation,
4. had no problem dissenting where his judicial principals required and on a none-judicial
note, he didn’t believe in retirement as long as he could competently do what he loved (I
hope to emulate that philosophy). Lloyd Doggett is my favorite State Justice. Though I
may not always agree with his political views, he has always stood up for the people of
Texas despite enormous political opposition. He has long supported more open
government, and is also a leading advocate for campaign finance reform. On the Ways and
Means Committee as a Representative of Texas, he has sought to close many overseas tax
shelters. Doggett was also one of the leading opponents of the authorization of the Iraq
War in 2003.
A: n/a
A: No.
this race?
A: Libertarians believe in small, non-intrusive government and low taxes, but believe in
social freedom. Basically the best of what the Republican party used to stand for:
pro-small-business, low taxes, government restraint and personal responsibility; But also,
the best of the Democratic party: socially accepting but without government intrusion or
rampant spending associated with the Democratic ideal and social programs. Libertarians
believe you should live how YOU want if you're not injuring others. I believe you have the
absolute right to own your life, liberty and property!! It's the American Dream and the
Libertarian party is the only party left in favor of it. You know better how you should live
than someone who never met you! : o) Whatever Republican and Democratic parties used
to stand for, the politicians now seem bent on taking as much money they can squeeze out
of you for THEIR agenda: Big government = Big taxes! Worse yet, this ever-expanding
government now recklessly tramples our most important Constitutional guarantees.
America once stood for entrepreneurial freedom, property ownership, personal Liberty and
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Justice. Recent attempts to (a) deny habeas corpus to U.S citizens incarcerated on
American soil, (b) eavesdrop on American citizens without obtaining a warrant, (c) use
torture and (d) enable private companies to take your property in the name of eminent
domain, all in violation of the U.S. and Texas Constitutions, indicate that our Liberty is in
jeopardy. Libertarians believe YOU know better how to live YOUR life and spend your own
money than a complete stranger does! We already know the Democratic party is not
pro-business. Meanwhile, the Republican party IS for business, just not YOUR business. If
you're not already a multi-million or billionaire, you can't make a meaningful contribution
to a Republican campaign, and they don't care about you or your side of the case!!
Bottom line: Neither a Democratic nor a Republican politician have your interests in mind,
so why vote for one?
A: If voters pick me for the Court, they WILL get a fair shake. It’s that simple. I’m not a
bought and paid-for candidate. I represent the people because I’m one of you. By
contrast, Eva Guzman is a cog in the corporate-political machine. She has political debt to
Governor Perry, her political party and her corporate sponsors. How is she going to pay all
that war-chest money back?? By deciding in favor of her sponsors, NOT you!) I have been
successfully working with skilled laborers, contractors, brokers, banks, & homeowners on
all sides of the transactions or disputes for 20+ years. I know the laws and the creative
fixes while at the same time, I know how important it is to listen and keep an open mind
to new ideas and possibilities. An open mind may be the greatest asset a justice has in his
decision-making. I represent Liberty and balance on the Supreme Court of Texas. I have
NO political debt and owe ONLY THE PEOPLE! If I’m elected to the Supreme Court of Texas,
both sides WILL get a fair shake. This is your chance to truly create a better government
for yourself. I’m NOT FOR SALE!
Blake Bailey
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Blake Bailey
Street Address: 522 S Broadway
City/Town: Tyler
State: Texas
Fax Number: 903-593-0090
E-mail Address: blake@bailey-law.com
Campaign Web Site Address: baileyforsupremecourt.com
Questions:
A: 63 years
A: trial and appellate attorney
A: Good Samaritan Scholarship (provide yearly scholarships at Tyler Junior College), East
Texas Communities Foundation (contributions to various charities)
A: PATH (provided buildings for offices and to house abused women), lectured concerning
American law in Russian universities.
A: - no response -
A: Unknown at this time
A: Walter Humphries Frank Branson David Perry
A: no
321 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

A: I would consider a non-partisan system but would not approve of giving unlimited
power to the govenor to make such appointments.
courtroom?
A: Contributions are a necessity under the current system and should be changed to public
funding. Until this happens disclosure of contributions is the ethical manner to handle the
conflict.
precedent?
A: Some precedents should be challenged such as the "separate but equal" past decision.
However, precedent is an important part of judicial consistency and should be respected.
For the most part precedent should only be clarified if there is a different set of facts
requiring a reinvestigation of the application of the law.
A: Unamious opinions should be sought. These represent the collective wisdom of the court
and provide higher reliance on the law rendered by the court. If, however, I make my case
with the other justices but cannot help frame a unanimous opinion, it would be by duty to
write a concurring or discenting opinion.
A: A justice must be smart and educated. He must have common experience as well as an
understanding of the law. The most important assets are a willingness to give equal
consideration to both sides of an argument and rule fairly and equitably.
area?
A: I am not only board certified in personal injury trial law but in civil appellate law. My
years of experience has honed my writing skills. I have written many works, from
technical articles and novels.
A: The court system is an equal branch of the government and must call to task any
governmental action that is unconstitutional. The respect of this branch of government by
the executive and legislators voluntarily give the court the power of its decisions. This has
been true since Marbury vs Maddison.
A: A recent published study indicates that the current supreme court rules in favor of
insurance companies 87% of the time. Walmart has a 100% success rate in front of the
Supreme Court.
A: It does have a significant backlog. Justice delayed is justice denied. The answer is good
old fashion hard work.
A: It varies significantly. Has the court chosen to write an opinion of dispose in at different
manner? How many parties and complex issues are involved? Having said that, it is wrong
for some cases to linger for years.
A: Federal judge Wayne Justice wrote on issues that were necessary and relevant to our
times. Many times his opinions were not popular but he did what he thought was proper.
Don Ross was a Civil Appellate Judge who drew from his common sense and diverse
background. In addition to his legal education and background Judge Ross earned a
masters degree in history and served in the Peace Corp.
A: no
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A: yes, unfounded
this race?
A: Our court is 100% Republican. Its justices collect large amounts of money from large
corporations and insurance companies. Its record of ruling for insurance companies 87% of
the time leads me to believe that the court needs more balance.
A: I have board certifications and experience well beyond that of my opponent. I have the
advantage of being in good health yet have experience in law and life well beyond that of
my opponent. I bring a point of view of representing individuals rather than corporate
interests which is sorely missing from the court.
Eva Guzman
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Eva Guzman
Street Address: Campaign: 815-A Brazos Street, PMB 279
City/Town: Austin
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: Campaign Office: 512-410-1238
Fax Number: Campaign Fax: 512-628-3435
E-mail Address: info@evaguzman.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.EvaGuzman.com
Questions:
A: I have lived in Texas for over 40 years.
A: I currently serve the citizens of Texas as a Justice on the Supreme Court of Texas.
A: I have a long track record of community service and have devoted many volunteer
hours to organizations committed to children. I am presently the Chair of the Supreme
Court of Texas Commission on Children, Youth and Families. I am a faithful volunteer for
many organizations whose programs directed at students in our local schools. Although
service to others is my motivation and my reward, various groups have recognized me on
several occasions for my contributions to the profession and the community, including: •
Travis County Women Lawyers Association, Pathfinder Award (2010) • National Hispanic
Bar Association: Latina Judge of the Year Award (2009) • Mexican American Bar
Association of Texas Foundation: Judge of the Year Award (2009) • Texas Executive
Women: Women on the Move® Award (2006) • Houston Bar Association: President’s
Award, Outstanding Committee Service (2006, 2008) • P.O.L.I.C.E., Inc.: Appellate
Justice of the Year (2003) • Houston Police Officers Union: Appellate Justice of the Year
(2002) • Houston Independent School District Distinguished Alumnus Awards (2009)
A: • American Law Institute, Elected Member • Supreme Court of Texas Advisory
Committee, 2009 Appointee • American Leadership Forum, Class XXII, Senior Fellow •
South Texas College of Law Alumni Association, Board Member • South Texas College of
Law Visitors Committee • College of the State Bar of Texas • Texas Bar Foundation,
Fellow • Houston Bar Foundation, Fellow • American Inns of Court, Garland Walker Inn,
Member and Former Board Member • National Association of Latino Elected Officials,
Member • American Bar Association, Member • Adjunct Faculty, American Bar Association
Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute, University of Houston Law Center, (2000, 2001, 2002,
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007) • Adjunct Faculty, University of Houston Law Center, Civil
Trial Advocacy, (2009) • Adjunct Faculty, Houston Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute,
South Texas College of Law, (2009) • Texas Executive Women, Board Member • State
Bar of Texas: o Chair: Dist. 4J28 Grievance Committee (1993 – 1996) o Appointed
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Member: District 4J28 Grievance Committee (1990 – 1993) o Member, Family Law
Section o Member, Appellate Law Section o Member, Child Abuse & Neglect Committee
(2004, 2005) o Pattern Jury Charge Committee (2001) • Houston Bar Association: o
Member, Appellate Law Section o Member, Family Law Section o Judicial Liaison, Houston
Bar Association Appellate Section (2007) o Co-Chair: Media and the Law Committee
(2007) o Co-Chair: Continuing Legal Education Committee (2005) o Co-Chair: Continuing
Legal Education Committee – Institutes Subcommittee (2004) o Co-Chair: Continuing
Legal Education Committee – Seminars Subcommittee (2003) o Co-Chair: Administration
of Justice Committee (2001) o Member, Continuing Legal Education Committee (2001,
2002) o Member, Professionalism Committee (1999, 2001) o Member, IDEA Committee
(1999, 2001) o Former Member, Lawyers in Public Schools Committee o Former Member,
Adopt-A-School Committee o Former Member, Speakers Bureau Committee • Mexican
American Bar Association: o Chair: Leadership 2000 Mentoring Program (1999 – 2003) o
Board Member (1999 – 2003) o Corresponding Secretary (1998) • Association of Women
Attorneys, Board Member (1999 – 2001) • Hispanic Bar Association, Member • Hispanic
National Bar Association, Member • Women Professionals in Government • Frank Evans
Center for Conflict Resolution, Former Member
A: Judge, 309th District Court - Appointed 1999, Elected 2000 Justice, 14th Court of
Appeals - Appointed and Elected 2002, 2004 and served until 2009
A: We have raised over $500,000.00 to date.
A: I have received support from Citizens in Cities and Counties across the State of Texas.
A: No.
A: Judicial selection is an interesting, complex, and multi-faceted issue that ultimately will
have to be determined by the people of Texas. Each system has advantages and
disadvantages. Texans feel strongly about electing their judges. When given opportunities
to change our current system, Texans have chosen not to do so. Still, many respected
leaders in the legal community strongly advocate changing the way Texans select judges
and there are many compelling arguments for doing so. Judicial campaign funding is an
unavoidable part of a system with an elected judiciary. This aspect of our system is
criticized because giving and accepting campaign contributions can give rise to negative
perceptions of judges and our legal system. Advocates of the appointment-retention
system claim that it will achieve a qualified, diverse, and independent judiciary while
eliminating much of the criticism in the current system. The United States Supreme Court’s
recent campaign-finance decision adds a new dimension to the judicial-selection discussion
and already has provoked more debate on this issue. We need to continue the dialogue on
this important subject so that the citizens of Texas can make an informed choice about how
they want to select their judges. Preserving the independence of the judiciary and
promoting public confidence in the impartiality and competence of our judges should be the
hallmark of any selection system.
courtroom?
A: The funding of judicial elections is a topic regularly discussed and debated from coast to
coast and one that has generated many suggestions but few solutions. The citizens of
Texas, when given an opportunity to change the current system for selecting their judges,
chose to elect their judges. In Texas, The Judicial Campaign Fairness Act requires that all
candidates comply with contribution guidelines and limits. While the current system is
certainly not perfect, it has been carefully set up to ensure that all candidates for the same
office must follow the same rules. Through this campaign I have been pleased to
encounter so many Texans willing to give of their time, energy and financial resources to
contribute to our effort asking only one thing - that I perform my duties with the dignity,
honor, honesty and integrity that is expected of the office - a request that I am proud to
uphold every day. We can always improve the system - and any practical change that
helps eliminate the perception of impartiality and more importantly actual impartiality
should be considered. In the meantime, it is incumbent upon all candidates for public office
to set a higher standard.
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precedent?
A: A strong respect for legal precedents is one of my core values and is a very important
aspect of my judicial philosophy. Judges should strive to always make their rulings
consistent with previous judicial decisions on the same subject. If they do not, then it is
impossible for our citizens to predict what the law is or how it will be applied. The
doctrine of stare decisis – letting decided issues stand -- is the cornerstone of our judicial
system because it promotes judicial efficiency and consistency and encourages reliance on
judicial decisions. Stare decisis dictates that courts adhere to precedent and not disturb
settled principles of law. In rare situations, however, longstanding cases should be
overturned (e.g., the precedents that legalized racial segregation). In determining whether
to revisit a precedent, a judge should consider such factors as the public’s settled
expectations and whether a precedent is workable or has been eroded by subsequent
developments.
A: Unanimous opinions reflect the unity of the court and give the appearance of an
institutional view of the law. For this reason, whenever possible, the Supreme Court of
Texas should speak with one voice. Separate opinions, however, can serve a useful and
valuable function in the intermediate courts of appeals, particularly with respect to
unsettled areas of the law. At the intermediate level, separate opinions can reveal
differences in analysis and reasoning and assist the higher court in deciding whether to
grant review and/or how best to resolve the issue. Separate opinions can be a catalyst for
discussion and lead to a better result in the higher court. In many cases, separate opinions
play a key role in the evolution of the law. But in courts of last resort, like the Supreme
Court of Texas, unanimous opinions should be the goal. Separate opinions should come
into play in more limited circumstances, such as when there is a difference of opinion on
fundamental principle, when it is appropriate to urge a departure from precedent, or other
compelling circumstances.
A: A judge's judicial philosophy is key. A judge must be committed to a faithful adherence
to the rule of law, must not legislate from the bench but interpret statutes as written and
construe our Constitutions with a deep respect for the original meaning of the
constitutional text. A Judge’s independence, fairness and competence are equally
important.
area?
A: I have authored hundreds of published opinions covering a wide range of topics and
issues. I have a strong commitment to writing thoughtful, well-reasoned and transparent
opinions Moreover, my written work was vetted by a team of legal experts during the
appointment process leading up to my appointment to the Supreme Court of Texas. Bar
associations and other groups have distributed written materials and articles that I have
prepared at legal education seminars and conferences. I have taught law students as an
adjunct faculty member at The University of Houston Law Center. Leaders in the legal
community (practitioners as well as former judges) have given me high marks for my
work on the appellate bench. To see their statements, go to www.EvaGuzman.com.
A: This is an issue that might well come before the Supreme Court of Texas. While I, of
course, have opinions on many areas of substantive law, I have made it a practice to give
litigants the opportunity to thoughtfully present their case and persuade me based on the
facts of their case and any developments in the law. That opportunity is, in my opinion, a
component of due process. Moreover, statements made during a campaign for judicial
office could cause a judge’s impartiality to be questioned and thereby raise possible
grounds for recusal. I have an obligation to minimize how often I exercise recusal, and I
strongly adhere to my obligations and the oath I took when I assumed my duties as a
Judge. It is important that judges avoid recusal that could result from campaign
statements indicating an opinion or predisposition on an issue that could come before the
court or that may be subject to judicial interpretation. Because the question posed is an
issue that might come before the Supreme Court of Texas, undertaking to answer it at this
time and in this context would not be prudent in that the answer might suggest a probable
decision and ultimately lead to recusal. For this reason, the better course is to abstain from
public comment on the issue at this time.
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A: In recent years, some commentators have characterized some of the opinions issued by
the Supreme Court of Texas as being pro-business. But it is important to remember that
the role of the Supreme Court of Texas is to interpret and apply the laws passed by the
Texas Legislature. If our lawmakers enact laws that “tilt toward business” and the
Supreme Court of Texas applies those laws as written, then it is not surprising that the
resulting decision might be perceived as being “tilted toward business.” The judiciary may
not substitute its judgment for that of the legislature or undertake to legislate from the
bench. The legislature’s role is to enact laws and the court’s role is to interpret and apply
them. All litigants, whether individuals or corporations, are entitled to the protections and
benefits of the laws their elected representatives enact. They also are entitled to a fair and
impartial judiciary that will give every argument and issue raised fair consideration. In
more than a decade on the bench, I have authored hundreds of opinions and ruled on
thousands of matters. In some of those cases the business wins and in some the individual
wins. The outcome is not determined based on a “tilt toward business” but rather on the
fair application of the law to the particular facts of the case.
A: Since my appointment to the Supreme Court of Texas in October 2009, I have been
working hard to improve docket efficiency. I have continued to work diligently to efficiently
manage the cases submitted and which have been assigned to me for an opinion. In fact,
my first signed opinion was issued on January 15, 2010 only a few months after it was
argued to the Court. The Texas Lawyer reported, that "Osler McCarthy, the Supreme
Court’s spokesman, said the swiftness with which Guzman got the opinion out in Kelly, et
al. v. General Interior Construction Inc. appears to be a record for a new justice, at least
in the court’s modern era (since 2000).” I will continue to build on this strong start.
Efficient docket management is one of the core values I bring to the bench. While on the
district court, I disposed of more than 5000 cases in three years. While on the
nine-member court of appeals, I experienced firsthand the efficiencies that an appellate
court can realize with internal deadlines and the implementation of electronic circulation of
draft opinions and orders. When this pilot system was instituted at the 14th court of
appeals, the court was able to significantly improve disposition time. The Supreme Court
of Texas is now utilizing this same electronic system, and is seeing many of the same
benefits. Improved court technology, such as electronic records (which would enable
simultaneous use of records by multiple users) and electronic briefing with electronic
citation (which would facilitate case review and research), also hold the promise of greater
efficiencies. Litigants and lawyers deserve to have their cases heard in a timely manner
and courts at every level of the Texas judiciary should dispose of cases fairly and
efficiently.
A: The reasonable time for disposition of any case varies according to the nature and
complexity of the issues presented. For example, if the court were disposing of a case on
the merits and the case involved an issue of first impression, a very lengthy record, or
multiple parties and issues (or some combination of these and other factors), disposition
likely would take longer than if the court were disposing of the case on a jurisdictional
basis that did not require the analysis of multiple issues and points. We should dispose of
cases in the most timely and efficient manner possible.
A: Federal judge: I admire the work of Justice Antonin Scalia for many reasons. He is
brilliant, colorful, and conservative. He is a truly gifted writer whose signature style both
persuades and entertains. He always seems to know just what to say and just how to say
it. That is a gift. I share Justice Scalia’s principled judicial philosophy that (1) judges
should interpret the United States Constitution as it was written by the drafters and not
according to the changing times and (2) that judges should interpret statutes according to
the text so that the ordinary meaning of a statute’s language governs its meaning. State
judge: I am fortunate to have worked with some of our state’s finest judges at three levels
of Texas courts and to have become familiar with the work of many others. For this
reason, it would be a difficult and delicate choice to name just one, so I’ll choose one of my
favorites from Texas history: Hortense Sparks Ward. She was the Chief Justice of the
famous all-woman Supreme Court of Texas that sat by special commission in 1925, to
decide a single case. Appointed by then-Texas Governor Pat Neff, Ward and two other
female Texas attorneys comprised the first all-woman high court in the United States.
Ward served as the Chief Justice and authored the majority opinion. Though she ruled on
only a single case on the Supreme Court of Texas, this was only one of the “firsts” for this
Texas trailblazer. Ward passed the Texas state bar exam in 1910 – the first woman to do
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so. By the following year, she had authored a pamphlet, Property Rights of Married Women
in Texas, which served as a catalyst for change in laws that would give Texas married
women greater rights. Ward led the effort that convinced the 33rd Texas Legislature to
pass the “Married Woman's Property Rights Law” in 1913, allowing Texas women to
manage their own property. Ward is also credited with preparing the primary women’s
suffrage bill, which passed the Texas Legislature in 1918. Hortense Sparks Ward was
smart, practical, efficient, hardworking, and fearless -- a true Texas trailblazer -- all
qualities I admire greatly.
A: I have never been sanctioned by the Judicial Conduct Commission. Over the course of
my ten-year tenure in the Texas judiciary, there have been instances when disgruntled or
disturbed individuals and/or inmates may have filed complaints against me and/or panels
on which I have sat to decide a case. The Judicial Conduct Commission can and does
typically dispose of these types of frivolous complaints without even notifying the judge(s)
involved. For this reason, a judge may not know how many, if any, complaints have ever
been filed. The Judicial Conduct Commission has never asked me to respond to a
Complaint or made an adverse ruling against me on any complaint.
A: None.
this race?
A: I am a conservative. Long ago, I chose the Republican party because it reflects my core
values. I come from humble beginnings. I know the power of perseverance and the
opportunities that await those who dream big and work hard. I proudly embrace the
defining values that generations of Texans have shared – hard work, service to others,
love of God and family, and devotion to our state and country. I found these same values
in the Republican Party. That is what drew me to it, and that is why I have chosen to run
as a Republican all four times I have run for elected office.
A: I have the great privilege of serving Texans on the Supreme Court of Texas. I point
Texas voters to my proven track record as a Judge who has served with a faithful
adherence to the Rule of Law and a deep respect for our Constitution. Moreover, I have
almost 10 years of Judicial Appellate Experience. Voters should also consider my reputation
for serving with the highest ethical standards, fairness and integrity. These qualities are
the hallmarks of my service to my fellow Texans. Many leaders in the legal community
(practitioners as well as former judges) have given me high marks for my performance on
the bench and my service and leadership in the Texas judiciary and in the community at
large. Their endorsements attest to my strong track record for the citizens I serve. For
more information, go to www.EvaGuzman.com Judicial Experience. I have served in the
Texas judiciary for more than a decade, at three levels of courts. I have ruled on over two
thousand cases and authored hundreds of published opinions. While on the court of
appeals, I wrote for the en banc court and wrote opinions involving issues of first
impression. Some of the opinions I authored have been cited by courts across the
country. I am a three-time gubernatorial appointee and have run successfully for election
three times. Prior Professional/Legal Experience. Before taking the bench, I practiced law
in Houston for ten years, representing a wide range of clients in civil litigation matters,
eventually focusing my practice on family law. While in private practice, I participated in
dozens of bench and jury trials. Academic/Teaching Experience. As a former member of
the adjunct faculty, I have taught law school students at The University of Houston Law
Center. I have made numerous legal education presentations to audiences at local, state,
national, and international levels. (The list of my presentations consumes many pages and
covers a wide range of topics.) I have served as a legal education program planner as well
as a presenter and panelist. Professional Affiliations and Recognition. For many years, I
have been an elected member of the American Law Institute. Prior to my appointment to
the Supreme Court of Texas, I served by appointment to the Supreme Court of Texas
Advisory Committee. For several years, I sat on the board of the Garland Walker Inn of
the American Inns of Court. I have held leadership positions in bar associations and other
professional groups and have received awards for my bar committee service. For a
detailed listing, go to www.EvaGuzman.com. Honors and Awards. I have received
national, state, and local honors and awards from bar associations and law enforcement
groups for my service on the bench. For a detailed listing, go to www.EvaGuzman.com.
327 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

Court Of Criminal Appeals, Pl. 2

Description:
Lawrence "Larry" Meyers

Party: R
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Q: What changes, if any, would you like to see made to the administration of the death
penalty in Texas?
A: - no response -
Q: This court has a reputation for being tough on crime — sometimes unreasonably so. Is
this reputation deserved?
A: - no response -
Q: Please assess the court's decisions in the Charles Dean Hood case, which involves a DA
who tried a capital murder case before a judge he had been sleeping with.
A: - no response -
Q: Michael Richard was executed after the court refused the filing of a last-minute appeal.
Was the State Commission on Judicial Conduct’s warning to Presiding Judge Sharon Keller
appropriate?
A: - no response -
Q: What sitting judge do you hold up as a role model? Please explain.
A: - no response -
Q: What role, if any, does mercy have in justice?
A: - no response -
Q: Describe what you see as the proper temperament for a judge.
A: - no response -
Q: When should a judge overrule the decision of the jury?
A: - no response -
Q: As an attorney/judge, what types of cases have you handled in your career?
A: - no response -
Q: For appellate court incumbents, what’s the average time it takes from the time a case
is filed to when it is disposed of in your court?
A: - no response -
Q: If you have been a judge in a county or appellate jurisdiction, what was your reversal
rate?
A: - no response -
Conduct Committee? If so, please explain the disposition of those complaints.
A: - no response -
Grievance Committee? If so, what was the disposition (unfounded, private reprimand,
A: - no response -
Q: Is there a problem with legal services provided to indigent defendants in this state? If
328 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

so, how would you as a judge seek to address it?

A: - no response -
A: - no response -
the appearance of impropriety." In light of that oath you took, how can judges justify
accepting campaign contributions from lawyers who have appeared, or will appear, before
them in their courtroom?
A: - no response -
this race?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
J. Randell Stevens
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: J. Randell Stevens
Street Address: 11157 Lanewood Circle
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-739-3234
E-mail Address: randy.stevens@gmail.com
Questions:
A: 51 of my 52 years.
A: Lawyer
A: Municipal Justice Bar Association of Dallas, Earthwatch, PTA.
A: Dallas Area Interfaith, Volunteers In Patrol, Lawyers Against Domestic Violence, 500
Inc.
A: n/a
A: None
A: n/a
A: No.
penalty in Texas?
A: I personally oppose the death penalty for its finality and fallibility. The District Attorneys
in both Dallas and Houston have acknowledged as much. As a judge I would seek to make
the application of the death penalty less frequent and more fair. The United States
Supreme Court has had to tell Texas over and over that there are problems with our
system (racial make up of juries, mental competency of defendants, etc.)and not all of the
critiques require legislative action.
A: Unquestionably. I am particularly concerned over the extensive use of "harmless error"
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to uphold convictions. I consider the use of that doctrine to be a form of thought police,
where the court has substituted its judgment for that of a lawfully impaneled jury. This
court has ignored exculpatory DNA evidence, bad lawyering, and good science to uphold
convictions, partly because voters want Texas to be tough on crime. Toughness without
fairness is just mental laziness. Texas should also find a way to stand for liberty and
constitutional rights.
A: I agree with part of the court's opinion: they had been misunderstanding the law for
twenty years. Where I disagree is over whether Mr. Hood deserves a new trial or a new
punishment phase. The conduct of both the judge and the DA goes to guilt/innocence in my
mind, not merely mitigation. There is no way to know what effect that illicit relationship
had on the rulings made during trial. Mr Hood, indeed any accused, deserves a trial free of
ANY such effect.
appropriate?
A: No. The State Commission had 3 options and chose to create a fourth. Censure would
have been more appropriate.
A: Judge Anthony Kennedy. As Justice Kennedy has said, the courts have a responsibility to
"to insure that the word liberty in the Constitution is given its full and necessary meaning,
consistent with the purposes of the document as we understand it."
A: Mercy is the role delegated to juries and judges at the trial level and then the executive
branch. When the legislative branch crafts a law poorly, so that justice properly applied
under that law is still unfair, it is up to the state Board of Pardons and Paroles to act
mercifully. And then the issue of the law involved goes back to the legislature.
A: Self-reflective: no judge is free from bias, but the journey to "know thyself" will take
you farther away from bias than any other route. Rational: in the Information Age an issue
can race through a news cycle and land in a poll before a case reaches the CCA; a judge
should still be guided by law, precedent and reason.
A: Rarely. But when the evidence wholly fails to support the verdict a judge should act
appropriately.
A: I used to practice in just about every type of court. For the last 23 years I have been
practicing criminal defense in a tiny little specialty: traffic law. One of the things I like
about my opponent is that he was once a municipal judge and so can appreciate how city
and JP courts are where the rubber meets the road in terms of constitutional law factoring
into every day cases.
A: n/a
rate?
A: n/a
A: n/a
A: Two, both disposed of as unfounded.
A: The problem is that it is often either under utilized or under funded. But funding is not
related to the CCA position I seek, that really falls to trial judges. Judge Keller, however,
does chair the Texas Task Force on Indigent Defense and has done a fine job there. Maybe
when she is removed or voted out of office as a judge she can continue to serve Texas on
the TFID in some new capacity.
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A: There should not be a Republican or Democratic or Libertarian version of justice.

Retention elections are the best option I've seen. I am not crazy about them but I would
not want the perfect to be the enemy of the good.
A: I could weasel out of this by saying I have not taken one cent from a lawyer, but I just
have not raised any money at all. I consider political donations to be a protected form of
free speech. The Texas laws requiring disclosure of donors and assets should provide the
needed transparency to the process. And kudos to the Dallas Morning News for pointing out
when Judge Keller failed in her disclosure duties. I would also recommend the website run
by Texans for Public Justice where voters can see who bought whom.
this race?
A: My opponent is the Republican and there is no Democrat; I am running as a Libertarian.
I didn't choose the Libertarian Party for this race, I chose the Libertarian Party years ago
for its philosophy of limited government. As I said above, however, I do not think that one
party or another has a superior or even relevant philosophy when it comes to judicial
decision making.
A: The average Texan would not see a radical difference between me and my opponent, as
I suspect we'd reach the same result in nine out of ten cases. Two things though. First, if I
were to be successful in eliminating or reducing the use of harmless error to uphold cases
in the face of a legitimate challenge, it would affect more Texans than just those accused of
a crime. It would tell those Texans who fulfill their civic obligation and show up for jury
duty that their judgment counts, that no one is going to second guess what they might
have done but for the error that prevented them from deciding the case properly. Second,
I would demand that my colleagues on the CCA follow the recommendations of State
Auditor John Keel and set out written guidelines for the CCA's Judicial and Court Personnel
Training Fund. Right now the CCA effectively pays the administrative costs of both
prosecutor and defense associations, instead of limiting funding to educational matters.
Combine that with campaign funding and you have a money loop from lawyers to court to
lawyers that I cannot condone. Established guidelines would take any real or perceived
favoritism out of play.

Description:
Dave Howard
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Dave Howard
Street Address: 1901 E. Palm Valley Blvd.
City/Town: Round Rock
State: Texas
Fax Number: 512-218-4104
E-mail Address: dahowa@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://lptexas.org/
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Questions:
A: 59 years
A: Attorney
A: I am involved locally with the Libertarian Party.
A: I'm not much of a joiner. I prefer to read and spend time with my wife.
A: Prior candidate for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, 2006 and 2008
A: zero
A: NA
A: No.
penalty in Texas?
A: While there are crimes so vicious that the people who commit them deserve to die,
humanity is not capable of the 100% certainty that is required to administer such a
punishment. Confessions are sometimes coerced; eyewitness testimony is notoriously
unreliable; scientific advances in evidence collection and interpretation render previous
opinions obsolete and wrong. We need to give every possible benefit of the doubt to a
defendant facing the ultimate penalty so that he may present evidence of unreliability in
court, or, if new evidence or legal interpretations surface, it will never be too late to appeal
or reverse an incorrect judgment. Most of these convicted rapists who are being freed
these days after decades in prison were convicted on eyewitness testimony. If their cases
had been capital cases, they would have already been executed. This should never, ever
happen.
A: I have no problem with being tough on crime, as long as we fairly determine the effect
the pursuit of the crime has on our rights. There is no legislative definition of crime in
Texas or any other state, so the legislature has defined it as pretty much anything the
politicians want it to be. The court needs to be jealous of the constitutional rights it is
charged to protect, and so should look with disfavor on the extension of police power into
areas of personal and private behavior, in which no citizen is harmed or threatened.
A: The judge and the lawyer in the Hood case had an affair some three years prior to the
trial. Lawyers go to school together, work in government offices and law firms together,
have relationships, affairs, marriages and divorces, just like in every other profession.
They usually stay in the same locations for years and face each other in court regularly.
Even without such personal relationships, lawyers may bear hard feelings against other
lawyers they have opposed. If one of those lawyers gets elected judge, the other will still
have to appear in that court. Some lawyers and judges have bad relationships because of
what happens in court. The lawyer thinks the judge is being overly harsh on his client and
the judge thinks the lawyer is not being properly deferential. On the other hand, some
lawyers and judges are life-long friends. There is no way to completely insulate personal
feelings in the legal profession, just as in any other profession. Absent any direct evidence
of bias by the judge, I would not remand or reverse this case simply because the judge
and a lawyer had a personal relationship in the past.
appropriate?
A: Judge Keller is my opponent in this race, and I don't say this for political effect, but a
death penalty case does not allow for do-overs. The court should have remained open and
ready until the moment of execution. The defense was filing a motion based on a U.S.
Supreme Court decision handed down that very day. They had technical problems that
they alerted the court to, and they asked that the court remain open after hours for this
critical motion to be filed. They were required to file their motion with the Texas Court of
Criminal Appeals first before they could file with the U.S. Supreme Court. Even if the
defense motion had been denied by the Court of Criminal Appeals, a ruling was required to
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allow the litigants to proceed to the Supreme Court, where the issue would have had its
hearing. The rules of the court require this and Judge Keller did not follow the rules.
A: This is a tough one. There is either no particular sitting judge I hold up as a role model,
or there are many of them, but there are attributes I respect in many judges, which I
discuss two questions down.
A: Mercy is the very heart of justice. When the legislature passes a law, it has no way to
know the ramifications of that law in practice. People are charged and convicted on legal
technicalities every day. Wise prosecutors and judges will look at the circumstances of the
offense, the life of the defendant, and the actual effect on a victim or on society and will
make a fair decision based on all of these factors. Mercy is no more than putting yourself in
the shoes of someone else and trying to see things from their perspective. Mercy ensures
that justice trumps simple retribution.
A: My favorite judges are supremely patient and calm. They never react emotionally to
the litigants, lawyers and cases before them. They listen, they reason, and they try to
decide in such a way that while both sides may not agree, both will have to acknowledge
that the decision was reasonable. They have a sense of humor and a demeanor that
speaks to experience and wisdom. One of our judges in Williamson County died a few
years ago, shortly after retiring from the bench. The general opinion was that he was not
as sharp on the letter of the law as many other judges and lawyers are, but that he always
tried to be fair. He represented the core qualities that we want in a judge and was very
well respected.
A: Juries are laymen. They do not know the intricacies of the law at the outset of a trial
and may not ever fully grasp it despite the best effort of lawyers and judges to explain it.
Juries can also be swayed by emotional issues that have no fair place in a verdict. For
whatever reason, in the very rare case where it is apparent to a judge that an obvious
injustice has taken place, it is his duty to step in and undo the damage. While doing so, he
must be careful not to simply substitute his own opinion for that of the jury.
A: I have represented men and women in divorces and other family law cases. I have
represented children and adults in Child Protective Services cases. I have represented the
Texas Department of Public Safety in drivers license suspension cases, and for the last 10
years I have concentrated on criminal and juvenile cases, defending clients in all manner
of cases related to dishonesty, violence, drugs, and weapons.
A: NA
rate?
A: NA
A: NA
A: I have never been disciplined by the State Bar. In the last 17 years I have received 4
complaints, all of them unfounded or dismissed.
A: By the time a case reaches a court, all a judge can really do is decide whether a
defendant is financially capable of hiring counsel. It's up to the legislature to carefully craft
the criminal statutes so that the only people arrested are those who have moral culpability
of a criminal act, instead of merely breaking a rule that politicians made up to impress
voters. That would reduce the number of indigent defendants to begin with.
A: Politics is politics. When it's right, the people get to choose to whom authority is given.
When it's wrong, politicians use their authority to reward those who helped them get
there. It's no more true of judges than any other officeholder. I don't trust your average
vote-seeking politician to choose a good judge. They'll just pick someone who contributed
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to their campaign, anyway. When judges run in open elections, there is alway the
possibility of corruption. When insiders do the picking, it's even more likely.
A: Judges that I know and respect do not discuss nor solicit contributions to their
campaigns. They have a campaign manager who handles the money. I have contributed to
judges' campaigns before without discussing the contribution with the judge and without
any knowledge that the judge even knew I contributed. I gave the money because they
are good judges and I like practicing in their courts. Besides, how is this different from a
senator who writes laws concerning oil production taking contributions from oil companies?
You're either ethical or you're not.
this race?
A: Actually, I did not choose to run as a Democrat nor a Republican. I am running as a
Libertarian. Our nation was established by the Declaration of Independence. It says that
we are created with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness. It goes on to say that governments are established by men to preserve these
rights. Think about this. We have the right to live our lives exactly as we choose as long as
we do not violate the rights of others. And government does not grant us rights, we grant
the government its power. The Libertarian philosophy envisions a government which does
not act unless such action is essential to the preservation of our personal liberty. I do not
choose to allow the government to make decisions for me that I can make for myself.
A: Our government is bloated and arrogant. We need judges and other politicians who are
willing to strip away government power and return it to individuals. As a judge, I cannot
pass laws, but I can look at the application of government power with the kind of
suspicious scrutiny that it deserves and do my best to protect citizens from legislative
overreach. The first job of a judge is to preserve the Constitution. Not just its words, but
its spirit.
Cheryl Johnson
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
penalty in Texas?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
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appropriate?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
rate?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
this race?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -

Description:
Keith Hampton
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Keith S. Hampton
Street Address: 1103 Nueces St.
City/Town: Austin
State: TX
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E-mail Address: hamplaw@swbell.net
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.hamptonforjudge.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/bF2KsXM3tm8&hl=en
Questions:
A: 41 years.
A: I am a board-certified criminal defense attorney and law is my main source of income.
A: Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation; supporter of the Fair Defense Project and the
Criminal Justice Coalition.
A: Child advocate for Child Advocates of San Antonio; Program Director for Society to
Prevent Blindness throughout Bexar County; Program Director and fundraiser for the
Muscular Dystrophy Association throughout North Texas and Southern Oklahoma.
A: I have never held or sought public office before.
A: Approximately $50,000 thus far.
A: Communication Workers of America Representative Pete Gallego Campaign Mark
Stevens Texas Democratic Party Minton, Burton, Foster & Collins
A: No.
penalty in Texas?
A: The death penalty is largely administered through statute. Changes to the statute are
the province of the legislative branch, not the Court of Criminal Appeals. But the death
penalty is also administered through constitutional decision. Because the Court decides
constitutional challenges to the death penalty, I cannot as a judicial candidate ethically
address these issues. Canon 5 of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits every judicial
candidate from making “pledges or promises of conduct in office regarding pending or
impending cases, specific classes of cases, specific classes of litigants, or specific
propositions of law that would suggest to a reasonable person that the judge is predisposed
to a probable decision in cases within the scope of the pledge.” The commentary to this
Canon also reminds Texas judicial candidates: “A statement made during a campaign for
judicial office, whether or not prohibited by this Canon, may cause a judge’s impartiality to
be reasonably questioned in the context of a particular case and may result in recusal.”
A: “Tough on crime” is more a familiar slogan for candidates for district attorney than a
description of the judiciary, including the Court of Criminal Appeals. I do not see the Court
as “tough on crime” insofar as that phrase can be equated with a policy of favoring harsh
punishment. Only juries and trial judges punish; the Court does not. I do not think the
Court has this particular reputation at all.
A: This specific case is on-going and may appear before the Court. Canon 5 of the Texas
Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits statements regarding live cases by judicial candidates.
My answer would almost certainly call for recusal, should I have to consider the merits of
the case as a judge. I therefore cannot discuss this case.
appropriate?
A: Insofar as this question is directed to the substance of the complaint against the
Presiding Judge, the litigation is ongoing and I do not believe it is appropriate to comment
upon the merits of this case.
A: Former Judge Sam Houston Clinton (deceased) is my immediate response, but the
question asks about sitting judges. Judge Sam Sparks, federal judge whose district reaches
from Austin to El Paso, is a judge I would aspire to be. He is fearlessly independent,
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demanding, hard-working, fair and thoughtful. He consistently has a firm command of the
law and an uncanny ability to glean the reality of the case before him. There are many
other judges I admire, but Judge Sparks is truly outstanding.
A: It may be granted by the Governor as a technical matter, but mercy as an expression of
forgiveness and understanding is one of the most transformative and positive experiences
in the criminal justice system. It is rarely achieved, but when it happens, it is an amazing
and beautiful event to behold. As Shakespeare put it, mercy “is twice blest: It blesseth him
that gives and him that takes,” and as the “attribute to God himself,” “earthly power doth
then show likest God’s” when “mercy seasons justice.” Healing for the victims or survivors
of the victim (as well as the offender) can begin instantly. A criminal act can imprison
people in bitterness and rage; mercy can free them from it. While mercy is most often
created in very private and highly personal face-to-face meetings, it nevertheless plays a
greater role of demonstrating to everyone the great potential of overcoming the aftermath
of a crime. Mercy is not a substitute for justice. It is its fulfillment.
A: Whatever her background, a judge must be able to transcend her own experiences,
both personal and professional. The ability to listen and learn, and broaden and temper
one’s own views, is also a necessary judicial trait. Self-reflection and a sense of humor are
additional admirable qualities for a judge.
A: Perversions or manipulations of juries should be condemned, but juries legally selected,
unmolested, and which base convictions only on proof beyond a reasonable doubt are
entitled to great deference.
A: I have handled tickets for poor people unable to afford the surcharges assessed upon
them, to death-sentenced inmates, and teenagers, even a child as young as 11 accused of
capital murder (and later exonerated). I have represented extremely unpopular people
and I have protected people who were innocent of the allegations charged against them. I
have not, however, represented a congressman, a banker or a TV evangelist.
A: - no response -
rate?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: I have never had any complaint of any basis filed against me. I have the highest rating
in ethics and ability by the respected peer-rated service, Martindale-Hubble.
A: The Indigent Defense Task Force (soon to be Council) has been a wise investment by
the state to address a variety of problems and issues regarding indigent defense. I believe
that lawmakers should focus on the lack of adequate resources for both court-appointed
lawyers and public defenders. With tough budgetary times ahead, building support staff is
the best use of our state dollars. The measured growth of public defender offices can also
solve many of the problems associated with our current systems, but only if these offices
are protected from local political winds, are adequately staffed and supported, and function
as real public defender offices. We must avoid institutionalizing bad practices.
A: I support moving away from partisan judicial elections, at least for the Court of Criminal
Appeals. I have never cared for partisan judicial contests and, now that I have experienced
it from the vantage point of a judicial candidate, the problem of partisan selection of
judges becomes even clearer to me. Judges must be the dependable counterweight to
ideology and electioneering which so often features in partisan election. Partisan election is
an especially bad match for judges whom we expect to be above the constant political
storms and to provide the anchor for the fundamental architecture of our society, our
Constitution. If I am elected, I will work to find, if it exists, a better way for judicial
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selection. I do not have the perfect answer, but clearly we need change.
A: If we are to select judges through partisan elections, there must be campaigns, and the
people most interested in contributing to judicial campaigns will be lawyers, the first of
whom are those most likely to appear before the judges. The propriety of this system is
dependent upon the integrity of the elected judge. The only solution under the current
system (and the inconsistency pointed out in this question) is to elect people to the bench
who will not hear cases where their judgments are fairly and reasonably compromised. A
judge facing a lawyer who contributed a huge sum of money to that judge’s campaign
should recuse himself from the case.
this race?
A: When I was sixteen years old, I had a great civics teacher who made us all get involved
in a political campaign. Ray Hutchison was running for Governor as a Republican. I joined
his campaign in part because I thought Texas needed to be a two-party state, bringing
voters better choices at the polls. At the time, no Republican had been elected Governor of
Texas since Reconstruction. However, my involvement with that race did not last long, and
as I read American history, I was especially impressed with the respect for civil liberties
and the rights of the individual displayed by the Democrats, notably, the passage of the
Civil Rights Act. By the age of 17, I became a committed Democrat. Despite the
sometimes contentious meetings I watched at my local Democratic club, I gleaned a
unifying philosophy that our constitutional form of government is uniquely American and
the greatest gift we as a nation can give to the world. My choice of party affiliation was not
difficult.
A: This Court is the only court which reviews death penalty cases. I have unique
experience I can bring to the Court, having handled capital cases in all stages of litigation,
including state and federal court. I have insight he does not have. I also have a wider
variety of criminal law experience than my opponent, having handled misdemeanors,
felonies, appeals and writs all over the state.
Michael E. Keasler
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Michael E. Keasler
Street Address: Supreme Court Building, 201 E. 14th Street
City/Town: Austin
State: Texas
Date of Birth: 78701
Fax Number: (512)463-7061
E-mail Address: mekeasler@yahoo.com
Questions:
A: Life (68 years)
A: Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals
A: Member, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd --- Men's breakfast Bible study group,
Worship Leader; Member, Headliners Club and Tarry House; volunteer at St. Andrew's
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Episcopal School.
A: Former Rotarian; Former PTA President; Former chancellor, vestry member, Sunday
school teacher and youth group sponsor at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Grand Prairie;
former Sunday school teacher and youth group sponsor at St. Michael and All Angels
Episcopal Church in Dallas; former board of directors member, Children First Center.
A: Dallas County Assistant District Attorney, 1969-1981; former Judge, 292nd District
Court in Dallas, 1981-1998.
A: $11,025
A: Mike Eledge, Louis Beecherl, Tom Cunningham
A: No.
penalty in Texas?
A: I cannot answer this question since to do so would raise a reasonable question as to
possible bias in any future death penalty case to come before me.
A: I believe that the Court currently is in the mainstream of national criminal
jurisprudence. Our opinions are much more collegial in tone than they were twenty years
ago, and our cases are far more consistent and less chaotic than they were before. I think
that our reputation for being unreasonably tough on crime is undeserved and unfair. I work
very hard at this job, and most of my colleagues work hard, too. Although our philosophies
are quite different, and we often disagree, I am convinced that we all strive to bring
respect, consistency, clarity, and fairness to our work. If you read our current opinions and
compare them with those written twenty years ago, you will notice the improvement in
quality and civility as well as the adherence to the mainstream of American criminal
jurisprudence. Since I came to the Court in 1999, I have worked with my colleagues to
improve the administration of the Court and make it more efficient. We are the most
productive appellate court in the country, disposing of around 10,000 cases with around
500 signed opinions annually --- far more than any other appellate court. Additionally, we
are pretty current. For example, the only cases currently pending in my chambers are the
four assigned to me at the end of June at the end of the term recess.
A: It would be improper for me to comment on the Hood case because it is still on remand
to the trial court and is almost certain to come before us again in the next few months. If I
were to comment on the case, I would be subject to a motion to recuse when it comes
back to us, and to invite recusal would be unfair to my colleagues.
appropriate?
A: The Commission's decision is now on appeal, and I think it would be inappropriate for
me to comment on it. Two excellent lawyers presented evidence both to the Commission
and to the special master, and I'm sure that both the Commission and the special master
worked hard and conscientiously to do what was they considered appropriate based on the
facts presented to them.
A: Robert H. Jackson, Joe Greenhill, and John Onion exemplify the very best the judiciary
has to offer. Although they are not currently sitting, I admire their integrity, character,
intelligence, clear and vivid writing, and philosophy of judicial restraint.
A: Mercy tempers justice. Trial judges, who have broad discretion, exercise that discretion
regularly --- especially in sentencing. That discretion allows them to fit the punishment to
both the crime and the offender, and, so long as it is within the range prescribed by law, a
sentence is almost never overturned on appeal. On the other hand, appellate judges are
bound to apply the law as the legislature has enacted it. Of course, sometimes statutes are
ambiguous. In those cases, appellate judges should interpret the law in the most
reasonable way possible, bearing in mind that the interpretation is not just applicable to
the particular case at hand, but is also to be applied by trial and lower appellate courts to
future cases.
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A: The ABA Model Code of Judicial Conduct says it best: "A judge shall be patient, dignified,
and courteous to litigants. jurors, witnesses, lawyers, court staff, and others with whom
the judge deals in an official capacity, and shall require similar conduct of lawyers, court
staff, court officials, and others subject to the judge's direction and control."
A: Only when it is contrary to law.
A: The overwhelming majority of cases have been criminal cases. In my twelve years as a
prosecutor, I tried 432 jury trials --- more than the overwhelming majority of active
litigators try in a lifetime. In my first few years of private practice, I also handled civil,
family law, and juvenile cases in addition to criminal defense.
A: About 90 to 120 days.
rate?
A: I didn't keep a running count, but in my seventeen years on the trial bench, I could
probably count on one hand the number of times I was reversed.
A: In twenty-nine years, I had two complaints filed against me that I was aware of. Both
were dismissed.
A: None.
A: Generally, I think indigent defendants are well represented. But I also believe that at
least in some parts of our State, appointed attorneys are not adequately compensated.
Trial judges have discretion in setting fees. They should do so fairly.
A: There is no perfect way to select judges. On the one hand, judicial independence is
essential; in the other, judicial accountablilty is necessary. I do believe change is needed.
Gubernatorial appointment based on advice from a competent review board with senate
confirmation and periodic senatorial review or retention elections is a possibility worth
exploring. Removing the judicial candidates from the straight-party vote on the ballot
would certainly enhance the election procedure.
A: I have not received any donations during this campaign from lawyers who are likely to
appear before me. Nevertheless, I have received such contributions in past campaigns
because those lawyers were the main people interested in judicial races.
this race?
A: I am a basically conservative person dating back to my campaigning door-to-door at
the age of ten for General Eisenhower. I was initially appointed to the trial bench by
Republican Governor William Clements in 1981 and have run on the Republican ticket ever
since. I am a strong believer in judicial restraint rather than judicial activism, and I believe
that philosophy is most consistent with Republican values.
A: Voters should want a judge who is fair and ethical, has intelligence and common
sense,has a recognized expertise in his profession, has a strong work ethic, has the respect
of his peers and those who come before his court, and considers all sides of issues with an
open mind. Those who know me believe that I have these qualities. My qualifications
include the following: Forty-three years of criminal law experience; prior experience as a
defense attorney, prosecutor (chief felony prosecutor with 432 jury trials), and trial judge;
twenty-nine years of judicial experience; Past Chair, State Bar Judicial Section; elected
member, The American Law Institute; The National Judicial College faculty, 1992 to
present, former faculty council member and Jackson Lecturer; seven years as Dean, Texas
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College of Advanced Judicial Studies and regional judicial conferences; nationally

recognized author and lecturer on judicial ethics, constitutional law, standards of review,
and statutory construction; endorsed by seven prior State Bar Presidents, Former Chief
Justices Joe Greenhill and Tom Phillips, former Justices Craig Enoch and Scott Brister, and
the Houston Association of Women Attorneys.
Robert Ravee Virasin

Party: L
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
penalty in Texas?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
appropriate?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
rate?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
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A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
this race?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Fifth Court of Appeals, Chief Justice

Description:
Carolyn Wright
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Carolyn Wright
Street Address: George Allen Courts Bldg., Suite 200, 600 Commerce Street
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX 75202
Fax Number: (972)722-3622
E-mail Address: carolyn@carolynwright.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.carolynwright.com
Questions:
Q: Length of residency in the 5th District (Dallas, Collin, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman or
Rockwall counties):
A: Thirty-One (31) years
A: Chief Justice of the 5th District Court of Appeals (Jurisdiction over appeals of all civil and
criminal cases, except death penalty cases, from Texas state and county courts in six large
North Texas Counties: Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Grayson, Hunt, and Kaufman) I have been
a member of the judiciary for more than 25 years. I have demonstrated the effective,
efficient performance of my duties by authoring almost 2,000 opinions and participating on
the panels of almost 7500 civil and criminal cases as a justice on the court of appeals. On
November 1, 2009, I was appointed by Governor Rick Perry as Chief Justice of the 5th
District Court of Appeals. It is the largest and most productive of the 14 intermediate
courts of appeal in the State of Texas. The latest data, September 1, 2009 to July 2, 2010,
shows that the Fifth District Court of Appeals has the highest disposition rate of cases in the
State. During this short period, the justices on this court have disposed of 1,629 cases,
which is 18.2% of the total cases disposed of in all 14 courts of appeal in the state. The
other two metropolitan courts in Houston, the 14th COA disposed of 11.7% of the cases
and the 1st COA disposed of 11.5% of the cases. As Chief Justice of the court, I serve as
the chief administrative officer for the other twelve justices on the 5th District Court of
Appeals and supervise the court’s central staff attorneys, the court clerks' office, and
perform the administrative functions related to docket management, technology, human
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resources, purchasing, and budget. My prior judicial service includes service as an elected
Justice on the 5th District Court of Appeals for almost 15 years; service as an elected State
District Judge of the 256th Judicial District Court for 8 1/2 years where I also disposed of
thousands of cases; and service as an appointed Associate Judge of the 254th Judicial
District Court for 3 years.
A: It has been an honor having both the legal community and the community at large to
celebrate my professional accomplishments and civic service over the years with
numerous awards and special recognitions. As an historical note, I am the first African-
American (male or female) in the history of Texas to serve as Chief Justice of any of the 14
intermediate appellate courts in the State of Texas. My election to the court, first as justice
and now as Chief Justice, marks the first time in Texas history that an African-American
woman has ever won a multi-county election for any elected office in the State of Texas;
and I am only the second woman to serve as Chief Justice of this Court in its over
100-year history. I consistently work with civic and community leaders, pastors, churches,
bar committees and legal and charitable foundations to support the funding and
implementation of community programs that help to meet the needs of our families and
youth in crisis and give them greater access to education and justice. My civic involvement
includes volunteering my time to serve as a mentor, teacher, and advocate for justice. As
such, I am a frequent speaker, lecturer, and panelist in person and in film presentations for
the State Bar of Texas, the Dallas Bar Association, and the Texas and Dallas Young Lawyers
Associations. I serve as: a Past-Chair and a sustaining life fellow of the Texas Bar
Foundation, a 17-million dollar legal charity; a founding life fellow of the Dallas Young
Lawyers’ Bar Foundation; and a fellow of the Dallas Bar Foundation. As a strong advocate
for equal justice and greater ethnic and gender diversity in the judiciary and legal
profession, I continue to provide opportunities in my chambers at the Court of Appeals for
students of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, through the Collins Minority Internship
Program, to have meaningful learning experiences that enhance their writing skills and
improve their oral advocacy. My law student interns have been from many diverse
religious and ethnic backgrounds--Hispanic, Iranian, Jewish, African-American, East Indian,
and Chinese-American origin. Many of my former law student interns are now successful
attorneys and active in bar leadership, pro bono programs, and mentoring. Currently, I
serve on the board of a faith-based community organization, the Jordan Community
Development Corporation, which provides financial education and assists in processing
new, potential home owners and those in need of loan modifications. The Jordan CDC also
assists in the development of youth leadership through the award of college scholarships
and presentation of seminars on personal and civic responsibility. I am also a member of
the Hamilton Park United Methodist Church and the Dallas Chapter of Links, Inc., which is
an international service organization that focuses on community health and educational
needs of families and youth. Awards and honors include (partial listing): National
Association of Women Lawyers' Leadership Award; the ABA Business Section's Award for
contributions to women and proficiency in law; Howard University School of Law's
"Distinguished Alumnus Award"; Dallas Bar Association's MLK, Jr. Award for Justice; Dallas
Women Lawyers' Louise Raggio Award; J. L. Turner Legal Association's Distinguished Jurist
Award; the American Jewish Congress's "Woman of Spirit" Award; the Women Council's
Distinguished Public Service Award; Altrusa International's Public Service Award; Governor
Bush's "Yellow Rose of Texas Award for community-service; the Committee on Race and
Religion's Community Service Award for the North Texas United Methodist Conference;
Legal Services' Pro Bono Legal Service Awards; Outstanding Performance Awards as a
federal civil servant; Iota Phi Lambda Sorority's Woman of the Year Award; the Business
Opportunity Symposium's "Woman of Distinction Award"; the SMU Chapters' Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity's Metroplex Woman of the Year Award; and the NAACP's Juanita Craft
Award in Law
A: The Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court appointed me to an appellate panel that
sat at the Texas Supreme Court. I was the only woman appointed to the nine-member
appellate panel. We reviewed an appeal of a determination for permanent removal of a
Houston judge from elected office for acts of judicial misconduct that rendered him unfit for
judicial service. The President of the State Bar of Texas appointed me to serve on a State
Bar Committee charged with the responsibility of making recommendations to improve the
retention and hiring of women and minorities in major law firms in the state. I also served
on a State Bar Task Force for over a year to set standards for death penalty habeas
representation. For more than ten years, I volunteered numerous hours to teaching
judicial education. The subjects included: effective docket management and control of
cases, judicial ethics, ethnic and gender diversity training, domestic violence, child abuse
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and other family law courses. The judicial education courses were designed for new judges
attending the Texas Center for the Judiciary (College for New Judges) and the National
Judicial College in Reno, Nevada. These efforts have served to improve court efficiency and
the quality of justice and fairness in professional treatment received by women and
minorities, both attorneys and litigants, in courtrooms in the State of Texas and nationally.
Such training and careful scrutiny of judges has also been essential to improving fairness in
economic recoveries in civil cases and physical protection of women, children, and
minorities in our judicial system throughout the United States. Recognition has been given
to me for being a trailblazer in Texas mediation services. I served on a volunteer board
with the national State Justice Institute that worked together over a two-year period
writing and publishing national standards for ethical and effective court-connected
mediation programs. In 1987, along with three of my colleagues on the Dallas family
courts, we established the first mandatory, court-ordered mediation in Texas. We ordered
mandatory mediation in all custody cases to reduce the harmful impact of litigation on the
emotional well-being of children involved in custody battles. Almost twenty-five years
ago, I was recognized as an innovator in the judiciary when I partnered with the Adult
Probation Office to establish the first-of-its-kind child support service systems in Dallas to
monitor the enforcement of child support contempt orders out of my court until legislation
was passed establishing a unified child support enforcement mechanism. I worked
passionately both as an elected family court judge and as an associate family law judge in
the early and mid 1980’s for the establishment of child support guidelines that adequately
met the needs of children being reared in single parent households. Long before child
support guidelines were enacted by the legislature, it was widely circulated throughout the
legal community that child support in my court was never ordered in an amount less than
ones’ car payment. With the courageous commitment of the family law bar and colleagues
on the bench, our efforts resulted in the establishment of child support guidelines and the
collection of millions on behalf of children and single, custodial parents in Dallas. Even as
a busy trial judge in family court, I made time to serve on numerous child-related boards,
including the Advisory Board of the YWCA, volunteered at the pro-bono legal clinics at
night to prove up uncontested divorces for the convenience of working litigants and pro
bono attorneys, and I served as a mentor/teacher, volunteering time to partner with
DISD’s Law Magnet. I lectured on issues of law and created a new internship experience in
my court for high school students interested in law. The students were given first-hand
views of the jails, juvenile department, jury services, and the duties of the court reporter,
bailiff and court clerks, while working under my supervision for class credit. Most of my
DISD interns were inner-city African-American girls who later entered the legal field as
legal secretaries or paralegals, and several are now attorneys.
A: Justice, 5th District Court of Appeals (First appointed by former Governor George Bush
and subsequently elected); State District Judge, 256th District Court (Elected); Associate
Judge (Master) 254th District Court (Appointed by unanimous vote of all family district
judges); nominated by former Texas Senator Phil Gramm for Federal District Judge,
Northern District of Texas; Federal Appointee, Small Business Administration (SBA)
Advisory Board; Federal Government Employee (EEOC and Office of Mayor Walter
Washington, Washington, DC)
A: Haynes and Boone, L.L.P.; Frank and Debbie Branson, Attorneys at Law; Gruber Hurst
Johansen & Hail LLP, Harold Simmons
A: No
Q: Which sitting judge do you hold up as a role model, and why?
A: I now look to Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson, Supreme Court of the State of Texas, as a
role model in my new position as Chief Justice of the 5th Court of Appeals. He is known
and respected, not only throughout this state, but nationally for his keen intellect,
administrative abilities, and leadership in the judiciary. He has exhibited strong, effective
leadership before the legislature in support of the judiciary, the bar, and funding for access
to justice for the poor. During budget crises, he has led by example in exercising fiscal
restraint in spending, while still advocating for adequate funding of the judiciary as the
third branch of government. Accomplishments such as these have earned him the respect
of the bench and bar and the position of Chair of the National Council of Chief Justices.
Also, I am extremely grateful that at each stage in my 25+ year judicial career, I have had
other outstanding mentors and role models who are now retired or have predeceased me.
I seek to honor the memory of their public service daily. In fact, I am the successor to one
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of my greatest role models, Retired Chief Justice Linda Thomas of the 5th Court of
Appeals, who is known throughout this state for her tireless commitment and leadership in
developing diverse judicial education programs and for her passionate appeals to the
legislature for adequate court funding, both during and between every legislative session.
A: Mercy plays an essential role in achieving justice for both a victim and a perpetrator at
the punishment stage of a criminal case upon a finding of guilt. It is also a concept that can
be applicable in civil cases, as well as criminal, when the fact finder, either the judge or
jury, has been given broad discretion under law in its decision-making powers and is in a
unique position to give weight in its decision to other factors, such as: the impact of
wrongful acts on the victim; the credibility of witnesses; and restitution and remorse, if
any, shown by the perpetrator. Courts of appeal are not granted the same broad discretion
in law that is reserved for trial judges and juries, nor do they decide matters of credibility.
Appellate courts make their decisions as a matter of law when determining whether the
judge or jury has made a harmful error causing reversal of the trial courts judgment.
Therefore, the application of mercy in appellate law is generally limited to granting
extensions of time to comply with appellate rules of procedure and does not extend to the
decision-making process.
Q: Define and describe your view of a judge’s appropriate temperament.
A: A judge's temperament should reflect patience; preparation; thoughtful deliberation and
a willingness to rule without fear or favor. A judge's temperament should also reflect an
attitude of courtesy; a sense of fair play and justice; dignity, integrity, and respect for the
proceedings and the participants. In my view, a judge’s temperament should never reflect
intemperate, vindictive, or biased abuses of discretion during proceedings or in the rulings
of the court.
Q: When should a judge overrule a jury’s decision?
A: The right to trial by jury is one of the most coveted rights of citizenship that Americans
have and very few citizens of other countries are given that right. Therefore, unless the
jury determination is contrary to the law or the greater weight of the evidence, trial judges
and appellate courts are not permitted to reverse jury determinations simply because they
do not like the jury verdict. "...we must defer to the jury's verdict and employ a 'high
degree of skepticism' before reversing." On some occasions, newly discovered evidence
can be of such significance that if it had been available to the jury at the time of trial, it
would probably have caused the rendition of a different judgment. Such a determination
could cause a judge to overturn a jury verdict and order a new trial.
Q: As a lawyer, judge or justice, what types of cases have you typically handled?
A: As a state appellate justice, I have participated in authoring almost 2,000 opinions and
participated in appellate panel decisions of almost 7,500 cases involving practically every
aspect of civil and criminal litigation, with the exception of death penalty cases. I am also a
Texas Supreme Court appointee on the state-wide Multi-District Litigation (MDL) Panel.
The MDL Panel rules on motions to transfer and consolidate trials of substantially-related
complex civil litigation cases filed in various trial courts throughout the State of Texas. In
appropriate cases, the MDL panel chooses a single judge and a single location in which all
of the associated cases are consolidated and tried for purposes of judicial economy. As a
State District Judge and Associate Judge, I have also disposed of thousands of cases. I
presided over pre-trial motions and discovery, trials, before the court and juries, in
matters of divorce, mediated settlement agreements, contractual pre-nuptial agreements,
community and separate property determinations and divisions of business entities, real
estate and personal property. Litigation also involved issues related to parent-child
relationships, including child support and custody, mental health evaluations, and CPS and
private terminations and adoptions. As an attorney, I was engaged in the practice of law.
This included both mediation and litigation of business transactions, matters related to real
estate construction, repairs, sales, and leasing, as well as juvenile and family law
matters.
Q: As a judge or justice (if applicable), have any complaints been filed against you to the
Judicial Conduct Committee? If so, please explain the dispositions.
A: No
Q: As a lawyer, have any complaints been filed against you with the Grievance
Committee? If so, please explain the dispositions (unfounded, private reprimand, public
reprimand, suspension, disbarment)?
A: No
run as a Republican, Democrat or member of another political party. What philosophies of
that party led you to choose it for this race?
A: Before my appointment to the judiciary in 1983, I was active in judicial campaigns of
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other judges and candidates for public office. From the time of my first election for judge in
1986 until present, I have run for elected office as a Republican, and I have found a shared
commitment for a highly qualified, diverse, and ethical judiciary; a strong record of
consistent, organized volunteerism and support for qualified candidates; a strong belief in
the separation of powers between the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of
government, including the philosophical belief that judges should interpret and enforce the
law but should not invade the province of the legislature by creating laws from the bench;
and an expressed desire to maintain honesty and integrity in government and to achieve
fiscal responsibility in budgeting and spending where resources are limited.
Q: In your view, are partisan elections the best method for selecting judges and justices?
If not, what changes would you suggest and/or support?
A: In addressing this subject, I am first mindful that we have consistently voted in Texas to
maintain the current system of electing judges in partisan elections. In my view, whether
judges are selected, elected, retained, or appointed, there will always be questions about
the process. The smaller the judicial selection group, the greater the concern about the
diversity of the group involved in the selection process and the degree of outside influence
that might later be exerted on the judge. Judges cannot ethically promise any result or
specific ruling and must refrain from discussing cases or issues that are before them or are
likely to come before them. Voters and financial supporters of judges cannot ethically or
legally make demands for specific results in cases that come before judges. Thus, there is
lower voter interest in judicial campaigns than for elections of members of the legislative
and executive branches of government who are permitted to make myriad promises,
notwithstanding the results. Currently, partisan volunteers and political clubs form the
largest interest group in getting out the vote for judicial campaigns, and attorneys are the
largest source of judicial campaign funding. In order to avoid the wholesale turnover of
experienced judges when the partisan political mood changes, I might suggest that judges
be removed from the straight party ticket and be voted on manually or be placed on a non
partisan ticket. I also think there is some value in being able to designate on the ballot
whether the judicial candidate is an incumbent. Another suggestion that might have merit
is to consider retention elections to maintain experienced appellate judges on the bench.
This would serve to maintain stability in the judiciary even if partisan elections resulted in
a large turnover of experienced trial judges. After election, inexperienced trial judges
frequently have a significant period during which a large increase in appeals and
extraordinary writs are filed in appellate courts to test their rulings or correct their errors.
Q: The Supreme Court oath that lawyers take requires them to say they “will avoid the
appearance of impropriety.” In light of that, should judges or justices accept campaign
contributions from lawyers who have appeared, or may appear, before them in court?
A: The Texas Ethics Commission has set out specific laws regarding Campaign Financing
and public reporting requirements. These laws unequivocally prohibit acceptance of certain
campaign contributions. Violation of these laws can result in fines or criminal charges.
However, there is no express ethical prohibition against judges or justices accepting
campaign contributions from lawyers who have appeared or may appear before the court.
With regard to the question of the judicial ethical consideration of “avoiding appearances of
impropriety”, judges and justices are given greater latitude to exercise wise, personal
judicial discretion both on and off the bench. Inherent in that exercise of judicial discretion
is the warning that judges and justices walk a very thin line. The question of campaign
financing goes to the very heart of the issue of the election of judges and justices. There is
no collective public fund for judicial elections, and it is a fact that attorneys provide the
majority of funding for judicial campaigns. A potential for violating the ethical consideration
of “the appearance of impropriety” does exist for the judge in the area of when, where and
how a judicial campaign contribution is received. By way of one example, the trial judge
who seeks election to a higher court, without resigning to run, within two years of their last
election to the lower court might well be faced with this situation. The campaign finance
laws limit the time periods during which judicial campaigns can solicit and receive
contributions for current campaigns. The law does not speak to the ethical consideration of
continual fundraising when running from a lower court to a higher court without resigning.
The rules also fail to address the fact that, if the currently-elected lower court judge runs
for a higher court and loses, the spirit of the law is violated when the campaign funds
raised for the campaign for the higher court are then used within the next two years to
partially fund the re-election campaign to the lower court bench when the law actually
prevented raising funds for re-election to the lower court during that period. This violates
the very spirit of the law designed to protect attorneys and judges from “the appearance of
impropriety” when soliciting and receiving campaign funds on a continual basis from
attorneys appearing frequently before the court during the entire course of the judge’s
elected term. This is much less of a problem for elected appellate justices with longer
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terms of office on intermediate courts of appeal and appellate attorneys. They do not
handle the volume caseloads of trial judges and trial attorneys. Internal operating
procedures of the Courts of Appeal are also specifically designed to prevent outside
influences on the opinions of appellate justices and no contact with litigants or the general
public is allowed on pending cases. Twelve justices on the 5th Court of Appeals serve on
frequently rotating panels of three justices with randomly assigned cases; there is no
certainty of opinion authorship; and appellate attorneys do not interface with justices on
the court regarding pending cases unless it is during oral arguments. Some might also
suggest this is the reason why intermediate appellate justices receive only a fraction of the
judicial campaign contributions received by trial judges. Attorneys are also governed by a
professional code of ethics and criminal laws that govern their financial relationships with
judges and justices, the violation of which can cause them the loss of their law licenses.
While many persons might suggest that more individual funding of judicial campaigns
should come from individual members of the public, the concerned judge or justice might
feel there is a greater “appearance of impropriety” or actual chance of impropriety if the
individual mistakenly believes they can demand a certain outcome in a case because they
have financially assisted in getting the judge or justice elected. On the other hand, most
attorneys and law firms do not make contributions to judicial campaigns that are even
close to campaign finance limits. Good attorneys recognize that attorney contributions are
greatly appreciated by members of the judiciary, but the only real value that should be
given or gained is the value received from having and maintaining a qualified judiciary that
rules with integrity and in accordance with the law in trials and in appeals involving millions
of dollars every day, without regard for campaign contributions.
Q: What specific innovations would you advocate for the appeals court to improve its
efficiency?
A: Even on an international level, appellate courts have become increasingly more aware
that new workflow technology can greatly improve the efficiency of the courts and their
operations if courts are willing to re-examine judicial traditions of case processing in the
courts. Historically, judges have relied heavily on handwritten or typed paper documents
and files. The preservation, storage, and retrieval of these documents have become
increasingly more costly and inefficient over the years. I fully support the immediate
implementation of new electronic workflow technology at the Fifth District Court of
Appeals. The court technology budget for the fourteen Courts of Appeal, the Court of
Criminal Appeals, and the Texas Supreme Court is administered by a state agency known
as the Office of Court Administration (OCA), and I fully recognize the challenges ahead for
all of our Texas appellate courts during this current budget crisis. Therefore, the
innovations that I publicly advocate for the efficiency of the court may, of necessity, be at
variance with the implementation of the actual statewide plan to improve the efficiency of
the courts. Realistically, both must be balanced with the funds ultimately made available
by the legislature to adequately fund court technology, personnel, and administration of
the courts. The next phase of our workforce technology to be implemented by OCA is a
statewide electronic filing and electronic notice system for all of the Texas appellate courts.
The project will provide a mechanism for electronically filing documents in any appellate
jurisdiction in the state. It will also allow our court to immediately notify attorneys
electronically of actions required or taken in pending cases. This statewide project for the
appellate courts is known as the Texas Appeals Management and E-Filing System (TAMES).
Our court has already begun internal electronic circulation of daily opinions, scanning all
incoming correspondence and briefs, and scanning of appellate records will begin in
October in anticipation of statewide implementation of this project early in 2011. Under
the leadership of our retired Chief Justice, Linda Thomas, she placed the court on the
cutting edge of court technology with the implementation of our award-winning website
(www.courtstuff.com) more than 13 years ago. We have continued to make improvements
on our website which include on-line access to selected briefs and oral arguments;
subscriptions for notices on case activity; and access to opinions issued almost daily by the
Court. Our website has been of immeasurable value to both local and statewide litigants
and attorneys. As the new Chief Justice of the 5th District Court of Appeals, I look forward
to being at the helm as the Court moves to the next phase for implementation of new
electronic workflow technology.
Q: What prompted you to run for this office?
A: I actively sought the appointment as Chief Justice of the Fifth District Court of Appeals
from Governor Rick Perry, and I am honored to have received it. By law I am required to
run in the next election immediately following my appointment if I desire to remain in the
position. It is my desire to remain in this position. In my opinion, the key factors in this
appointment were my many years of service on the court, the support of my colleagues,
and my assistance given to the prior Chief Justice of the court with a few of the
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administrative duties of the position before my appointment. I am uniquely qualified to

retain this position by way of election because of my experience in performing all of the
duties of the position to which I was appointed as Chief Justice during the past year. Other
factors that I have carefully considered in running for this office are: the current state
budget crisis, the court's budgetary and personnel needs, my knowledge of the budget
process before the legislature; my proven ability to work well with the other 13 Chief
Justices of intermediate Courts of Appeal and the Chief Justices of the Texas Supreme
Court and Court of Criminal Appeals in the state; my knowledge of the court’s operating
procedures and my harmonious working relationship with the other justices on this court
and our court family. My past judicial and governmental experiences have also prepared
me well for the administrative duties of Chief Justice. As a State District Judge for more
than 8 years, I also performed administrative duties in other areas of the judiciary. I was
selected by my colleagues on the trial bench as Presiding Judge over the Central Jury
Room and Presiding Judge over the Family District Courts for a number of years. Prior to
my judicial experience, I had extensive experience and training as a federal government
administrator in areas of human resources and personnel procedures, preparation of
budget justifications for GAO auditors and for testimony before the U.S. Congress.
Therefore, based on my qualifications and experience, I seek election because I believe I
am well suited to meeting the many challenges of this position, and I thoroughly enjoy my
work.
Q: Describe an example of how you've led a team or group toward achieving a particular
goal.
A: One of the most memorable examples of how I have led a group to achieve a particular
goal is best exemplified by my successful efforts in getting the first metal detector installed
in the George Allen Courts Building. As a result of my observations and experience as
Presiding Judge in the Family Courts and work on the Courthouse Security Committee, I
was keenly aware of the many instances of weapons being brought into the courthouse by
litigants, death threats on the lives of attorneys and judges, and the extremely volatile
nature of many of the family law cases being litigated on a daily basis in our courts. My
concern for the security of the general public became increasingly more urgent after I
began serving as the Presiding Judge over the Central Jury Room. In that capacity, I
signed all Jury Summons ordering jurors to report for jury service in the civil courts at the
George Allen Courts Building. Approximately two weeks before a fatal shooting took place
in the hallway of the family courts, I had written to the Commissioners' Court warning
them of the extreme danger that our lack of courthouse security posed for jurors while
performing their civic duty. I urged them to get metal detectors and to increase
courthouse security. I received no responsive action as a result of my letter request. After
the shooting death took place, I went to the Presiding Judge of the Civil Courts, Judge
Merrill Hartman, and told him that I wanted him to inform the District Judges that I had
decided to refuse to sign any more juror summons ordering citizens to report for jury duty
when I could not provide them with reasonable protection. In support of my position, all of
the civil and family district judges voted to close the courthouse until reasonable security
could be provided for the courts. Within a week, the first metal detector and additional
security arrived. The courts reopened and jurors were once again summonsed for jury
service. While this action did not take place in time to save the life that was lost, I believe
it has served to save the lives of countless others since that time. Because I have a
passion for justice, my life’s work has been orchestrated to achieve this goal. I could never
have achieved any satisfaction in my work without the full commitment and participation
of others who were equally devoted to professional and community causes and
organizations that are consistent with my goal. My own willingness to serve in positions of
leadership, to volunteer as a mentor and teacher, and to travel paths less traveled have
opened doors and minds, creating networks and new leadership. I have been able to
witness continued dedication and commitment to these goals in the many good works and
lives of others I have reached out to. I have also been blessed to witness measureable
improvements in the quality, efficiency, and diversity of the judiciary and the delivery of
badly-needed legal services to children and families in crisis, although we continue to be
faced with a need far greater than we are able to meet.
Fifth Court of Appeals, Place 4

Description:
Bonnie Lee Goldstein
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Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Bonnie Lee Goldstein
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Home Phone Number: 214/321-3668
Fax Number: 214/321-8429
E-mail Address: bonnie@bonnieleeforjustice.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.bonnieleeforjustice.com
Questions:
Rockwall counties):
A: Twenty years.
A: Sole Practitioner and Owner of Bonnie Lee Goldstein, PC, attorney.
A: I currently instruct public officials, judges, prosecutors, and code enforcement officials
on matters affecting their jurisdiction for the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center, the
North Central Texas Council of Governments and the Texas Municipal League. Texas
Municipal Courts Association-Texas Municipal Courts Education Center, member (2005 to
present); Education Committee member, FY 2006 to 2007, 2007 to 2008, 2008 to 2009,
2009 to 2010. Texas City Attorneys Association, Texas Municipal League, member (2004 to
present) and other bar associations. In May of 2010, I was awarded, on behalf of the City
of Royse City, the Municipal Court Traffic Safety Award from the Texas Municipal Courts
Education Center for outstanding contribution to increase traffic safety. I received a Ten
Year Teaching Award from the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center for ten years of
dedication and commitment to the education of municipal court personnel.
A: Altrusa International, Inc. of Downtown Dallas, Member (1997 to1999; 2003 to 2005.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Volunteer (1992 to 1996). Dallas Family Resources, Director
(1993 to 1994). A fund raising organization to assist other non-profit organizations
dedicated to preventing family violence. Federal Bar Association, Dallas Chapter,
Membership Chair (June 1995 to June 1996); Secretary and Newsletter Editor (June 1996
to June 1997); Treasurer (June 1997 to June 1998); Vice President (June 1998 to June
1999) (coordinated annual Civil Practice Seminar); President-Elect (June 1999 to June
2000); President (June 2000 to June 2001); Immediate Past President (June 2001 to June
2002); Member (1995 to present); Life Fellow (2003 to present). Legal Services of North
Texas (1990 to 1994). Pro Bono representation of individuals in general civil and family
legal matters. Mi Escuelita, Co-Chair. Race Day Festival, Great Pumpkin Fun Run, fund
raising event, October 26, 1996; Coordinator of Children's Reading Corner, Great Pumpkin
Fun Run, October 25, 1997; volunteer and emcee October 1998. Right Alternatives for
People, Director (1993 to 1994). Intervention Project for "at-risk" juveniles. In August of
2001, I was recognized for my assistance to the American Legion, Post 379.
A: I have not sought or held an elected public office prior to seeking the office of Justice,
Place 4, 5th District Court of Appeals. I have been appointed and served as an Associate
Municipal Court Judge for the City of Dallas, until I resigned to run for this current office. I
have been appointed and currently serve as the Chief Municipal Court Judge for the City of
Royse City and Associate Municipal Court Judge for the City of Cockrell Hill. I am the City
Attorney for the City of Princeton and City of Pecan Hill and serve as the municipal court
prosecutor for the City of Balch Springs.
A: To date I have received $7410.00 in contributions, including in-kind donations, excluding
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personal funds or in kind contributions from my professional corporation.

A: Other than myself or my professional corporation, the following are the top three
contributors: Allen Stewart PC, Brusniak/Blackwell PC, and Jill Kotvis.
A: No.
A: I consider Justice Kerry Fitzgerald, of the Fifth District Court of Appeals, a role model,
as much for his personal demeanor as his outlook on the application of the law. Justice
Fitzgerald is known for his straightforward approach to the analysis of a case and
identification of the essential points of argument. He also understands that a thorough
knowledge and analysis of the law is required at the intermediate appellate court level due
to the limited number of appeals heard by the higher courts. Further, Justice Fitzgerald’s
reputation for integrity is beyond reproach. On a personal level, the occasions that I have
had to interact with the Justice, I have found him to be approachable, kind and judicious. I
had the privilege of having Justice Fitzgerald swear me in during my first term as an
Associate Municipal Court Judge for the City of Dallas during a ceremony for that purpose
and it was then that he related to me that he had ascended by appointment to the Court of
Appeals after being an Associate Municipal Court Judge for the City of Dallas. For these
reasons, I find him to be a model jurist and one to emulate.
A: Mercy, defined as lenient or compassionate treatment, may be a component of justice,
being the impartial determination of a matter within the jurisdiction of a court, in
conformance with the law, provided such mercy is within the discretion of the judge and
the parameters of the law. It is my experience as a judge, in agreement with Abraham
Lincoln who said, “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.”
Abraham Lincoln, speech in Washington D.C., 1865, 16th President of the United States
(1809 - 1865). Oft-times when a judge is able to assess the facts, follow the law, tempered
with discretion and mercy, justice is well served.
A: "Four things belong to a judge: To hear courteously, to answer wisely, to consider
soberly and to decide impartially." Socrates
A: State statute governs when a judge has authority to overrule a jury verdict in civil
cases, commonly known as a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (“JNOV”). Consistent
with state statute, upon written motion, if there is no evidence to support the jury’s
finding, if an issue was established as a matter of law contrary to the jury finding, or if
there is a legal bar to a prevailing claim or defense, the judge may enter a judgment
notwithstanding the verdict. In criminal cases, there is no authority to grant a JNOV;
rather, a motion for a new trial may be granted, based upon insufficiency of the evidence,
from which the state may appeal.
A: As a practicing attorney, I commenced my career in 1990 with a major law firm as a
civil trial attorney focusing on commercial litigation, construction, surety, fidelity and
procurement issues. Based upon my background and experience, I segued into state and
local government law, with an emphasis on a municipal practice. As a City Attorney, or
Special Legal Counsel to municipalities, I currently advise cities and their public officials on
all matters relating to their duties, and have handled a multitude of civil disputes involving
eminent domain, declaratory judgments, mandamus, employment actions, and
administrative proceedings involving water rights and abatement of nuisances. I have
prosecute Class C misdemeanors in municipal court, which are fine only offenses, ranging
from traffic code offenses, penal code offenses, including assaults, disorderly conduct,
driving under the influence by minors, public intoxication, and possession of drug
paraphernalia, and code of ordinance violations, involving health and safety issues,
building regulations and land use. I have been a municipal court judge for 7 years where
my duties have included presiding over trial proceedings, bench and jury trials of class C
misdemeanors, magistrating defendants arrested by peace officers and charged with all
levels of misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses, executing warrants for all levels of
criminal offenses, issuing juvenile magistrate warnings and emergency protective orders.
Due to my fluency in Spanish, I frequently conduct magistrate and court proceedings in
Spanish.
A: No.
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A: I have had five grievances filed with the dispositions of 4 unfounded/dismissed and one
dismissed.
A: The Code of Judicial Conduct mandates through its Canons that a judge should be
faithful to the law, strive to enhance and maintain confidence in the legal system, and not
be swayed by partisan interests. The justices of the intermediate appellate court are
charged with being faithful to the law, following the law as set forth in statute or by higher
courts, and maintaining professional competence. I chose to run for office based upon a
strong belief in our legal system as an integral part of the protection of our fundamental
rights and freedoms, guaranteed by the federal and state Constitutions, and as set forth in
law enacted by our legislature. This belief includes, consistent with the Canons, providing
full access to the courts by according every person who has a legal interest in a
proceeding, the right to be heard according to law. Performing all duties with diligence and
impartiality will further engender confidence that all matters before the court will be fairly
adjudicated and afforded equal treatment before the law.
A: The current law for the state in the election of judges requires a partisan choice.
Whether this is the best method is not my question to answer; rather, it is a matter for the
state legislature to consider and address. As previously stated, the Canons prohibit a judge
from being swayed from partisan interests; therefore, partisan elections put a judge in a
difficult position and potentially at odds with the Canons. For this reason, it would behoove
the legislature to review and analyze alternative procedures for judicial positions, similar
to other non-partisan elected positions, such as a non-partisan committee
recommendation combined with an appointment or elected process.
A: The current law for the state requires the election of judges, which necessitates to some
degree, the seeking and accepting of campaign contributions, if one does not have
independent means of financing the campaign. The Committee on Judicial Ethics has
opined that “contributions proffered by lawyers without hope of reward and accepted in the
same spirit, do not violate either the letter or spirit of the statutes, the Code of
Professional Responsibility, or the Code of Judicial Conduct.” Opinion No. 48 (1979).
Stringent limitations imposed upon campaign contributions for judicial races, the detailed
disclosure requirements in the Campaign Finance Reports, along with the principles
outlined in the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act and the Fair Campaign Practices Act help
safeguard against the appearance of impropriety. That said, judges and justices should still
weigh carefully from whom they accept contributions, in conjunction with the amount, to
avoid any questionable conduct or appearance of impropriety.
efficiency?
A: Not being a current seated member of the Court, it is difficult to opine on internal
operations and administrative procedures. However, given the great strides in technology,
I would advocate for an improved electronic filing and docket management system, which
I believe is being proposed by the Office of Court Administration and implemented
incrementally throughout the Texas judicial system.
A: I chose to run for Justice, Place 4, when Justice Carolyn Wright was elevated to Chief
Justice and vacated the seat. Due to the limited number of appeals heard by the higher
courts it is imperative to have Justices at the intermediate appellate court who appreciate
and understand the impact of trial court decisions and the import of appellate decisions. I
felt that with a background and experience in both civil and criminal law, and 20 years of
practical legal experience, in conjunction with seven years judicial experience, I would be
well suited for the position.
goal.
A: I have worked with the municipal courts in cities where I am a judge or a prosecutor on
a traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing traffic related deaths of young people.
Specifically, the Death Book was created and dedicated to the memory of a young man
who died at the age of 16 in a traffic related accident involving excessive speed. Drivers
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younger than 25 who are before me as either a judge or a prosecutor are required, as a
condition of deferred disposition, to read the Death Book. The Death Book is given to the
defendant during the court session and they are introduced to the deceased juvenile
through his picture, holding his niece. I then show them the picture of his vehicle and
explain that his father, after his son’s death, trying to make sense of the fatality, went to
the impound yard and took the pictures. I ask each defendant to envision tin foil wadded
up, analogizing it to what a car looks like wrapped around their body. I ask them to think
of their parents, friends, loved ones they would leave behind and identify them by name or
relationship. Each defendant is ordered to read about three deaths from local articles that
I have compiled in the Death Book. They fill out a form that sets out the: who, what,
where, why and how of the fatality. The defendant is thereafter required to fill out their
own obituary. If the parent is present, they are required to participate by assisting their
child in reading the articles and filling out the required information. Once the exercise is
completed, they come back before me for discussion. I make them sign the obituary, tell
them that parents are not meant to bury their children and that I hope the obituary never
has to be used. We in the courts may never know whether the Death Book saves a life,
has had an impact, changes behavior, or will make a difference. We do, however, strive to
make young people understand that they are mortal, the potential consequences of their
actions and the sincere hope that they do not become part of the Death Book. The Texas
Municipal Courts Education Center’s Municipal Traffic Safety Initiative, funded by a grant
from the Texas Department of Transportation, recently honored two of the courts with a
Traffic Safety Award for the Death Book in recognition of those who work in local
municipalities that have made outstanding contributions to their community in an effort to
increase traffic safety.
Lana Myers
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: LANA MYERS
City/Town: Irving
State: Texas 75016
Fax Number: No Campaign Fax
E-mail Address: justicelanamyers@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.justicelanamyers.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/9xxvgQGOA_Y&hl=en
Questions:
Rockwall counties):
A: Approximately 47 years in the Dallas area. I was born in Dallas and raised in Irving.
After graduating from Baylor University in 1976, I was a junior high school art teacher in
Arlington, Texas for two years before attending law school. After graduating from Baylor
Law School in 1981, I returned to the Dallas area where I have lived ever since.
A: Justice, 5th District Court of Appeals, Place 4
A: Justice, 5th District Court of Appeals, Place 4 (December 2, 2009 to present); Master,
Patrick E. Higginbotham Inn of Court (2008 to present); Member, Dallas Bar Association
(1995 to present); Dallas Bar Foundation Life Fellow (2001 to present); Dallas Association
of Young Lawyers, Founding Fellow (2002 to present); Group Discussion Leader, Dallas Bar
Association's Law Students and Professionalism Program,(May 27, 2010); Co-Chair, Dallas
Bar Association's High School Mock Trial Committee, (2003 to present); Member, College
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of the State Bar of Texas; Member, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Education Committee
recommending educational requirements and course content, credit, and standards for
judges and court personnel of appellate courts, district courts, statutory county courts,
county courts performing judicial functions (2009 to present); Member, Baylor University
Women's Council of Dallas; Sunday School Class Community Group Leader, First Baptist
Church Dallas.
A: Judge, 203rd Judicial District Court in Dallas County (January 1, 1995 to December 2,
2009): Elected by the district judges in Dallas County to serve as Local Administrative
District Judge for Dallas County for a two-year term (2002 to 2004); Elected by the
criminal district judges in Dallas County to serve as Presiding Judge of the Dallas County
criminal district courts for a three-year term (1997 to 2000); In the Dallas Bar Association
Polls in which I have been evaluated, I have consistently received high marks from the
attorneys who have practiced before me. Presided over a special court to closely monitor
technical violators of probation (2006); Presiding Judge of S.T.A.R. Court (acronym for
Strengthening Transition and Recovery), an innovative specialty court designed to reduce
recidivism among female offenders charged with felony prostitution (June 2008 to
December 2, 2009); Member, Steering Committee, New Life Opportunities Prostitution
Diversion Initiative (2009); Presenter, National Prostitution Diversion Conference in Dallas
(November 2009); Speaker, Dallas County Community Supervision and Corrections
Department's Award Ceremony (November 2009); Recipient, 2009 Special Recognition
Prism award from the Mental Health America of Greater Dallas; Member, Texas Supreme
Court Task Force to Ensure Judicial Readiness in Times of Emergency (2007 to 2009);
Member, Crime Victim's Institute Advisory Council (2008 to 2009); Faculty Member, Texas
Center for the Judiciary's College for New Judges (December 2008); Discussion Leader,
"Justice for All? Perceptions of Racial and Ethnic Bias in Our Courts" SMU Dedman School of
Law (April 7, 2009); Speaker, Panel Discussion sponsored by the Dallas Association of
Young Lawyers: "Everything a Young Lawyer Needs to Know About Criminal Law," (July 9,
2009); Dallas Bar Association: Judge for Texas High School Mock Trial Competition, State,
Region 10 and DISD high school mock trial competitions for over 20 years;
Co-Chair/Judge, National High School Mock Trial Competition in Dallas (2006 to 2007), and
have also served as a judge in National High School Mock Trial Competitions in Florida, S.
Carolina, and Oklahoma; Co-recipient, Joanna Moreland Outstanding Committee Chair
Award (2007); Panelist, discussion on legal ethics (2000, 2006); Moderator and Panelist,
Criminal Breakout Sessions, Bench/Bar Conference (2000, 2008); Member, Task Force that
drafted the Dallas Bar Association's Creeds for Integrity and Professionalism in Judicial
Elections adopted by the Dallas Bar Association in August 2003; Volunteer, Dallas Bar
Association's Habitat for Humanity Project and Law Day Committee's Mock Voir Dire
demonstration for Dallas public school students. Dallas Association of Young Lawyers:
Presenter, Orientation for Judicial Intern Program (2001, 2002); Sponsored many law
student interns through DAYL Judicial Intern Program. Texas Association of District Judges:
Secretary-Treasurer (2000); President-Elect (2001); President (2002). Member, Technical
Violations Committee chaired by the Director, Texas Department of Criminal Justice,
Community Assistance Division (2000). Member, Dallas County Juvenile Board (2002 to
2004). Recipient, Arthur Neu Award presented jointly by the National Association of
Probation Executives and the Community Improvement Association of Iowa for exceptional
policy development (2004). Panelist, criminal law seminar on judicial/legal ethics
sponsored by the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (2006). Assistant District
Attorney Dallas County: Member, Female Offender Task Force (1993)
A: Judge, 203rd Judicial District Court (elected November 1994 and took office January 1,
1995); reelected 1998; reelected 2002; reelected 2006. I was seeking a fifth term on this
court when I was appointed by Governor Perry to the 5th District Court of Appeals, Place 4
on December 2, 2009.
A: In accordance with the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, campaign contributions are
limited to $5,000. To date, the law firms of K&L Gates and Haynes & Boone have
contributed the maximum, in addition to Harold Simmons.
A: No.
A: Judge Ed Kinkeade has been a mentor to me since high school. When I was considering
a change in career from art to law, he influenced my decision to go to law school. Judge
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Kinkeade is a common-sense judge who makes decisions based upon his interpretation of
the law as written, and not what is popular. In addition to maintaining the highest ethical
standards on the bench, he has taught ethics as an Adjunct Professor of Law and has
mentored many law students. As a respected member of the community, he has been a
leader on many community boards and commissions. Judge Kinkeade is an accomplished
jurist with a great sense of humor.
A: Under our system of justice, judges are charged with faithfully following the law and
administering our laws fairly to all who come before them. Mercy or compassion could play
a role in determining punishment in a criminal case, but should be balanced with protecting
the victim and the public at large.
A: As judges, we must dignify the office we hold and have the character and integrity to
make decisions according to the law, without fear of public criticism. In my view, proper
judicial demeanor goes beyond the courthouse; we must be courteous and respectful to
everyone with whom we come into contact, on and off the bench. My calm demeanor has
been a real asset to me on the bench, especially when dealing with people who showed no
respect for the judicial process.
A: A jury verdict should be respected; it should only be overruled when it is contrary to the
law.
A: As a lawyer: As an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County for 12 years, I handled
misdemeanor cases for a year and felony cases for 11 years. The felony cases I handled
included death and non-death capital murder, aggravated robbery, child abuse, drug
offenses, burglary and theft. During this time, I tried over three hundred jury trials and
disposed of thousands of cases. After resigning my position as an Assistant District
Attorney to run for Judge of the 203rd Judicial District Court in Dallas County, I practiced
criminal defense law, primarily representing indigent defendants in the felony courts. As a
judge: During the almost 15 years as Judge of the 203rd Judicial District Court, I handled
felony cases, including death and non-death capital murder, aggravated robbery, child
abuse, burglary, theft, prostitution and drug offenses. During this time, I presided over
hundreds of jury trials and thousands of cases. I also presided over three or four lawyer
disciplinary proceedings outside of Dallas County that were assigned to me by the Texas
Supreme Court. I conducted a trial in one of those proceedings in Harris County. As a
justice: As a Justice on the 5th District Court of Appeals, I handle appeals and original
proceedings in civil and criminal cases from the district and county courts in a six-county
area that includes Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Hunt, Grayson and Kaufman counties.
A: As Judge of the 203rd Judicial District Court, one complaint. It was dismissed by the
Judicial Conduct Commission as unfounded. As a Judge or Justice, I have never been
disciplined or cited for a breach of ethics or unprofessional conduct.
A: One. It was filed and dismissed as an inquiry and was not classified as a complaint
under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct or the Texas Code of
Professional Responsibility. As a lawyer, I have never been disciplined or cited for a
breach of ethics or unprofessional conduct.
A: I chose to run as a Republican because the principles of the Republican party are more
consistent with my conservative values. I have been elected four times as a Republican. In
2009 I was the lone Republican felony court judge in Dallas County seeking reelection. It
was the right decision for me to stick with my beliefs and with the party that brought me
here. That being said, partisanship plays no role in my decisions as a judge. My judicial
philosophy is rooted in the oath I take as a judge to uphold the Constitution and laws of
this State and of the United States. I have a proven record of strictly interpreting the law
as written and not legislating from the bench.
A: Judicial selection is the prerogative of the voters. No judicial selection system is perfect.
Under the current system, however, good judges have been swept out of office because of
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partisan sweeps. I am open to alternatives such as nonpartisan or appointment with

retention elections, provided they result in a qualified, diverse, and independent judiciary
accountable to the public.
A: Under our current system of selecting judges, fundraising from lawyers is the primary
means of funding a judicial campaign and is permitted by our ethics rules. We must rely
upon the honesty and integrity of the judge to know when to accept a campaign
contribution and when to recuse to avoid the appearance of an impropriety. When in doubt,
the judge should voluntarily recuse or not accept the contribution. Judges must be faithful
to the law, regardless of who has contributed to their political campaigns.
efficiency?
A: Technology continues to be the driving force for improved efficiencies in the legal
community. The Fifth District Court of Appeals is comprised of 13 justices, making it the
largest, busiest, and most productive of the 14 intermediate appellate courts in the state.
The court has been recognized for its innovations, and continues to be actively engaged in
changing procedures to take advantage of technological advances. Currently scheduled to
be implemented in January 2011, new procedures will include electronic filing and
electronic notices. Lawyers and parties will be able to electronically file documents with the
court. As the appellate case progresses, the court will send electronic notices of actions
required or taken in the case. In addition, clerk's and reporter's records will be filed
electronically with the appellate court. The appellate court will work with the trial courts to
facilitate the electronic transmission of trial court documents and exhibits. I will participate
in discussing and developing new e-filing processes at the Fifth Court. My experience as a
trial judge and as an appellate justice will be valuable in implementing e-filing processes.
E-filing will eliminate delays in transmitting orders and improve communication to and
from the Fifth Court and the trial courts. Once processes are developed for e-filing, I will
assist the Chief Clerk of the Fifth Court in discussing procedures with trial court clerks and
reporters to ensure a smooth transition.
A: I have looked forward to serving on the appellate court for a long time. I have enjoyed
many years of service as a criminal district judge and am enjoying my work as an
Appellate Justice. I find appellate work to be intellectually challenging and interesting. As a
trial judge, I have an excellent appellate record. I believe I have made a difference on the
trial bench and that I can make a difference at the next level, the appellate bench. Over
the past five years, approximately 59% of the cases that have reached the 5th District
Court of Appeals from the lower courts have been criminal cases. I bring 28 years of
criminal law experience to this court. I have earned the respect and trust of the legal
community and the electorate, and bring the same level of energy and commitment to the
appellate court that I implemented in the trial court. Since December 4, 2009 when I took
office as a Justice on the Fifth District Court of Appeals, I have been assigned and have
issued 80 opinions which have been authored by me. To date, I have also participated as
part of a three-judge panel in 432 decisions. My opinions are available on the court's
website: http://5thcoa@courts.state.tx.us. I hope the voters will give me the opportunity
to continue to do the work I love.
goal.
A: S.T.A.R. Court: In 2008, with the help of the Dallas County Community Supervision
Department and a state grant, I initiated and presided over S.T.A.R. Court (acronym for
Strengthening Transition and Recovery), an innovative specialty court designed to reduce
recidivism among female offenders charged with felony prostitution. To my knowledge, it
is the first prostitution court in Texas. The S.T.A.R. Court team consists of the judge,
community supervision officer, assessors to evaluate for mental and substance abuse
issues, an Assistant Public Defender and an Assistant District Attorney. Many of the women
in S.T.A.R. Court suffer from mental illness and drug addiction. The S.T.A.R. Court team
works closely with the participants to help them maintain a healthy and supervised lifestyle
off the streets. The program has received national attention and serves as a model for
other states. S.T.A.R. Court has been featured in The Dallas Morning News, The Dallas
Observer, The Texas Lawyer, The Atlantic, Fox 4 News, and 91.3 Career Solutions radio
program "Overcoming your Past with Judge Lana Myers."
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Description:
Michael J. (Mike) O'Neill

Party: R
Biographical Info:
Questions:
Rockwall counties):
A: - no response -
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A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
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A: - no response -
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efficiency?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
goal.
A: - no response -
356 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

Description:
Robert M. (Bob) Fillmore
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Robert M. (Bob) Fillmore
City/Town: Plano
State: Texas 75026
Home Phone Number: Unavailable
Mobile Phone Number: Unavailable
Fax Number: Unavailable
E-mail Address: info@JusticeBobFillmore.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.JusticeBobFillmore.com
Questions:
Rockwall counties):
A: My wife and I have lived in the district for 24 years and have raised our children here.
A: I am an incumbent Justice of the Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals.
A: I currently serve as a Visiting Professor of Law at the Southern Methodist University
Dedman School of Law, teaching a course on regulatory law and policy. I am a Fellow of
the American Bar Foundation, Texas Bar Foundation, and Dallas Bar Foundation. These
foundations are educational and charitable organizations dedicated to protecting the rule of
law and advancing our system of justice. I serve as a member of the Appellate Judges
Legislative Committee of the State Bar of Texas Judicial Section. Finally, I am a parish
member of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of
Columbus, Council No. 7850.
A: I have previously served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Southern Methodist
University Dedman School of Law. I have also served as an adjunct faculty member of the
University of Kansas School of Law, teaching a course on trial advocacy. I am a former
Chair of the Public Utility Law Section of the State Bar of Texas. In addition, I am a former
Chair of the Special Committee on Restructuring of the Electric Industry, American Bar
Association Section on Environment, Energy and Resources. I have served as a member of
the Executive Committee of the Institute for Energy Law at the Center for American and
International Law. I have served as a Co-Chair of the Judicial Selection Task Force of the
Dallas Bar Association Judiciary Committee. Finally, I have served as a member of the
Governmental Relations Advisory Council of the Greater Dallas Chamber.
A: As indicated above, I am an incumbent Justice of the Texas Fifth District Court of
Appeals. I have previously served as Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant
Attorney General of Kansas (these were non-elective offices).
A: I have raised $62,972.86 for my campaign.
A: Four contributors have each donated the same amount: Hunton & Williams LLP, Haynes
& Boone PAC, Harold Simmons, and Ray C. Davis.
A: No.
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A: Although I consider a number of sitting Texas judges role models, the Code of Judicial
Conduct precludes me from making statements that may be deemed endorsements of
sitting Texas judges that are or will be candidates for re-election. I consider recently
retired Chief Justice Linda Thomas of the Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals to be a most
impressive role model. Chief Justice Thomas began her career as a legal secretary.
Convinced she could make a greater contribution to the legal profession, she earned a law
degree. She began her judicial career upon election in 1978 as Judge of the 256th District
Court in Dallas. She was elected in 1986 as a Justice of the Fifth District Court of Appeals.
In 1994, she was elected Chief Justice of the Fifth District Court of Appeals, the first
woman to hold that position in the 101-year history of the Court. Chief Justice Thomas led
the Fifth District Court of Appeals for almost 15 years. At the time of her retirement from
the bench, Chief Justice Thomas was the longest serving judge in Texas. Chief Justice
Thomas provided impressive leadership not only for the Fifth District Court of Appeals, but
the entire judiciary through her tireless efforts to promote continuing legal and judicial
education.
A: Mercy has a role in justice. Trial courts often have broad discretion in fashioning
remedies in both criminal and civil matters. For example, sentencing ranges are specified
by Texas statute for criminal offenses, allowing the sentence in a particular case to be
imposed in a manner that will best fit punishment to the totality of the circumstances
surrounding the crime. By way of further example, trial courts have broad discretion in
adopting remedies in connection with child custody disputes to accommodate the best
interests of the child. An appellate court generally cannot substitute its judgment for that of
the trial court if the trial court acted within its statutory authority; the appellate court
typically reviews the trial court record for any abuse of its discretion.
A: A judge should always act in a manner that gives the public confidence in the integrity,
fairness, and independence of the Texas judiciary. In order to maintain public confidence in
the judiciary, it is necessary that a judge conduct himself or herself in a manner that shows
personal respect for the judicial office. In addition, a judge should have respect for the rule
of law and the rights of all parties that must have access to the courts. Consistent with
maintaining an orderly courtroom, it is necessary that a judge treat lawyers and litigants
with dignity and courtesy. A judge should at all times perform the duties of judicial office
impartially and diligently. Finally, the actions of a judge should always be compliant with
the cannons of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
A: Texas law specifies the circumstances in which an appellate court may reverse a jury’s
verdict. Generally, the circumstances must result in an unfair trial for the party that did not
prevail in the trial court. Appellate court decisions that reverse jury verdicts generally
involve situations in which there is insufficient evidence to support the verdict, evidence
was improperly admitted that impacted the verdict, the trial court made an incorrect
charge to the jury on the law of the case, jury or judicial misconduct occurred, or other due
process issues resulted in harm that is apparent in the trial court record.
A: During my tenure as a Justice of the Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals, I have written
opinions in over 100 cases and have participated in the decision of over 300 cases. With
regard to the cases in which I have authored opinions, about 46% are civil matters, about
51% are criminal matters, and about 3% are family law matters. For the 23 years prior to
my appointment to the Court, I was an associate, and then partner, in the Dallas office of
the international law firm of Hunton & Williams LLP and its predecessor, Worsham Forsythe
Wooldridge LLP. My practice focused on complex regulatory litigation involving energy
industry clients. Earlier in my career, I served as Assistant Attorney General and Special
Assistant Attorney General of Kansas, litigating cases on behalf of the state and its officers
and agencies in federal and state courts and before administrative agencies.
A: No.
A: No.
A: I am a lifelong Republican. The conservative philosophies of the party are generally
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consistent with my own. However, my personal views on public policy issues have no
bearing on how I do my job as a Justice of the Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals. I
believe in judicial restraint; my job is to interpret and apply the law as it is written. I do
not legislate public policy from the bench. I do not interject my own views on public policy
into the process of interpreting and applying the law. I judge each case fairly, based solely
upon its merits, and apply the law without bias or prejudice.
A: I favor the system of selection and retention of judges that will give Texans the greatest
confidence in the integrity, fairness and independence of the judiciary. In recent sessions of
the Texas Legislature, a bill has been filed to change our current system of partisan
election of judges. The bill has never been enacted. I believe this means Texans have
decided our current system of selection and retention of judges gives them the greatest
confidence in the judiciary. As a result, I favor our current system.
A: Financial support of partisan election campaigns is a necessary and authorized feature
of our current system of selection and retention of judges. Texas law permits attorneys to
contribute to judicial campaigns. The law imposes limits on amounts that may be
contributed and the timing of contributions by an individual or entity to a judicial campaign
and requires public disclosure of the identity of contributors and amounts contributed. I
have voluntarily elected to comply with the limitations of the Judicial Campaign Fairness
Act. My commitment to Texans is that decisions I make as a Justice of the Fifth District
Court of Appeals will never be influenced in any way by the fact I have received a
campaign contribution.
efficiency?
A: The efficiency of the Court is already very good. During our last term (comprising a
12-month period), the Court received 1,983 case filings. Our clearance ratio was 99.7%,
meaning that the Court disposed of about the same number of cases that were filed. But
we are always striving to enhance efficiency, and an important means for doing so is
implementation of a system of electronic filing of briefs and other pleadings so that the
Court may operate paperless. The principal efficiency gains would be two-fold. First, the
time required for the handling and filing of paper by the Court Clerk would be significantly
reduced. Second, electronic access to text-searchable briefs would enhance the efficiency
of Justices and staff. I speak regularly to bar association groups within the district to inform
lawyers about the Court’s progress in implementing systems and procedures for electronic
filing.
A: I currently serve as a Justice of the Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals, and seek to
retain my seat on the Court, because I value public service and want to give back to the
community for the remainder of my career. Employing a strong work ethic, I will do
everything within my power to ensure the continued integrity, fairness and independence
of the Texas judiciary.
goal.
A: Prior to joining the Court, I regularly managed litigation teams in highly complex
matters typically involving energy regulation. This type of litigation can involve extensive
preparation and trial time, requiring effective use of the strengths of individual lawyers. A
reporter for Texas Lawyer described such cases as follows: “Fillmore is a regulatory lawyer
. . . a good one, at that. Decades ago when I covered the Public Utility Commission for the
Fort Worth Star Telegram, I watched Fillmore adroitly represent clients in complex rate
cases before the PUC that just about made my head explode” (John Council, Texas Lawyer
Blog, May 8, 2009). My leadership experience in managing complex litigation was
recognized in an October 14, 2002 special edition of Texas Lawyer entitled “Go-To Guide,
Texas’ Top-Notch Lawyers” where I was named one of the five GO-TO lawyers in the state
of Texas in the area of Administrative Law. In that publication, one of my peers described
my leadership experience as follows: “adept at managing vast and complicated regulatory
litigation or legislative advocacy efforts by ensuring that each aspect of the overall effort is
directed toward only one goal: achieving the client’s desired result.” Another of my peers
wrote: “unparalleled when it comes to analyzing complicated strategic and tactical issues.”
For a number of years I served as head of the Hunton & Williams LLP Regulated Utilities
Practice and Co-Head of the firm’s Regulated Industries and Government Relations Group.
I understand the power of teamwork and am experienced in managing the work of lawyers
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in the context of complex litigation.
Lawrence J. Praeger
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Lawrence J. Praeger
Street Address: 2608 State Street
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-871-0737
E-mail Address: lpraeger@praegerlaw.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://praegerforjustice.com
Questions:
Rockwall counties):
A: Since 1986
A: Law Practice - Self Employed
A: 2010: Guest Lecturer on “Ethics Traps” for SMU School of Law W.W. Caruth, Jr. Child
Advocacy Clinic Parent Volunteer at Dallas Academy and Lakehill Preparatory School
Member of the JCC Summer Camp Planning Committee
A: YMCA Basketball Coach 5 year volunteer service on the State Bar of Texas Grievance
Committee (lawyer discipline) Former 10 year member of the Lion’s Club
A: I was an Assistant County Attorney in Bell County, Texas (non-elected).
A: Approximately $8,500.00
A: (1) Self (2) David Stettler (3) Allan Stewart
A: No
A: Tina Callahan, 302nd Judicial District Court, Dallas County, Texas. Judge Callahan has
made difficult decisions based solely on the law and the facts without regard to political
considerations. Because she has had extensive experience representing individuals in
private practice she understands the expense and impact of litigation on individuals. She is
also courteous to staff, witnesses and litigants.
A: Justice is the balancing of competing considerations. Our system of justice must first
protect the public, try to make a victim whole, if possible, and punish the wrongdoer. In
cases where the public is protected and a victim compensated, having mercy is
appropriate. For example, releasing an incarcerated person after he or she has
demonstrated positive change is appropriate. A wise system of justice tries to make whole
all who have been wronged including the wrongdoer. While retribution is appropriate to set
an example, a humane system will also attempt rehabilitation.
A: A judge should be considerate of and respectful to the lawyers, litigants, witnesses and
staff in his or her court. A judge must listen carefully, patiently and not treat anyone in a
condescending manner. At the same time the judge must diplomatically manage the pace
of the courtroom proceedings.
A: When it is apparent that the jury’s decision was not supported by any evidence, or was
the result of passion, bias or corruption.
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A: Family Law: Divorce, child custody, and support, parentage, division of all types of
property including business entities, oil and gas and mineral interests, etc.; adoption,
termination of parental rights, mental health issues and enforcement of orders. Criminal
Law: Representing the state as a prosecutor. The cases ranged from DWI, fraud, theft,
prostitution, assault. As a defense attorney the same type of cases. General Civil Practice:
Small estate wills, real estate transactions, contract disputes. I have also served as a
Special Master and a Volunteer Associate Judge for the Dallas County Family Law Courts.
A: N/A
A: In approximately 30 years there have been three filed. All have been “unfounded”.
A: A commitment to fairness and equal access to the courts for all citizens. Respect for jury
verdicts. Separation of church and state and protection of individual and property rights.
A: No. I support non partisan elections.
A: In a perfect world no contributions should be accepted from anyone who would appear
before the court. In Texas because we have an elected judiciary, judges must either raise
funds or be independently wealthy. I have accepted voluntary limits on campaign
contributions. Most candidates will not accept more than $5,000.00 from a particular
donor. I have not accepted a contribution larger than $1,000.00. In addition to contribution
limits it is important that each and every contributor and the amount given be made
public. Our campaign has from the beginning disclosed voluntarily the name of each
contributor and the amount given.
efficiency?
A: I would require that all members of a panel that hear emergency matters carry pagers
to be contacted after hours. In the 5th District Court of Appeal 3 of the 13 justices on a
rotating basis are assigned to address emergency matters. I would also post instructions at
the court clerk’s office and online to allow someone to contact the justices for an
after-hours emergency application. This would prevent a situation such as that arising at
the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Since Appellate Courts do not have juries or
witnesses but is a court in which the attorneys argue points of law to justices, I would allow
these proceedings to be televised.
A: I believe I am well qualified for this position and would like to serve the public. After 29
years as a lawyer I have broad based trial experience necessary for this court. The
appellate court determines whether a civil or criminal trial has been conducted fairly. I
have participated in many cases in which a person’s freedom, property or children were at
stake. I understand the dynamics of a civil and criminal trial. Since leaving the
prosecutor’s office, I have primarily represented individuals and small business. I
understand the cost and impact of litigation. Additionally, because I have managed my own
practice for over 20 years I am independent. I am not beholden to any organization,
group, corporation or other entity.
goal.
A: Putting together a trial is the management of a team. I meet and manage diverse
individuals with specialized tasks working towards a goal. These include research attorneys
who analyze and summarize the law; investigators to obtain evidence; expert witnesses to
prepare reports and/or courtroom demonstrations. Managing all of this information,
synthesizing it and turning it into a coherent presentation to achieve a client’s goal.
State Board of Education, Dist. 9

Description:
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Paul Cardwell
Party: G
Biographical Info:
Name: Paul Cardwell
Street Address: 1127 Cedar
City/Town: Bonham
State: Texas
Date of Birth: 26 April 1933
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 903 583-9296
Home Phone Number: 903 583-9296
E-mail Address: hippogriffpub@yahoo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: txgreens.org/paulcardwell
Questions:
A: 32 years in district, most of my life (except for six years in the mid 1970s) in Texas.
A: retired, writing
Q: Education/Degrees:
A: BA, SMU MS, UNT noncredit training in appropriate technology at 1976 UN Conference
NGO meeting and University of British Columbia follow-up classes.
A: Committee for the Advancement of Role-Playing Games (chair) Fannin County
Community Band Texoma CORE
A: Community Schools Asssociation, Vancouver, BC Director, Amor de Cosmos housing
co-operative, Vancouver, BC Modeller, Vancouver Maritime Museum Fraser Estuary Study,
BC Environmental Council Book review column in several north Texas publications Taught
Appropriate Technology courses (noncredit) at Richland and Grason County colleges
(human scale, non-exploitative, renewable resource based way of living).
A: none
A: Not enough ($300)
A: none over $100
A: no
Q: What is your philosophy of the role of public schools?
A: education, not indoctrination how to think, not what to think instil a love of learning for
its own sake provide a foundation so education can continue throughout lifetime
Q: The board remains a fractious place. Why is that?
A: see Philosophy of of the role of public schools; it is in that disagreement
Q: What sort of ethics policies should the board adopt to guide members in their dealings
with outside vendors or companies vying for state contracts?
A: If there is the remotest conflict of interest, abstain.
Q: What is your assessment of the reading, science and social studies standards the board
has worked on recently?
A: They have made Texas public schools a tax-supported parochial school system.
Q: Should the board reserve the right to change the social studies standards?
A: Yes. The sooner, probably the better.
Q: What is the proper balance of policy authority between the Legislature and the board of
education? Does the board need more or less authority?
A: About the same authority, but exercised in a totally different direction.
Q: What legislation should lawmakers consider in their 2011 session to improve public
education in Texas?
A: Pay teachers "private sector" rates. Teach the subject, not "the test" Stop penalizing
teachers for being assigned to difficult classes. Promote bilingualism; our unilingualism is
killing us in the world marketplace. Emphasise "opt out", schools should not be dossier
compilers for nonacademic groups.
Q: What responsibility should the board shoulder for the state’s dismal dropout problem?
A: History, civics, and geography are essential for casting an informed ballot; they are
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usually given to coaches to "teach". Teachers should teach and coaches coach. Make
classes interesting and of obvious relevance to real life. Emphasize prevention at the
earliest sign of a problem rather than hoping it will go away - or that the student will. At
some early stage, dropouts were pushouts. Work with municipalities and counties to utilize
idle school facilities for community activities and both reduce taxes and keep schools from
being "foreign territory" in community and student perceptions. Encourage schools to treat
bullying as the crime it is. School safety starts with the suppression of bigotry by the
faculty (racial, sexual, religious, etc.).
Q: What is your assessment of the effectiveness of the Texas Education Agency?
A: Just another part of the problem, neither TEA, SBOE, or the legislature are pulling their
weight.
Q: Should the State Board of Education invest money in facilities for charter schools?
A: No, it should invest money, programs, training, facilities, etc. in public schools for the
public. If anything should be privatized, it should be athletics which benefit only a small
percentage of the school population, but consume a disproportionate share of staff and
capital expenses. Instead emphasis should be on intramurals for all students (see "house
sports" in Harry Potter). We don't need tax subsidies for the bottom rung of the
professional sports ladder. Canada has done quite well with Junior Hockey (16-20 year old,
no pass no play, semi-professional sports. When I was in Sunset High School, baseball was
outside the school athletics program and privately run like Little League.
Jeff McGee
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
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A: - no response -
A: - no response -
education in Texas?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
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A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Thomas Ratliff
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Thomas Ratliff
Street Address: 935 Alexander Road
City/Town: Mount Pleasant
State: Texas
Mobile Phone Number: 903=717-1190
E-mail Address: thomas@thomasratliff.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.thomasratliff.com
Questions:
A: I have lived in Texas my whole life. I have lived in Mt. Pleasant from 1981-1989 and
moved back to Mt. Pleasant with my family in the Summer of 2007.
A: Governmental Relations Consultant in Austin.
A: B.B.A. Management from Texas Tech University M.P.A. from The University of Texas at
Austin
A: I am an active member of Tennison United Methodist Church and an active parent
volunteer at Chapel Hill I.S.D. where my two children attend Junior High and High School.
A: Have been involved with Any Baby Can in Austin, Texas. Have served as room parent
and PTA officer at my children's elementary school.
A: none
A: Since the March primary has ended, I haven't attempted to raise money. People are
tired of politics and candidates trying to raise money. If I don't need to raise it, I want to
give folks a break. I'll raise it if necessary.
A: Charles Butt, CEO of H.E.B Grocery Stores; Larry Kellner, CEO of Continental Airlines;
Peter O'Donnell, Dallas Philanthropist
A: no
A: To provide the best education possible for as many children as possible. The framers of
our State Constitution made this one of the most important duties of State and Local
Government and it continues to be of paramount importance.
A: Too much politics, not enough bi-partisan cooperation for the sake of our public schools.
Instead of appointing experts to help develop our school's curriculum, SBOE members
have been appointing political operatives that are not qualified to write curriculum. This
sets the entire process up for failure and gamesmanship and embarrassment. We need to
establish criteria, similar to a courtroom, for minimum qualifications for experts before
they can be part of the process. Our children and our schools deserve nothing less.
A: Disclosure, disclosure, disclosure. Additionally, there should be a rule that no SBOE
member can have a financial interest in ANYTHING under the jurisdiction of the SBOE.
A: I don't have as much concern over the standards themselves as I do about how they
were developed. As I said when I first announced my candidacy, the SBOE has become a
distraction to public education and a liability to the Republican Party. The way educators
were treated by the SBOE during the reading standards development is still having a
negative effect on educators across Texas. The SBOE sent the message that they didn't
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want to hear from educators during that process. I don't know if that's the message they
intended to send, but they did. I have heard from many educators that told me they have
never felt as de-valued in their entire professional career as they did during that process.
That kind of working relationship must change. Regarding social studies, my main concern
is the length of the new standards. The SBOE went overboard and went well beyond their
duty of establishing the Texas ESSENTIAL knowledge and skills. The new standards are
overly prescriptive and are 40% longer than the previous version. The SBOE is trying to
write lesson plans for local educators rather than let locally elected school board members
have any local control over their INDEPENDENT school district.
A: Yes. As stated above, the new standards are too long and should be shortened and
more focused. As I have stated before, as a new member of the SBOE I don't believe it
would be appropriate for me to lead the charge to re-visit the standards. However, if
approached by a more senior member of the board, I will vote to re-open them.
A: The Legislature should set the overall goals and objectives for public education and the
SBOE should translate those into the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills necessary to
accomplish those goals and objectives. In short, we should develop WHAT children should
know and leave HOW they should be taught up to the local school districts. I think the
current statutory structure for the SBOE is fine, provided the SBOE will operate within that
structure. Unfortunately the SBOE has a track record of routinely pushing the boundaries of
their authority which erodes their credibility with the Texas Legislature and the public.
education in Texas?
A: First, we should make the election of SBOE members non-partisan just like the 8,000+
locally elected school board across the state. Second, we need to create more flexibility
in the delivery and purchase of textbooks and electronic content. Third, we need the SBOE
and the Higher Education Coordinating Board to work more closely to ensure our
graduating seniors are prepared to be Freshmen in College.
A: Unfortunately, the dropout problem has many, many causes that are beyond the control
of the SBOE. The SBOE should make sure that the content and curriculum, along with the
delivery method (analog or digital) stay relevant to keep kids engaged. If not, kids will get
bored and seek out other alternatives.
A: I think the TEA does a good job with the statutory structure given to it from the Texas
Legislature. Unfortunately, the statutory structure has created an agency that is more of a
compliance officer rather than a resource designed to help local school districts. I applaud
and support Commissioner Scott's recent announcement that he wants to review EVERY
TEA rule for its effectiveness and get rid of those that aren't doing a good job. This is a
great first step in the right direction.
A: Based on the Constitutional and Statutory requirements for the Permanent School Fund,
I don't think investments in charter schools are a good idea. I support charter schools and
agree that they need help with facilities funding. I just don't think the SBOE should put the
state's textbook trust fund at risk with these types of investments. Charter schools have a
30% failure rate in Texas and it would appear that the good charter schools have figured
out how to fund their facilities. So who's left? The charter schools that are a credit risk and
can't get money in the private market. So why should the government offer low interest
loans or below market lease arrangements? Texas has the second highest growth rate in
charter school enrollment in the country. These kids are going somewhere. So what's the
problem? Do charter schools feel they aren't growing fast enough? How many other small
businesses feel the same way? That's the whole concept of the free market system. You
develop a business plan, put together a management team, and find financing in every
possible legal and ethical manner possible. Then, you work long hours and out=perform
your competition and hope your business grows. Charter schools are businesses. Granted,
they have the noble purpose of educating children, but they are privately owned
businesses.
State Board of Education, Dist. 12

Description:
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George M. Clayton
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: George M. Clayton
Street Address: 526 Tiffany Trail
City/Town: Richardson
State: Texas
Fax Number: none
E-mail Address: gmcjhs@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.georgemclayton.com
Questions:
A: From 1949 until 1979; From 1996 to present, a total of about 43 years
A: Dallas Independent School District
A: AA-Hillsborough College, Tampa, Florida BA-University of South Florida, major--
philosophy/ethics
A: I am at my desk in my office at North Dallas High School by six every morning. I don't
leave until 5:30 or later every day. I volunteer many Saturdays for tutoring. I volunteer
many evenings for tutoring.
A: See previous question and answer.
A: I don't know why this is important. I did't win any of them. Here they are. In 1987 I ran
for the Tampa City Council. I lost. I served on the Hillsborough Republican Executive
Committe from 1987 until 1992. Dull isn't it?
A: Not much. The total since before the primary come to around $3000.00.
A: I suppose I am. The top three amount came from me.
A: No.
A: Well, I have said this very often. Public schools are the great levelers in our rather
disjointed society. Unfortunately, ever active politicians have, through the years, managed
to practically destroy it. I am working for the day when educators are the primary
managers of public education.
A: The board is fractious because the country is fractious. The wonderful art of listening
and compromise is defunct--at least for now. Members of boards of education, state and
local, must dedicate their labors to providing the fairest, the most objective and the
broadest possible education to our children as can be had in our public schools. Unless they
are willing to do that, I am afraid that public education will continue to sink into a abyss of
partisian bickering and inaction.
A: Board members must never be a part of any entity seeking business with the State
Board of Education. All members should be required to refrain from skewing teaching and
learning standards with their personal biases. Personal agendas have no place where
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education policy and learning standards are determined.

A: The events that unfolded in the board room during the debate--or should I say
argument--regarding these teaching and learning disciplines were both uncalled for and
demeaning. Like most Texans, and most especially as an educator, I was very displeased
with the State Board of Education. But here is where objectivity must win out over
childishness and hatefullness, two things I never permitted in my classroom. So, you can
bet I will not permit it in the board room. All standards adopted by the board are open for
review. That task I will be glad to undertake. But, I want to make this clear; I do not
support the deliberate degradation of this state and country. For me, I will settle for the
truth being printed in our text books. That should be enough for everyone.
A: Yes. But, I am not so sure that it is a right; perhaps duty would be more effective. Allow
for the truth in our social studies text and I believe we can then move on with the real task
of educating our children.
A: The law and state constitution are not vague on this point. The legislature is, of course,
and should be the dominate of the two entities. However, everyone should be wary of
those who would have the legislature assume the duties of the board of education.
Imagine, if you can, the legislature convening as the State Board of Education.
education in Texas?
A: Here is one to consider. The legislature should amend the requirements of State Board
of Education Members to require all members to be educators. Let's knock that one around
for a while.
A: The State Board of Education, the Texas Legislature, the Governor, the courts, local
boards and officials, politicians of every stripe in and out of office, advocates against public
education, those who hawk "remedies" for the ills of our "broken schools" and all of those
who ignore the counsel of educators share equally in the shameful burden of destroying
American public education. Allow educators to run education. Why not? Grocers run
supermarkets. Doctors manage medicine and hospitals. Lawyers staff and run the courts.
Follow this logic?
A: Well, TEA could probably do better. The agency would do well to be a little more visible
to those of us who toil in a school every day. To that end I would encourage the TEA and
the State Baord to be more visible and accessible in schools all over Texas. I really don't
think they know what they are missing.
A: This is a contentious point. That has not been the norm. Many charter schools have
failed. Frankly, at this point I would say no to that idea. I still believe that our regular
public schools can be just as good as any charter. We have got to get out of a mind that the
only real solution to the failures of public education is a shift to another form of public
education. Want to improve public schools from top to bottom? Allow educators to manage
the school and set policy, determine teaching and grading standards, provide the needed
behavioral and learning expectations and require students to demonstrate their learning,
which does not include merely "showing up" for class.
Amie Parsons
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Amie Parsons
Street Address: 10050 Lakemere dr.
City/Town: Dallas
State: Tx
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E-mail Address: amie@parsonstx.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.parsonstx.com/
Questions:
A: I have lived in Texas all my life; I was born and adopted in El Paso, moved to Dallas at
3 years old, lived in Carrollton and then moved to Rockwall. I have lived in Dist. 12 for 27
years. That is why I am so dedicated to this area; I have grown up here and am raising a
family here.
A: My first occupation is being a mother to my two children. I have a part time consulting
job so that I can work from home and be with them. I was a history teacher at W.T. White
High School and Highland Park High School until 2004.
A: I attended Rockwall High School. I graduated from UT Dallas with a BA in History and a
minor in Education, and I am certified to teach History in grades 6-12.
A: I am currently involved in my children’s school parent organization. Another is Lake
Highlands Area Early Childhood which is for pre-school aged children. I have been on the
board of LHAECPTA for the last 4 years serving in positions ranging from VP Ways and
Means, auction fundraiser, and children’s programs.
A: I was an active member of my neighborhood crime watch group in Lake Highlands,
serving as a board member for 2 years. I have also been an organizer of two non profits.
A: I have never sought public office before now. And if I win will only stay for one term.
A: I have raised over $1000.00
A: My top three contributors have been close friends of mine and my Dad, Tom Hanson.
A: My Philosophy of public schools is simple: Public schools provide tools and a foundation
for children to learn and become productive citizens of society. Teach them how to learn
and encourage them to be lifelong learners.
A: I feel the Board is fractured because of the lack of direction in the SBOE charter. After
reading the Legislature’s Charter for the SBOE, I feel it was an afterthought. The charter
itself needs a backbone to protect the future of the Texas Educational System. We need
more checks and balances and conflict resolution steps to ensure major ideological
differences do not affect the overall outcome of the education of our children. We could
have better requirements for the people that serve on the curriculum committees. We
could have a super majority vote when major amendments are being offered. We could
have higher ethics standards when dealing with the permanent school fund. If we expect
our teachers to raise the bar, we need to raise the standards to which the board adheres as
well.
A: The SBOE should have an ethics policy with standards similar to those that our State
Legislators are held to, if not stronger.
A: The Board serves the people of Texas. I think they forgot that simple truth when they
ignored the work of experts, teachers and parents in the latest curriculum review process.
The SBOE has a duty to the children of Texas to prepare them for college or for a trade.
The curriculum should be aligned with college entrance exams, not only of Texas
universities, but colleges and universities across the nation. However, since every child
graduating from high school will not go to college, the SBOE has a responsibility to consider
curriculum to support those that want to choose a job not requiring a 4 year degree. The
SBOE needs to prepare ALL students for life after high school, not just those pursuing a
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college education.
A: Developing curriculum involves subject matter experts, teachers, parents and other
concerned citizens. The result is a recommendation that is the product of the joint efforts of
all those people. I believe if the board feels the need to revise the standards as
recommended, it should require more than just a simple majority.
A: As it stands, with the relatively little transparency or accountability for the SBOE due to
the lack of structure in the charter, I believe the SBOE should have less authority.
However, it is useful to have a dedicated body to education given the legislatures limited
time and resources. If these issues were addressed in the SBOE charter, the board could
be a steward for innovations in education.
education in Texas?
A: Many legislators I have spoken with tell me that there will be little opportunity to
address the SBOE or educational issues in the 2011 session due to sunset reviews on other
organizations and redistricting. Even with a tight schedule, I will push for legislation
authorizing the SBOE to allocate the permanent school fund toward Charter school building
funds. Charter schools provide us a great opportunity to try new methods and to test
different educational philosophies before they are implemented in traditional public
schools. Charters also give parents a choice where they have not had one before, and
forces weaker performing schools to improve or get shut down. I think it is one way for
Texas to be a leader in education instead of an embarrassment.
A: The drop-out rate is a serious issue. I feel that problem lies in the plain fact that schools
only teach one track, college prep. Not every student will go on to college; in fact, based
on research done by 4-year colleges, in the last 5 years they have seen a decline in
graduation rates, while 2-year colleges and vocational institutions are experiencing a
growth in enrollment. I don’t understand why the SBOE has not brought a vocational
curriculum back to high schools. Providing educational opportunities for ALL students will
encourage more of them to stay in school.
A: The TEA is responsible for measuring student achievement. As a taxpayer, I expect to
see some kind of return on the taxes I pay. But measuring student achievement is a very
difficult task. Over time, the TAKS has dominated the classroom as teachers feel pressured
to teach to the test. And now, the TEA has a mysterious black box formula that artificially
inflates student scores so that schools and school districts are not rated “Academically
Unacceptable.” We need to find a way to balance the need to assess student achievement
with the need to prepare our children for life after school. One possible solution I would
offer is to allow testing companies that handle SAT and ACT do the testing. I am not willing
to settle on that idea being the only one, so I believe we should commit resources to
research the best practices for student assessment without sacrificing education.
A: I recently wrote a letter to the editor of this newspaper where I supported the SBOE
decision to allocate funds to the charter schools building fund. Charter schools are public
schools. They perform an important role by identifying new and better educational
philosophies and techniques that can be adopted by traditional public schools. Charter
schools also give parents and their children something traditional public schools do not
always offer - a choice. I applaud their efforts to help our education system innovate and
to provide opportunities for parents and students to have a choice in their education.
Dallas County Judge

Description:
Debra A. Carlson
Party: L
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Biographical Info:
Questions:
Q: Length of residency in Dallas County and, if applicable, the district:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Q: What is an example of how you led a team or group toward achieving an important
goal?
A: - no response -
Q: For better or worse, Dallas County Commissioners are determined by partisan election.
job.
A: - no response -
Q: What skills or experiences can you point to in order to demonstrate to voters that you
can function effectively in this office? Please be specific.
A: - no response -
Q: If elected, what will you do to improve decorum on the Commissioners Court?
A: - no response -
Q: The Dallas District Attorney and Commissioners Court have clashed over the budget
and other issues. What would you do to improve the relationship between the District
Attorney and the Commissioners Court?
A: - no response -
Q: Did commissioners overstep their boundaries in funding a civil investigation into county
constables? Why or why not?
A: - no response -
Q: Recognizing that constables are elected officials, what supervisory measures or
oversight would you support to make sure constable offices operate efficiently, legally and
appropriately?
A: - no response -
Q: Dallas County has struggled in recent years with budget shortfalls. How do you think
county budget cuts should be implemented? Should departments be prioritized or should
all of them be required to cut the same amount?
A: - no response -
Q: Would you consider tapping into the county’s emergency reserves to prevent a future
tax hike instead of making deep budget cuts?
A: - no response -
Q: Flooding in county offices exposed the lack of a backup facility to use in such
emergencies. How important is a backup operation and much money and energy should
the county devote to establishing one?
A: - no response -
Q: Are you satisfied with the administration of the county jail? What changes, if any, do
you favor and how will you push for these changes if elected?
A: - no response -
Q: What steps would you urge the county to take to encourage development of the
International Inland Port of Dallas?
A: - no response -
Q: Should Dallas County push for a regional solution to North Texas’ health care needs? If
so, what would you do to advance a regional cooperation?
A: - no response -
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Q: What reforms, if any, should the county undertake to provide better mental health care
to the uninsured and underinsured?
A: - no response -
Q: What county services do you think need to be increased and which require less funding?
Why? What other service reforms do you favor? Please be specific.
A: - no response -
Wade Emmert
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Wade Emmert
Street Address: 803 Tangle Way Ct.
State: TX
Fax Number: (214) 740-2810
E-mail Address: wade@wadeemmert.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.WadeEmmert.com
Questions:
A: 15 years
A: Attorney
A: 2004-2010: City Council Member, City of Cedar Hill 2010: Chair, Best Southwest
Partnership 2009+: Hospital Advisory Board, Methodist Charlton Medical Center 2009+:
Oak Cliff Lions Club, Associate Member 2004+: Cedar Hill Lions Club 2000+: Member of
Mensa
A: 2009: City Council of the Year, Texas City Managers Association 2002-2003: President,
Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation 2000-2002: Member, Cedar Hill Economic
Development Corporation 2003: Chairman, Vote the Vision Bond Election Campaign 2003:
Civic Leader of the Year, Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce 2003+: Keep Cedar Hill
Beautiful 2000+: Deacon and Teacher, Cedar Hill Church of Christ
A: 2004-2010: City Council Member, City of Cedar Hill 2002-2003: President, Cedar Hill
Economic Development Corporation 2000-2002: Member, Cedar Hill Economic
Development Corporation
A: Harold Simmons - $10,000 Sandra Mitchell - $10,000 Louis Beecherl - $7,000
A: No.
A: The Commissioners Court is not operating effectively or efficiently. As a City
Councilmember with experience controlling spending, balancing budgets and successfully
promoting economic development, I have the skills necessary to put Dallas County back
on track. With all the bickering on the Commissioners Court, its time we had a fresh start
with new leadership. Dallas County needs a renewed commitment on the issues important
to our families like economic growth, new jobs, public safety and low taxes. And, it is
imperative we enact a tough new code of ethics for all elected officials and become more
transparent and accountable.
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goal?
A: I chaired a bond election in Cedar Hill to raise money for roads, a fire truck, library
expansion and new government center, all without a tax increase. I also chaired the Best
Southwest Partnership to create series of legislative forums to discuss issues affecting
cities and Dallas County. I have also worked as part of a team to create innovative
solutions. While on the City Council, we built a much-needed Government Center and
saved the taxpayers millions of dollars by partnering with our school district and police
department. We also partnered with the City of Grand Prairie to build a fire station neither
Cedar Hill nor Grand Prairie could afford separately. Because of these innovative solutions,
we were awarded the 2009 City Council of the Year by the Texas City Managers
Association. I am also a small business owner and became a partner and a managing
partner before the age of 40 at one of the oldest law firms in Dallas. Like any small
business, we are frequently confronted with challenges that must be overcome.
job.
A: I have been a life-long conservative, but I do not believe all of the issues facing Dallas
County are partisan issues. In fact, I think it is this approach that has brought on much of
the bickering on the Commissioners Court. I have never been a leader who just goes along
with the crowd. Instead, I strive to be an independent thinker and problem-solver who
works with Republicans and Democrats to get things done on behalf of families and
businesses in Dallas County. In my decade in city government, these principles have
guided me: 1. Government is necessary, but should not take the place of personal
responsibility. 2. Government cannot borrow its way to economic prosperity. 3.
Government must be fiscally responsible with tax dollars. 4. The private sector is the main
economic engine in a free-enterprise system and government's role is to cultivate a fair
environment for business and individuals to be successful. 5. Elected officials work for the
people they represent, not the other way around. We must be ethical, transparent and
accountable. 6. Government should help people help themselves. If you give a person a
fish, they will eat for a day, but if you teach them to fish, they will eat for a lifetime. 7.
Everyone should be treated with respect whether we agree on all issues or not and many
times the best solutions arise from open debate and disagreement.
A: Henry Ford famously said, “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do."
My track record and reputation shows I can be an effective County Judge. As President of
Economic Development in Cedar Hill, a two-term Councilmember, Chairman of a regional
board and a small business owner, I have led by example in Dallas County longer than my
opponent has lived in Dallas County. I am not afraid to speak in specifics about what I
plan to do to balance the budget and restore ethics and integrity to county government.
That is why I have the support of more than 90 non-partisan Mayors and Councilmembers
across North Texas, including current and former Mayors of Carrollton, Addison, Cedar Hill,
Duncanville, Rowlett, Garland, Mesquite, Wilmer, DeSoto, University Park, Farmers Branch
and Lancaster. Here's what just a few local leaders have said about me: "Dallas County is
in need of fresh, energetic, conservative leadership. I am inspired by Wade’s vision and
enthusiasm and ask you to consider supporting him as well." ~ Ebby Halliday Acres “Wade
Emmert is a strong fiscal conservative. We can depend on his character, integrity and
common sense to guide him as our County Judge.” ~ Councilmember Ann Margolin, Dallas
"Wade is a person who strives to enhance not only his community, but also Dallas County
and the North Texas region. He is hard working, responsible and respected. I
wholeheartedly support Wade for the office of Dallas County Judge. I feel he will represent
all residents of Dallas County fairly and with respect." ~ Former Mayor Bobby Waddle,
DeSoto "When Wade is sworn in, he will be able to hit the ground running. We are proud
to have such a treasure for our next Dallas County Judge." ~ Mayor David Green,
Duncanville "I have had the opportunity to work with Wade on a number of boards, and
he has shown a cooperative spirit, as well as demonstrated strong leadership skills." ~
Mayor Marcus Knight, Lancaster "I can tell you it is thrilling for Dallas County to have this
quality of person step up. Our county deserves a lot better than it has had." ~ Mayor Rob
Franke, Cedar Hill. "Cedar Hill is great city because of leaders like you. We appreciate
your dedication to your city & Dallas County. We know you will make a great judge." ~
Pastor Mark Gonzales, Lancaster "Wade is exactly what Dallas County needs for County
Judge!" ~ Lowell Cannaday, Irving, former Councilmember & Chief of Police "Wade is an
experienced and principled leader who will bring integrity and competence to Dallas
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County." ~ Mayor Pro Tem Matthew Marchant, Carrollton "Wade is a results-oriented

leader who has earned the respect of his peers. I am convinced that he is the best choice
to lead Dallas County." ~ Councilmember Kimbery Lay, Addison
A: From the outset, I think I garner respect from the commissioners because I have been
acquainted with them as a City Councilmember for a number of years and have worked
with them on various issues. They know me as a dedicated public servant and a man of
integrity who will serve with no agenda other than to make Dallas County more efficient
and prosperous. I also intend to conduct the Commissioners Court meetings with more
structure to make sure everyone has a chance to be heard. I cannot keep people from
losing their temper, but I can run the meetings to remove personal attacks and
interruptions that exacerbate a volatile situation.
A: Early communication is the key to finding solutions and I intend to get all department
heads and elected officials involved in the budgeting process very early. I can understand
a department head's desire not to have their budget affected, but every other department
has reduced spending. It is incumbent on the District Attorney to provide leadership in
meeting county goals. I cannot promise to always agree with the D.A., but I do pledge to
work with him to keep Dallas County safe.
A: What's wrong is wrong, and we need to stop making excuses for elected officials who
break the law. If I were County Judge, and the District Attorney refused to investigate
corruption despite a mountain of evidence, I too would have funded a civil investigation. I
would have handled aspects of the investigation differently but we can no longer tolerate
corruption in Dallas County. Not only is it wrong, but employee harassment,
discrimination, and oppression exposes the county to legal liability, the costs of which
would be paid for by taxpayers.
appropriately?
A: The Commissioners Court has an obligation to set a higher standard for all county
departments. Our goal should be to put standards in place to prevent as much of this
wrongful conduct as we can before it occurs. Within the first week of taking office, I will
submit court orders to do the following: 1. Create a tough ethics policy that applies to all
elected county officials -- myself, the Constables, the District Attorney and the
Commissioners -- all of us; 2. Broadcast Commissioners Court hearings on the web so the
public and the media can see what goes on and, more importantly, go back to archived
videos if questions arise; and 3. Post county transactions online so you can follow the
money trail. As County Judge, I will demand a higher standard for all elected officials and
that starts with giving Dallas County residents the tools to hold us accountable.
A: Our current budgeting process is flawed. We are trying to run a modern county
government on an outdated chassis. We need a more modern approach. Like most local
governments, the county estimates how much more or less revenue it will have in the
coming year and then decides where to cut or spend the difference. Most of the time, the
budget process does not allow for a strategic overview that matches the county’s limited
resources with its goals and priorities. Across the board cuts are expedient, but rarely
result in the optimum allocation of resources. I would like the county to move toward
Performance-Based Budgeting. PBB is a modern budgeting model that analyzes how
effectively resources are producing the outcomes set out in our strategic plan. It is a new
framework that uses mission statements, policy statements and agreed upon goals to
measure how effectively resources are being used. A modern budgeting process is results-
oriented rather than just cutting or spending the incremental revenue from the last budget
cycle. Performance-Based Budgeting will not create additional revenue, but it will help us
allocate our resources where they can be used most effectively.
A: I think the budget can be balanced without a tax increase and without dipping into the
county’s emergency reserves through a combination of cost-saving measures and
increases in other revenue sources. For example, we can cut costs through early renewal
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of vendor contracts, combining shared services, aggressively seeking state and federal
grant funding, and looking for innovative public/private partnerships. In the long-term, I
would like the county to look at Performance-Based Budgeting that focuses on mission
statements and strategic goals and objectives to allocate county resources. Doing so will
shift the focus of the entire budget process to measurable results and outcomes.
A: Dallas County faces many threats: terrorism, bioterrorism, natural disasters and
hazardous materials releases just to name a few. Continuity of government during
emergencies is a core governmental function and we must be prepared. If a broken
waterline can shut down county operations for three days, then we are woefully
unprepared. Imagine what could happen if a more serious disaster occurred. By law, the
County Judge is the chief emergency official for the county. The county has recently hired a
new Director of Security and Emergency Management. As County Judge, I will have that
person will report directly to me. I will create a standing task force that includes not only
our Sheriff’s Department and Health Services Department, but also local enforcement
agencies such as the FBI, ATF, Secret Service, and local police departments. I will also
work to bring more emergency preparedness funding to the region. Our NCTCOG region
receives only 6.5% of the federal homeland security dollars allocated to Texas. This is
outrageous. Our region is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the nation and the 4th
largest with more than 6 million people. Dallas County represents 30 percent of our state’s
economy. An emergency in Dallas County impacts the entire state. We deserve sufficient
funding to be prepared.
A: The Dallas County jail is the seventh largest jail system in the nation. And, while it
recently passed inspection for the first time in over 7 years, it did so only after 8 failed
inspections and $200,000,000. Most of the shortcomings associated with the jail involve
how the buildings were built and maintained. For example, in the North Tower, which
houses maximum security inmates, the Jail Commission found problems with smoke
detection and removal systems. We need to fix these problems early before they become
major issues. Another example is the South Tower, our newest building. The tower opened
in March 2009. It was supposed to be completed in late 2008, but repeated problems
delayed the opening and pushed it over budget. Even though it is a new building, a jail
inspection found significant plumbing problems and other construction defects. Both of
these problems were building management issues -- not adequately maintaining an
existing building and not appropriately monitoring construction. We have seen these
problems in other buildings too. The new building for Southwest Center of Forensic
Sciences was delayed and over budget because of design and construction problems.
Bottomline -- we need to be more effective in managing county facilities. In the long run, it
is cheaper to deal with these issues before they become major problems.
A: The Dallas Inland Port represents an incredible opportunity for Dallas. Already, logistics
is one of the three main sectors of our local economy. The logistics hub plays to our
strengths and is expected to bring 63,000 new jobs, $2.4 billion in new tax base and $68.5
billion in economic development. I have a decade of experience in economic
development, both as the President of the Cedar Hill Economic Development board and the
Cedar Hill City Council. Cedar Hill has a thriving local economy and I have been involved
at every step. We can encourage economic development throughout the county when we
have stable leadership on the Commissioners Court and when we set regional priorities.
That means coming together and setting priorities and agendas as a region. We must
realize that cities do not compete against each other, they compete as a region against the
world. As County Judge, I will lead the charge to set regional priorities.
A: I would not support partnering with surrounding counties to provide regional health care
as with a regional cooperative that combines taxes from each county to provide health
care to the citizens in the region. In my view, creating a regional cooperative is not
cost-effective. I am also opposed to imposing additional taxes for health care. The specific
rules and regulations for the recent health care reform are still being written. It would be
irresponsible to advocate for additional taxes and/or cooperatives before we have a clearer
view of the health care landscape. Dallas County’s health care needs are serviced by
Parkland Hospital and our Health and Human Services Department. The county’s efforts to
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find and prevent fraud from residents outside Dallas County have proven effective. Dallas
County also funds area clinics that provide immunizations, treatments for communicable
diseases, and well-child services. And Dallas County recently started a prescription
discount program that is available to all citizens. That is not to say that all our health care
needs are being met. A recent study found that of the four major counties of North Texas,
Dallas County has the worst overall health. To better meet overall health care needs,
Parkland is partnering with cities to create COPC (Community Oriented Primary Care)
facilities. I support these COPCs and have worked with local officials in an attempt to bring
a COPC to the southern sector. While I am a strong advocate for health care, I do not
support multi-county regional health care cooperatives. I believe they are unnecessary
and not cost-effective.
A: Mental health care in Dallas County comes from a number of sources. One source is
Metrocare Services that provides, among other things, comprehensive mental health care
services to people struggling with mental illness. It is a non-profit organization that relies
on the generosity of the Dallas community. Metrocare’s biggest challenge is keeping up
with the growing need for mental health care. Demand for health care is growing by more
than 20% annually as more people turn to the public sector for assistance. The primary
initiative focusing on the medically indigent Dallas County is the NorthSTAR program. It is
a publicly funded program that serves the medically indigent and most Medicaid recipients
who reside within the county. Increased demand and decreased funding have created
significant obstacles in caring for the mentally ill. Funding for the NorthSTAR program
comes from Medicaid funding, a combination of state and federal funds. There is no quick
and easy reform. More funding is needed to care for the indigent. Unfortunately, the recent
health care reform may make the situation worse by decreasing Medicaid funding even
farther.
A: I believe public safety, emergency preparedness and health and human services should
be priorities. But I do not believe those areas automatically improve just by spending
more money. As County Judge, I want to make a number of changes that will help
modernize county operations. TRANSPARENCY Dallas County must be a more
transparent and open government. Within the first week of taking office, I will submit court
orders to do the following: 1. Create a tough ethics policy that applies to all elected county
officials -- myself, the Constables, the District Attorney and the Commissioners -- all of
us; 2. Broadcast Commissioners Court hearings on the web so the public and the media
can see what goes on and, more importantly, go back to archived videos if questions arise;
and 3. Post county transactions online so you can follow the money trail. As County
Judge, I will set a higher standard and give people the tools to hold us accountable.
BUDGETING I would like the county to move toward Performance-Based Budgeting. PBB is
a modern budgeting model that analyzes how effectively resources are producing the
outcomes set out in our strategic plan. It is a new framework that uses mission
statements, policy statements and agreed upon goals to measure how effectively
resources are being used. A modern budgeting process is results-oriented rather than just
cutting or spending the incremental revenue from the last budget cycle. CUSTOMER
SERVICE I want the county to place a premium on providing outstanding customer service
to the citizens of Dallas County. This is not a budget item, but a philosophy shift. It comes
from the top down. Employees providing good customer service should be acknowledged
and rewarded. It is a management issue and I am committed to improving our customer
service in all county departments. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS By law, the County
Judge is the chief emergency official for the county. The county has recently hired a new
Director of Security and Emergency Management. As County Judge, I will have that person
will report directly to me. I will create a standing task force which includes not only our
Sheriff’s Department and Health Services Department, but also local enforcement agencies
such as the FBI, ATF, Secret Service, and local police departments. I will also work to
bring more emergency preparedness funding to the region. Our COG region receives only
6.5% of the federal homeland security dollars allocated to Texas. This is outrageous. Our
region is the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the nation and the 4th largest with more
than 6 million people. Dallas County represents 30 percent of our state’s economy. An
emergency in Dallas County impacts the entire state. We deserve sufficient funding to be
prepared. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT The County Judge is the CEO of Workforce
Solutions, the county workforce development program. One of my core beliefs is that we
should help people help themselves. Preparing people to get good paying jobs or retraining
people to adapt to a changing market is not only good for our community, but it is also
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good for business. Statistics show that when businesses consider relocating to a region,
they look for good infrastructure and a skilled workforce. As County Judge, I will support
our workforce development efforts so we can build up our communities and attract good
paying jobs to our region. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT I believe that a government cannot
borrow its way to economic prosperity. The private sector is the main economic engine in a
free-enterprise system and government's role is to cultivate a fair environment for
business and individuals to be successful. I have a decade of experience in economic
development, both as the President of the Cedar Hill Economic Development board and the
Cedar Hill City Council. Cedar Hill has a thriving local economy and I have been involved
at every step. I will renew our commitment to solid economic development using best
practices and real-world experience.
Clay Jenkins
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Clay Lewis Jenkins
Street Address: 1409 South Lamar Suite 009 MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 222285
DALLAS, TX 75222
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
E-mail Address: Clay@clayjenkins.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.jenkinsfordallascounty.com
Questions:
A: I was born in Oak Cliff and have lived all over Dallas County for a total of 21 years;
most recently, 2001 to present.
A: President and owner of a law firm, dedicated to protecting the rights of all people; and
Co-founder and co-owner of a health services company, dedicated to providing dental
health services to Medicaid patients in over 90 North Texas nursing homes.
A: Board of Directors for the Texas Center for Education Policy at the University of Texas at
Austin Board of Directors of the Texas Lyceum, our state’s premier leadership incubator
Active church member Life member of the NAACP Longtime advocate and supporter of the
Southern Poverty Law Center Member of the Dallas Bar Association Member of the
College of the State Bar of Texas President of the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association Only
non-dentist member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Association of Long-Term Care
Facility Dentistry My wife and I support our church, charities, including The Dallas Morning
News Charities and Habitat for Humanity (where we volunteered on two South Dallas
homes in 2009). This year we worked with others to give and raise money for Haiti relief.
A: Co-founder and Board President for Daniel’s Den, a homeless shelter where I was
on-call one night a week to staff the shelter. Board of Directors of Common Ground
Ministries, an after-school program for economically disadvantaged kids. Immediate past
President of my adult Sunday school class at Highland Park United Methodist Church
Immediate past President of the Dallas Democratic Lawyers Association
A: In 1990, I ran an unsuccessful race for the Texas State Senate. I have also served as a
Democratic Precinct Chair.
A: $685,722.32 (as of 8/8/2010)
A: Amy and Lee Fikes Sue and Brian Loncar Dori and Russell Budd/ Dr. Jan and Mr. Tex
Quesada (tie)
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A: Over 25 years ago, as a young undergraduate at Baylor University, I was arrested for
two misdemeanors;reckless driving and trespassing. I realized how close I came to
throwing away my opportunity to become the first in my family to graduate college by
engaging in immature college pranks. I didn’t want to disappoint my mother and all the
people who sacrificed to give me that opportunity by squandering it. I re-committed
myself to my studies, which culminated in my graduation from law school five years after
high school.
A: After my father died when I was seven, my mother raised me and my sister, through
hard work and determination, to provide us with opportunities she never had. Her
commitment instilled in me recognition that being an active member of the community is
not a choice, but a responsibility. It is time to end the discord at our commissioner’s court
and stop the waste of money by building a more efficient, accountable and transparent
county government. I have a reputation and a proven track record for bringing people
together and getting things done that has attracted broad support from across Dallas
County. Public Safety must be a top priority. Nothing matters more to me than keeping
our citizens safe and secure. The truancy court system is broken and must be fixed. We
must repair our neglected infrastructure and foster economic development throughout the
underutilized parts of Dallas County, particularly in southern Dallas County. This will
provide good jobs, increase the tax base and keep the taxes low across the county. We
must build the new Parkland Hospital on time and on budget. It must be a world class
facility where people receive high quality care and are treated with respect. We need a
County Judge who will work with all the elected officials in the county and region to move
us forward on issues like regional transportation, air quality and economic development. I
will work hard to make sure Dallas County gets its fair share of tax dollars and taxpayer
decided local options to build roads and highways to ease traffic congestion and prevent
more toll roads from being built.
goal?
A: In 2008, I had the honor of serving as Texas Director of Voter Protection for the Obama
Campaign overseeing the recruitment of hundreds of attorneys to work on voter protection
issues. This was a huge undertaking and required a great deal of coordination between
attorneys and campaign staff all across the state of Texas. In every election, it is crucial
that every eligible voter has the opportunity to vote and every vote is properly counted. I
led a team of hundreds of lawyers and paralegals from across the state in using our
expertise as attorneys to protect the voters and ensure fair elections.
job.
A: Before my father died when I was seven years old, he was a champion for those whose
voices were not always heard. He would tell me to “always stand up for the little guy”. My
mother reinforced in my sister and me a strong sense of social justice and the equality of
all people, as well as the importance of hard work. She always told us that there was no
end to what you could do if you don’t care who gets the credit. She sacrificed so I could
become the first member of my family to graduate from college. Additionally, my faith
instills in me a commitment to respect all people, treat them with compassion and fairness
and never give up hope for a better tomorrow. These are the main reasons why I am a
Democrat. While I am a proud Democrat, as County Judge I will work together with
people of all political persuasions to help all of our citizens enjoy security, opportunity and
dignity.
A: I am tenacious. The first in my family to graduate college, I overcame learning
disabilities as a child to graduate from both undergraduate and law school in five years. I
persevere. As an adult, I sustained severe injuries in a car crash, including a badly broken
neck. The doctor said I might not live and if I did, I might not walk or return to work. One
month later, on a broken pelvis, I took my first steps. I founded my health services
company six months after that. I have a proven track record of working with others to
get things done. As a lawyer, I have dedicated myself to protecting the rights of all people.
I frequently work on collaborative teams of lawyers and am sought out by a wide range of
people, from solo practitioners, to our city’s largest and most prestigious law firms, to
assist in complex litigation. As the founder and co-owner of a health services company, I
have worked diligently and constructively with health care providers, state employees and
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elected officials to ensure that the health care needs of the residents of our state’s nursing
homes are met. I can create synergies. As Texas Director of Voter Protection for the
Barack Obama campaign, I oversaw a voter protection program far larger and more
extensive than anything the state of Texas has ever seen. I have repeatedly worked with
the most liberal and the most conservative people in the state of Texas, people from all
walks of life, all socioeconomic backgrounds and all perspectives. I listen. I have been
guided by pragmatism and a deep belief that all human beings are deserving of respect
and that all points of view should be evaluated with sincerity and consideration. We need
to stop the political bickering on our commissioner’s court and within our county
government and work in more constructive ways to move Dallas County forward.
A: Decorum is important. Rarely is the best decision made from a position of anger,
embarrassment or fear. I will engender an atmosphere of mutual respect. Despite what
some would have us believe, our county’s challenges are not easily cast in strictly partisan
or ideological terms. Problems like crime, transportation gridlock and air pollution don’t
discriminate based on party affiliation, and we must all work together to build a better
Dallas County. CHANGES REQUIRING MAJORITY VOTE As important as decorum is to the
proper administration of the commissioner’s court, transparency and a strong, modern
ethics policy is of even greater importance. Transparency promotes civility and decorum.
We must create a more transparent Commissioner’s Court and pass a tough code of ethics.
I will promote transparency and improve access to information. I do not favor weakening
the Open Meeting & Public Records law. I favor efforts to make public records more
promptly available to our citizens and to the press. The following information should be
readily available online in one easily-accessible, user-friendly location: Pertinent financial
information, including the check registry; County contracts; Minutes of Commissioners
Court meetings; Audio and/or video files of Commissioners Court meetings; Campaign
finance reports of County elected officials for the last two years; and Increased online
information for high profile projects that engender increased public interest. Additionally, I
will seek to pass tough new ethics laws, including: A moratorium on fundraising and
giving from anyone bidding for work with the county from the time the project is let for bid
until 30 days after the bid is awarded; voluntary registration of lobbyist with business
before the county; A requirement that senior staffers who leave government service wait
two years before working on a matter that directly affects or involves their prior
employer; A strengthened requirement to ensure the county and its departments
preserve records and make them easier to review; A disclosure requirement of
contributions to funds to nonprofits controlled by or benefiting county elected officials to be
disclosed biannually; A requirement that senior staffers must file a financial disclosure
form outlining outside income sources and potential conflicts of interest . I favor the fast
tracking of online information systems, such as the increased scanning of documents, the
increased paperless records-keeping and more online filing to promote faster response
time to open records request. Transparency and accountability lead to better decision-
making outcomes. The more information and constructive input one has, the better and
more reasoned the decision will likely be. We must adhere to the law on putting our
contracts out for competitive bid. This will help ensure savings on our bid contractors and
reduce lawsuit costs against the County for failure to open contracts for competitive
bidding and other violations. I will ensure all my board appointees share my values
regarding open and transparent government and use my influence to advance open,
transparent bidding and business practices at NTTA and other regional authorities in which
we participate, and will promote the diversity that will lead to stronger more independent
boards. CHANGES REQUIRING PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE Furthermore, I will
endeavor to never forget I was elected as a public servant, and I will approach my job with
a humble heart and commit to servant leadership for all the people of Dallas County. I will
lead by example and use the power of the chair and the gavel to maintain order and
transparency, not to gain an unfair tactical advantage for my side of a particular issue. I
will disagree without being disagreeable and always remember each Commissioner is a
duly elected representative of his or her district and is a complex human being who I will
strive to treat as I would like to be treated. I will work diligently to understand the other
person’s position before ensuring my own position is understood by them. All people want
to be heard and understood. My mother taught me as a child to be firm in my convictions,
but courteous to everyone whether we agreed or not. She also taught me that it’s hard to
learn the perspective of another while you are talking. I will be genuine and honest with
my fellow officeholders and county employees and will expect the same from them. I will
build relationships based on our shared values and spiritual core that will hold us together
in tough times. I’m convinced that most people go into public service to give something
back to their community and not to engage in negative political attacks. As I have
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illustrated in the primary, the appropriate response to untrue attacks is not to fire off one
of your own. There will be more that binds us than divides us on the new Commissioners
Court. Republican Mike Cantrell and I share a desire to improve our transportation
system. Republican Maurine Dickey and I are committed to building the new Parkland
Hospital on time and on budget and ensuring that it is a world class facility where people
receive timely, excellent care. Democrat John Wiley Price and I believe that our jails
must continue to improve and that we must rebuild and repair neglected infrastructure
throughout Dallas County to promote the growth and economic development that will keep
taxes low throughout Dallas County. Democrat Dr. Elba Garcia and I are committed to
promoting transparency and a strong code of ethics for County Government. If
Republican Ken Mayfield is reelected, I will find common ground in our background as
lawyers and will work tirelessly to build a good working relationship with him to move
Dallas County forward and get things done.
A: I have a good relationship with all three of the commissioners who are assured to be on
the court next year because they are either unopposed or not up for election, as well as
Dr. Elba Garcia, one of the two candidates running in Precinct 4. Likewise, I have a good
relationship with the District Attorney. I appreciate his dedication to improving the justice
system. Crime is down 6%. His felony conviction rate is 99.4%, a better rate than when he
took office. Dallas County leads the nation in post conviction exonerations, having become
the model for the rest of the country. All this was achieved on a budget that is $1 million
less than neighboring Tarrant County, which has 670,000 less people. Dallas County
population - 2,492,850 Tarrant County population - 1,829,400 Source NTCOG estimates
2010 The District Attorney’s Office is currently allotted less than $12 per citizen to
prosecute crime under the proposed budget. Tarrant County allots over $18 per citizen and
Harris County is over $19. Neighboring Tarrant and Collin Counties have increased their
D.A.’s budget each of the last three years. The Dallas County Commissioner’s Court has cut
our D.A’s budget every one of those years. Personality clashes must take a backseat to
public safety and the D.A.’s budget must be increased. We must balance the budget and
pay for essential services at a time of decreasing revenues. To do this, we must scrub the
budget line by line. The budget process is always stressful and the revenue shortfall
heightens the emotions. We will make our best decisions by being open, honest,
transparent and civil with one another. I believe my leadership style and the relationship of
mutual respect I have fostered with all parties can set the stage for improved relations.
A: Yes. Dallas County is facing tough economic times and a financial short-fall. We already
have an elected District Attorney. The Court’s decision to hire and pay over $300,000 to an
outside private investigator to look into allegations against the constables was politically
motivated and unnecessary. Hopefully, it will not damage either of the two separate
ongoing investigations by the Texas Attorney General or the Dallas County Special
Prosecutor.
appropriately?
A: Since the Democratic primary, I have called on the Commissioner's Court to pass a
budget that will consolidate traffic enforcement under the highly skilled and successful
centralized command in the sheriff’s office and allow constables to return to their
traditional roles. This would save $2 million on next year’s budget without reducing public
safety. Most of the public concern over constables stems from their activities in traffic
enforcement (including towing. My position is not based on prejudgment of ongoing
investigations or news reports detailing the expenditure of money on constable SWAT
teams, but rather, on my belief in providing the best stewardship of your tax dollars in
these tough economic times. This budget cut will save the county $2 million on next year’s
budget. I watched closely how taxpayers’ money was spent in the past in evaluating
budget decisions in the present. I will also insist constables and elected officials do not
enter into a contract with third party vendors that purport to obligate Dallas County. Such
a contract is unenforceable as only the Commissioners Court (after proper hearing and
vote) can authorize contracts with third parties. The current situation with traffic
enforcement is inefficient and not transparent. A lack of leadership and planning on our
Commissioners Court as to how to provide checks and balances to our enforcement
delivery system played a huge role in the current situation. Constable personnel in good
standing currently involved in traffic enforcement should be offered priority in interviewing
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for open positions with the Sheriff’s Department. The focus of our constables should shift
where necessary to focus on the serious warrant backlog facing the county. We have over
$200 million in outstanding fines due Dallas County from ticket scofflaws. * Although there
is bipartisan support within the elected constables themselves to cut their traffic budgets
(both Democratic Constable Beth Villarreal and Republican Mike Gothard support the idea),
the political pressure is great from two Republican constables who oppose this cut. All five
current members of the present Commissioners Court were correct earlier this year when
they agreed to completely cut the constables traffic budget. I encourage the
commissioners to continue to stand firm on this cut and I hope my opponent will join us in
supporting this complete cut. I realize that the two Democratic and three Republican
constables are independently elected officers, and I will use my vote on the budget and my
communication skills to work with their offices and advocate that they partner with the
Commissioners Court on shifting their focus and traffic enforcement assets to warrant
services as soon and efficiently as possible. Also, through better communication, I will
work with constables and other elected officials to get buy in and input on my transparency
plan to make County government more open, accessible and accountable to the public.
We presently have over $200 million in outstanding fines due the County from ticket
scofflaws. It is not fair that some citizens owe thousands of dollars in fines while most
citizens pay their obligations, as required. I will aggressively enforce our laws, as well as
promote measures similar to the vehicle registration block, to make it clear that scofflaws
cannot simply avoid paying their outstanding fines unscathed. However, I will also consider
an amnesty program to encourage scofflaws to pay their obligations as well as promote
the opportunities to work out payment plans to meet those obligations for those unable to
pay in full.
A: The County’s budget should be thoroughly “scrutinized” from top to bottom. Each
department’s budget should be reviewed “line item by line item” to determine the
essential services needed to sufficiently operate the County during these tough economic
times. I will begin my budget review with my office’s allocated budget and I will lead by
example. The County should not only review all department expenditures of the General
Fund, but also examine capital expenditures in the Major Capital Fund, Major Technology
Fund and Permanent Improvement Fund. In FY 2010, the County has budgeted
approximately $78 million in capital expenditures. I will ultimately look at all department
budgets and all opportunities for efficiency consolidation and cuts on a line by line basis. I
will support a requirement that all County elected officials and department heads for
informational purposes deliver by a firm deadline a certain percentage of proposed budget
cuts. No department should be untouchable or not subject to review. However, the
security of our neighborhoods and the protection from crime is at the top of our County’s
hierarchy of needs. I propose the following cuts to balance next year’s budget without a
tax increase: The Major Capital Improvement Program set aside rate is currently 4.5
cents per $100 valuation. This money is sometimes referred to as commissioner’s road and
bridge funds. The county has primary responsibility for county roads and bridges and
secondary responsibility for some other transportation assets within the municipalities. In
our urban county, there are very few unincorporated areas and most county roads and
bridges are contained in one precinct (Pct. 3). The commissioners use their road and
bridge funds to assist local municipalities within their district with resurfacing and other
transportation projects for which those municipalities have primary responsibility.
Additionally, they regularly accrue a surplus that each commissioner keeps in that
commissioner’s discretionary fund earmarked by law for transportation projects. The sum
total of the four commissioners’ discretionary transportation funds created from this
unspent revenue is approximately $10.7 million. The $0.045 cent rate on MCIP is set by
the commissioners. The commissioners should vote to DECREASE this rate for the next
fiscal year. A decrease to $0.030 would free up an additional 1.5 cents for use in the
general revenue which would increase receipts to the fund by $21.6 million next year and
would almost balance next year’s budget without further cuts. A one cent decrease in the
MCIP would increase general revenue receipts by $14.4 million. A half cent decrease in the
MCIP would increase general receipts by$7.2 million The concomitant decrease in the
MCIP rate would result in the MCIP Fund generating $21.6 million, $14.4 million or $7.2
million dollars less in revenues. The commissioners could lead by example and use a
substantial part of the $10.7 million being held in their discretionary funds to make up for
this shortfall. Each commissioner should keep $1 million in their discretionary fund. This
would reduce the MCIP shortfall to approximately $15.7-16.3 million. The commissioners
should review slated projects for further cuts and/or efficiencies, although I do not expect
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much savings to be had in this regard given the fact that MCIP fund receipts have fallen in
each of the last three years. The commissioners have done a good job promoting
efficiencies on capital improvements. Furthermore, adequate transportation funding is
mission critical to our local economic recovery. After final review of the MCIP budget, short
term money could be borrowed for capital improvement projects. While our first priority
should be to balance the budget through fiscally responsible line by line cuts to the budget,
going to the bond markets for financing of capital improvement projects is a feasible
alternative to a cut in essential services. We have a double triple AAA bond rating (Moody’s
and S&P) and are on a pay-as-you-go system, yet we have the second lowest tax rate of
any of the 254 counties in Texas and the second highest exemption ceiling, plus an
appraisal cap on seniors. Because of this, we can use the financial markets to cover a
shortfall at historically low rates. When our economy rebounds, the modest amount of debt
could be repaid. We run a balanced budget by law and do not carry a deficit. If we can’t
balance the budget through efficiencies and are faced with the choice of cutting essential
services like public safety, raising tax rates, or borrowing for the shortfall at historically
low rates, I believe most people would prefer to see essential services provided without a
rate increase during these tough times and for us to delay or scale back any new spending
projects when the economy revives so we can quickly pay off the low interest short term
debt incurred. BUDGET SAVINGS - $7.2-$21.6 MILLION. A tax note could be issued to
finance construction of $5 million in current capital projects. The Grand Prairie Sub
Courthouse will cost $3 million and the new County Automotive Center will cost $2 million.
BUDGET SAVINGS- $5 MILLION Additionally, we should transfer $2.4 million in RB #5 to
the General Fund to cover the costs of transportation related projects rather than transfer
to the MCIP. BUDGET SAVINGS - $2.4 MILLION I would reduce the budget for computer
hardware purchases under $5000 for next year by $1 million and likewise reduce the
budget for software under $5,000 by $1 million. In doing so, I am mindful of the past
failures to adequately budget for major technology needs and do not propose cuts in those
funds. It is my hope that with over 200 positions cut, some of our desktops and other
hardware can be repurposed and replacements deferred. If investigations currently
underway reveal our technology problems are greater than represented, this may not be
doable. BUDGET SAVINGS - $2 MILLION The independent hiring of a civil investigator to
look into employment practices of certain constables was not appropriate given its
$300,000 cost and the paralleled investigation being undertaken by the Attorney General
and Special Prosecutor (began under the Dallas County District Attorney). We should not
repeat this mistake. BUDGET SAVINGS UNKNOWN BECAUSE THE COMMISSIONERS COURT
PRESENTLY DOESN’T BUDGET FOR PARALLEL INVESTIGATIONS IT UNDERTAKES. I’ve
already stated I believe the constables traffic units should be cut completely and the duties
consolidated under a centralized command at the Sheriff department. This will generate a
savings of $2 million. BUDGET SAVINGS - $2 MILLION The following departmental offers
should be accepted: Criminal Justice Department/ Delete one pre-trial release officer
(Grade FF) for a savings of $58, 629 Transfer Interlock Program from CSCD to the
Criminal Justice Department savings approximately $50, 000 Purchasing Department/
Delete one buyer (Grade B) for a savings of $54, 952. BUDGET SAVINGS - $163, 581
CURRENT SHORTFALL AS OF AUGUST 23, 2010 AFTER $26 MILLION IN PREEXISTING CUTS
ALREADY MADE BY COMMISSIONERS - $22.5 MILLION MY PROPOSED FURTHER CUTS TO
BALANCE THE BUDGET WITHOUT A TAX INCREASE - $18.75-33.15 MILLION. COUNTY
JOBS AND COUNTY ESSENTIAL SERVICES CUT BY MY PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS- $0
SURPLUS CREATED BY ADOPTION OF ALL MY PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS - $10.65 MILLION.
(ADOPTION OF ALL CUTS UNNECESSARY) ANY SURPLUS SHOULD BE USED TO FUND
RESTORATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAMS INCLUDING THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S
OFFICE. Furthermore, we presently commit $2.6 million to supplement Child Protective
Services (CPS) and an additional $4 million to supplement mental health services provided
in Dallas County. Both CPS and mental health services are obligations of our state (not
county) government. Currently, our state ranks 49 out of 50 in funding for CPS and mental
health services. Due to the inadequacy of state funding for these important programs, it
has been necessary for the county to supplement to ensure these basic services for our
citizens. I do not support cutting these supplements because they ensure minimum
thresholds of services to our citizens. To abolish the supplement to these primarily
preventative programs would prove to be extremely inefficient both in human and
budgetary cost. Whatever portion of this recurring $6.6 million annual cost that could be
funded through grant writing would provide tax savings. We will continue to find areas of
waste, and where less funding is required, and I will be vigilant scrubbing our budget line
by line. Realistically sometimes, we will find cases where more funding is appropriate.
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A: No. The Commissioners already have tapped the reserves and this shortfall must be
brought back up to 10.5% of the General Revenue. Contingencies invariably come up and
we must plan accordingly. We don’t have a large “Rainy Day” fund. Our fund is designed
for contingencies that are not paid for in the budget. If the court allocates it to pay
budgeted expenditures, we would have no contingent funds and will pay a steep price in
the bond markets for lacking sound fiscal policy. I will scrutinize each budget item and
each function therein to ensure that every tax dollar is maximized. The County anticipates
having a General Fund ending balance of approximately $46.1 million in FY 2010 due to its
10.5% General Fund expenditure policy. With the economy continuing to show signs of
uncertainty, building and maintaining the County’s cash reserves is important. To continue
to provide essential services, the County should examine the possibility of using the capital
markets for help if enough cuts and efficiencies cannot be had to balance the budget. The
County has an “AAA” rating by Moody’s and Standard and Poor’s. The Stimulus Bill/Build
America Bonds authorized by Congress has helped many municipalities Fund needed
projects at very low interest rates – Parkland Hospital issued $705 million at an effective
yield of less than 4.0%. To relieve pressure off the budget, the County should examine the
option of financing current “pay-as-you-go” projects. Financing “pay-as-you-go” projects
could free up funds to be used for other lawful purposes and help manage the tax rate.
A: The backup facility is absolutely essential and required by the Department of Homeland
Security. We need to expend the money and energy required to establish one. The cost is
approximately $1.2-1.5 million. Failing to plan is planning to fail and the failure to secure
a backup facility is an example of the lack of leadership and vision that has plagued the
Commissioners Court.The court was warned of this danger in 2008. The following
information was taken from the “County Strategic Technology Plan 2009-2013”. “The
Department of Homeland Security has established that the following requirements be met
by emergency response centers. These include: Establish a Continuity of Operations
(COOP) plan Reduce disruption of critical operations Ensure that alternate facilities
have been established (Emphasis added) Protect essential equipment and records. In
order to effectively plan for the type of technology that must be implemented, the County
must determine the time required that it needs to be back in operation. The following
provides a guideline for the types of technology that must be put in place in order to
achieve the Restore Time Objective (RTO).Options include: Continuous Availability –
RTO Less than 2 Hours Rapid Data Recovery – RTO 2 to 8 Hours Backup/Restore – 8
Hours to days The IT COOP needs to: Identify potential risks to the County’s systems
and the impacts resulting from unplanned disruptions Identify critical functions and their
importance in the scheme of process restoration Establish recovery priorities and
recovery times to critical functions Factor functional interdependencies Consider
external recovery support Identify critical IT processes that need to be documented and
tested Identify methods for testing readiness of OIT to respond to an unplanned
disruption.” The lack of a backup facility and continuity of operations plan was brought to
the attention of the Commissioners Court by their paid consultants in the “Dallas County
Strategic Operations Plan 2009-2013”. Rather than act on the reasonable
recommendations of the county technology committee and the county’s outside
consultants, the majority of the Court voted to disband the committee, take over the
scope of duties and not provide a backup facility . As the owner of two small businesses
(law and health care), employing approximately 25 people, I can’t imagine not having a
plan for information and operational security in the event of an interruption. In fact, I
would expose my companies and licensed employees to civil liability if I failed to secure
and protect information and operations in a way that insured timely access and
continuation of care and/or service. The Commissioner's Court was negligent in failing to
prepare for a service interruption, as any prudent small business owner would have done,
and tax dollars were wasted by this mistake.
A: I am pleased that the jails passed inspection for the first time since 2003. The bulk of
the credit goes to Commissioner John Wiley Price and Sheriff Lupe Valdez. The jails'
problems were caused by years of neglect, and bringing them back into compliance came
at considerable cost in time, effort and tax dollars. I agree with this editorial board that,
“while they all played a role in the jails finally clearing the bar, Commissioner John Wiley
Price made passing inspection a personal mission.”……. “Ultimately, Price's leadership and
persistence were key to the county's successful inspection. “ The jails still are under a
federal court order to improve medical and mental health services for inmates. Controlling
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the jail population is a steep challenge. The county has struggled to maintain required
staffing levels and has had to spend heavily on overtime as a result. We must get tough
on the high impact repeat property offenders that are clogging our jails and damaging the
quality of life in our neighborhoods. Defendants are gaming the system by rejecting plea
offers in favor of sitting in the county’s air-conditioned jail for months before finally
agreeing to accept a plea on the eve of trial and getting back time credit for time already
spent in jail. Offenders are trying to avoid spending time in state jails which are not air
conditioned. The solution I favor has three components: First, when a plea is rejected in
a property crime case, trial judges need to accommodate those trials as soon as possible.
Any court of appropriate jurisdiction with a cancelled trial should immediately facilitate a
transfer of a property crime and try that case so that every court is conducting a jury trial
during a scheduled jury trial week. No court should fail to try cases in any jury week
because there should always be property crime cases ready to tee up for trial. Guilty pleas
increase dramatically on the eve of trial,and word will spread quickly through the cell
blocks that a trial will be speedy if a plea is denied. Second, our judges should exercise
their discretion to deny back-time to defendants found guilty at trial. While Commissioners
can’t and shouldn’t substitute our discretion for that of the criminal court judges, we can
and should ask them to continue to keep in mind the public interest in having our jails in
compliance. Thirdly, we need changes in the way grand jury waivers are granted. A grand
jury waiver allows a willing defendant to plead guilty before he is indicted by a grand jury.
It’s a quicker way to resolve cases and thereby reduce jail population. Prosecutors typically
only grant waivers when the defendant is leaving the jail within 24 hours, either by getting
probation or prison time. Oftentimes, defendants have other charges to settle and can’t
leave within 24 hours. I support the D.A.’s new policy to grant grand jury waivers as long
as the defendant is gone from our jails within a week. I propose we hire two full time grant
writers to assist the Sheriff and the D.A. find additional outside resources to promote
deferral and mental health programs. Additionally, I propose we hire two full time grant
writers to assist the Sheriff and the D.A. in finding additional outside resources to promote
deferral and mental health programs. Again, I am pleased that the chronic problems with
the buildings themselves have been addressed and our jails have passed state compliance
testing, but we must remain vigilant in improving medical and mental health delivery,
ensuring adequate staffing, reducing recidivism and maintaining a jail population number
that assures compliance. I believe we must partner with the state and our local political
subdivisions to facilitate an increased inpatient mental health capacity that should relieve
some pressure on our jails, as well as more effective solutions for the chronically
homeless. The county jail is the de facto largest mental health care facility in the county
and the mental illness rate amongst our chronically homeless population is higher than any
other cohort.
A: Dallas County is positioned equally close to North America’s five largest business
centers: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Toronto,and has been blessed
with being the nexus point for nationwide shipping of international goods. The steady flow
of shipments to and from Mexico and countries to the south, as well as truck and train
traffic traveling between the port of Los Angeles and the Eastern seaboard has put us at
the perfect intersection to become one of the world’s busiest ports. While the project has
had setbacks and we are in tough economic times, I believe it is the most important
economic development opportunity in this generation. We must focus on moving this
project forward. The project is too important for any candidate to use as a wedge issue to
garner support in this election. Rather, we must work collaboratively to jump-start the
project through targeted infrastructure improvements. I have a specific plan for Dallas
County to make County government more efficient, accountable and transparent, and I
will seek to implement it immediately. We must jump-start economic development in
underserved areas throughout Dallas County, particularly in southern Dallas County, to
create good jobs and expand our tax base. Targeted economic development via
infrastructure improvements should be evaluated for use in this important project, and the
viability and cost-effectiveness of instruments like Build America Bonds and other financial
instruments should be carefully considered. Likewise, partnering with local municipalities
to offer incentives and abatements should be carefully considered where doing so can be
shown to be in the economic best interest of the taxpayers. I will focus on infrastructure
improvement in this area, due to the tremendous potential of this project, to create jobs
and pump tens of billions of dollars into our local economy. I have and will continue to sit
down with the developers, risk-takers and entrepreneurs involved in the inland port and
listen to their concerns and requests, and do the same thing with regional leaders, my
court colleagues, the North Central Texas Council of Governments, the City of Dallas and
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the other municipalities involved in the project. An increased effort to draw manufacturing
jobs, as well as logistics and distribution, should be undertaken. Furthermore, I will go
anywhere and everywhere as ambassador for investment in projects like the inland port
that would lift our standard of living and our tax base and seek to encourage businesses
and capital to remain/relocate and or invest in Dallas County. By tempering the rhetoric
and working together responsibly, we can move this project forward.
A: Yes. A regional solution to North Texas health care needs is important. We need to
enter into agreements with our surrounding counties that are "win-win" whenever
possible. We must promote agreements that allow maximum cost alleviation under the
Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Program. Parkland has been a leader in this effort. We need
regional coordination of taking records online and to ensure information system
compatibility. We should study the feasibility of structuring an efficient regional trauma
network. We must strengthen our coordination of disaster relief preparedness. We must
enter into sound cooperative agreements when doing so promotes efficiency and increased
service capacity. Much focus has been given to a more even distribution of cost between
Dallas and the surrounding counties. Currently, Dallas County taxpayers are paying for
Parkland Hospital since they are part of the Dallas County hospital district. In 2006,
Parkland Memorial Hospital provided more than $20 million in unreimbursed health care
annually to residents outside of Dallas County. The bulk of this unreimbursed care came
from serving the area's indigent population. Dallas County's poverty guidelines differ from
many surrounding counties, therefore in the past, surrounding counties were not paying
their fair share for health care at Parkland. The Dallas County residents were instead
picking up the tab. (Please see footnote 1) Strategic agreements pursuant to the Upper
Payment Limit Program will largely alleviate this source of revenue loss by allowing us to
enter into agreements with our surrounding counties and private hospital systems. This is
an example of how cooperation can be good for all. (Please see footnote 2) Footnote 1:
According to the Parkland Annual Report, Parkland provides services to uninsured patients
who qualify for tax-supported care. That program is designed for Dallas County indigent
patients with family incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level and has NO third
party coverage (i.e. Medicaid, Medicare or commercial insurance). The cost of
uncompensated care is over a half billion dollars annually. The following are what Dallas
and Collin County Consider "Indigent Care". Dallas County 200% Federal Poverty Level
(FPL) 1 - $21,660; 2 - $29,140; 3 - $44,100. Collin County 100% FPL 1 - $10.830 - $14,570
- $22,050. The expected surge of uninsured population from 2010 to 2020, according to the
Texas Health Institute, is as follows: Collin County; almost 150,000 to 256,000. Denton
County; almost 146,000 to 252,000. Ellis County; almost 34,000 to 53,000. Kaufman
County; 20,000 to 33,000. Footnote 2: The Dallas County Hospital District dba Parkland
Health & Hospital System (“Parkland”),along with four major private hospital systems in
the Dallas region, participate in the Texas Medicaid private hospital Upper Payment Limit
(“UPL”) supplemental reimbursement program, which is authorized by Texas regulations
and provisions in the Texas Medicaid state plan, which is approved by the federal
government. The Texas private hospital UPL program provides supplemental Medicaid
payments to private hospitals that serve a high volume of Medicaid recipients and
uninsured patients,and have executed an indigent care affiliation agreement with local
governmental entities, including hospital districts such as the Dallas County Hospital
District. Supplemental payments are funded in part by inter governmental transfers from
participating local governmental entities to the Texas Health & Human Services
Commission (“HHSC”), which runs the Texas Medicaid program. Under these affiliation
agreements, the private hospitals agree to alleviate some portion of the burdens on the
local governmental entities related to the provision of indigent care. This burden alleviation
must comply with HHSC-issued conditions of participation and federal Medicaid rules
regarding donations. The original March 2007 affiliation between the Dallas County
Hospital District and the Dallas private hospital systems initially included only hospitals
within Dallas County. In 2009, this affiliation was expanded to include hospitals affiliated
with these systems but located in five counties neighboring Dallas County, specifically,
Collin, Denton, Kaufman, Ellis, and Rockwall Counties. Under this expansion,the private
hospitals expressed a desire to facilitate access by and delivery of cost-effective health
care services to indigent patients of these counties. In addition, the private hospitals
alleviated additional burdens on the Dallas County Hospital District. Participation in the
private hospital UPL program has been a substantial success for all of the participants.
Private hospitals have alleviated substantial burdens on Dallas County Hospital District,
which has greatly assisted Parkland in its ability to care for indigent patients from Dallas
County and from the neighboring counties that rely on Parkland. In addition, private
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hospitals have received substantial additional Medicaid payments, which assist those
hospitals in their ability to care for Medicaid and indigent patients. Net payments to
Parkland for the Regional UPL Program are presently at approximately $38 million.
A: We are coupled with six other counties in a seven-county Northstar region regarding
mental health care delivery. A committee has recently been formed to work towards a
more collaborative effort for all providers. A part of their work includes a study underway
to assess the behavioral health delivery system in Dallas County. We must have better
collaboration and build consensus in order to obtain the reforms needed to provide better
mental health care. Collaboration and timely completion of this study are key to effectuate
getting any relief from the legislature and holding cuts to a minimum. Currently, the wait
time for a bed at a state mental hospital is two months. Funding will be cut in the next
legislature likely resulting in a loss of capacity, which will further exacerbate the delays.
The current proposal is to cut $22 million annually resulting in a loss of 186 beds. Criminal
defendants are waiting months for transfer from the county jail to undergo stabilizing
treatments before they can be returned to face charges. The county taxpayers foot the bill
during this delay. We wait too long before treating the mentally ill and are forced to
release them too early to make room for another patient. As a result, our mental illness
courts see some of the same people several times a year. Currently, Parkland has less
than 20 beds dedicated to inpatient mental health. Those beds are filled with patients who
have overriding medical problems requiring inpatient admittance, but who also suffer from
a mental condition requiring specialized care and supervision during the course of their
stay. The County contracts out to a private third party our inpatient mental health care
population. The county jails are by far the largest de facto inpatient facility providing
mental health services. Obviously, this is extremely inefficient both in terms of dollar and
human cost. Success has been seen in other counties’ programs using judges to order
outpatient treatment for the seriously mentally ill. Studies have shown court-ordered
assisted outpatient treatment reduces hospitalizations, incarcerations, homelessness and
violent episodes. This is known as the “Black Robe Effect“due to the participant’s high rate
of adherence to the court’s instructions. Under the program, Judges order the patients to
stay on their medications and attend treatment session. Officials identify state hospital
patients who, without help, are most likely to return soon for another inpatient stay. If a
doctor agrees, they are assigned to the outpatient program run by the county mental
health authority. Upon release they are taken home or to a boarding house. Within a
week, they see a judge at one of the county clinics. They then regularly see their judge
and caseworker. Most persons stay in the program six months before they are ready for
release. I’d like for us to implement a similar program and I’d like to recruit the help of
some of our retired and former judges to volunteer some time pro bono to this effort to
supplement our elected judge assigned to mental health. I have spoken with some of our
former Republican and Democratic judges and outgoing Perry appointee to the Probate
Court, John Peyton, has agreed to help. I believe we can find others. Additionally, I would
like to supplement staffing these pro bono mental health courts with charitable volunteers,
if possible. As has been noted in the Dallas Morning News, the chief reasons the courts in
Dallas County have not instituted such a program is their belief that the law does not allow
the courts to order persons in such programs to take their medication, the belief that there
is no adequate way to monitor them and the cost. Experienced former judges acting as
appointed pro bono “Special Masters” could pair with charitable volunteers to take on
supervising, mentoring, instructing and counseling a small group of these candidates. This
would be extremely cost effective for even a modest success. We will track outcomes and
if the program succeeds, I will support expansion in 2012. Additionally, I believe we
should study the possibility of turning the present Parkland Hospital facility over to the
State of Texas for use as a mental health care facility when the new Parkland Hospital
comes online in 2014. This would require agreement and collaboration with the State and
adequate funding from the legislature. If the facility cannot be used, the state should
explore the possibility of some other stand-alone mental health care facility. We should
also increase partnership with area non-profits that deliver mental health services. Our
homeless population has a high incidence rate of mental illness. Seattle has reduced
chronic homelessness and controlled mental health spending with innovative holistic
approaches that couple long term housing for the chronically homeless with treatment
options. In Texas,permanent housing is a city function of each municipality. Whenever a
city institutes a permanent housing project, the County should work closely with that
municipality to provide mental health services that help promote stability. This not only
benefits the patients, but all those living nearby and the taxpayers.
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A: Increased: The District Attorney’s Office is currently allotted less than $12 per citizen to
prosecute crime under the proposed budget. Tarrant County allots over $18 per citizen and
Harris County is over $19. Neighboring Tarrant and Collin Counties have increased their
D.A.’s budget each of the last three years. The Dallas County Commissioners Court has cut
our D.A’s budget every one of those years. Personality clashes must take a backseat to
public safety and the D.A.s budget must be increased. Targeted economic development
via infrastructure improvements should be evaluated on a case-by case basis. Public
health regional collaboration should be increased. Homeland Security should be increased
to provide for more centralized and integrated data collection and command control
response to public health and other threats. Grant writers should be hired which would
increase revenues due to the untapped outside funds we presently ignore. Decreased: I
propose the following cuts to balance next year’s budget without a tax increase: The
Major Capital Improvement Program set aside rate is currently 4.5 cents per $100
valuation. This money is sometimes referred to as commissioner’s road and bridge funds.
The county has primary responsibility for county roads and bridges and secondary
responsibility for some other transportation assets within the municipalities. In our urban
county, there are very few unincorporated areas and most county roads and bridges are
contained in one precinct (Pct. 3). The commissioners use their road and bridge funds to
assist local municipalities within their district with resurfacing and other transportation
projects for which those municipalities have primary responsibility. Additionally, they
regularly accrue a surplus that each commissioner keeps in that commissioner’s
discretionary fund earmarked by law for transportation projects. The sum total of the four
commissioners’ discretionary transportation funds created from this unspent revenue is
approximately $10.7 million. The $0.045 cent rate on MCIP is set by the commissioners.
The commissioners should vote to DECREASE this rate for the next fiscal year. A decrease
to $0.030 would free up an additional 1.5 cents for use in the general revenue which would
increase receipts to the fund by $21.6 million next year and would almost balance next
year’s budget without further cuts. A one cent decrease in the MCIP would increase general
revenue receipts by $14.4 million. A half cent decrease in the MCIP would increase general
receipts by$7.2 million The concomitant decrease in the MCIP rate would result in the
MCIP Fund generating $21.6 million, $14.4 million or $7.2 million dollars less in revenues.
The commissioners could lead by example and use a substantial part of the $10.7 million
being held in their discretionary funds to make up for this shortfall. Each commissioner
should keep $1 million in their discretionary fund. This would reduce the MCIP shortfall to
approximately $15.7-16.3 million. The commissioners should review slated projects for
further cuts and/or efficiencies, although I do not expect much savings to be had in this
regard given the fact that MCIP fund receipts have fallen in each of the last three years.
The commissioners have done a good job promoting efficiencies on capital improvements.
Furthermore, adequate transportation funding is mission critical to our local economic
recovery. After final review of the MCIP budget, short term money could be borrowed for
capital improvement projects. While our first priority should be to balance the budget
through fiscally responsible line by line cuts to the budget, going to the bond markets for
financing of capital improvement projects is a feasible alternative to a cut in essential
services. We have a double triple AAA bond rating (Moody’s and S&P) and are on a pay-as-
you-go system, yet we have the second lowest tax rate of any of the 254 counties in Texas
and the second highest exemption ceiling, plus an appraisal cap on seniors. Because of
this, we can use the financial markets to cover a shortfall at historically low rates. When
our economy rebounds, the modest amount of debt could be repaid. We run a balanced
budget by law and do not carry a deficit. If we can’t balance the budget through
efficiencies and are faced with the choice of cutting essential services like public safety,
raising tax rates, or borrowing for the shortfall at historically low rates, I believe most
people would prefer to see essential services provided without a rate increase during these
tough times and for us to delay or scale back any new spending projects when the
economy revives so we can quickly pay off the low interest short term debt incurred.
BUDGET SAVINGS - $7.2-$21.6 MILLION. A tax note could be issued to finance
construction of $5 million in current capital projects. The Grand Prairie Sub Courthouse will
cost $3 million and the new County Automotive Center will cost $2 million. BUDGET
SAVINGS- $5 MILLION Additionally, we should transfer $2.4 million in RB #5 to the
General Fund to cover the costs of transportation related projects rather than transfer to
the MCIP. BUDGET SAVINGS - $2.4 MILLION I would reduce the budget for computer
hardware purchases under $5000 for next year by $1 million and likewise reduce the
budget for software under $5,000 by $1 million. In doing so, I am mindful of the past
failures to adequately budget for major technology needs and do not propose cuts in those
funds. It is my hope that with over 200 positions cut, some of our desktops and other
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hardware can be repurposed and replacements deferred. If investigations currently

underway reveal our technology problems are greater than represented, this may not be
doable. BUDGET SAVINGS - $2 MILLION The independent hiring of a civil investigator to
look into employment practices of certain constables was not appropriate given its
$300,000 cost and the paralleled investigation being undertaken by the Attorney General
and Special Prosecutor (began under the Dallas County District Attorney). We should not
repeat this mistake. BUDGET SAVINGS UNKNOWN BECAUSE THE COMMISSIONERS COURT
PRESENTLY DOESN’T BUDGET FOR PARALLEL INVESTIGATIONS IT UNDERTAKES. I’ve
already stated I believe the constables traffic units should be cut completely and the duties
consolidated under a centralized command at the Sheriff department. This will generate a
savings of $2 million. BUDGET SAVINGS - $2 MILLION The following departmental offers
should be accepted: Criminal Justice Department/ Delete one pre-trial release officer
(Grade FF) for a savings of $58, 629 Transfer Interlock Program from CSCD to the
Criminal Justice Department savings approximately $50, 000 Purchasing Department/
Delete one buyer (Grade B) for a savings of $54, 952. BUDGET SAVINGS - $163, 581
CURRENT SHORTFALL AS OF AUGUST 23, 2010 AFTER $26 MILLION IN PREEXISTING CUTS
ALREADY MADE BY COMMISSIONERS - $22.5 MILLION MY PROPOSED FURTHER CUTS TO
BALANCE THE BUDGET WITHOUT A TAX INCREASE - $18.75-33.15 MILLION. COUNTY
JOBS AND COUNTY ESSENTIAL SERVICES CUT BY MY PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS- $0
SURPLUS CREATED BY ADOPTION OF ALL MY PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS - $10.65 MILLION.
(ADOPTION OF ALL CUTS UNNECESSARY) ANY SURPLUS SHOULD BE USED TO FUND
RESTORATION OF PUBLIC SAFETY PROGRAMS INCLUDING THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S
OFFICE. Furthermore, we presently commit $2.6 million to supplement Child Protective
Services (CPS) and an additional $4 million to supplement mental health services provided
in Dallas County. Both CPS and mental health services are obligations of our state (not
county) government. Currently, our state ranks 49 out of 50 in funding for CPS and mental
health services. Due to the inadequacy of state funding for these important programs, it
has been necessary for the county to supplement to ensure these basic services for our
citizens. I do not support cutting these supplements because they ensure minimum
thresholds of services to our citizens. To abolish the supplement to these primarily
preventative programs would prove to be extremely inefficient both in human and
budgetary cost. Whatever portion of this recurring $6.6 million annual cost that could be
funded through grant writing would provide tax savings. Services Reforms Favored: We
must create a more transparent Commissioners Court and pass a tough code of ethics. I
will promote transparency and improve access to information. I do not favor weakening
the Open Meeting & Public Records law. I favor efforts to make public records more
promptly available to our citizens and to the press. The following information should be
readily available online in one easily-accessible, user-friendly location: Pertinent financial
information, including the check registry; County contracts; Minutes of Commissioners
Court meetings; Audio and/or video files of Commissioners Court meetings; Campaign
finance reports of County elected officials for the last two years; and Increased online
information for high profile projects that engender increased public interest. Additionally, I
will seek to pass tough new ethics laws, including: A moratorium on fundraising and
giving from anyone bidding for work with the county from the time the project is let for bid
until 30 days after the bid is awarded; Voluntary registration of lobbyist with business
before the county; A requirement that senior staffers who leave government service wait
two years before working on a matter that directly affects or involves their prior
employer; A strengthened requirement to ensure the county and its departments
preserve records and make them easier to review; A disclosure requirement of
contributions to funds to nonprofits controlled by or benefiting county elected officials to be
disclosed quarterly; A requirement that senior staffers must file a financial disclosure form
outlining outside income sources and potential conflict of interest ; I favor the fast tracking
of online information systems, such as the increased scanning of documents, the increased
paperless records-keeping and more online filing to promote faster response time to open
records request. Transparency and accountability lead to better decision-making outcomes.
The more information and constructive input one has, the better and more reasoned the
decision will likely be. We must adhere to the law on putting our contracts out for
competitive bid. This will help ensure savings on our bid contractors and reduce lawsuit
costs against the County for failure to open contracts for competitive bidding and other
violations. I’ll use my influence to advance open, transparent bidding and business
practices at NTTA and other regional authorities in which we participate, and will promote
the diversity that will lead to stronger more independent boards. We need to look at
constant improvement of our collaborative effort for public safety management. Presently,
we have 7,000 inmates in our county jails and another 59,000 on felony and misdemeanor
probation. We must constantly strive for collaboration with all partners in public safety, to
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advance the programs that work and improve or scrap the ones that don’t. Additionally,
our truancy court system is broken and needs to be fixed. The truancy court program is
under the control of the County Judge. I will work with educators, parents, law
enforcement and community leaders to improve the truancy court system here in Dallas
County to encourage better attendance and graduation rates. In these tough economic
times, we need to work to maximize tax dollars and deliver the services we are providing
at present as efficiently and effectively as possible. I support feasible programs to
jump-start our economic development in underserved areas throughout Dallas County,
particularly in Southern Dallas County, to create good jobs and expand our tax base. I will
also partner with the District Attorney’s office in efforts to promote targeted programs that
are smart on crime rate reduction. With respect to Parkland Hospital, I would work with
the board of managers to conduct a comprehensive review to determine what changes are
needed in the training and supervision of resident physicians to ensure the highest level of
patient care. We presently have over $200 million in outstanding fines due the County
from ticket scofflaws. It is not fair that some citizens owe thousands of dollars in fines
while most citizens pay their obligations, as required. I will aggressively enforce our laws,
as well as promote measures similar to the vehicle registration block, to make it clear that
scofflaws cannot simply avoid paying their outstanding fines unscathed. However, I will
also consider an amnesty program to encourage scofflaws to pay their obligations as well
as promote the opportunities to work out payment plans to meet those obligations for
those unable to pay in full. I will work to ensure our county board appointments are filled
by a diversity of qualified people and that my appointments share my values regarding
transparency and open, accountable government. Subrogation and Recoveries: We
should study the possibility of contracting out our subrogation work. Annually, millions of
dollars are spent on health care, property and vehicles by Dallas County in which case
another party is liable for the cost. For example, health plan costs can be recouped when
an individual, covered by the county health plan, is injured or becomes ill if the injury or
illness is caused by a liable third party. Many governmental agencies are realizing two
things: first, there are substantial dollars to be recovered; second, subrogation is not its
core competency. After studying numerous agencies throughout the United States, all
findings indicate subrogation is a peripheral task delivering marginal results. One study
found the following characteristics are typically missing from governmental agency
subrogation departments: Training. Negotiation is vital to successful subrogation. Ongoing,
comprehensive training is critical to maximizing county recoveries. Compensation
structure. Studies have demonstrated pay-for-performance compensation is a key to
success. Computer systems. Systems built specifically for the subrogation process
substantially improve recoveries. Management reporting. High performing subrogation
units are constantly measured. Metrics include: cycle-time, recovery to demand ratios,
billing cycles, recovery development, actuary reports, etc. These characteristics make
huge differences in results. See footnote 3 FOOTNOTE 3: A sampling of case study results
are below: *A 400,000 population, Midwestern city recovered $50,000 for a three-year
period. The four years immediately following, CMR, a third party provider increased
recoveries $1.4 million or 2,773%. Claim count increased 2,950% A Midwestern
department of transportation was underreporting claims by 39%. CMR has increased claim
reports 63% resulting in a $631,000 increase in dollars recovered. A regional insurance
company recently outsourced to CMR. CMR is outperforming the company by 54%. CMR
recovered $423,000 in the first 60 days of operations or 35% of the prior year’s recovery.
CMR reduced the average time to recover to 48.3 days from in excess of 100 days.
Source: Claims Management Resources (CMR) is a specialty subrogation firm operating in
fifty states. The company recovered in excess of $100 million in 2009 processing nearly
55,000 claims for its utility, governmental, municipality and insurance customers.
Dallas County Clerk

Description:
Ethan Samuel Brockman
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Party: L
Biographical Info:
Name: Ethan Samuel Brockman
Street Address: 2904 Country Place Circle
State: Texas
E-mail Address: ethanbrockman58@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: brockman.lpdallas.org
Questions:
Q: Length of residency in Dallas County:
A: I have lived in and around the Dallas area my entire life, save for my first year. I have
been a resident of Dallas County now for about a year and a half.
A: I am a commuter college student who works part-time at Pizza Hut.
A: I am very active in my church. I am on the executive committee for the Libertarian
Party of Dallas County. I have written a book entitled "A LIBERTARIAN VIEW OF MODERN
POLITICS" for publication in the Amazon Kindle Store.
A: I was a life scout. I spent nine and a half months in the Army Reserve, (Uncharacterized
Discharge/Medical). I worked for several animal rescues.
A: - no response -
A: I have not conducted any fundraising activies yet.
A: - no response -
A: No.
A: All the corruption, waste, and other problems we have right now in regard to the
government is due in part to the two major parties. Therefore, I believe that I can make
effective change by decreasing the size of the office, making better use of technology,
cutting salaries/personnel, and doing what needs to be done to ensure that the County can
balance its budget. Smaller Government is what I offer.
uniquely qualify you to serve as Dallas County Clerk?
A: What really sets me apart is that I am a Libertarian. We all hate what is going on with
the Republicans and the Democrats on all levels of government. The Green Party would
just bring more of what we don't want in Dallas County: socialism. It's more for my
beliefs, and the fact that I'm not an incumbant that you should vote for me.
Q: For better or worse, the Dallas County Clerk is determined by partisan election. Please
discuss the reason you chose your current party, with some specific examples of party
philosophy that led to that decision and how that would affect the way you do your job.
A: I have always loved history, in particular economic history. When I compare what has
happened to the Roman Empire, British Empire, Ottoman, etc. to what is happening now I
realized that a fiat currency isn't the best. Why can't we just spend within our means? I
read books from Karl Marx's "A Communist Manifesto" all the way to Ayn Rand's "Atlas
Shrugged". I realize that the best way for any government to truly work for its people in
an economic sense is that everything must be on the free and open market without
regulation. Considering the social responsibilities of all human beings and upon
examination of the history of the founding the United States to now, every person who has
made social change relied not on the government, but on themselves and God for that
change in our society. I learned that it is best for people go be able to do what they wish
unless it hurts another, because if someone can tell me that I can't do something, then not
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say something, then not think something we have George Orwell's "Nineteen Eighty-Four".
I then researched both major parties, because at the time I thought that's all there were.
Using the internet, I posed the question, "What political group in the United States has the
economic philosophy of the Republicans, but the social beliefs of the Democrats?" After
going through a few web pages I started seeing a trend: The Libertarian Party. So I went
on their web site and saw their slogan, "Fiscally Conservative, and Socially Tolerant". I
then went on to their party's platform page, and I was sold. I found out about 3 years ago
that I am a Libertarian.
Q: What does the Dallas County Clerk’s office need most and how would you assure that it
gets what it needs. Are there other service reforms you favor and how will you push them
if elected?
A: It needs a smaller office with less people. It's too large. Did you know that the Dallas
County Clerk gets paid about 10 Grand a month? Why not cut that to $3,500? I would puch
for lower fees by changing all that I can, and then talking to those who have the authority
for the others. I would look for ways to lower all utility bills by implementing cutbacks.
There's not much I can do to lower taxes, or increase your freedoms while being Dallas
County Clerk, but I will ensure that the size of government is decreased.
Esther Choi
Party: G
Biographical Info:
Name: Esther Choi
Street Address: 7510 E. Grand Ave.
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
E-mail Address: secretary@dallasgreens.net
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.newmenu.org/estherchoi
Questions:
A: Pharmacy Technician
A: Secretary of the Green Party of Dallas County, At-large member of the State Executive
Committee, Green Party of Texas
A: Volunteer for Bill of Rights Defense Committee
A: In 2006, I ran as a Green for U.S. Representative District 30, but draconian ballot
access laws kept me off the ballot
A: $0.00
A: N/A
A: No
A: This office needs a progressive voice that will open up the electoral process and ensure
public participation at its fullest. I am the only progressive candidate that will uphold these
values.
A: My experience as a grassroots activist gives me empathy and sympathy with those who
are not entrenched in the political process.
A: I believe in a participatory democracy that gives everyone a say in government,
equality for all, protection of our environment and peace for our country. The Green Party
is the only party that has addressed my concerns. The Green Party has promoted voter
verified paper trails and use of open source codes for electronic voting machines. I would
advocate that all voting machines meet these minimum requirements to ensure that
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everyone’s voice is heard at the voting booth in special and general elections. The Green
Party believes all adults have the right to marry, regardless of their race, religious beliefs,
disability or sexual orientation. I would issue marriage permits to any consenting couple.
As a person responsible for the conduct of elections, it is important to keep the process
open to all who wish to participate. I will support efforts to bring instant runoff voting,
verifiable paper audit trail of votes, and the use of open source voting software.
if elected?
A: This office needs to further meet the needs of the community by listening to the people
who work inside the office and the community members. I would work as an advocate for
the needs of the office.
Beverly Martell-Dingess
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Beverly Dingess
Street Address: 4525 Lake Grove Ln.
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
E-mail Address: bobev1093@yahoo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: beverlymartelldingess.com
Questions:
A: Lifelong resident
A: Currently full time candidate for the Republican Party.
A: Currently I am not involved in any civic functions due to the extensive time spent on
working on the campaign and the Republican Party.
A: I worked for Dallas County for 30 years. I was fortunate to institute and implement
ideas that greatly impacted the public as well as the employees of the office. I organized
Toys for tots and food pantries for employees during holidays. I helped to establish a
bereavement program for employees who lost a loved one.
A: None
A: $853.00
A: Bruce Mantyla Marsha Halpern J. G. Martell
A: No
A: My 30 years of experience working in the County Clerk's office allowed me the
opportunity to see many changes that have impacted the office both positive and negative.
The main reason for me running for this office is to change and improve areas that are
vital to the daily success of the office. These areas include, but are not limited to;
employee efficiency, higher morale, favoritism, training, accessibility, and information
technology.
A: My 30 years experience as a deputy clerk for Dallas County has also allowed me the
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unique opportunity to work under the management of five elected County Clerks. This
opportunity gave me the insight to different aspects of executing responsibilities in
managing a department. As manager of a large portion of the office I am familiar with
many of the critical areas of concern that make the office effective for the citizens of Dallas
County. My direct interactions with many elected and appointed officials give me the
credibility required to get things done in an efficient and cost effective manner.
A: As a lifelong Republican, I have always appreciated their position on smaller
government and less intrusion into the lives of Americans. The party's position on wise
spending would play an important role on how I would manage the office. In addition
ethics and transparency are vital to obtaining and keeping the public’s trust.
if elected?
A: The top need for the Dallas County Clerks' office is a respected, trusted and
experienced leader. I feel I possess these qualities and have exhibited them throughout
my years working as a deputy clerk in the office that I am seeking. Service needs that
need immediate attention include, but are not limited to; safe and secure storage of
historically sensitive documents. A proactive plan for disaster recovery, efficient and
effective technology upgrades that are to be tested and proven to work, employee training
that supports the success of the public and private sector as it relates to their specific
needs. Additionally, to support the other departments and elected officials that rely on the
integrity and authentication of records.
John F. Warren
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: John F. Warren
Street Address: 4311 Hampton Circle
State: Texas, 75052
E-mail Address: john.warren@swbell.net
Campaign Web Site Address: www.countyclerkjohnwarren.com
Questions:
A: I have been a resident of Dallas County for 17 years.
A: County Clerk, Dallas County
A: I am a deacon at my church where I participate in a college orientation program which
prepares juniors and seniors to become prepared college students. I am also a member of
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, where we are involved in community service programs.
A: Same as above.
A: Prior to being elected in 2006, I have never held or sought public office.
A: Over the course of both the primary election and through the June 30, 2010 campaign
reporting period, I have raised approximately $18,000.
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A: Attorney Lisa Blue, Frank Branson, P.C. and the Law Firm of Friedman and Feiger
A: I decided to run for public office (County Clerk) in 2005. I recognized then that there
was a need for strong leadership in moving Dallas County in a positive direction and a
need to provide better customer and technology services to the residents of the county.
Since taking office January 2007, I have implemented technology enhancements for
recording real property and vital records, a case management system for the civil and
probate courts, and recently started the digital courts project for paperless courts and a
disaster recovery plan for the preservation of records.
A: I have a true commitment and dedication to service. I am the only candidate in this
race with the leadership, experience and management skills to continue to take the county
clerk’s office forward. It is evident by the progress I have made over the four years I’ve
been in office. I plan to continue that level of service and commitment when re-elected. It
is routinely stated that there have been more positive improvements made in the County
Clerks office over the last four years than in the past twenty. I have demonstrated with the
many positive improvements and changes that I have the ability to make the Dallas
County Clerks office the best in class for customer service in the country. I have a degree
in Political Science and over 24 years of experience in government and administration. I
am actively involved in county government and have worked with other county officials to
improve the services Dallas County provides our taxpayers. I’m certified in trial court
management and court administration. I’ve served on the Dallas County Civil Automation
Committee for 5 years. I am an active member of the County and District Clerks
Association and serve on its Legislative and By-Laws Committee, the Texas Association of
Counties Leadership Foundation, the National Association of Counties and the National
Association of Black County Officials.
A: My ties to the democratic party are because of common beliefs and the values my
parents instilled in me; helping our fellow man, service to the community, stewardship and
responsibility. These values are part of the core of the democratic platform. As county
clerk, my dedication and commitment is to serve the citizens of this county. My
commitment is to all citizens, regardless of party affiliation, race, gender, sexual
preference or religious beliefs. I am a firm believer in inclusion, open government and
most of all service to everyone who enters our office. As county clerk, I have implemented
programs that have created efficiencies in how the clerks office operates that have saved
tax payers millions of dollars. In these difficult economic times this is the type of
leadership that benefits Dallas County as a whole. As county clerk, this will always be my
commitment and my objective.
if elected?
A: What the county clerk’s office needed most was strong leadership and someone who
has the ability to work with other department heads as well as the commissioners’ court.
Since taking office in 2007, I have worked with county leaders to help make Dallas County
a leader in the state. I meet on a regular basis with other department heads to make sure
that we function as a team in moving the county in a positive direction. I have worked
hard with the commissioner’s court and budget office to balance the county budget over
the past three years and have contributed over 5 million dollars towards that effort. As a
result, the commissioner’s court has supported me in all initiatives that I have
implemented since taking office in 2007. Upon re-election I will continue the
implementation of my digital courts and disaster recovery projects. Once completed, the
digital courts or paperless courts will save Dallas County millions of dollars that would have
otherwise been used to purchase case files and storage space for records. My disaster
recovery plan will insure that permanent records are secure and never lost or destroyed.
Dallas County District Clerk

Description:
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Tammy Barnes
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
uniquely qualify you to serve as Dallas County District Clerk?
A: - no response -
Q: For better or worse, the Dallas County District Clerk is determined by partisan election.
job.
A: - no response -
Q: What does the Dallas County District Clerk’s office need most and how would you
assure that it gets what it needs. Are there other service reforms you favor and how will
you push them if elected?
A: - no response -
Gary Fitzsimmons
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Gary Fitzsimmons
Street Address: 1919 Ferndale Ave.
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
E-mail Address: gary@garyfitzsimmons.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.garyfitzsimmons.com
Questions:
A: 19 Years
A: I am the elected District Clerk of Dallas County, Texas
A: Since taking office I have devoted myself full-time to working for the citizens of Dallas
County. In particular, I have made numerous presentations to groups of attorneys,
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paralegals, legal librarians and other civic organizations informing them about our new
Digital Courts Project. In particular, I have worked to promote eFiling of court documents
as a cost-saving measure for Dallas County taxpayers. As a result of these activities,
electronic filing in the District Courts has doubled. I was proud to have taken a leadership
role in the Parkland Bond campaign and been a part of the team of Dallas County leaders
who made presentations to various civic groups to encourage voter approval of the bonds.
Although I am not currently serving on nonprofit boards, as I have done in the past, I feel
my public service duties which voters entrusted me with are my number-one priority. I
remain a committed member of the organizations I have supported in the past including
the Friends of Fair Park, Sierra Club and the Holy Trinity Center/St. Vincent de Paul
Society.
A: Although I am not currently serving on nonprofit boards, as I have done in the past, I
feel my public service duties which voters entrusted me with are my number-one priority.
I remain a committed member of the organizations I have supported in the past including
the Friends of Fair Park, Sierra Club and the Holy Trinity Center/St. Vincent de Paul
Society. I have for many years actively participated in areas that are important to the
health and well being of all citizens of Dallas County. I worked with Friends of Fair Park
helping restore one of the nation’s greatest architectural and cultural treasures, building
community coalitions to raise awareness of its many facilities, potential uses, and helping
ensure its continued financial viability. I believe my work there made a substantial
contribution to the high-profile Fair Park enjoys today, not just as the site of the nationally
famed State Fair of Texas, but as a venue for every day activities, from visiting world-class
museums and attending major concerts to hosting important meetings and providing
year-round family activities. Additionally, I served as president of the Dallas County
Nature Center, which is another critical resource to be preserved and used to its fullest
potential by the citizens of Dallas County. As a long-time activist in environmental
concerns, I was honored to find a concrete way to demonstrate my commitment to
improving the quality of life in a natural setting for Dallas County and providing
stewardship of yet another precious resource for all North Texas residents. Being aware
that the well-being of Dallas County citizens comprises many aspects of support and
activities, I also served on the board of the Greater Dallas Council of Alcohol and Drug
Abuse, a group that educates the community about substance abuse, which spans the
spectrum of socio-economic groups, and takes enormous tolls economically and
emotionally on families and their communities. I believe that my contributions to all these
civic organizations has helped them achieve their goals of service to our community.
A: Elected Dallas County District Clerk in November, 2006. No previous public office held.
A: I raised up to $60,000 in the 2006 election cycle and have raised more than $20,000
thus far for my 2010 campaign.
A: Communication Workers of America, Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP,
Individual contributors of equal amount
A: No.
A: I am running for reelection to the office of Dallas County District Clerk to ensure that
the landmark projects initiated under my leadership are continued for the benefit of the
judiciary, the legal community and most of all, the Dallas County taxpayer. My office is
currently in the process of converting the 39 District Courts to a digital platform. Already,
two-thirds of the courts have been converted. We have recently placed court records and
documents online for the first time in Dallas County. I would like another four year term to
bring this project to completion and begin enhancing the new electronic environment for
maximum efficiency and customer service. Beginning in 2011, both the District and
County clerks will take the leadership role in developing a new case management system
for the Felony and Misdemeanor courts. We will build on the expertise and experience
gained by both our offices' with the implementation of Civil courts case management
system. Our experience and insight will help ensure that the implementation of a new
adult criminal case management system is done effienciently. My office has taken a
leadership role in transforming communication between the courts, the Sheriff's office and
the District Attorney. We are currently working toward full implementation of the AIS
incident module and electronic transfer of indictments and arrest information to the Felony
courts. The new electronic architecture will substantially change how we do business in the
courts and the job responsibilities of court clerks. In addition, we are currently working on
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a project to eliminate the "paper chase" transmission of warrants to the Sheriff's office
from the courts. We will be implementing a new electronic workflow module that will
transfer warrants directly to the Sheriff ensuring that no warrants are lost or misplaced
and emergency warrants are activiated promptly. The last four years have been an
exciting time at the District Clerk's office. I am very proud to have been a catalyst in these
changes and am looking forward to enhancing our current initiatives and starting new ones
over the next four.
uniquely qualify you to serve as Dallas County District Clerk?
A: I am the only candidate in the race for District Clerk who has actually saved Dallas
County taxpayers $989,982 in the first three years in office; cut my budget by $1.3 million
for FY2011 and through thougtful advanced planning and operational efficiencies without
negatively impacting service delivery; and will save an additional $800,000 annually in
record storage costs by imaging 14 million paper documents documents in only 3 years. No
other candidate has my record of fiscal responsibility, public service and county
leadership. Since taking office in January 2007, I have been recognized as one of the best
new leaders of Dallas County government by members of the commissioners court and a
broad spectrum of media. My office has received more coverage of our new initiatives over
the past three years than the clerk's office received in the previous twenty-five. I promised
to bring new and energetic leadership to the office of District Clerk, get stalled projects
moving and create new ones to bring operations into the 21st Century. I also promised to
bring integrity and transparency to my office's operations. I have kept those promises. I
could not be more proud of my record and the work my office has accomplished. No other
candidate in the race can match my record of county leadership, responsible stewardship
of public resources and taxpayer dollars, and administrative excellence.
Q: For better or worse, the Dallas County District Clerk is determined by partisan election.
job.
A: Neither political party has a monopoly on competence or excellence. It is critically
important for voters to use their independent judgment when evaluating candidates for
public office especially for administrative and judicial positions. Public officials should
implement good ideas and adopt best practices regardless of where they may fall on the
political spectrum. I am a lifelong Democrat and identify closely with the progressive
vision outlined by President Roosevelt’s New Deal. I believe, as do most Republicans, that
the success of our democracy rests on an expanding, stable and prosperous middle class.
But I also believe as the New Deal argued that government plays a vital role in promoting
a dynamic economy and providing services to ensure public safety and well-being.
However, I also accept conservative arguments that bloated bureaucracies, runaway
budgets and government unresponsiveness can damage the economy. I have tried to
bring the best of my party’s vision of progressive government tempered by an awareness
of the need for effective stewardship of public resources to my work as District Clerk.
Q: What does the Dallas County District Clerk’s office need most and how would you
assure that it gets what it needs. Are there other service reforms you favor and how will
you push them if elected?
A: Although the North Texas economy is among the strongest in the nation, the lingering
effects of the recession will continue to be felt for the next two years. Because property
taxes are the primary way county government is funded, continued weakness in the local
housing market will keep Dallas County’s budget lean, and the cuts we have made over
the past two fiscal years likely permanent. The budget challenge for the District Clerk’s
office will be to realize operational efficiencies from our Digital Courts Project in such a way
that those cuts will have no lasting adverse impact on service delivery. Our eCourt
conversion and imaging project is only the beginning. Both the judiciary and the legal
community expect enhancements to the electronic resources we have already put into
place in order make it customer friendly and reliable. We will have to carefully budget
resources from our Records Management Fund to ensure we are able to meet those
expectations effectively. Dallas County felony and misdemeanor courts do not currently
have a modern electronic case management system. Much of the existing system is still
paper-dependent and the courts still use 1960s mainframe technology to track and
maintain cases. We cannot effectively manage the thousands of offenders who come
through our criminal justice system with antiquated resources. In 2011, the District and
County clerks will be taking the leading role in the design and implementation of a new
adult case management system for our criminal courts. The challenge will be to ensure
that past mistakes made in the implementation of similar projects are not made again and
that taxpayer resources are not wasted. Much reform is needed in criminal process to
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ensure statutory compliance and the use of best practices. Any real reform will cross
departmental lines and involve other county stakeholders. Improving accountability and
reliability in the transmission of warrants from the D.A. to the clerk’s office and on to the
Sheriff office is a top priority. In addition, we will have to work closely with the District
Attorney’s office to ensure electronic case filing in the criminal courts becomes a reality.
An efficient, modern and effective Dallas County government requires the expansion of
eBusiness capacity. This is a core component of the Dallas County Strategic Plan and
central to the business vision of the District Clerk’s office. The District Clerk must take the
lead, not just in integrating technology into judicial process, but in completely transforming
the court’s environment into a technology based one. Our courts must have modern audio
visual equipment and the ability to connect that equipment to the internet. Attorneys,
litigants, jurors and visitors to our courthouses must have WIFI access. Records
management and document transmission between attorneys, the judiciary, the District
Attorney and the clerk’s office must become electronically based and reliable. Attorneys
must discontinue paper filing and begin using electronic filing resources exclusively. All of
these core challenges require the appropriate management and oversight of Dallas County
I.T. Services. That department must be fully funded, fully staffed and effectively led. That
is not the case today. The challenge for the District Clerk will be to work with a new
commissioners court in January, 2011 to ensure that the I.T. department can effectively
provide high quality services and ensure our projects are adequately supported. A little
known service provided by the District Clerk is operating the Dallas County Passport Office.
Currently we have three offices; downtown, north Dallas and east Dallas. More than
two-thirds of our passport office customers are Latino. Our goal over the next two years
will be to open a passport office in southwest Dallas County to better serve our Latino
customers. We have also taken steps to create an online mechanism for customer
feedback with an evaluation form for our Trust and Accounting operations. Continuous
quality improvement requires a mechanism for customers to easily and effectively relay to
management their experience of our service. We will continue to refine and roll-out this
evaluation mechanism to the remainder of our departments over the coming year. The
budgetary, operational and strategic challenges faced by the District Clerk’s office are
shared by every other department of Dallas County government. No county office is an
island unto itself. Addressing those challenges in the future requires not just individual
leadership, but developing a meaningful partnership between county officials and the
commissioners court. The voters of Dallas County will play a critical role in November in
ensuring that the members of the commissioners court in 2011 are a functional team,
invested in the success of county government, focused on the county’s strategic plan and
willing to build positive relationships with every county stakeholder.
Dallas County Commissioner, Pct. 2

Description:
Mike Cantrell
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Mike Cantrell
Street Address: 2109 Castleford Lane
City/Town: Garland
State: TX
E-mail Address: mikecantrell@tx.rr.com
Questions:
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A: 35 years
A: Dallas County Commissioner Precinct 2
A: PRESENT BOARDS & COMMITTEES CHAIRMAN: • Texas Conference of Urban Counties
Board of Directors • Conference of Urban Counties (CUC) - JIS Oversight • Criminal
Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) • Dallas County Adult Information Systems (AIS) Executive
Committee • Dallas County Adult Integrated Criminal Justice System User Committee •
Dallas County Juvenile Crime Enforcement Coalition • East Branch State Hwy 190 Design
• East Corridor I-30 to US80 Design VICE CHAIR: • Dallas County Benefits Committee
CURRENT MEMBER: • Conference of Urban Counties (CUC)- JCMS Oversight Committee •
Conference of Urban Counties (CUC) - Policy Committee • Conference of Urban Counties
(CUC) - Urban Counties Foundation • CEIA - Center for Ethical Identity Assurance • Dallas
County Housing Board of Directors • Dallas County Housing Finance Corporation • Dallas
Regional Mobility Coalition (Former Chairman) • Public Employees Benefit Cooperative
Board • Regional Transportation Council • Chair – Mobility 2035 Plan Subcommittee •
Transportation Project Mediation Subcommittee • Toll Road Authority Partnership
Subcommittee • Bylaws Sub Committee • State Judicial Committee on Information
Technology Municipal & Justice Court Technology Subcommittee (Appointee of Chief Justice
Thomas R. Phillips) • Tex Protects Advisory Committee • Texas Conference of Urban
Counties Common Integrated Justice System Project • Texas Technology Magazine’s
Editorial Advisory Board • Texas Urban Transportation Alliance • Wednesday’s Child
Advisory Committee PRESENT ORGANIZATIONS • Garland Bar Association (past
President) • Garland Chamber of Commerce • Garland Crime Stoppers (Honorary
Member) • Mesquite Chamber of Commerce • Rowlett Chamber of Commerce • Sachse
Chamber of Commerce • Dallas Bar Association • Texas State Bar Association
A: PAST BOARDS & COMMITTEES FORMER CHAIRMAN: • Alliance of Underage Drinking
(ALOUD) • Dallas County Community Plan • Dallas County Information Technology
Steering Committee (abolished 11.10.09) • Dallas County Justice of the Peace Jury
Services Task Force • Dallas County Protective Order Rapid Response Team • Dallas
County Public Health Advisory Committee • Target: Kids In Court • Public Employees
Benefit Cooperative Board FORMER CO-CHAIR • Dallas Bar Association - Juvenile Justice
Committee • LBJ Major Investment Study - Executive Committee FORMER MEMBER: •
2006 Best of Texas Advisory Board, Center for Digital Government • City of Garland -
Electrical Examiners & Appeals Board • City of Garland - Garland Teen Court - Presiding
Judge • City of Garland - Housing Standards Board • City of Garland - The Galaxy Center
Board • City of Mesquite - Meadowview School Board • Dallas Central Appraisal District -
Secretary & Board Member • Dallas County Adult and Juvenile Detention Health Services
Advisory Committee • Dallas County Civil Service Commission • Dallas County DIVERT
Steering Committee • Dallas County Domestic Violence Task Force • Dallas County
Governance Committee • Dallas County Juvenile Board (Alternate Member) • Dallas
County Mental Health Task Force • Dallas County Purchasing Agent Appointment
Committee • Dallas County Specialized Truancy Courts Task Force • Dallas County Tax
Collection Selection Committee • North Central Texas Council of Governments Executive
Board (Member of the Board/Past President 2001-2002) • Project Access Community
Steering Committee • Texas Commerce Bank Advisory Board • Texas Juvenile Probation
Commission (appointed by former Governor George W. Bush) • Texas State Attorney
General County Advisory Workgroup (Appointee of the Attorney General Greg Abbott)
PAST ORGANIZATIONS • Boy Scouts of America (former District Chairman) • Garland
Rotary Club (past President) • Dallas County Justice of the Peace and Constable
Association (past President) • YMCA of Dallas Metropolitan Area, Garland Branch (former
Chairman) AWARDS • 2009 - The Dallas Challenge 25th Anniversary Celebration
recognized Commissioner Cantrell for his services, support and dedication to the Dallas
Challenge mission “to help youth stay in school, off drugs and alcohol and out of the
criminal justice system.” • 2007 - Rowlett Chamber’s highest award, The Big “R”
Pacesetter Award given in appreciation for outstanding leadership, long term service and
contribution to the growth of Rowlett • 2005 - Best of Texas Visionary Award for
Leadership, presented by the Center for Digital Government in recognition of visionary
and sustained leadership for government made more accessible, more efficient, more
open and more accountable through the use of technology • 2000 - Prism Award,
presented by the Mental Health Association of Greater Dallas, in special recognition of his
accomplishments and contributions to the local mental health community • 1998 -
Honorary Lifetime Membership Award presented by the Texas Congress of Parents and
Teachers, in recognition of distinguished service to children and youth • 1996 -
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Distinguished Human Service Professional Team of the Year presented by the Community
Council of Greater Dallas in recognition of the establishment of the Protective Order Rapid
Response Team (PORRT) • 1993 - Community Service Award, presented by Tough Love •
1992-1993 - Community Builder Award presented by Garland Masonic Lodge #441, for
commitment to the youth of Garland and involvement in the community • 1991 -
Committee Chairman of the Year presented by the Garland Chamber of Commerce for
service as Chairman of the Legislative Committee • Extra Mile Award, presented by the
Garland Apartment Managers Association • Paul Harris Fellow, presented by the Rotary
Foundation of Rotary International • Recognition Award, from the Garland Independent
School District for commitment to the youth of GISD ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING
TENURE • The County’s buildings increased to over 6,500,000 square feet • The Wade
Juvenile Center was completed and then successfully expanded • The Allen Courts Building
was expanded along with more than doubling the size of its underground parking • Old
Red clock tower was restored • Road and Bridge District #2 were reengineered to a city
aid program • Much of County Government was reengineered with the savings going to
employee salary increases (New Look) • Pay as go capital planning was established •
The Public Employee Benefit Cooperative was created by Dallas and Tarrant County which
was later expanded to include other counties, cities and districts • The first Code of County
Orders was developed that codified all county policies • Purchasing was transitioned from
the authority of the judiciary to the commissioners court bringing it into a responsive
environment • First strategic plan for Dallas County was created. • IT Services was
outsourced for 15 years and successfully brought back in-house increasing services with no
additional cost • The first coordinated state legislative program was created that became
a statewide model for urban counties • Maintained virtually a level tax rate • Rated by
City State Magazine as an above average County • In a statewide competition secured the
selection of Dallas as the site for the construction of two State Jails • Developed the
Dallas County’s first Department of Criminal Justice that reduced jail population by 1,200
inmates • Established the first countywide Criminal Justice Advisory Board • After
extensive process improvements implemented a countywide ERP that allowed for positive
time reporting and pay after the fact • Replaced an outdated jail commissary program
with a vendor that increased financial support to the inmates and county by a factor of 10
• Coordinated the first comprehensive evaluation of jail health • Voting was transformed
to computer touch screens for early voting • Worked through the challenges of 911,
Hurricanes Rita and Katrina • Participated in the implementation of e-commerce and the
use of credit cards • Championed shared services such as dual deputized clerks, multiple
offices consolidating operations and contracting with other governments • The Old Red
Courthouse transition from being closed for structural concerns to being fully restored to
its original design • A proponent for the establishment of an elections fraud unit in the
District Attorney’s office, consisting of an elections fraud prosecutor and investigator •
Actively participated in the planning and implementation of the DIVERT Court. This court
intervenes on the front end of the criminal justice system for non-violent drug offenders
with less serious charges • Has continued to maintain Dallas County’s low tax rate and
“double AAA” bond rating • Helped pass revised tax abatement policy to include
“economically significant” projects • Helped pass the Freeport Tax Exemption to promote
industrial development and the generation of new jobs in Dallas County • Helped pass the
Rodeo City Tax Increment Finance District to encourage economic development in the
area • Participated in instituting a Judicial Support Personnel Salary Plan which sets
compensation policy for the Criminal District Court staff members including Court
Coordinators, Staff Attorneys, Law Clerks, Magistrates, and Referees • Pushed for and
passed through Commissioners Court the addition of two Civil Masters for the Civil District
Courts • Pushed for and passed through Commissioners Court the hiring of a collections
agency for dormant accounts, which has significantly increased revenue
A: • Appointed in 1983 by the Garland City Council to the position of Municipal Judge for
the City of Garland and I served for two and one-half years • 1986, elected to the office of
Dallas County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 (Garland area) and I served two terms,
from January 1987 to December 1994 • 1994, elected as the Dallas County Commissioner
for District 2
A: $23,175.67
A: Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP Allan Shulkin Frank Branson
A: No
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A: As a public servant, I believe in “good government” and have a passion for solving
problems and working with people. I also have a vision for where Dallas County needs to
be in the future regarding economic development, truancy, transportation, and county
services. Dallas County will be debt free by 2021 and will become a major contributor in
the area of transportation.
goal?
A: Truancy is an early warning sign for a number of potential larger problems a child may
be having at home or school such as drugs, alcohol, abuse, etc. Therefore it is vital to have
a system in place that can and will respond to truancy in a timely, appropriate and
consistent manner. By doing so, you can have a profound affect on the juvenile and adult
criminal justice system which are so costly to taxpayers. After taking office as your County
Commissioner, I led the effort to create the Truancy Enforcement Center, which is a “last
chance”, full-service wraparound program for the most persistently-truant children and
their families. Through a united effort between Dallas County and the Dallas Independent
School District, legislation was obtained to improve the truancy enforcement process and
to develop Specialized Truancy Courts for Dallas County. The united effort was successful
in obtaining legislative changes to the Education Code during the 74th Legislative session
that allowed the school district to ability to file a complaint against the parent and/or child,
the court the ability to place a child under a court order, and if a child violates the court
order contempt proceeding may take place. During the 78th Legislative session the
Government Code was amended allowing for counties with a population over 2 million to
establish Truancy Court(s) and allowing the County Judge to appoint full-time
magistrates. Currently Dallas County has five courts operational that receive truancy
case filings from Dallas, Garland, Mesquite, and Richardson Independent School Districts.
These courts operate five days a week eight hours a day and hear only truancy cases.
They are strategically located across the county and have been very successful. Through
this unique collaborative effort, we are the only county in the state that has an integrated
truancy court program.
job.
A: The philosophy of the Republican party that I share is fiscal responsibility, limited
government, measurable results for the taxpayers, treating everyone with the dignity and
respect they deserve. I believe in all of these positions and strive to measure & govern
myself accordingly.
A: • Graduate of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Academy • Received Basic and Intermediate
Certificates in Law Enforcement • Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from
Abilene Christian University at Dallas • Juris Doctor degree at Southern Methodist
University School of Law • Attorney in a private practice • Appointed in 1983 by the
Garland City Council to the position of Municipal Judge for the City of Garland where I
served for two and one-half years • Dallas County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 (Garland
area) where I served two terms • Dallas County Commissioner for District 2 Aside of
education and experience, skills that have and will continue to assist me in functioning
effectively are being a person of integrity, having an open mind to new ideas and being a
visionary, and staying engaged so that I have the knowledge and wisdom to make
informed decisions that will benefit Dallas County. Additionally, being a trained mediator
and working with a spirit of cooperation and collaboration continues to be beneficial. I
believe that doing the “right thing for the right reason” is the key to being successful in
public office.
A: Elected court members, county staff and people who appear before the court, deserve
and expect the respect and dignity of a professional and productive court. When there is a
void of leadership, chaos and frustration prevail. I will continue to serve with honor and
professionalism regardless of how other court members act.
A: Certain members of the Commissioners Court have allowed communication lines to
deteriorate with the District Attorney’s office amidst the budget discussion and other
issues. The District Attorney and I have disagreed on a number of issues, but I believe
there is a continuous healthy working relationship between myself and the DA that allows
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us to maintain a dialogue with respect for each other’s positions. In seeking the common
goals of public safety, I believe that working together is more beneficial to our community,
rather than being at odds all the time.
A: In my opinion, the Commissioners Court 3-2 vote did overstep the boundaries in
funding a civil investigation into the County Constables. In the original drafted contract
between Dallas County and Defenbaugh & Associates the scope of services incorporated a
request for a criminal investigation. According to the Dallas County District Attorney’s
opinion dated 8/31/2009, the contemplated contract that Dallas County was considering
was beyond the sphere of authority of a Commissioners Court. As for a criminal
investigation, it’s the District Attorney’s responsibility to investigate or to request
assistance from an outside agency such as the Attorney General, FBI or Texas Rangers.
Furthermore, the court had knowledge that the FBI and the DA were investigating the
Constables. In regards to the civil investigation, it was not prudent for the court to spend
in excess of $200,000.00 during dire budgetary times especially when the court was aware
that nothing could be done with the report. In fact, there was no new information obtained
in the final report that had not already been addressed in the media or already known to
the county. The final report is a liability to Dallas County and it is being used as the
foundation by former and current employees in their lawsuit against the county.
Additionally, due to improper seizure actions by the County Judge, the court by 3-2 voted
to ratify the Judge’s action strictly to give the Judge legal protection, even with a District
Attorney’s opinion dated 10/19/2009, that the Commissioners Court legally could not ratify
that which they had no authority to approve in the first instance. Therefore, according the
Dallas County’s IT policy and two Texas Attorney General’s opinions, the information on
the seized computer was under the care, custody and control of the elected official not
Commissioners Court so the court had no authority to ratify the action taken by the County
Judge. Furthermore, actions taken by the court resulted in additional legal fees for Judge
Foster and Commissioners Dickey and Mayfield in excess of $147,600.00, a waste of
taxpayer dollars.
appropriately?
A: Commissioner Court is responsible to prepare and present the budget for the
Constables, and are able to put into place some general policies with regards to their
uniforms and vehicles; however, it is the responsibility of the citizens to elect the most
qualified person for the job. Under current law the Constable, as an elected official, is
responsible for the operation of his or her office. If the Constable violates the law they
should be prosecuted. A legislative change would be required to have direct oversight of
the Constables office. Dallas County has proposed legislation that would allow the county
to put an elected official on notice if they were operating outside of existing laws or
policies. If they failed to comply then they would have personal liability. That legislation
unfortunately failed.
A: I have always been a proponent of starting the budget discussions for the next fiscal
year a year in advance. It is imperative that Elected Officials and Department Heads stay
in constant communication about what can be done to improve their department that
would be beneficial to the customers from a service standpoint and yet responsive to the
taxpayers. Dallas County, not unlike other governmental agencies, has experienced
shortfalls over the last few years due to many reasons. Property values continuing to
decrease has resulted in decreased revenues, in addition to other diminishing revenues
such as fines and fees, and the increase of expenses such as health care costs. We have
historically started the budget process in April or May of each year for the upcoming fiscal
year, however, this doesn’t allow for lengthy discussions and solutions that involve the
departments. We’ve simply told them that they need to cut 10% across the board,
however, we have taken into consideration the functions of those departments and have
allowed for some to provide more reductions and others to provide less, depending on
their situation. I look forward to January 2011, when the court will have a new County
Judge to begin a comprehensive look at our budget.
A: We are very fortunate in Dallas County to have a triple AAA bond rating by both rating
agencies. Several of the key factors that the rating agencies look at are the financial
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policies of the county and the willingness of a Commissioners Court to raise taxes when
necessary. Our policies require a reserve of 10.5% of our total general fund projected
expenditures for the forthcoming year. Dallas County has always sustained a low tax
rate, (believing that the money is best left in the taxpayers pocket until it’s needed) and
therefore we have never built up huge reserves. This coming year we will be looking at
refinancing some of our debt and doing a short term tax note. By having the required
balances we will save the taxpayers $2 - $3 million dollars. Also by 2021 we will be debt
free.
A: Dallas County must have an IT disaster recovery or business continuity plan and I
believe a failover site is imperative. In addition to applications Dallas County employees
utilize daily to perform county business, citizens must also have access to on-line services,
and more importantly access to mission-critical applications such as AIS, JIS, and court
systems is critical as these applications are utilized not only by Dallas County but by
outside agencies such as local law enforcement agencies and other counties. There are
many factors to consider in establishing a failover site such as determining the mission-
critical applications, how much hardware is required to run those applications, to what
extent data must be backed up, and location of site. Approximate costs associated with
hardware and connection can range from $1 to $2 million. If a collaboration among
counties could be established it might be possible to reduce those costs. In my perspective
Dallas County should be aggressive in determining the above factors and establishing a
site as soon as possible, which our IT department is focusing on at this time.
A: As of August 11th we received notice that our Dallas County Jail has now passed jail
inspection. Although the Sheriff is constitutionally charged with the operation of the jail,
the Commissioners Court provides support through the budget and is over the county
departments that provides sanitation and facility support. The court will continue to
provide all necessary support to keep the jail in compliance.
A: I believe the County took a very important step in June 2009 when we unanimously
supported the participation in the infrastructure study being done by the North Central
Texas Council of Governments. This project is likely the most significant economic
development opportunity remaining in the County, and our Court needs to continue to
support this study to incorporate all of the cities’ existing development plans into a single
coordinated vision for the trade region. Once there is a coordinated plan to deal with
transportation, water, and sewer, then we need to allow the cities involved to proceed with
their zoning, subdivision regulations, and building codes based on the results of the
infrastructure study. Basically, we need to continue to communicate with the mindset that
this is a regional effort, and everyone will benefit from cooperation and coordination.
A: Dallas County should lead a collaborated effort with surrounding counties for a regional
solution to North Texas’ health care needs beginning with funding for trauma care. Patients
from surrounding counties are utilizing Dallas County Parkland Memorial Hospital, one of
two level 1 trauma centers in North Texas, for critical trauma services, burn care, neonatal
care, and other complex needs that surrounding counties do not offer or support. Clearly
this provides us with a real opportunity to reach regional cooperation.
A: Mental Illness not only has a direct impact on our communities but also affects Dallas
County’s jail population. Since 1993 and by the direction of the Texas State Legislature,
Dallas County along with Collin, Ellis, Hunt, Kaufman, Navarro, and Rockwall counties have
operated under a Medicaid managed care model for mental health. Under this model, the
State of Texas pooled together all mental health and substance abuse treatment funding
and blended that with federal funding and local match funds from the seven participating
counties. Dallas County over the past nine years has contributed over $38 million to the
managed care plan. This model has been successful as it has increased access to care,
improved quality of care, improved cost effectiveness and consumer and provider
satisfaction; however, this area of care continues to be underfunded at the state and
federal level. Additionally, Dallas County, by agreement with the City of Dallas, has
contributed over $1.9 million since 2008 to The Bridge, the homeless assistance center that
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Metrocare Dallas Homeless Alliance operates for the City of Dallas. Dallas County has also
expended over $3.5 million over the past nine yeras to Dallas Metrocare Services for
mental health services they provide in the area of mental retardation, behavioral and
psychiatric services. The reform must come at the state level and we continue to seek
equity for the North Texas area.
A: We definitely need to continue our efforts towards providing services via technology on
a 24/7 basis. The more services we can provide through the Internet, the more convenient
it will be for the customer and our staff. With the reduction of people appearing in person,
we are likely to see a decrease in front line staff, which results in a decrease in expenses.
The Dallas County Tax Office now has several methods in paying property taxes with the
use of technology. These include customer kiosks located in various buildings in the
County, and the ability to make a payment using the online web payment option. It is
critical that we provide county departments with the necessary tools they need to do their
jobs. We also must address our workforce situation and have a plan in place once the
economy kicks back in.
Dallas County Commissioner, Pct. 4

Description:
Elba Garcia
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Dr. Elba Garcia
Street Address: 640 Kessler Springs Avenue
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: (214)941-6068
E-mail Address: egibancodds@att.blackberry.net
Campaign Web Site Address: elbagarcia.com
Questions:
A: I have lived in Dallas County District 4 for one year and one month. I have lived in
Dallas County for over 25 years.
A: Dentist/Owner, Garcia-Ibancovichi Dental Clinic
A: • Member, Dallas Zoological Society Board of Directors • Member, Oak Cliff Chamber of
Commerce • 2010 Citizen's Public Safety Leader Award from the Dallas Rotary Club of
Dallas and Safer Dallas, Better Dallas
A: Mayor Pro Tem, City of Dallas, 2007-2009; Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, City of Dallas,
2005-2007; Council Member, City of Dallas, District 1, 2001-2009 • Chair, Public Safety
Committee • Chair, Domestic Violence Task Force • Vice-Chair, Trinity River Committee •
Committee Member - Finance; Audit and Accounting; Housing; Minority and Municipal
Affairs; Arts; Education and Libraries; Government & Minority Affairs; Health, Human &
Youth Services Committees and Homeless Task Force
A: • Dallas City Council, District 1 • Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, City of Dallas • Mayor Pro
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Tem, City of Dallas

A: As of June 30th, 2010, my campaign reported raising $107,301.26 without pledges.
A: Mark Miranda, Les Weisbrod, and Raquel Ibarra
A: No.
A: I want to give the people of Dallas County a new opportunity and hope for the future by
offering my service and leadership on our Dallas County Commissioners Court for District
4. After 16 years of the current leadership a change is needed on the court. The inability
of the commissioners to form consensus has stopped progress on some very important
issues. The county needs consensus to meet its challenges proactively and it needs
teamwork to take advantage of its opportunities. I want to use my experience and
dedication to bring a more thoughtful leadership style to the court to help end the
divisiveness and bring a new spirit of cooperation to our county’s governance. I will be a
full-time commissioner. I will work to find common ground and build consensus to bring
solutions to our county’s problems. All my life I have worked to help others because that
work has brought joy to my life. It is that desire to help others that led me to be a dentist,
to be a community servant and to run for public office. I served for 8 years on the Dallas
City Council and even though there was hard work and challenging days, everyday, I was
able to help people in ways great and small. I was able to make life better for the people
of Dallas and I want to continue that work for the people of Dallas County.
goal?
A: As Chair of the City of Dallas’ Public Safety Committee, I worked with the Committee,
the Police Department and the Dallas City Council to fund and implement the Dallas Police
efficiency study which included increased hiring and other initiatives to reduce crime. By
the time I left office, 90% of the plan had been implemented resulting in the largest
reduction of crime in Dallas history.
job.
A: I am a member of the Democratic Party because it is the party that most shares my
values of inclusion and public service. I think that the fact that a woman and an African
American were the leading candidates for our party’s nomination for President specifically
speak to the inclusiveness of the Democratic party. I believe that the Democratic party is
dedicated to improving the lives of working families and I share that dedication.
A: As a Dallas City Councilwoman, I had the opportunity to serve in many leadership
positions and accomplish many things for the City of Dallas. • I was the chair of the Public
Safety Committee and I worked with the DPD and the City Council to put in place policies
that brought the biggest drop in crime in Dallas’ history. • Worked with the police and fire
departments to implement a new curriculum for increased diversity hiring. • Worked with
council and city staff to put together and pass the 2003 and 2006 Bond packages. •
Worked with council, staff and community to pass the new Dallas Animal Ordinance. •
Worked to craft and implement the City of Dallas Comprehensive Plan. • Helped put in
place the city’s current recycling program working to bring the first one day a week Trash
Recycling Program in Distinct 1. • Worked with the Environmental Committee to bring
about the LEED standards for City of Dallas buildings. • Secured the donations needed to
build the Latino Cultural Center including a donation from Oak Farms for a million dollars.
• Worked with the Sheriff’s Department, Dallas Police Department and fire department to
clear accidents in the Southern Sector more quickly and efficiently. • Worked to bring the
biggest grocery store in the metroplex to District 1. • Worked with Bishops Arts District
Merchants to implement the “Do the District” media campaign. • Worked with Jefferson
Avenue merchants, the Oak Cliff Chamber and the Dallas Police Department to bring video
cameras to Jefferson Avenue that have help reduce crime in the area.
A: I believe that words matter. I would work to improve decorum by bringing a more
thoughtful leadership style to our commissioners court. I would be courteous and
respectful to all my colleagues and to those that come before the court. And of course, I
would come prepared to every meeting of the court ready to debate the issues on their
merits. I would also ask that county commissioners meetings be videotaped and that votes
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and attendance be formally recorded and publicly posted. As Mayor Pro Tem, Deputy
Mayor Pro Tem, and as Chair of Dallas’ Public Safety Committee, I worked with mayors,
and council members from both parties. I was able to bring people together to reach
important goals for the City of Dallas. As a Dallas County Commissioner, I would work to
seek compromises and build consensus to deliver results for all of the people of Dallas
County.
A: I would work to bring a new spirit of cooperation to the court by reaching out to work
with our county’s elected officials. I believe we can improve the relationship between the
Dallas District Attorney and the County Commissioners Court by improving
communications. I would ask the court to create a liaison to the district attorney’s office
and ask fellow commissioners give considerable weight to their recommendations. For 4
years, as Chair of the City of Dallas’ Public Safety Committee, I was the liaison to our
city’s police department. I believe public safety should be a priority for our county. I would
volunteer my time to be the court’s liaison to work with the office of the district attorney to
improve relations and find solutions to reduce crime.
A: Yes. I believe the court overstepped the boundaries of their authority and
responsibilities by funding a civil investigation into the county constables. . The
commissioners court does not have the authority to conduct a criminal investigation. The
civil investigation that was ordered by the court was a waste of county resources. Without
subpoena powers, the civil investigation could not generate anything useful to a
meaningful criminal investigation or anything that would even be admissible in a court of
law. The civil investigation may have even hindered the ongoing criminal investigation and
exposed the county to civil liability. The court could have curtailed the activities of the
constables through the court’s budgetary authority and with proper oversight of vendor
selection.
appropriately?
A: The office of Constable is constitutionally protected. We need leadership from the state
legislature to define the responsibilities of the office of Constable and provide for oversight.
I would work with our Constables to help make their operations better serve our county.
A: Across the board cuts may work as a onetime fix but as a policy it doesn’t make sense.
All departments should be reviewed for cuts, but budget cuts should be prioritized
according to need and use.
A: Yes, I would consider all options.
A: The flooding in the county offices and the failure of the court to create a backup facility
has cost the taxpayers of Dallas County millions of dollars. The county needs a backup
facility and the court should stop the blame game and designate the resources to create
one. Without a backup, basic government operations and county services could shut down.
After the recent flooding, taxpayers could not get information, law enforcement agencies
were without computers and the ability to check records, and most county department
were forced to operate manually or had to shut down services. The county needs a
comprehensive emergency plan and should move forward to act on recommendations
from consultants to improve core infrastructure, technical support, and risk assessment so
that our county government can recover functions after a disaster.
A: I believe we need to continue to make improvements at the jail especially in health
care for inmates. We need to build the infirmary and make sure our jail complies with
state and federal guidelines. I would support hiring outside consultants to implement
policies and procedures. I also would like us to do more to reduce the recidivism rate by
working with the private sector, Safer Dallas Better Dallas, and local municipalities to start
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reducing the number of inmates coming into the system.

A: We need to move forward with the needed infrastructure and work with the cities in the
southern sector to promote and market the International Inland Port.
A: Yes, The DFW Healthcare Summit at the Dallas Regional Chamber, for the first time,
brought insurance, hospital, business leaders and members of national think tanks
together to discuss health care in north Texas. I believe the county should work to partner
with these and future efforts that create dialog between shareholders and explore ways to
implement the recommendations that they generate.
A: We should continue to support the efforts of Dallas County's new mental health task
force to see where there are gaps in service in this system. The NorthSTAR system (which
serves the indigent mentally ill in Dallas County) is exceeding expectations despite being
under-funded. In lieu of additional funds for services, we need to see how we can improve
the current system. Parkland Hospital with the support of the Task Force has commissioned
a study to review and assess the county' mental health system. I would wait to see what it
reveals before recommending any radical reforms.
A: I would look at increased funding in areas that could provide a savings for the county or
that could increase revenue by creating economic development. Efficiency studies should
be conducted to determine areas for funding cuts to avoid politics in these decisions.
Ken Mayfield
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Kenneth A. Mayfield
Street Address: 1541 Kari Ann Dr.
State: Texas
E-mail Address: kenmayfield2010@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.kenmayfield.org
Questions:
A: 24 years in Dallas County; 24 years in the district.
A: Dallas County Commissioner
A: NACo Board of Directors TEX 21 Executive Committee Co-Chair, Loop 9 Task Force
Secretary, Board of Directors, Dallas County Housing Finance Corporation Member, Dallas
County Civil Service Committee Member, Dallas County Bail Bond Board Member, Dallas
County Insurance Committee Member, Law Library Automation Committee Member, Public
Defender Program Review Committee Member, Justice and Public Safety Committee
(NACo) Member, Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC) Steering Committee (NACo)
Alternate, Regional Transportation Committee, North Central Texas Council of
Governments
A: President, National Association of Counties (NACo) President, Board of Trustees, Cedar
Hill Independent School District Former Chair, Transportation Excellence for the 21st
Century (TEX-21, statewide transportation coalition) Chair, Mountain Creek Parkway Task
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Force Chair, Lancaster Beltline Task Force Chair, IH-35 Task Force Chair, F.M. 1382 Task
Force Chair, Beltline P.A.S.S. Project Coalition Vice Chair, Regional Transportation Council,
Transportation Air Quality Subcommittee Member, Regional Transportation Council of
North Central Texas Council of Governments Juvenile Prosecutor, Juvenile Court Chief and
Chief of Juvenile Division of Dallas County District Attorney's Office Member, Board of
Directors, Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, 1996 - 1998 Member, Juvenile Law
Committee, Texas District and County Attorneys Association Member, Juvenile
Justice/Criminal Justice Committee, Conference of Urban Counties Member, Trinity River
Corridor Steering Committee Board Member, Home Health Services of Dallas, Inc.
Member, MHMR Committee for Childrens' Rights Member, NASD Redevelopment
Committee Frequent speaker and lecturer on juvenile crime Delegate, Republican
National Convention - 1988, 1996, 2000, and 2006 Past President of Southwest Dallas
County Republican Assembly Regional Director, National Conference of Republican County
Officials
A: Trustee, CHISD - 1988-1995; Dallas County Commissioner 1995 to present; Elected
Second Vice President of NACo 1999, First Vice President of NACo 2000, President Elect of
NACo 2001, President of NACo 2002 and Immediate Past President of NACo 2003.
A: To date approximately $200,000.
A: Please see campaign finance report.
A: No.
A: I am running in order to continue offering my conservative leadership to the citizens of
Dallas County, to keep taxes low, to keep Dallas County business friendly, to continue to
retain and create jobs for the citizens of Dallas County, to uncover and fight corruption in
Dallas County government, and to eradicate voter fraud in our elections.
goal?
A: Approximately three years ago, a community activist came to my office in desperation
looking for help in fighting the cheese heroin addiction epidemic in Dallas County, which
was claiming the lives of many Hispanic teenagers. He related to me that he had been to
the Hispanic leaders in Dallas County and he could not get any commitment to help with
this problem. The first action I took was to assemble as many of the leaders in the juvenile
community as I could. I formed the Cheese Heroin Task Force, which included
representatives from Parkland Hospital, Dallas County Juvenile Department, local police
departments, schools and treatment providers. We began to meet and form committees to
tackle the issue and began an action plan that included public service announcements in
the schools, more intense police presence in the schools, meetings with parents to educate
them on this problem and additional funding for treatment. For several years we met and
attacked the problem. We had a great deal of success in educating parents and the public
about the dangers of the drug and raised several hundred thousands of new money for
treatment.
job.
A: I am a conservative, and I felt in 1994 (as I still do today) that my principles most
closely align with the Republican party. I value personal responsibility, accountability,
self-reliance, equality, smaller government that acts as a safety net, freedom, liberty and
the rule of law.
A: I am a lawyer and advocate, and I have used these skills in myriad ways to benefit the
citizens of Dallas County, not the least of which was recognizing the need for Dallas County
and Parkland Hospital to intervene in the tobacco settlement litigation in 1998. Dallas
County and Parkland Hospital were the first to do so, and they acted upon my recognition
that if we did not, then counties and hospital districts would not benefit from the
settlement between the state and the tobacco companies, which resulted in an additional
$2.3 billion for counties and hospital districts in Texas. Initially, Parkland received $32
million in 1999, and it has received almost $147 million through 2009 with more payments
to come in the future. I also revamped the civil section of the Dallas County District
Attorney's office in 1995 saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. I required the
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DA to evaluate the section, which led to a wholesale turnover of personnel.

A: Unfortunately, it takes all members to want to improve decorum on the court, and we
have one member who doesn't care. I have wanted to implement a code of conduct
adopted by the court with clear enforcement procedures should a member choose not to
follow the policy. I have started this process.
A: I am not sure that any success can be achieved with the current DA. He will not sit
down with us to discuss matters. Instead, he prefers to communicate through the media. If
he wins re-election, we will continue offering venues for direct communication. If Danny
Clancy wins, then I do not anticipate any problems.
A: Absolutely not!!!!! Something had to be done to curb the illegal and unethical activities
of both constables. The DA should have stepped aside, as he did in the Dupree removal,
and allow the AG to investigate and prosecute (if necessary) the constables. This course of
action would not have cost the citizens of Dallas County a single dime. If the conduct
alleged in the affidavits are true, criminal as well as civil violations have been committed,
for which the perpetrators need to be held accountable.
appropriately?
A: Since constables are independently elected officials and the only real authority that we
have is budgetary, we have to trust that they will attempt to do an ethical, credible job.
However, we can have an impact in the personnel area by reviewing any disciplinary action
that constables take, in order to ensure that the action is fair and equitable. We can then
rectify any injustices and protect the employees if a constable is found to have acted
inappropriately. Additionally, I would reinstitute civil service protection for all deputy
constables as a further safeguard.
A: Naturally, you look for all to participate in good faith when you have to reduce
expenditures. Some departments, especially large ones, will have more room to reduce
than others. You also look at the impact that a department will have on the public, and
then prioritize for the least negative affect. When we ask for a ten percent cut, we expect
the department to make the cuts OR start a dialogue with the court as whole as to why it
can't comfortably make the cuts. If an adverse affect will occur to the public, then the
court will weigh that information in making our decision. Keep in mind, a single official
might have an opinion that there will be an adverse impact to the public stemming from
certain cuts, but when the court examinses the issue, it may discover that the official is
incorrect.
A: Everything has to be considered, in my opinion, before raising taxes.
A: We need to move post haste to be sure that a flood can never damage our IT
infrastructure as it did earlier this year. Unfortunately, our IT department was paralyzed by
our dysfunctional IT committee, which spent more time interfering with its operations than
supporting its operations. Our IT director was not free to make needed personnel and
operational decisions because of the interference of a couple of commissioners.
A: No, I am not satisfied with the administration of our county jail. We need to have a
competent administrator who knows how to manage the operations of the jail. I am not
sure any improvements can be successful without new management.
A: The most important step that must happen with the Inland Port, after it qualifies for
foreign trade zone status, is the extension of water and sewer to the area. This is the
biggest obstacle, next to the economy, that stands in the way of successful development.
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While the county is not in the water and sewer business, we can help facilitate these
services by the surrounding cities by using our CDBG funds to help, by looking for grants
that we might qualify under to fund these services and by offering our R&B resources to
help the cities provide water and sewer.
A: Yes, we should continue to push for a regional solution for health care. I have suggested
in the past, and will continue to pursue, a regional hospital district anchored in Parkland
and JPS (or just Parkland if JPS would not cooperate). These hospitals could provide an
acceptable level of services to each of the surrounding counties. If we could get each
surrounding county to put a ballot measure before its citizens asking them if they would
tax themselves a certain amount by joining a regional hospital district, we could get off of
dead center on this issue. This measure wouldn't affect each county's individual tax rate,
but it would be a voter-approved separate addition. If such measures passed, we would be
able to move forward without any change in current law.
A: We should do whatever it takes to make sure that the nonviolent mentally ill are
diverted from our jails and taken to an appropriate location equipped to deal with their
mental illness. This includes educating all police departments on how to identify and deal
with a mentally ill individual and supporting supervised living arrangements after they are
stabilized. We also need to effectively lobby the state for equitable distribution of mental
health funding. We are one of the most inequitably funded areas. We should also be sure
that our employees in the jail are trained to identify the mentally ill and deal with the
nonviolent ones by quickly releasing them to a trained provider who can stabilize them and
treat them. For those who are violent, we need to quickly get them through the system.
A: Before anyone can answer this question, the county would need to engage a credible,
experienced, objective firm to come in and do a time management/zero based
budgeting/efficiency study on all of our departments (that is, those departments which
aren't mandated by law to be staffed in a set ratio). This firm would need to determine
whether we have the correct staffing and are performing duties efficiently. I have long
advocated for this course of action, but I did not think that we could institute this by
ourselves without an elected official's consent. After study, I now believe that under our
budgetary powers, we can act. I will push hard to make sure that that this gets done.
Tim Miles
Party: L
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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goal?
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job.
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appropriately?
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Dallas County District Attorney

Description:
Danny Clancy
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Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Danny Clancy
Street Address: 3131 McKinney Ave., Ste. 800
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-740-9912
E-mail Address: dclancy@danielclancy.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.dannyclancyforda.com
Questions:
Q: Length of residency in the Dallas County:
A: 45 Years
A: Attorney
A: Currently, I am an active member of the Board of Management for the Town North
YMCA. I also remain active and volunteer my time at Jesuit College Preparatory School,
and St. Monica Catholic School.
A: Most of my previous civic involvement is associated with the 8 years I spent serving the
citizens of Dallas County as a criminal court judge. I was active with CASA, The Volunteer
Center of North Texas, and The Dallas Bar Association.
A: I first ran for office in 1998. That year I was elected Judge of County Criminal Court #1.
In 2002, I was re-elected, and continued to serve as presiding judge in County Criminal
Court #1. In 2005, I was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to serve the citizens of Dallas
County as presiding judge in a newly created Criminal District Court - Criminal District
Court #6. I served in that capacity through 2006. Over an 8 year period I presided over
more than 450 criminal trials, and consistently ranked near the top among the Dallas
County Judiciary in The Dallas Bar Association's Bar Polls. My high bar poll ratings came in
the areas of hard working, knowledge of the law, impartiality, and overall performance.
A: As of today's date, August 20, 2010, through a strong grassroots effort, we have raised
approximately $250,000.00.
A: Our top 3 contributors are Harold Simmons, Carl Allen, and Louis Beecherl, Jr.
A: No
Q: How will you balance limited resources against an ever-increasing caseload, when
county commissioners set your budget but you decide how the money is spent?
A: Unlike my opponent, my choice is to work with our county commissioners and not in
opposition to them. I believe the citizens of Dallas County are better served when their
elected officials work together. Drawing a line in the sand and proclaiming your
department off limits, or "sacred ground", serves only one purpose in my opinion:
self-promotion. My decisions will not be based on what I believe may be in my personal or
political best interest, but rather what I believe to be in the best interest of the citizens of
Dallas County. During these difficult economic times, no county department is immune to
budget cuts. If the goal is to cut the budget by 10%, then I believe it is my obligation to do
everything I can to try and meet that goal. Nobody likes to talk about salary cuts or
layoffs, but today's economic reality requires us to so. We have to strike a balance, and we
have to look for comprimise where it is available. My goal will be to find the compromise,
and do so without sacrificing public safety.
Q: Please discuss the role of a district attorney as the head of a county department. Do
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you see that role as primarily administrator or chief prosecutor?

A: The position of District Attorney is equal parts chief prosecutor and chief administrator. I
believe I can, and will do both well. I must add, however, that I have made a pledge to
personally handle the most violent and serious offenses that come accross my desk. My
opponent has remarked "if you are looking for someone to go into the courtroom and try
these cases, I'm not your guy.". We need a top prosecutor in this county who is willing to
lead by example. My assistants will know that I do not expect from them that which I
would not be willing to do myself. I believe this is vital in establishing a sense of team, and
improving morale in the D.A.'s office.
Q: What can the district attorney’s office do to affect crime rates in the county?
A: I believe the district attorney's office can help drive down the crime rate by taking a
more proactive approach to fighting crime within our neighborhoods. It is my belief that
we can accomplish this on a couple of different levels. Dallas County is blanketed by
neighborhood crime watch groups. These groups are made up of citizen volunteers who
care about keeping their neighborhoods safe. These same neighborhoods have police
officers that are assigned to patrol them as a regular beat assignment. I want to have
regularly scheduled meetings which will take on a three-prong approach to fighting crime
within our neighborhoods. Represented will be the district attorney's office, the officers
who are on the ground in these neighborhoods, and the concerned citizens in that area.
Working together and discussing how to best tackle the criminal element associated with
that particular area of town can be an effective, comprehensive way to fight crime. I
believe having prosecutors out in the community speaking to students of all levels, (middle
school through college) can have a significant impact on educating young people about the
consequences of their actions. Prosecutors offering real-life stories about how drugs and
alcohol can ruin lives in a split instance, I believe, is an effective tool in crime prevention.
Attention paid to a juvenile justice system, that in my opinion has been overlooked far to
long, can pay dividends for us in the long term. As someone who has worked in the
criminal justice system in Dallas for more than 18 years, I can attest to the fact that the
juvenile section of the Dallas County District Attorney's Office does not receive the much
deserved attention that it should. It has been reported recently that juvenile crime is on
the rise. I want to bring the juvenile justice system to the forefront. My goal as District
Attorney will be to turn our juvenile section into not just the best in Texas, but the best in
the country. The logic is simple: if we can intervene in a young person's life when they are
starting to wander off track, and if we can make a difference at that point in their lives,
then obviously we improve our chances of not having to handle that individual as a repeat
offender as they enter adulthood. By teaming up with The Big Brothers and Big Sisters
Organization, and other organizations with similar interests and resources, I think we give
ourselves a great opportunity to reduce recidivism in Dallas County.
Q: How will you entice qualified prosecutors to stay in your office, rather than lose them to
private practice?
A: By creating a work environment where office morale remains high, we give ourselves
the best opportunity to retain a strong office of qualified prosecutors. It doesn't take long
for a prosecutor to realize that they are not going to earn great wealth working for the
government. Often times the lure of private practice, and the perceived opportunity to
improve one's financial situation, cause good prosecutors to leave the office. Because
government salaries will never be competative with private practice, I will strive to create
an atmosphere of professional development and personal job satisfaction that is
unmatched. When individuals are excited about showing up to work, and when they enjoy
the company of the others in their office, it makes it increasingly difficult to leave.
Q: What will you do to improve the DA office’s relationship with other city and county law
enforcement agencies?
A: Communication is the key to maintaining a good relationship with other law
enforcement agencies within our community. It has been reported recently that we have
had individuals in our county jail charged with serious criminal offenses, who have been
deported before they've had an opportunity to have their case heard. This is a clear
example of a breakdown in communication, and when it happens, our system of justice
fails. Specifically, it fails the victims by denying them their day in court. By organizing
regularly scheduled meetings with all levels of law enforcement - local, state, and federal,
we open up lines of communication. Dialogue, and open communication will help us
increase our efficiency, and will help us assure that nobody slips through the cracks.
Q: Given what we know now, did the district attorney’s office move quickly enough to shift
investigation and prosecution of Dallas County constables to an outside entity? Should the
office have provided more clarity sooner to the public on the status of its investigation?
A: The district attorney has a duty and an obligation to the citizens he or she represents to
investigate criminal allegations. When the allegations involve other elected officials, I
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believe it becomes even more important to assure the community that the matter is being
investigated. In the case of the constable investigation, by refusing to confirm or deny the
existence of an investigation, the district attorney's office created an atmosphere of
confusion and distrust. The result: public confidence in our judicial system and in our
district attorney is undermined. As district attorney, my decisions will always be guided by
what I believe is in the best interest of the citizens of this county, not based on what I
believe may be in my personal or political best interest. If I find myself in a situation
where I believe that a conflict of interest may exist, my response will be to immediately,
and without hesitation, turn the matter over to the Attorney General's Office, or another
district attorney.
Q: How does your legal experience distinguish you from your opponent for this office and
uniquely qualify you to serve as district attorney?
A: I have been preparing myself for this job for nearly two decades. I began my career in
the Dallas County District Attorney's Office in February, 1992. Over a 5 year period in the
district attorney's office I participated in more than 250 criminal trials. I have tried the
difficult cases, and I have represented hundreds of victims on behalf of the State of Texas.
I know how to do the job, and I believe I know how to do it well. In 1998 I ran for office
for the first time, and was elected Judge of Dallas County's, County Criminal Court #1. I
was re-elected in 2002, and in 2005 I was appointed by the Governor of Texas to preside
over a newly created Criminal District Court. I spent 8 years presiding over criminal cases
in Dallas County - cases ranging from DWI to Capital Murder. I also have 5 years
experience on the defense side, representing individuals charged with various criminal
offenses. In short, I have seen the inside of the courtroom from every possible angle. I
have a unique view of the criminal justice system that few can claim, and I believe my
vast legal experience, combined with my diverse background in criminal law distinguish
me from my opponent.
Q: Please describe your personal view of the death penalty and discuss how you believe it
has been applied in Dallas County.
A: The decision whether or not to seek the death penalty in a capital case is, and should
be, the most difficult decision a district attorney has to make. The enormous gravity of the
circumstance and its implication, requires intense deliberation before a decision can be
made to go forward and seek the maximum punishment allowed under our law. Under my
administration, the death penalty will be limited and reserved for those individuals who
commit the most heinous, unspeakable acts of violence against their victims. The decision
making process will include a thorough review of the evidence, and before the death
penalty will be sought, it must be determined that the evidence clearly and
overwhelmingly points toward the defendant's guilt. Continuing the analysis, we will also
give thoughtful discussion and deliberation as to whether or not the indidvidual poses a
continuing threat to society, and whether or not the defendant's background reveals any
mitigating facts such as a history of abuse or mental illness.
Q: What demographic barometer, if any, should the district attorney’s office use to
determine the composition of juries?
A: No demographic baromerters will be used in my administration to select juries. My
assistants will be trained to select jurors based on their legal qualifications, whether they
can follow the applicable law, and whether they can be fair. Dallas County is a diverse
county, and that diversity should be reflected in the juries that we impanel.
A: I am running for Dallas County District Attorney because I care about our families, our
community, and I believe I offer the voters a better, more qualified, experienced choice in
this race. You would like to think that the top prosecutor in Dallas County (one of the
largest jurisdictions in this country), at some point in his career has walked into a
courtroom, announced "ready" on behalf of The State of Texas, and actually prosecuted a
criminal case from start to finish. We don't have that with our current district attorney. I
have a proven track record as a former Dallas County prosecutor, and former Criminal
District Court Judge, and I believe the citizens of this county deserve better. I believe we
can do better.
goal.
A: In 2001, and again in 2002, I was elected by my peers, the Dallas County Criminal
Court Judges, to serve as their presiding judge. During that time, I worked closely with the
Dallas County Commissioners to bring Dallas County into compliance with new legislation
related to the appointment of counsel for the indigent defendant.
Q: What political leaders do you admire, and why?
A: In this country we have been blessed to have so many great leaders who have helped
shape and form this nation. However, there are a few political leaders that stand out in my
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mind. I admire Abraham Lincoln for his respect and support of human rights and individual
freedoms. I also have tremendous respect for Martin Luther King, Jr., for bringing to the
nation's forefront an awareness for the need to secure progress in the area of civil rights.
Ronald Reagan is another great leader for whom I have the utmost respect. President
Reagan's conservative economic approach, and his strong support of our military made
him a great leader, and a great president.
Craig Watkins
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Craig Watkins
Street Address: 2531 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (214) 295 - 5175
Campaign Web Site Address: craigwatkins.org
Questions:
A: 42 years
A: District Attorney, Dallas County
A: Member, Friendship West Baptist Church
A: 2006 - Recipient of The Greater Dallas and North Central Texas Urban League Torch
Award 2007 - 2007 NAACP Texas Hero Award 2008 - Governing Magazine - Public Officials
of the Year Dallas Morning News - Texan of the Year 2009 - Women's Advocacy Awards -
Loise Raggio Women's Legal Advocate 2010 - L. Clifford Davis Legal Excellence Award -
Black Women Lawyers Association (BWL) of Tarrant County
A: District Attorney, 2006 – Present
A: Just over $312,000, as of June 30
A: Brian Loncar, Russell Budd, and Lisa Blue
A: No
Q: How will you balance limited resources against an ever-increasing caseload, when
county commissioners set your budget but you decide how the money is spent?
A: My first priority is to keep Dallas County residents safe. I will always make sure we
have the resources to make sure our prosecutors can do their job effectively so we can put
dangerous criminals behind bars and protect the most vulnerable members of our society.
I recognize that we are in a period of limited resources. That is why we are doing our part
by asking our dedicated prosecutors and investigators to take less money, a 3 percent
salary cut, and yet still asking them to focus on fighting violent crime. They are willing to
do that. Now, there are proposals out there to cut a larger percentage of our budget, but
that would affect our ability to put those violent criminals in jail, which affects public safety.
We’ve done more with less the past three years: convictions are up, and crime is down.
We’re fighting crime with our Gang Unit, the Sexual Assault Unit, and the Conviction
Integrity Unit. We’re using innovations like DNA testing to make sure we put the right
people in jail. That’s important, and it needs to be funded at least at the current level. We
understand the County Commissioners need to find resources, but leadership means
setting priorities, and we are asking them to prioritize. Public safety should be the County’s
No. 1 priority.
Q: Please discuss the role of a district attorney as the head of a county department. Do
you see that role as primarily administrator or chief prosecutor?
A: The DA is all these things and more. He is the chief prosecutor. He makes sure that
violent criminals go to jail under his watch. He must also work with the Commissioner’s
Court and other law enforcement agencies to make sure the necessary resources are
available to do the job well. Under my leadership, the office has been effective (a 99.4
percent felony conviction rate) and fair (putting the right criminals in jail). That is what is
important.
Q: What can the district attorney’s office do to affect crime rates in the county?
A: We’ve done it. We’ve set up special units to increase our ability to investigate and
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convict criminals that endanger the most vulnerable among us (Gang Unit, Sexual Assault
Unit, Conviction Integrity Unit). We work closely with the Dallas Police Department, as we
do with their cold case division, to make sure justice is served in every possible case. Our
felony conviction rate is 99.4% and crime is down 6%.
Q: How will you entice qualified prosecutors to stay in your office, rather than lose them to
private practice?
A: Most of the prosecutors are like me in that they care most about keeping Dallas safe
rather than being at big law firm. By working together with them to keep Dallas safe, we
give them a sense of accomplishment, of purpose, that – so long as they have the
resources they need to do their jobs well – no corporate or criminal defense law firm can
replace.
Q: What will you do to improve the DA office’s relationship with other city and county law
enforcement agencies?
A: Again, we’ve done it and will continue to do so. Our investigators and prosecutors work
hand-in-hand with other agencies to investigate crimes and then prosecute and convict the
criminals responsible. In addition, we’re very proactive in talking to District Attorney and
law enforcement groups around the country, sharing our best practices and taking
suggestions on programs that have worked in their cities. Often we have to find funding for
these programs through alternate means, like when we trained our prosecutors and
investigators in animal protection cases, but we know it makes Dallas safer, so we make
effort to do so.
Q: Given what we know now, did the district attorney’s office move quickly enough to shift
investigation and prosecution of Dallas County constables to an outside entity? Should the
office have provided more clarity sooner to the public on the status of its investigation?
A: Our office is focused on its work and sometimes we don’t always communicate well our
rationale to the public. That said, we hold most sacred the idea that we don’t discuss
ongoing investigations publicly, so there was not much more we could do early on. I don’t
discuss ongoing cases for fear of damaging the investigation or putting someone through a
public ordeal before he or she has been indicted on any charges. As for the Attorney
General, he and I have very different ideas on how such investigations should be handled.
I believe he politicizes them, and I believe his offer to help was politically motivated. I
don’t think he could swoop in here from Austin and do a better job than the investigators
we had working the case. As for turning it over to an outside entity, as soon we received
information that I may have personally become a part of the investigation, because
someone we interviewed said he was told this was part of an effort to discredit me, then I
turned it over to an outside party. That is when it became clear to the outside world that
we were investigating them fully: the independent prosecutor had to bring a truck to haul
off all the boxes of evidence our investigators had gathered.
Q: How does your legal experience distinguish you from your opponent for this office and
uniquely qualify you to serve as district attorney?
A: I am qualified because I have a track record as District Attorney. We’ve put violent
criminals away at a 99.4 percent rate, we’ve freed innocent people, and we’ve put in place
innovative programs that protect our most vulnerable and help us use technology like DNA
testing to find guilty criminals and put them in jail where they belong. My opponent has
spent that time defending violent criminals.
Q: Please describe your personal view of the death penalty and discuss how you believe it
has been applied in Dallas County.
A: I have the deepest respect for the law. And I have the deepest respect for life. As
District Attorney, I will prosecute to the full extent of the law, to keep Dallas safe, as I
always have.
Q: What demographic barometer, if any, should the district attorney’s office use to
determine the composition of juries?
A: We need to do our best to make sure juries reflect the makeup of Dallas County.
Largely because of the work of our Conviction Integrity Unit, we’ve restored trust in the
DA’s office in all parts of Dallas County. This has increased the confidence all Dallas citizens
have in the local criminal justice system, because they know we’re prosecuting the right
people. The more people who believe that, the larger our potential pool of jurors, and the
better we can ensure juries are reflective of our citizens.
A: I believe in justice, and the first responsibility of justice is to keep people safe. I knew
in this job, I could do that. When I grew up, I noticed that people in my neighborhood
didn’t trust law enforcement. That bothered me. I thought, if I could do something with my
life that restored faith in the law enforcement system in my community, I will have made a
difference. That goal is what drove me to run for DA, and it’s what sees me through the
day-to-day trials and tribulations of the job.
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goal.
A: I do that every day. With our prosecutors and investigators, we set our goals – be
tough, fair, and effective, and make sure we protect the citizens of Dallas by convicting the
city’s most violent criminals -- and we achieve them by working together as a team. The
proof is in our 99.4 percent felony conviction rate and the fact that crime is down. We
make sure the office is structured in ways that help us be more efficient, like setting up
special units to focus on areas of crime. We encourage familiarity and use of the most
up-to-date crime-fighting technologies, like DNA testing, so we know the people we send
to jail are guilty.
Q: What political leaders do you admire, and why?
A: Growing up, I admired Martin Luther King for his commitment to fairness, justice, and
standing up for the rights of the disenfranchised. I admired Ronald Reagan for his ability to
communicate and make clear his values and how they shaped his policy.
Dallas County Treasurer

Description:
Richard Meditz
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Richard A. Meditz
Street Address: P. O. Box 671061
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX 75229
Fax Number: 214 902 0362
E-mail Address: d_meditz@yahoo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: meditzfortreasurer.com
Questions:
A: 33 Years
A: Investments
A: In the past, I have not been active in civic and community affairs. I devoted my time to
family and running my business. After selling my interest in the business I have decided to
become active in politics.
A: NA
A: None
A: I am basically self financing my campaign. I have encouraged contributors to make
their donations to the Dallas County Republican Party.
A: NA
A: No
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A: The policy decisions being made by the current administration in Washington have
made me very concerned about the direction of our great country. We cannot maintain
current spending levels and the debt we are leaving to our children and grandchildren is
staggering. Rather than sitting around complaining about the problems, I decided to be
participant in solving problems rather than just be a complainer.
uniquely qualify you to serve as Dallas County Treasurer?
A: I believe my 30 plus years experience in the business world will be very beneficial in
bringing a different and fresh perspective to the treasurer’s office. I feel we need more
people from the private business sector to hold public office. There is no substitute for “real
world” business experience, where you have to make a profit to stay in business. People
who have spent their careers in public office have not had the opportunity of the “been
there, done that” business experience which gives you a totally different perspective in the
decision making process.
Q: For better or worse, the Dallas County Treasurer is determined by partisan election.
job.
A: I have been a Republican ever since I was able to distinguish the philosophical
differences between the two parties. The Republican Party beliefs coincide with my core
beliefs of less or limited government, free enterprise, equal opportunity for all, lower
taxes, protect our borders and strong national security. With this said, I believe we should
do our very best to work with both parties. Our goal should be to do what is best for our
country and our county, not what is best for our party.
Q: What does the Dallas County Treasurer need most and how would you assure that the
office gets what it needs. Are there other service reforms you favor and how will you push
them if elected?
A: This is difficult to answer since I have not worked in the treasurer's office. I have talked
to previous office holders Bill Melton and Lisa Hembry, and based on these conversations
and my own views, my goals for the office are: 1. Be as cost efficient as possible. 2.
Increase transparency to the residents of Dallas County so they can see where and how
their money is being spent. 3. Improved technology. 4. Maximize return on investments
while insuring the safety of funds.
Joe Wells
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Joe Wells
Street Address: 4243 Hill Top Lane
State: Texas
E-mail Address: joe.wells@sbcglobal.net
Campaign Web Site Address: www.electjoewells.com
Questions:
A: Lifelong Dallas County Resident – 57 of my 62 years
A: Dallas County Treasurer
A: Dallas County Advisor and natural assets research team member for the Vision North
Texas 2050. This regional planning process is developing and promoting sustainable growth
strategies for North Texas. I am a member of the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation
Center Advisory Council where hundreds of men with serious drug and alcohol addiction
are successfully treated and helped toward a better future. I serve on the Advisory
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Council of the Housing Crisis Center a nonprofit which focuses on the housing needs of
Dallas area residents. The Housing Crisis Center is located in the East Dallas Community
Center at my church East Dallas Christian where I serve as a member of the Community
Outreach Committee. I am an active member of the Oak Cliff Lions Club and received
their 100% Lion award for my active participation in their service, charitable fund raising
and club activities.
A: I have been involved as an advocate and in the leadership for a number of conservation
/ environmental organizations including service as Chair Dallas Nature Center Board, Vice
Chair Dallas Sierra Club, and Vice Chair Save Open Space Board. The Lone Star Chapter
of the Sierra Club awarded me a Conservation Award for my advocacy work as did the
Dallas Chapter of the American Lung Association. I served as a parent and alumni
representative on the Woodrow Wilson High School Centered Education Council. I am a
1966 Woodrow Wilson graduate and both of my children are also Woodrow graduates. I
served as a Democratic Party Precinct Chair in Oak Cliff and Grand Prairie. I served as
Chair Community Service / Outreach Committee and on the Board of East Dallas Christian
Church. I served as a Board member Oak Cliff Lions Club I served in the US Air Force
from 1968-1972 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant after performing
Security Police duties.
A: I ran successfully for Dallas County Treasurer in 2006 and have served as County
Treasurer since January 1, 2007. Prior to this public service I worked as Administrative
Assistant to Dallas County Commissioner Chris V. Semos from 1983-1994. I was elected a
Democratic Party Precinct Chair and served in Oak Cliff and Grand Prairie prior to my
election as County Treasurer.
A: In 2006 I raised and spent $15,000 in my successful campaign for County Treasurer.
So far, I have raised $24,000 for my 2010 Re-election Campaign.
A: My campaign has received donations from over 200 individuals. Among the top donors
are: The MetroTex Association of Realtors, Communication Workers of America and
Plumbers and Pipefitters Political Action Committees and individual contributors Kitty and
John Boyle, William G “Bill” Baab and Mrs. L.N.D. “Louise” Wells.
A: No.
A: As County Treasurer, I am running for re-election so I can continue improving
Treasurer’s office and County Government efficiency and continue to reduce taxpayers’
costs through technology improvements. I was honored with a 2008 Texas Association of
Counties Best Practices Award for Financial / General Management for an innovative
program developed and implemented jointly with the County Auditor that has collected
over $6.2 million delinquent taxes from County vendors / contractors who owed tax debt
by the withholding of payments. As a result of this successful initiative responsible
taxpayers don’t have to pay more than their fair share and tax avoiders are turned into
taxpayers. Under my management as County Treasurer investments have earned over
$50 million interest revenue and based on my recommendations County investment
policies have been revised to improve liquidity and ensure safety of County’s holdings. I
have reduced County Treasurer staffing by over 10%, with the elimination of two full time
positions through attrition and transfer. This $75,000 annual cost savings was possible due
to procedural changes and automation through the use of new technology implemented at
my direction. I have reduced taxpayers’ costs by implementing the use of new
technologies including electronic vendor payments and electronic imaging and transmission
of check deposits. I have expanded County acceptance of debit/credit card payments.
These electronic payments have doubled during my term as Treasurer because my office
has worked with other county offices to expand ecommerce on line payment options for
citizens. I have reduced the risk of check fraud and greatly improved the efficiency of
county financial offices by automating the check writing for all departments. My
experience as County Treasurer provides me with a detailed understanding of complex
banking and accounting system issues, technology projects, statutes and procedures which
qualifies me to continue service as Dallas County Treasurer. In addition to my experience
and knowledge gained working as Treasurer, I earned a Masters Degree at UTA (81) and as
Treasurer I have received extensive professional training including certification through the
Texas Association of Counties County Investment Officer Certification Program. Based on
my experience, knowledge, accomplishments in office and educational background and
professional training I believe I am the best candidate to serve as County Treasurer.
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uniquely qualify you to serve as Dallas County Treasurer?
A: I am the only candidate with experience serving as County Treasurer. I am the only
candidate with 16 years working for Dallas County Government and who has a detailed
knowledge of the finances, budget and operations of County Government and the County
Treasurer’s office. I am the only candidate with established, positive working
relationships with other County officials and staff. These relationships have resulted in
collaboration and cooperation that has made County Government more efficient and less
costly to taxpayers while maintaining needed public services in spite of budgetary
challenges and a decline tax base and revenue. County government is run based on
statute. I am the only candidate with experience analyzing the statutes and with an
understanding of the policies and processes involved in the management of the County
Treasurer’s office. I have a clear set of objectives for the County Treasurer’s office and we
have made great progress toward the goals of increased electronic banking, automated
enhancement of our accounting processes through the use of new technology. When
re-elected I will continue to build on the improvements that have been made in the
Treasurer’s office and complete the work that has been started in my first term as County
Treasurer.
Q: For better or worse, the Dallas County Treasurer is determined by partisan election.
job.
A: The job of County Treasurer involves non partisan responsibilities to protect public
funds, serving as the County’s banker and investor, receipting and disbursement of county
funds, cash management and accounting for those funds. As County Treasurer I have
performed this work in a non partisan and cooperative manner with officials of both parties
because that is what is best for the citizens of Dallas County. I am a lifelong Dallas
County Democrat. I am proud of the Dallas County Democratic Party and the Democrat
elected officials that I have served with. These Democrats have worked cooperatively and
hard to make County Government less costly and more efficient than it was when we took
office. Chris Semos for whom I worked during the twelve years he served as County
Commissioner was a great example of a positive cooperative hardworking public servant
and Democrat. He campaigned hard during election years but always treated County
Government as he would his business seeking to work in a common sense, cooperative
manner to make County government operate at the lowest cost to taxpayers while
providing needed services. Chris Semos is the type of Democrat that I have modeled my
public service career after.
Q: What does the Dallas County Treasurer need most and how would you assure that the
office gets what it needs. Are there other service reforms you favor and how will you push
them if elected?
A: I am working to be re-elected because I believe under my management the Dallas
County Treasurers office and County Government have made great progress in the past
four years. I want to complete the work that began during my first term. My focus will
continue to be how to use new technology to improve efficiency and reduced costs while
maintaining needed County services. Future support for these goals from Commissioners
Court, County Auditor, Budget office and Information Technology Department will come
from confidence in my management that has been earned over the past four years and the
positive results that I have produced during my first term as County Treasurer.
Immediate issues in the Treasurer’s office include: Expansion of electronic vendor
payments by working with vendors and Purchasing Department and the Depository Bank is
a goal. Continue expansion of ecommerce payment options for citizens and businesses.
The Depository Bank Request for Proposal process for new Bank Depository and Merchant
Services contracts due in June 2011 need to be successfully managed to achieve
competitive interest rates at the lowest cost through competitive bidding process.
Financial management software and programming enhancements that increase efficiency
and provide automated tools to assist Treasurer’s office reconciliation of bank accounts and
credit card payment settlements is a goal. Credit card payments have doubled in number
and volume of funds in three years and multiple credit card processors add complexity.
Civil District Court, No. 44

Description:
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Carlos Cortez
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Carlos Cortez
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgecarloscortez.com
Questions:
A: Approximately 40 years
A: 44th State Civil District Judge
A: As in years past, this year I have supported multiple charities/civic programs including
Habitat for Humanity, March of Dimes and Ready to Work. I continue to provide continuing
legal education seminars to our legal community through the DBA & TTLA. This year was
highlighted by being honored with the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award.
A: I have dedicated hundreds of hours of pro bono service including being part of the
largest pro bono endeavor in the history of American jurisprudence working with the U.S.
Department of Justice, through our government’s 9-11 Victim Compensation Fund, in
providing free legal services to thousands of injured rescue workers, police, firefighters as
well as the families of victims who died in the 9-11 terrorist attack in New York City,
Pennsylvania and the Pentagon. I also provided free legal services with the Dallas Bar
Association in assisting Hurricane Katrina victims who had come to Dallas. Other previous
civic involvement/accomplishment highlights include: * Distinguished Alumni Award -
Texas Wesleyan University School of Law - 2010 * Texas Center for the Judiciary Evidence
Summit - 1st Place Medal 2008-2009 * Best Court Coordinator & Clerk of all State Civil
Courts in Dallas Co. - DBA 2008-2009 * DVAP Pro Bono Award - Hurricane Katrina Victims
in Dallas County 2006 * Guardian/Attorney Ad Litem – Dallas County, 2005-2006 * Texas
Monthly Super Lawyers – Rising Stars 2005 * 9/11 Commission Recognition for pro-bono
work for family of 9/11 decedent - 2004 * D Magazine’s Best Lawyers Under 40 in Dallas –
2004 * The National Law Journal – Top Verdicts of 2003 * TLC,Inc., Pro Bono Legal Work
for 9/11 families, 2002-2004 * Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation * March of
Dimes * Habitat for Humanity - Worker & Donor * Texas Special Olympics * Children’s
Medical Center – Dallas * Dallas Children’s Charities * North Texas Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society * Cystic Fibrosis Foundation * Muscular Dystrophy Association * Autism Treatment
Centers of Texas * P.E.T.A. (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) * Dallas County
Sheriff’s F.O.P. – Deputy Santa Program * S.P.C.A. of Texas * Head Start Schools for
Children – Socorro Gonzalez School * The Jubilee Foundation for Children – O. M. Roberts
Elementary School * National Multiple Sclerosis Society * DBA Volunteer Attorney Program
* DHBA – Student Scholarship Fund * DAYL Mentor to Students * DAYL Mentor to Attorneys
* Ready to Work – At risk High School Children * National Philanthropic Trust Breast
Cancer Fund
A: 44th State Civil District Court - 2006 116th State Civil District Court - 2004
A: All campaign donations are public and can be viewed online at the Texas Ethics
Commission website.
A: All campaign contributors can be viewed online at the Texas Ethics Commission website.
A: No.
A: I hold as role models all judges who have shown the ability to preside over the merits
of a case based on the law as it is applied to the facts regardless of the political or personal
consequences. That is why I hold Judge Barbara Lynn in such high regard. Judge Barbara
Lynn reminds me a great deal of Judge "Barefoot" Sanders (who swore me in as Judge of
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the 44th State Civil District Court).

A: Mercy would apply more in criminal cases and criminal judges than in civil cases and
civil judges. Civil judges instruct jurors, as they begin formal deliberation on a case, that
bias, prejudice or sympathy cannot play any part in their deliberations. As a judge, I abide
by the same instructions I give my jurors.
A: Quite simple... treat the attorneys and their clients the way you wanted to be treated
when you were an attorney practicing law. The day judges forget what it is like to be an
attorney is the day they need to get off the bench.
A: Only in the rarest of occassions when a jury’s decision has clearly compromised the law
and the integrity of the judicial system does a judge have the responsibility to intervene.
However, we do not need activist judges who overturn a jury's decision for their own
political ideology. Our court system was founded on the idea of a trial by jury system as
outlined in the 7th Amendment and as protected by our U.S. and Texas Constitutions.
Thomas Jefferson said, "I consider trial by jury as the only anchor yet devised by man, by
which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution".
Q: As a lawyer or judge, what types of cases have you typically handled?
A: As the 44th State Civil District Court Judge, I have presided over hundreds of jury trials,
non-jury trials and hearings. Typically, our cases consist of business and tort litigation,
however, I have presided over high profile cases including the historic global $45 billion
dollar sale of TXU Energy, which was the largest case of its kind ever filed in the history of
the United States.
Conduct Committee? If so, please explain the dispositions.
A: The Judicial Conduct Commission has never sanctioned or reprimanded me (publicly or
privately) on any complaint.
A: I have never had a complaint filed against me with the Grievance Committee and I
have never had any private or public action taken against me by the Grievance
Committee.
A: Justice is never served by artificially limiting or enhancing damages that a party may
receive by a jury of his/her peers. “One size fits all” is not justice. I believe that our fellow
citizens, who hear the cases day in and day out, are the ones who are in the best position
to decide the merits of a case, not politicians or lobbyists in Austin or Washington, DC. I
believe in the 7th Amendment and I believe in the trial by jury system and it is because of
that belief that with respect to the judicial branch of government, I chose to run as a
Democrat. (I do not believe, however, that judges should be selected or run in partisan
political elections).
A: As long as the Texas Constitution provides for the election of judges, it should be the
people of this State, not one person or a politically appointed star chamber committee who
should decide who presides over their courts. Why is this method as good or better than
the Governor appointed the judiciary as in some states? An example occured in 2004, the
Dallas Morning News along with every major newspaper in Texas wrote on Governor
Perry’s comments concerning his appointments to the Texas Supreme Court and
specifically concerning a pending lawsuit before the Texas Supreme Court, in which
approximately 200 school districts including Dallas, Plano, Coppell and Richardson had
asserted that the state inadequately funded education and that the finance plan at the time
was unconstitutional. Governor Perry commented that he had appointed 5 of the justices
of the Supreme Court of Texas and helped a 6th justice get elected and therefore he knew
how the Texas Supreme Court would rule in that pending school finance case. The
alternative which is to have the political appointment of judges by a Governor or some star
chamber committee does not eliminate the politics, money or the appearance of
impropriety. My political philosophy is that people should become informed voters and
vote for the person not the political party. Although, I do not believe that judges should be
elected in political partisan elections, I do believe judges should be held accountable to the
people they preside over. Therefore, I would support judicial races to be non-partisan
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elections. I would further support lowering the limits on donations from law firms to the
same amount an individual can donate. I say this knowing that as a judge seeking another
term, I would be restricting my ability to raise money over future challengers. Even so, it
is the right thing to do and I would support such a change to help any false public
perception.
appearance of impropriety.” In light of that, should judges accept campaign contributions
from lawyers who have appeared, or may appear, before them in court?
A: The law allows lawyers to give campaign contributions to all political candidates
including judges. There is little argument, that it is the lawyers who know the judges the
best and therefore are the ones in the best position to contribute to those judges who are
fair, smart and hard working. I would, however, suggest limiting campaign contributions
from law firms to the same limits than an individual can give, thereby lessening any false
perception of impropriety by the public.
Q: What specific innovations would you implement in your court to improve its efficiency?
A: Since taking over the bench in 2007, I implemented immediate changes that improved
the efficiency of this Court. I immediately increased the number of hearing dates and
times available to attorneys to present their motions, specifically assigned certain hearings
to associate judges that were less likely to be appealed and re-argued before me a 2nd
time, and provided special settings for lengthier more complex trials were a few examples.
As a result, we have resolved more cases, had quicker hearing/trials and lowered our net
cost per dispostion saving hundreds of thousands of tax payer dollars in my Court over the
past 4 years. And unlike other courts, I have done all of this WITHOUT cutting salary or
firing staff. We have also implemented increased online internet capability where
parties/attorneys can view online the Court’s policies/procedures and docket to help
prepare them for matters before the Court. We are also "going green" which will further
lower our costs. We are also improving our jury services to be more cost effective and
quicker so our jurors don't have to sit around and wait as long.
Q: How much influence should a judge exercise in encouraging parties to settle a case
before trial? How much would you influence that decision?
A: In my opinion, judges should require the litigants to attend mediation prior to trial.
There are rare exceptions where because of the type of litigation, mediation is unavailable
(i.e. workers comp appeals). I do not believe judges should influence or engage in
settlement negotiations.
A: I am running for this office because of my firm belief that courts should not have activist
judges legislating from the bench. Judges must rule in accordance with the letter of the law
as it applies to the facts of the case in an efficient and timely manner. I am the only
candidate with judicial experience. I know the challenges that face a State Civil District
Court Judge. The people of Dallas County do not need the judge of this Court making
rulings on a “learning curve”. Our citizens deserve their important business to be handled
immediately and correctly so there will be neither justice delayed nor justice denied. I'm
prompted to run for another term because I want to continue the award winning work we
have done in this Court creating a fair forum for attorneys to advocate the rights of their
cleitns who seek justice. I am running simply because of my sincere belief that the
Judiciary should be a place for qualified, experienced, independent jurists who do not owe
political favors or their legal careers to other lawyers or law firms. I also believe I have a
responsibility as the ONLY Hispanic civil judge in any of the 18 civil courts in Dallas County.
Dallas County needs a judiciary that opens the doors of justice to all Dallas residents
regardless of privilege, background or connections. The Dallas Judiciary should reflect all in
Dallas County and represent all in Dallas County. I was prompted to run for this office
because I grew very frustrated with politicians who make decisions based on what helps
them get re-elected. If politicians just focus on how to get re-elected then they are not
making the best decisions for the people who elect them. I was prompted to get involved
in the legal profession and into politics because of a quote I read while in school. It was
said by a man in 1963 while sitting in an Alabama jail cell. He wrote that "Our lives begin
to end the day we become silent about the things that matter." We have seen in this
county and in this country what happens when people sit silent about important matters. I
wanted to be a part of a profession and a process that could speak out and that would
stand up about things that mattered. That is what prompted me to run for office.
goal.
A: One example that quickly comes to mind was last year when the Dallas County
Commissioners Court voted to re-classify our court reporters under the FLSA. This would
have been problematic to the Courts, expensive to the County, but more importantly
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would have been devastating to the men and women who serve as our court reporters. I
was asked by over 40 judges in Dallas County and by the Dallas court reporters to speak
on their behalf in front of the Commissioners Court in an attempt to have the
Commissioners Court change their mind. (That's always easy) I remember addressing the
Commissioners Court on a Tuesday morning to convince them to change the vote they had
made just the day before on Monday afternoon. They agreed. We were able to convince
the Dallas County Commissioners Court to wait to allow us to seek an opinion by the
Depatment of Labor concerning the matter before they would re-classify our court
reporters. I have done this on other occasions on important issues facing the judiciary in
front of the Commissioners Court. Having your fellow judges trust you and place their faith
in you is by far the best compliment I have ever received as a judge.
Gene Roberts
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Gene Roberts
Street Address: 4925 Greenville Avenue, Suite 300
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214.572.7285
E-mail Address: gene@generobertsforjudge.com
Campaign Web Site Address: generobertsforjudge.com
facebook.com/generobertsforjudge
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/OV5APmU6EIA&hl=en
Questions:
A: I was born in Dallas County and I have resided in Dallas County since 1995.
A: I am an attorney and a mediator.
A: Member, Professional Mediator Committee of the Dispute Resolution System Board;
Member of the Board, Texas Association of Mediators; President, Association for Conflict
Resolution-Dallas Chapter; President, Lawtherwood Homeowners' Association; Speaker,
College and Career Day at Hotchkiss Elementary School; Sunday School Teacher,
Northway Christian Church; Guest judge for advocacy competitions at Texas Wesleyan
University School of Law
A: Eagle Scout; Rising Star in Business Litigation by Law & Politics Magazine/Texas
Monthly; Member of the Executive Committee, Northway Christian Church; Volunteer,
Habitat for Humanity Team member, mission trips to Honduras; Volunteer attorney
through the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program and Legal Lines; Founded the Volunteer
Income Tax Assistance program at the SMU School of Law; Board of Directors, Iglesias de
Oasis de Esperanza (Oasis of Hope); Moot court coach, SMU School of Law
A: This is my first time to run for public office.
A: I have raised $12,470 dollars.
A: Gardere Wynn & Sewell LLP, SettlePou, and Hunton & Williams.
A: No.
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A: I have had the opportunity to appear before many courts in this state, and because my
selection of a particular sitting judge as a role model could be viewed as an impermissible
endorsement under applicable ethical guidelines, I will provide important qualities I have
observed in judges instead of names. These qualities include fidelity to the laws as they
are written, preparation for hearings, timely decisions, impartiality, and exercising a
proper judicial temperament that promotes dignity and decorum.
A: Mercy is a concept usually associated with criminal law. Judges and jurors in criminal
courts may have discretion in imposing sentences. The 44th District Court is a civil court,
where monetary damages are awarded (or not awarded) based upon evidence presented
at trial. While our humanity should not be forgotten when we are reviewing a case,
decisions made by judges and juries must be within the parameters of the law.
A: Judicial temperament means that a judge takes an even-handed and respectful
approach to the attorneys and parties who are before the judge, as well as to fellow
jurists, members of the legal community, and to all people with whom the judge comes
into contact. An appropriate temperament also means that the judge is hard-working, fair,
and applies the law as written.
A: A judge should overrule a jury's decision only on rare occasions. The Texas Rules of Civil
Procedure and applicable case law outline the situations when a judge may overrule a
jury's decision, including if there is no evidence to support a jury finding, if an issue
contrary to the jury's finding was established as a matter of law, or if there is a legal
reason that prevents a party from prevailing.
A: I have practiced law for over a decade, and in that time I have handled a wide variety
of cases, including breach of contract matters, employment issues, real estate disputes,
landlord/tenant cases (residential and commercial), home construction cases,
garnishment, sequestration, condemnation, and personal injury litigation.
A: Not applicable.
A: No.
A: As a general rule, the Republican party most closely aligns itself with the philosophy
that a judge should follow the law as it is written, and not how the judge may desire the
law to be. Otherwise, partisanship does not have a place in the courtroom. A judge should
conduct himself impartially.
A: Every system of selecting judges has limitations. While I appreciate the level of
accountability that electing judges provides, the need for judicial candidates to raise
money for elections is troubling because it can give the impression that people, firms, and
interests have access to the courts that others may not have.
A: Whether one agrees with the current system of electing judges or not, the law allows
judges and judicial candidates to accept campaign contributions and they may elect to limit
the amount of campaign contributions in accordance with the Judicial Campaign Fairness
Act as I have. Judges have an absolute responsibility to determine if they are able to
impartially administer justice and to avoid the appearance of impropriety. If a judge is
unable to discharge this function, the judge should recuse himself.
A: There are a number of procedures that courts outside of Dallas County use as part of
their pre-trial process, including the use of scheduling conferences, electronic filing, and
hearings by submission, for example. I would work with my fellow judges, members of the
local bar, and the District Clerk to explore the possibilities to improve the efficiency of the
court so that justice is properly administered.
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A: I believe that self-determination is an important value in resolving conflicts, including
those conflicts that are in the legal system. I would work hard to encourage the parties to
settle cases prior to trial, including the use of mediation and other forms of alternative
dispute resolution. A judge cannot act as a mediator, but a judge can order parties to a
lawsuit to participate in mediation pursuant to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
A: Courts are special places in our system of government and people view courts as a
place where they can have their conflict heard by an impartial judge. My experience as an
attorney for over a decade, handling a wide variety of cases, representing clients from
individuals to international ventures, and working in a mid-sized firm, a large firm, and
most recently on my own, provides me with the breadth of experience necessary to serve
the residents of Dallas County as judge of this court. My training and experience as a
mediator taught me how to be neutral in listening to disputes, an important quality for a
judge.
goal.
A: SMU's School of Law requires students to participate in public service as a graduation
requirement. In my second year of law school, I established the Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance program for law students to assist eligible individuals throughout the county in
completing their tax returns. VITA is still in existence and has served the students at SMU's
School of Law and the residents of Dallas County for over a decade.

Description:
Martin Hoffman
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Martin Hoffman
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
E-mail Address: hoffmancampaign@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: judgemartinhoffman@aol.com
Questions:
A: 18 years.
A: Civil District Judge-68th District Court
A: I was appointed by DBA President to co-chair the bench bar committee and to serve as
the judicial liaison to the Summer Law Intern program committee. I also co-chair the DBA
Clerk Coordinator seminar. I have also been honored for my work with the judicial
internship program by the Dallas Area Young Lawyers (I have personally place over 25
interns in my court over the last four years). Additionally, I was selected as a DAYL fellow.
I was recently appointed to the Vision 2020 Commission by the current Dallas Bar
Association President where I organized a subcommittee of judges to offer ideas about the
issues facing the judiciary of the next 10 years. I organized a yearly seminar for the Dallas
Association of Young Lawyers on different subjects including Voir Dire and Closing
Statements. I also judge numerous mock trial rounds for the DBA including the final rounds
of the Region 10 and DISD tournaments. I am a member of the Mac Taylor Inn of Court. I
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serve as the judicial liason to the Dallas Bar Association Law Day program where I help
provide a program for over 150 high school students who visit the courthouse. I conduct
tours of the courthouse for the Dallas Area Young Lawyers every year and for other high
school and college groups.
A: I served on the board of the Dallas Homeowners League (DHL) and Texas
Neighborhoods Together. I was also volunteer legal counsel for the Northhaven Park and
Park Royal Neighborhood Associations. I was also a member of the Stemmons Corridor
Business Association. Prior to taking the bench, I served on the board of Texas
Neighborhoods Together. This is a statewide lobbying group that was formed to lobby the
legislature on neighborhood issues. I served as President of this organization for one year
and as the member representative from Dallas for over seven years. I helped lobby the
legislature to oppose insurance redlining, to keep liquor stores away from schools, and for
laws to limit SLAPP suits. I spent countless hours serving the citizens of Dallas County
through my work with the Dallas Homeowners League and many other organizations. I
served on the board of directors of the DHL for ten years and previously served as
President for three years. DHL is the oldest citywide alliance of neighborhood organizations
in the State of Texas with over 100 chapters. Every year, DHL hosts the Neighborhood Boot
Camp, which was founded during my tenure as President. Over the ten years that I was on
the board, I helped to train hundreds of neighborhood leaders. I also moderated a number
of debates put on by this organization including a debate between Mayor Miller and the
group opposing the Strong Mayor proposal. I also served on the steering committee of the
Dallas Plan Neighborhood Fair and on the board of Keep Dallas Beautiful.
A: In May 2001, I was elected to serve as an at-large member to the Board of Trustees of
Dallas County Schools against a fourteen-year incumbent. I was fortunate to win this
countywide race by a margin of 63% to 37%. I was appointed to serve on the Budget and
Finance Committee and eventually was appointed to serve as Chair of the Long Term
Initiatives Committee from 2003 to 2005. In May 2005, although I was the youngest
member of the Board, the Board of Trustees elected me to be its Vice-President. I was also
appointed to serve as Chair of the Personnel and Compensation Committee and to serve
on the Budget and Finance Committee and the Building Committee.
A: Over $250,000. I have received support from both sides of the legal community and
from various non-legal groups including medical associations and unions.
A: I have numerous significant contributors including K & L Gates (formerly Hughes &
Luce), Bickel & Brewer and Frank Branson.
A: I was briefly detained in college for late payment of a traffic violation.
A: I great admire my fellow judges among the Dallas County judiciary. It is extremely
difficult to chose one judge over the others. I greatly admired Federal District Judge Royal
Ferguson. He personifies the type of judge that I strive to emulate. His passionate
advocacy for protecting the right to a trial by jury is refreshing as this precious right is
under constant assault.
A: I think this is a very difficult question. I admire the efforts of District Attorney Craig
Watkins. In the civil justice system, a judge must always remember that mercy must be
tempered by a commitment to fairness and equal justice
A: The American Bar Association defines it as having "compassion, decisiveness,
openmindedness, sensitivity, courtesy, patience and freedom from bias and committment
to equal justice." I believe that appropriate judicial temperament is showing respect and
fairness to all the litigants to appear before you.
A: I believe judges should show great deference to a jury's decision. Texas law provides
specific standards for when a judge should overrule a jury's decision. For example, a judge
should overrule a jury's decision when the verdict is against the overwhelming weight of
the evidence, when newly discovered evidence would have changed the result if it had
been presented, or when jury misconduct had occurred.
A: In private practice, I have handled complex litigation on both sides of the docket,
although my primary experience has been on the plaintiff’s side. I started my practice by
working on complicated cases involving employment law, governmental liability, premises
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liability and vehicular injuries. My practice later shifted to a greater emphasis on products
liability and I discontinued practicing in the area of employment law. In my career on the
bench, I have tried numerous complex cases to verdict and handled numerous other cases
through resolution.
A: None that I am aware of.
A: I had one complaint filed against me by an opposing party in litigation. It was
determined to be unfounded.
A: I am a lifelong member of the Democratic Party. I have been involved in Democratic
politics for over twenty years. I am former President of the Texas Young Democrats and
was Ann Richards state youth coordinator. I have worked extensively to help build the
Democratic Party in Dallas County. I have been endorsed by virtually every Democratic
elected official including Senator Royce West, District Attorney Craig Watkins, State
Representatives Yvonne Davis, Rafael Anchia, Roberto Alonzo, Allen Vaught, Carol Kent,
Kirk England and Robert Miklos. I was also endorsed by former State Representative
Domingo Garcia. I have also been endorsed by Councilmembers Pauline Medrano, Tennel
Atkins and Angela Hunt as well as DISD School Board member Adam Medrano. Some of
my other endorsements include: District Clerk Gary Fitzsimmons, County Clerk John
Warren, County Tax Assessor John Ames and County Treasurer Joe Wells. In the primary, I
was endorsed by every Democratic organization and by every non-partisan organization as
well. I have a strong belief in social justice and equal opportunity. I believe that the party
platform of the Democratic party more closely fits with my overall belief system.
A: I believe that all methods for selection of judges are inherently political. I would defer
to the legislature to determine this very thorny issue. I agree that the current method of
selection is extremely problematic. Judges are required to raise significant amounts of
money to effectively communicate with voters. The principal donors to most elected judges
and candidates are attorneys. I believe the legislature should address this issue.
A: I agree that the current method of selection is extremely problematic. Judges are
required to raise significant amounts of money to effectively communicate with voters. The
principal donors to most elected judges and candidates are attorneys. I believe the
legislature should address this issue.
A: I have worked extensively over the last three years to improve the efficiency of my
court. In the last annual budget report by Dallas County, my court had the lowest pending
case count, lowest total expenses and second lowest case cost per disposition among the
thirteen civil district courts. I have increased the number of hearings scheduled on my
hearing docket, which has cut the waiting time for parties to get hearings in my court by
half. I have always worked closely with the associate judge who is assigned to my court to
process default judgments more expeditiously.
A: I am a strong believer in alternative dispute resolution. I appoint a mediator in almost
every case filed in my court. I am extremely reluctant to become involved in personally
encouraging the parties to settle. I will inquire of parties whether they feel additional
mediation would be helpful and will attempt to facilitate additional time with a mediator if
the parties feel it would be helpful.
A: I initially ran for judge because it combined my two great loves: law and public service.
I have been active in the community my entire adult life. I always believed that public
service was in my future. In my over five years of service on the Dallas County School
Board, I have learned that public service requires responsibility, integrity and
independence. I have always attempted to embody those goals during my career as a
judge. I am running for reelection to this bench, because I truly love being a judge. I
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believe that I have made a significant difference both inside and outside the courtroom. My
court is more efficient than when I took the bench. I have also had an opportunity to be a
mentor to numerous high school, college and law students through the judicial internship
program.
goal.
A: I have had numerous opportunities to provide leadership both in my professional career
and as part of my civic activities. In my civic activities, I have lead the Dallas Homeowners
League in founding and organizing the highly successful Neighborhood Boot Camp
program. This is a program that has persisted for over a decade. It is the most significant
program put on by the Dallas Homeowners League every year. I personally helped
planned the agenda for almost a decade. I also taught seminars at the program for about
ten years. I trained hundreds of neighborhood leaders over the years..

Description:
Martin "Marty" Lowy

Party: D
Biographical Info:
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Description:
Mike Lee
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Mike Lee
Street Address: 4441 Norris St.
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 972-437-4470
E-mail Address: mike@mikeleeforjudge.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.mikeleeforjudge.com Facebook: DallasMike
Facebook: Mike Lee for Judge on 116th District Court
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/ByYCcp_rnd0&hl=en
Questions:
A: I have lived in Dallas County my whole life, now more than 50 years.
A: Attorney.
A: Member, School Advisory Council, Holy Trinity Catholic School, 1991 through present;
have served three separate multi-year stints as President of the Council, and currently
serve as Council Secretary and Chair of the Finance Committee. Head Track and Field
Coach, Holy Trinity Catholic School, 2003 through present. Trustee, Pat Sheeran Trust, a
trust for the benefit of Texas attorneys needing funds for treatment of mental disabilities
and/or addictions, 2001 through present. Member, Board of Directors, Texas Lawyers
Concerned for Lawyers, 2001 through present; recipient of the 2010 Ralph A. Mock
Memorial Award “For Enduring Contribution to Texas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers.”
A: Member, Parish Pastoral Council, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2004-2006; and, member
of the parish Faith Formation Commission, 2003-2008. Attorney monitor for the Board of
Law Examiners and the local Grievance Committee, several occasions since 1996,
monitoring attorneys with probationary licenses for compliance with the conditions of their
probationary status. Chair, Holy Trinity School Vision 2000, A Task Force for Educational
Excellence, 1991-92. President, Texas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers, 2003-04; and,
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State Convention Chair, 2006 and 2007. President, Dallas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers,
1999-2000. Short North Dallas Community Development Corporation - Member, Board of
Directors, 1995-98; Secretary, 1996-98. Bryan Place Homeowners Association, President
1991-94, Vice President 1989-91.
A: 2008, Candidate for Judge, the 162nd District Court of Dallas County. 2002, Candidate
for State Representative, House District 107.
A: As of the date of completion of this survey, $2,885.
A: Mr. Clint Bowen; Taber Estes Thore & Carr PLLC; Gardere Wynn Sewell LLP.
A: Justice Clarence Thomas. Justice Thomas has remained a model of judicial humility and
integrity, despite sometimes being portrayed as something of a lesser justice and as
someone not deserving of his place on the Court. He has remained true to his
interpretations of the writings he is asked to interpret, particularly the Constitution of the
United States. I hold him in high regard for both his judicial temperament and for his
intellectual integrity.
A: For a civil bench such as the 116th District Court for which I am a candidate, "mercy" as
it is commonly understood should not play much of a role, if any. But, I offer this caveat:
application of the rule of law, irrespective of the court's personal view of proper public
policy, and doing so in an efficient and humble manner is a truly merciful act.
A: Fairness to all sides willing to state reasonable interpretations of the facts and the law,
combined with a palpable recognition that the court and all court officers are public
servants and stewards of the public trust. The court exists to serve the public and, in
particular, the litigants and their representatives, the attorneys -- not the other way
around.
A: Only when the facts heard at trial establish conclusively that the verdict was erroneous.
A: For most of my career, I have had a state-wide practice, largely consisting of the
defense of personal injury tort claims. This has included motor vehicle (automobile,
trucking, bus, and train) personal injury cases; premises personal injury claims; products
liability claims; some medical malpractice claims representing hospitals; insurance
coverage litigation; and Deceptive Trade Practices Act and Insurance Code litigation. I also
have extensive experience handling workers' compensation claims and some commercial
and banking litigation. In Dallas County, I have been attorney of record in well over 500
cases, and I have had significant experience in each of our surrounding counties,
particularly in Tarrant, Denton, and Collin Counties. Several of my clients have been
national companies with a presence throughout the state, and this has permitted me to
handle significant litigation throughout the state, particularly in Harris County and its
surrounding counties; throughout East Texas; in McLennan and Bexar Counties; in several
counties in the Valley and as far west as El Paso. For the last 20 years, I have also handled
the defense of juvenile delinquency cases, generally upon appointment from the juvenile
courts of Dallas County.
A: Not applicable.
A: One complaint has been filed against me. It was non-suited (that is, dismissed)as
unfounded by counsel for the Commission on Lawyer Discipline, and the Grievance
Committee granted the dismissal.
A: I have been a Republican for all of my adult life, so I didn't have to "choose" the
Republican Party "for this race." I am a Republican because the Republican Party stands for
a government which has a limited role in our individual and civic lives; a government
which remains loyal to its founding documents; a government which honors the individual
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and understands that we will act in our own best interest and achieve great things if we are
allowed to so act; a government which respects the right to acquire and possess property
free of the desires of others to forcibly take that property (through taxation or otherwise)
for uses that others wish to make of that property; a government which respects life and
our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and, a government which
understands that the best government is the government which governs least.
A: I do. In a perfect world, I'd prefer non-partisan elections, and I understand that the
partisan election method for selection of judges is not perfect; but, every other method in
currect usage or proposed for this state has problems that I believe are as least as great
as partisan elections. This is especially true in urban areas, such as Dallas County, where
judges are relatively obscure to the voting public; here, partisan identity at least provides
some measure for the majority of voters to determine the judicial philosophy of the
respective candidates. I'm afraid that non-partisan elections would result in an electorate
blindly picking their judges. A suggestion I have that might improve the process is to
divorce the judicial elections from the elections for political seats (the executive and
legislative posts) - perhaps judicial elections could be held in the odd-numbered years,
along with the state constitution amendment elections.
A: The Code of Judicial Conduct, promulgated by the same Supreme Court, and legislation
in this state specifically permit judicial candidates to solicit funds for campaign expenses;
so the oath does not act as a prohibition to lawyers making campaign contributions and
judges or judicial candidates accepting them. While this is a problem, I do believe it is
appropriate for judges and judicial candidates to accept such campaign contributions. The
alternatives either (1) saddle the taxpayer with the cost of supporting the campaigns of the
respective candidates, or (2) effectively silence that group of citizens, namely attorneys,
who have the greatest insight into the operation of the courts.
A: (1) I plan to initiate a submission docket to provide for the consideration of motions that
do not require oral argument. (2) I will see to it that parties who want hearings on matters
can have a hearing on and determination of non-dispositive motions within 3 weeks of
filing, and on dispositive motions within 6 weeks. (3) I anticipate occasionally running two
trials at the same time. This can be especially effective when two cases are set the same
week, neither of which is expected to last a full week but which, if tried consecutively, will
last more than a week. With breaks in the morning, for lunch and in the afternoon, a
typical jury will hear no more than 5 1/2, maybe 6, hours of evidence in a normal trial
day; and, it is unrealistic to ask a jury to hear more than that in a given day. However, if
two trials are being conducted at the same time, one in the morning and one in the
afternoon, each jury can hear evidence for 3 1/2 to four hours per day; and, generally, the
presentation of evidence will be improved because the attorneys, litigants, and jury
members will be fresher and better prepared for each court session. This would permit the
court to have more efficient use of the element which is in shortest supply -- time. (4) I
am a big proponent in the use of email and scanned documents; and, to the extent
possible within the limitations imposed by courthouse network security, will encourage
litigants to exchange with the court electronic copies of documents to be reviewed at
hearings in advance of those hearings. Hopefully this will reduce the clutter of paper and
permit better preparation of the court in advance of hearings. (5) I will invite the litigants
to an informal hearing once a case has been filed and answered, where hopefully the
litigants and the court can reach broad agreements as to the a schedule for disposition of
the case, rather than having the court impose an arbitrary schedule.
A: Two decades ago, I was quite leery of court-ordered mediation. However, I have found
mediation to be a very effective means of alternative dispute resolution. I anticipate that
the litigants would be encouraged to mediate prior to litigating in my court. However, I do
not anticipate that I would be intimately involved in the settlement discussions, as the
settlement process should be held outside the presence of the individual who is the arbiter
of the law and the evidence and the ultimate arbiter of the facts of an individual case.
A: Government, public service, politics, and public policy are passions of mine and have
been for my entire adult life, going back at least to my college degree. Couple that with
my trial court experience and I believe I am well-suited and well-prepared to serve as the
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presiding judge of one of the main trial courts of this state, and I would be honored to be
selected by the voters to so serve. I specifically chose to run for this court because it is the
Dallas County civil court with the greatest need for a judge with my level of experience -
the docket of this court, compared to the other civil district courts, shows the inefficiency
that has plagued the 116th District Court for several years. I can get this docket under
control.
goal.
A: In 1991, I was asked by my pastor to serve on a parochial school task force, to study
and make recommendations about Holy Trinity Catholic School. At the time, the school
was in distress, and there were significant concerns about its viability. I ended up chairing
the task force. After a year of study, surveying, and consideration of options and
alternatives, we concluded the school was quite viable and, with the implementation of
certain strategies, likely to excel. My chairmanship resulted in by being named the chair of
the reconstituted school advisory council (then known as the "school board"), and I remain
a member of the SAC through the present time. In that period of time, Holy Trinity
Catholic School has grown and thrived. While I certainly cannot claim credit for that growth
or the current status of the school, my chairmanship of the task force and membership on
the subsequent SAC certainly has played a role in that growth and status.
Tonya Parker
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Tonya Parker
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: N/A
Mobile Phone Number: I can be reached via my office phone number at 214-855-6869.
Fax Number: 214-855-6808
E-mail Address: tonyaparkerforjudge@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.tonyaparkerforjudge.com
Questions:
A: I have maintained permanent residency in Dallas since 1981.
A: Attorney/salary from law firm
A: 2010 civic involvement in legal and greater Dallas communities: •Mentor to newly
licensed attorney, Dallas Bar Association (DBA) Transition to Law Program (also
participated in 2008) •Member, Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) Committee for African-
American Festival (chaired committee in 2009) •Mentor to law student, Dallas Association
of Young Lawyers (DAYL) Mentor Match Program (2007-present) •DAYL Mock Voir Dire
Program for DISD high school students (conducted demonstration on defense voir dire)
•Speaker at L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School Career Day •Legal clinic volunteer, Dallas
Volunteer Attorney Program •Panelist for Program at SMU Dedman School of Law (topic:
legal career path options) •JLTLA Trial Advocacy Series (conducted demonstration of
plaintiff's voir dire) •Panelist, DBA’s Law Student Professionalism Program (topic: the role
and importance of mentoring in the legal profession) 2010 accomplishment highlights:
•Recognized by the DAYL as Outstanding Mentor Attorney •Selected as a Texas Super
Lawyer Rising Star, as published by Texas Monthly Law & Politics Magazine •Selected as
the Democratic Nominee for the 116th Civil District Court
A: Previous civic involvement: It is well-established that our courts only have authority
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when the public has confidence in the judges who preside over them. That confidence
comes from respect, which I have earned through my service to the legal and greater
Dallas communities. Over the course of my 11-year legal career, I have been active in
several local bar associations and community organizations. My service is motivated by a
desire to bring people of different backgrounds together to provide meaningful assistance
to the community. After serving on DBA committees and initiatives designed to advance
collegiality in our bar, and teach public school children about careers in the law as well as
important legal decisions and principles, I was unanimously elected in 2006 to serve a
two-year term as an at-large member of the DBA Board of Directors. As a co-chair of the
DAYL Lawyers Promoting Diversity Committee in 2005 and 2006, I spearheaded two
significant service projects for bar leaders: 1) a project for Catholic Charities of Dallas
Immigration and Refugee Services, for which we painted and restored classrooms used for
ESL instruction; and 2) a volunteer day at a warehouse for the non-profit entity, Shoes for
Orphans Souls, where we sorted and packaged shoes to be shipped to impoverished
children across the U.S. In my role as co-chair of the J.L. Turner Legal Association’s
Community Outreach Committee in 2002 and 2003, I organized and participated in
clothing drives for ex-offenders. I have also donated my time to the Dallas Volunteer
Attorney Program legal clinics, as well as the DBA’s Legal-Lines program. In the last year
alone, I have participated in seven free legal clinics and volunteered at a clinic for
ex-offenders; wherein, I provided information on the civil implications of a felony
conviction in employment, housing, and voting rights. I also served the citizens of Dallas
as a Commissioner for the City of Dallas Community Development Commission from
2007-2009, and as Chair of the Dallas Arts District Alliance Board of Directors in 2009.
Previous accomplishment highlights: •Selection by peers as a Super Lawyer Rising Star in
2009, 2008 and 2006; •Selected in 2005 as Outstanding Young Lawyer of Dallas by the
DAYL •Selected in 2005 as an American Marshall Memorial Fellow to promote transatlantic
relations •Recipient of J.L. Turner Legal Association President’s Award (2007, 2004 and
2003) •Recipient of DBA's Outstanding Minority Bar Leader Award (2002) and Award of
Excellence (2004)
A: None
A: As of the filing of my last campaign finance report on July 15, 2010, I had raised
$69,604 in cash contributions. I also received in-kind contributions of $5,158, representing
the value of goods and services donated to the campaign.
A: 1) Kelley & Witherspoon, LLC ($5,000); 2) Gregory Shamoun, P.C. ($5,000); and 3)
McKool Smith, P.C. ($2,500), Gruber Hurst Johansen & Hail, LLP ($2,500), and Bickel &
Brewer, LLP ($2,500)
A: No
A: I uphold Judge Lorraine Raggio as a role model. She is hard-working and thoughtful in
her legal analysis. She possesses proper judicial temperament and conducts herself with
the highest integrity, on and off the bench. While she is practical in her approach to
scheduling issues, she is also conscientious about cases being handled efficiently.
A: In the context of a civil justice system, mercy manifests itself in the form of
compassion. A judge who has mercy is compassionate towards those who come before the
court. That compassion keeps her mindful of the fact that parties are before her under
unfortunate circumstances and at great expense. Mercy may fuel a judge to efficiently
administer justice so that the parties can have closure as quickly as possible. Mercy may
also motivate a judge to be thoughtful and careful in her analysis so that parties receive
decisions grounded in the law and, in the process, are treated with respect.
A: Proper judicial temperament reflects a deep appreciation for and preoccupation with the
principal of impartiality. Impartiality, in fact and in appearance, sets our country’s court
system apart from all others. Studies confirm time and again that parties are more
concerned with receiving a fair day in court than with the final outcome of their lawsuit. A
court lacking in impartiality erodes the integrity of the entire system, robbing our citizens
of a just forum to resolve disputes. Maintaining impartiality and the appearance of it, is an
important responsibility of a trial judge and should undergird a judge’s temperament.
Appropriate judicial temperament requires constant vigilance and regard for one’s conduct
on and off the bench to avoid words or deeds that undermine a citizen’s confidence in the
integrity of the judicial process. Furthermore, proper judicial temperament requires a
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judge to establish a courtroom environment that ensures all participants in the judicial
process confer and receive the utmost respect.
A: Because of the importance of the constitutional right to trial by jury, a judge should be
loath to override a jury’s verdict; however, the court may be required to set aside a jury’s
verdict if it is based on factually insufficient evidence (where evidence to support the
verdict is lacking or the verdict is against the greater weight of the evidence presented) or
is legally insufficient (where there is no evidence to support the verdict or the party is not
entitled to the verdict as a matter of law because a legal principle precludes the party from
prevailing).
A: For more than a decade, I have been a civil litigator and trial attorney in Dallas. I have
practiced almost exclusively in the civil district courts. My experience is as wide-ranging,
as the parties and matters that come before a civil district court. I have represented
parties of all types, including individuals, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and
Fortune 1000 corporations. My representation of these parties has been on both sides of
the docket, plaintiff and defendant, in disputes that involve personal injury, breach of
contract, defamation, and business torts such as fraud, fraudulent inducement, breach of
fiduciary duty, negligent misrepresentation, shareholder oppression, and business
disparagement. I have had a variety of courtroom experiences, including but not limited to
bench and jury trials; pre-trial motions to change venue, for summary judgment, to
exclude expert witnesses, and to exclude or limit certain evidence at trial; as well as
post-trial motions for entry of judgment and for judgment notwithstanding a verdict that is
unsupported by the evidence or because the law precludes it. My experience has not only
given me prior exposure to substantive and procedural issues I may face as a judge, it has
given me a greater capacity for impartiality because I have not been limited to one type of
client, area of the law, or side of the bar.
A: Not applicable
A: In 2005 I defended a local airline carrier in an unfair debt collection suit brought by a
pro se litigant. The suit was the second brought by the same pro se plaintiff against the
airline, and one of many more against other large corporations for similar claims. During
the course of the litigation, the Plaintiff filed a motion for sanctions against me for failing to
fully redact personal identification information from an exhibit filed with the court. The
subject document was heavily redacted; however, one series of numbers that included
Plaintiff’s SSN was overlooked. U.S. District Judge Paul Brown denied the motion for
sanctions because the omission was obviously inadvertent given the heavy redactions
throughout the document. Despite the court’s ruling, Plaintiff filed a complaint against me
with the State Bar on the same grounds. The State Bar referred the complaint to its
summary disposition committee, and it was dismissed on August 5, 2005.
A: I am running on the Democratic ticket because I am a Democrat and have been since I
first became eligible to vote. I joined the Democratic Party because my core values are
closely aligned with many of those espoused by that Party, and not because I
contemplated running for this court. Since judicial candidates cannot comment on issues
that may come before the court, I can only state that I am generally supportive of the
Democratic Party’s philosophies related to inclusion, quality education, service, charity,
and equal protection and application of the laws.
A: Partisan elections are not the best method for selecting judges because they can inject
politics into the judicial branch of government to an overwhelming degree. I would be in
favor of a merit-based selection system that allows a bi-partisan group of lawyers and a
cross-section of community members (i.e., a judicial nominating commission) to solicit
public comment regarding, vet, and nominate judicial candidates based upon their
qualifications, history of public service, and capacity for proper judicial temperament,
without regard for political affiliation. The commission would then make recommendations
to the governor for final selection. While not completely eliminating politics from the
judicial selection process, such a system would do more to promote an independent
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judiciary. I also believe that a merit-based selection system would attract other highly
qualified candidates, who may be disinclined to participate in the partisan election process.
A: Under the current system (which I have already stated is not ideal in my estimation), I
think the Texas Ethics Commission’s rules governing the timing and disclosure of campaign
contributions do a great deal to counter-balance the mandate that judicial candidates avoid
the appearance of impropriety against their need to raise campaign funds. Nevertheless,
judges should be mindful of the identity of their top contributors and, if those people or
firms have matters before the court, judges should be the first to disclose that information
and entertain a motion to recuse if the opposing party expresses legitimate concerns about
the judge’s ability to serve impartially.
A: With so many cases pending, judges routinely have to balance the court’s need to
allocate its time efficiently against the right of each party to a full and fair chance to be
heard. In order to address this challenge, I plan to: 1) limit the scheduling of hearings to
cases where counsel has engaged in a meaningful conference about the substance of the
motion at issue, and properly documented same in a certificate of conference that
conforms with the Local Rules; 2) implement a submission docket where cases may be
ruled on, under certain circumstances, without a hearing; 3) set aside specific days or
times each week to identify and process dormant cases that need to be prosecuted or
dismissed, as well as discovery motions that may be handled by short phone conferences
with counsel; 4) where appropriate, require parties to submit scheduling orders that
encourage them to diligently prosecute and defend their cases; and 5) streamline pre-trial
hearings and trials by requiring attorneys to: a) confer on pre-trial issues several weeks
before trial and, where possible, reach agreement regarding those issues that involve
well-settled legal principles; and b) present legal memoranda at least one week prior to
trial specifying any outstanding legal and evidentiary issues, as well as the exhibits and/or
testimony to which such issues relate.
A: A trial judge’s influence or involvement should be limited to referring cases to mediation
or other appropriate alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures. It is the public policy
of this State, as reflected in the Civil Practice & Remedies Code, to encourage the
resolution of disputes through voluntary participation in ADR. Thus, a trial judge cannot
and should not attempt to strong-arm parties into settlement. However, the law permits a
trial court to, on its own motion, refer a pending dispute for resolution through an ADR
procedure. Given the high volume of cases that settle prior to trial, limited resources, and
backlogged dockets, as a general rule, I will exercise the authority to refer parties to
mediation before a matter is tried but only after the case has been developed such that
meaningful negotiations can take place. I will also require bona fide party representatives
to attend mediation.
A: I have long aspired to become a member of the judiciary, for several reasons. First and
most fundamentally, I hold an abiding esteem for our civil justice system because it is the
vehicle through which the most basic rights I enjoy today have been secured. Second, my
passion for trial advocacy has always motivated me to become a trial judge. Finally, my
desire to make a meaningful difference in our profession prompted me to seek the bench.
I believe I can further elevate the quality of our bar through what I give to and require of
it, in terms of preparedness, respect, candor, and overall professionalism.
goal.
A: In 2006, I lead the effort to establish the DAYL’s Dinner and Dialogue program, which
has since become an annual event for members of the Dallas bar. As a co-chair of the
Lawyers Promoting Diversity Committee, the president of DAYL approached me about
having an event, similar to the Dallas Dinner Table, which would encourage communication
among lawyers about race relations. At that time, our country was deeply divided due to
the political climate. People of different political parties simply disagreed without dialogue
or any effort to understand and respect an opposing view or the person possessing it.
Accordingly, I led the Committee’s effort to organize “An Evening of Dinner and Dialogue”
for members of the bar to discuss issues involving race, gender, religion, healthcare,
politics, sexual orientation and gender identity, education, and familial status. More than
100 judges and lawyers attended the inaugural event. The Dinner was carefully
orchestrated, through information acquired from pre-event questionnaires, to make sure
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every table had a diversity of perspectives. At the beginning of the evening, Dinner
participants were given ground-rules, created by the Anti-Defamation League, designed to
promote productive and respectful dialogue. Attendees were required to select cards from
a container that directed them to argue for or against various positions on the range of
social issues presented. After an hour and a half of “dialoguing” at a specific table,
participants were relocated (for the dessert phase of the Dinner) to another table with a
new set of issues. The evening wrapped with an “open mic” portion that allowed
participants to share with the entire group the issues debated most heavily at their tables.
The response from the bar was overwhelmingly positive. And, most importantly, the event
got lawyers talking again.

Description:
James Stanton
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: James M. Stanton
Street Address: 6724 Woodland Drive
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: (214) 749-4793
E-mail Address: james@judgestanton.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgestanton.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/7hOqjIlpg4Y&hl=en
Questions:
A: I have lived in Dallas County for over 7 years.
A: I am the presiding judge of the 134th Civil District Court of Dallas County.
A: My family is actively involved in the First United Methodist Church in downtown Dallas.
My wife, Britta, and I have previously served on various boards and committees. The
ethical rules for judges prevent me from service in many non-profit or charitable causes
that are not directly related to the law; consequently, the majority of my civil and
community involvement is focused on being an ambassador for our justice system through
teaching and speaking on legal subjects. For example, I hosted a four-session continuing
legal education program in the court this summer to provide an opportunity for attorneys
to learn more about effective courtroom advocacy.
A: Two years ago I was selected to participate in the Leadership Class of the Dallas
Association of Young Lawyers. This group meets for a series of luncheons with local, state,
and national leaders to learn about the importance of leadership in community and
government. At the end of the class we complete a community service project. Our
Leadership Class selected the Dallas ISD Teacher’s Registry – a registry of hundreds of
DISD teachers who need supplies and materials to help educate their students. In
addition, my wife, Britta, previously served on the Board of Directors for the Make-A-Wish
Foundation of North Texas. I supported her work on the board through fundraising and
serving as a volunteer "wish granter."
A: I am currently the presiding judge of the 134th Civil District Court of Dallas County. I
previously was the Republican nominee for the 95th Civil District Court of Dallas County in
the November 2008 general election.
A: Through the June 30, 2010, reporting period with the Texas Ethics Commission, I have
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raised $154,850.78 for this campaign. The exact amount of fundraising changes each day
as additional contributions are received.
A: This information changes each day as additional contributions are received. A complete
list of all contributors to the campaign is available through the Texas Ethics Commission
website at www.ethics.state.tx.us.
A: Yes. In high school I received a citation while coaching my younger brother’s soccer
team. A fight started during the game, and one of the players told police I threatened him
while breaking up the fight. This was not true. After witnesses were questioned, the
charges were dropped.
A: Many sitting judges have the characteristics I admire in a judge: hardworking, fair, and
impartial.
A: Mercy and compassion have a role in every arena of life—including in the courtroom.
A: A judge should be hardworking, fair, and impartial. In addition, a judge should run an
efficient and predictable courtroom where parties and lawyers know what to expect. By
providing an efficient and predictable courtroom, a judge sets the expectations in advance
of a hearing or trial to insure each party is provided an opportunity to be heard.
A: Rarely—only when expressly permitted by Texas law. The American jury system is
unique because it allows citizens the right to have their grievances heard and decided by
their peers. The Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution—which guarantees
a jury trial in most cases—is the backbone of our justice system. During my service in the
134th Civil District Court, I have never overruled a jury's decision.
A: The 134th Civil District Court considers a wide range of cases including business
disputes and personal injury cases. Before beginning my judicial service, I was a
courtroom lawyer with a broad range of experience on the types of cases that I now hear
as a judge. As an attorney I represented both plaintiffs and defendants. My experience
includes employment matters, real estate disputes, products liability, and complex
commercial disputes involving many parties.
A: No.
A: No.
A: I am a life-long Republican who believes in responsibility, accountability, hard work, and
limited government. The responsibility of a judge is to apply the law as written by the
legislature—not make it up as he or she goes along. I recognize that many voters,
regardless of their political affiliation, also believe in these important values.
A: Selecting judges through partisan elections is not a perfect method for selecting the best
individuals for the bench. A “Republican” or “Democrat” party designation does not mean a
person is more or less qualified to serve on the bench. I strongly support non-partisan
selection of judges.
A: Yes. While there is no perfect method for selecting judges, there are benefits and
drawbacks to the current system. Each judge and judicial candidate has a responsibility to
inform the public about the upcoming election and his or her qualifications to sit on the
bench. This costs money and, historically, lawyers and law firms have participated in the
process of identifying the best candidates and making campaign contributions. Campaign
Contributions and expenditures are highly regulated with specific limitations on how much
money a candidate can receive from an individual or law firm. All judicial candidates are
required by law to report all campaign contributions and expenditures to the Texas Ethics
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Commission. Detailed reports are available at www.ethics.state.tx.us.

A: In conjunction with the Dallas County District Clerk, the 134th Civil District Court has
implemented a completely electronic document filing process. This has reduced the
expense to taxpayers and litigants while promoting transparency and efficiency. Today, the
134th Civl District Court is a completely paperless court. The next step will be to move to
completely electronic delivery of court communications (orders, trial notices, and
disposition notices). The Dallas County District Clerk and the civil district courts are
currently designing a plan for electronic delivery of court communications which will be
implemented next year.
A: The Seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees a jury trial in
most cases. It is importer for a judge to force parties to settle a case before trial. In the
134th Civil District Court, I require parties to attend a pre-trial mediation to negotiate in
good-faith in most cases. The decision to settle a case or proceed to trial is one for the
parties and the attorneys to decide without pressure from the judge.
A: The citizens of Dallas County deserve good judges. We have many now, and we need to
keep good judges on the bench. Since beginning my service in the 134th Civil District
Court, I have demonstrated the experience, temperament, and work ethic to make the
court as efficient as it can be consistent with justice which requires handling each case
carefully and correctly.
goal.
A: Since beginning my service in the 134th Civil District Court, the expense of litigation in
the 134th Civil District Court for taxpayers and litigants has been reduced. This has been
accomplished in two ways. First, the number of pending cases in the 134th Civil District
Court has been reduced by over 26% (from 918 to 676 cases), and the cost per case
disposition has been reduced by over 31% (from $170 to $116). Second, the 134th Civil
District Court’s implementation of a completely electronic document filing process in
conjunction with the Dallas County District Clerk has reduced the expense to taxpayers
and litigants while promoting transparency and efficiency. Today, the 134th Civl District
Court is a completely paperless court.
Dale B. Tillery
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Dale B. Tillery
Street Address: 4513 Scenic Circle
City/Town: Garland
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 8344 E. R. L. Thornton Suite 304 Dallas,
Texas 75228
Fax Number: 214-328-8683
E-mail Address: dalebtillery@msn.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.tilleryforjudge.com
Questions:
A: Over 50 years.
A: Attorney; practice of law
A: I have provided legal services pro bono since 1984. Beginning in the fall of 2009 and
continuing through the Spring of this year, I provided pro bono legal services and
counseling through The Good Legal Clinics. The Good Legal Clinics is a project of former
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Dallas County Justice of the Peace Cleo Steele and his wife, Barbara Steele.
A: Sandbranch and Joppa Community Clean-up; Seagoville, Pleasant Grove, and District
105 Community Service Projects; Mock Trial Judge Dallas Bar Association; Mock Trial
Coach Skyline High School; Volunteer coach Garland Pee Wee Football Association.
"Leadership for Kids Award”: Coalition for North Texas Children "Legislator of the Year”:
Texas Parent-Teacher Association "Legislator of the Year”: Texas Conference of Police &
Sheriffs "Freshman Legislator of the Year”: Texas State Association of Firefighters
"Champion for Mesquite Children”: Mesquite Independent School District Board of Trustees
"Crimebiter Award" for outstanding contribution to crime prevention: City of Balch Springs
Police Department
A: In 1994 I was elected to serve as the Texas State Representative for District 105, in
southeast Dallas County. I was re-elected in 1996, 1998, and 2000 before choosing not to
run for the office in 2002.
A: I raised over $85,000.00 in the primary and have commitments for the general in
excess of that amount.
A: Dale B. Tillery, Carl A. Tillery, Frank & Debbie Branson.
A: No.
A: A judge that quickly comes to mind is no longer a sitting judge - he stepped down to
inactive status in 2008 and passed away in 2009. Appointed by President Jimmy Carter,
Judge Jerry Buchmeyer served nearly 30 years on the federal bench. Judge Sidney
Fitzwater, who was appointed to the bench by President Ronald Reagan, probably best
described Judge Buchmeyer when he said Judge Buchmeyer "was a giant of his court
whose decisions reflected his independence, courage, and intellect". Judge Buchmeyer was
also well known and appreciated for his wonderful sense of humor. He was admired by
those who knew him, and those who practiced before him, as a kind and decent man with
a great sense of humor and steadfast integrity.
A: The law does not demand, nor does it require, that justice be tempered with mercy. On
the other hand, mercy is neither the anthesis nor the enemy of justice. The law in many
instances entrusts a judge with discretion set within the boundaries of established legal
principles and precedents. It is within this grant of discretion where mercy may play a role.
A: A judge must exhibit an honest and abiding respect for all parties, personnel, jurors,
and guests in the courtroom. A judge should display as much kindness as may reasonably
be expected, have patience, and have all the qualities of a good listener.
A: A judge must overrule a jury's decision when the evidence presented to the jury would
not enable reasonable and fair-minded people to reach the decision at issue. A judge must
overrule a jury's decision when the evidence supporting the jury's decision is so weak, or
so contrary to the overwhelming weight of all the evidence so as to be manifestly unjust,
shock the conscience, or to clearly demonstrate bias.
A: I have typically handled civil cases.
A: N/A
A: In 27 years I have had maybe 3 complaints - all were disposed as unfounded.
A: The founding fathers of our country, and the founding fathers of the State of Texas,
deeply cherished the right to trial by jury. Three of the ten amendments composing the Bill
of Rights mention the role of the jury. Thomas Jefferson stated "I consider trial by jury as
the only anchor yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles
of its constitution.". I have chosen to run as a Democrat for this race because I believe the
Texas Democratic Party embraces the Jeffersonian view of the right of trial by jury.
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A: I support the people of Texas having the right to elect their judges. An appointed
judiciary invites the worst aspects of politics and partisanship. The partisan election of
judges has it critics; however, the critics alternatives to the partisan election of judges are
not free of critics and concerns.
A: As long as the people of Texas have the right to elect their judges the financing of
judicial campaigns will be an issue. If by accepting a campaign contribution a judge cannot
avoid the appearance of impropriety, a judge must not accept the campaign contribution.
A: Dallas County District Clerk, Gary Fitzsimmons, formed a partnership with Texas Online
to provide Electronic Filing services which provides the ability to file paper pleadings
electronically with the District Clerk's Office; however, the Court's website makes no
mention of the availability of the District Clerk's Electronic Filing program. I would upgrade
the Court's website to prominently inform users of the court's website of the availability of
the Electronic Filing program, inform them how the program maybe utilized, and
encourage the use of the program.
A: A judge should take all reasonable and lawful efforts to eliminate impediments or
obstacles which discourage or prevent willing parties from consummating a mutually
desired settlement.
A: The citizens of Dallas County deserve a qualified and independent judiciary. I am the
only candidate for this court who is Board Certified by The Texas Board of Legal
Specialization. I am 1 of only 27 attorneys in Dallas County, out of over 14,500 attorneys
licensed to practice law, who have been Board Certified in both Civil Trial Law and Personal
Injury Trial Law for over 20 years. I am admitted to practice before the United States
District Court: Northern District of Texas and the United States Court of Appeals For the
Fifth Circuit. For over 27 years I have practiced civil law - handling hundreds of cases. I am
the only candidate to have appeared before the Texas Supreme Court, to have handled
approximately 40 cases in the Texas Courts of Appeals and to have had at least 15
published legal opinions. I am the only candidate to have been elected to public office by
Dallas County voters and the only candidate who has experience drafting, revising, and
amending Texas law. I was honored to have acquired such experience while serving 4
terms in the Texas House of Representatives. I am the only candidate for this court who
has served on committees of the Texas Legislature charged with the responsibility for the
revision of the Texas Constitution, for civil court practices, including tort reform, and for
juvenile justice and family law. I am the only candidate for this court who has drafted an
amendment to our Texas Constitution, passed the amendment through the legislative
process, and had the amendment adopted by a vote of the citizens of Texas. As a result of
my years of experience as a practicing Board Certified attorney and as a public servant, I
have a demonstrated ability to handle both private and public budgets in a fiscally
responsible manner. For over 25 years, I have operated and maintained my law firm's
budget and finances. During my public service in the Texas Legislature, I was responsible
for the public's budget for the Texas State Representative's legislative office for District
105, the public's budget for the Texas House of Representative's Pensions and Investments
Committee, and I served on the Texas Legislature's Appropriations Committee which had
the responsibility for the budget for all of the operations of the government of the State of
Texas.
goal.
A: I organized the Sandbranch community clean-up; the Seagoville community service
project; the Pleasant Grove community service project and other community service
projects. The projects involved coordinating community business assistance with volunteer
labor to accomplish clean-up, repair, and rehabilitation.

Description:
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Jim Jordan
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Jim Jordan
Street Address: 600 Commerce Street
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
E-mail Address: info@judgejimjordan.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgejimjordan.com
Questions:
A: 53 years
A: Presiding Judge 160th Judicial District Court
A: Volunteer Judge for the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program providing legal services for
the poor; Judge for the local and national high school mock trial program; Adjunct Prof.
Legal Studies Paul Quinn College; Instructor for LSU School of Law Trial Advocacy
Program.
A: Member of the District 6A Grievance Committee for the State Bar of Texas (body that
hears complaints against lawyers); President, Garland Bar Association; Member of the
Dallas County Juvenile Board; Volunteer and contributor to Habitat for Humanity; Eagle
Scout and former Asst. Scout Master; Former board member of Shakespeare Festival of
Dallas; Vice-chair for Garland Flood Control Committee for 1990 Bond campaign; YMCA
Princess and Guide programs; Dad's Club, Nathan's Adams Elementary, '90-'98; Band
Booster Club, W.T. White High School, 2000-2004; Instructor for SMU School of Law Trial
Advocacy Class.
A: Presiding Judge 160th Judicial District Court; Former Presiding Judge 44th Judicial
District Court; The Democratic candidate for Chief Justice Texas Supreme Court; Former
Assistant City Attorney, City of Garland, Texas.
A: I am unopposed in the upcoming election. The most recent campaign finance report
may be reviewed by going to the Texas Ethics Commission web site.
A: I am unopposed in the upcoming election. The most recent campaign finance report
may be reviewed by going to the Texas Ethics Commission web site.
A: No
A: Although no longer sitting, the late Honorable Barefoot Sanders was an excellent trial
judge. He was respectful to all parties and attorneys who appeared before him, listened to
both sides, was knowledgeable about the law and cared about the outcome of the cases
before him. He managed the bench without showing favoritism. In addition, he had one of
the lowest reversal rates of any of the judges in the Northern District of Texas. Members of
the bench and the bar alike held the utmost respect and admiration for him. He was also
consistently awarded the highest ratings by the Dallas Bar judicial poll.
A: The American legal system allows the jury to temper justice with mercy when the
circumstances call for it. Mercy is a concept that is applied to punishment, and in civil cases
punishment is rarely an issue. (The 160th District Court is a civil court, meaning that only
civil disputes are resolved.) However, in those rare instances where punitive money
damages are allowed, existing statutes regulate the circumstances and the amount of
punitive damages that can be awarded.
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A: A judge should respect the parties and attorneys who appear in court, as well as the
time and sacrifices made by the jurors who hear cases. It is also extremely important for a
judge to attentively listen to both sides of the dispute, giving them equal opportunity to be
heard before deciding a case. Finally, a judge does not allow the attorneys to dominate the
process or waste the jury's time, but creates an atmosphere whereby the parties believe,
win or lose, they had a fair hearing, and the jurors believe their participation is important
and that their time and effort count.
A: A jury's decision, after both parties have had a fair opportunity to present their case,
should be respected and rarely, if ever, overturned. The jury system is the reason the
American legal system is respected throughout the world. The rules of civil procedure
provide a mechanism for overturning a jury's verdict when new facts or the law require.
A: As the presiding judge of the 160th Judicial District Court, I currently hear all varieties
of civil matters. As a lawyer, I have handled State and Federal matters and appeals, many
of which regarding contracts and business disputes, local government litigation, the
defense of police officers in civil cases, real estate and commercial lease disputes,
consumer protection, personal injury, mediation, and arbitration.
A: No complaints have been filed.
A: No complaints have been filed.
A: I can tell you that I am not running in a particular party because I believe that I have to
be in that party to be a judge. When I lost my election for the 44th Judicial District Court in
1986 when the Republicans took control of the country, I did not switch parties to stay on
the bench as some others did. I waited 20 years before I ran again because I felt it would
go against who I was to call myself something I was not. This was my personal decision
and I do not criticize those who made a different decision as a judge. Judges do not make
policy. They apply the law, even if they personally disagree with it. A judge's robe is black,
not blue or red.
A: The judiciary should be independent in order to arrive at fair and impartial decisions.
Partisan election of judges endangers the independence of the judiciary by requiring judges
to seek contributions from the very lawyers who practice before them. I have written in
this very newspaper that judges wear black robes, not blue or red ones. In urban counties,
the names on the ballot are so numerous that is virtually impossible for even the most
responsible voter to make an informed vote. Politics should never be allowed to enter the
courtroom, but partisan elections invite this to happen. Change occurs by blind electoral
sweeps without regard to the individual judge's or candidate's qualifications. This is what
happened to me when I was swept out in the 80's and swept back in during the Democratic
wave in 2006. In addition, many judges get on the bench by gubernatorial appointments to
fill a vacancy. Neither partisan elections nor gubernatorial appointments have any
substantive safeguards regarding judicial qualifications and judicial demeanor. We should
develop a system that provides a public and rigorous vetting of any judicial appointment
made to fill an unexpired term so that at least these judges will be selected based upon
their experience, training, knowledge of the law, judicial temperament, and work ethic,
rather than based upon the appointee's ability to help the party in power. I would welcome
any suggestions for a judicial selection process that makes the judges accountable and
eliminates the need for contributions from lawyers, law firms or parties.
A: There is always the possibility that any lawyer who contributes may someday appear
before me, whether or not a case is pending at this time. Judges should only take
contributions from anyone, including lawyers, in compliance with, and conduct their
campaign within the guidelines set forth in, the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, Creeds for
Integrity and Professionalism in Judicial Elections, Texas Lawyer's Creed, the Lawyer's
Creed of the Dallas Bar Association, and the Dallas Bar Association's Guidelines of
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Professional Courtesy - all of which provide strict guidelines for both the amount and
manner of accepting contributions from lawyers and law firms - in order to avoid the
appearance of impropriety.
A: Since 2007, we have reinstituted settlement week twice a year to provide a low cost
opportunity to resolve self-represented and uncomplicated cases. I have also utilized
summary jury trials for appropriate cases. I have a weekly status conference for cases
that have not had any recent activity, have announced a settlement but have not provided
dismissal documents or cannot reach agreement on a docket control order.
A: I typically request that parties attend mediation before trial because I feel we owe it to
the jurors to do everything we can to resolve the dispute before we ask for their time and
energy. However, I try not to interject myself into the process. I prefer the parties take
ownership of the mediation process because I feel this will result in a greater chance of the
parties reaching an agreed upon settlement. I ask that they select a mutually agreeable
mediator and work out the scheduling among them. I will help select the mediator if they
cannot agree on one. I generally give the mediator great latitude in presiding over the
mediation. I only need to know whether or not the case settled. If all parties can convince
me the case is not susceptible to mediation, I will generally excuse them from the
mediation requirement.
A: I want to protect the Rule of Law and the people's right to trial by jury, which is
guaranteed in both the U.S. Constitution and the Texas Constitution.
goal.
A: As the Local Administrative District Judge I reinstituted Settlement Week as required by
statute and created a Settlement Week Committee comprised of the president’s of all
minority bar associations, the chair of the Dallas Bar Association’s Alternate Dispute
Resolution Committee, and a former district judge. As President of the Garland Bar
Association, we organized monthly meetings with programs designed to provide legal
education on a variety of topics with speakers from both the bench and bar, maintained a
lawyer referral system from the benefit of Garland residents, planned and held a summer
retreat, and organized the annual Christmas dinner honoring the Dallas County judiciary.
As an Assistant Scout Master, I was part of a team that tackled the problem of clearing up
the title to our Scout Hut, a gift from Bill Clements in the early 1950's. The Hut also
needed improvements, remolding, and insurance coverage. We put a committee together
of all the users of the Hut - Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and the local PTA - and the sponsors of
each unity, to iron out a plan for improvement, including who would contribute and how,
and to trace the history of the Hut to get a clear title into the proper entity. Through the
time, effort and coordination of several groups, the Hut was enlarged, central air and heat
added, and a fence was added so we could store the troop trailer and have the use of the
flag pole which had been erected outside the original fence. The title was also cleared up
so that we could get property and liability insurance. As you might imagine, several
leaders were involved in leading and bringing this project to a conclusion, not just me. But
it is definitely one I was proud to be a part of.

Description:
Matt Rinaldi
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Matt Rinaldi
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City/Town: Irving
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-628-9505
E-mail Address: matt@mattrinaldi.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.mattrinaldi.com
Questions:
A: Nine years.
A: Civil litigation attorney.
A: I am currently a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, where I am active
with the Knights of Columbus. I recently completed the Irving / Las Colinas Chamber of
Commerce's Leadership Irving / Las Colinas, Class of 2010 and am a member of the Dallas
Chapter of the Federalist Society, Dallas Bar Association, Dallas Area Young Lawyers and
the Dallas Area Young Lawyers Foundation. I am also affiliated with various Republican
community organizations, such as the Pachyderm Club, the Irving Republican Women’s
Club, the Dallas County Young Republicans, the Greater Irving Republican Club, and the
Irving GOP Republican Club.
A: Among other work, I represented under-privileged families in the "Adoption Saturday"
project, a program developed by Gibson Dunn to speed the adoption of abused and
neglected children in Dallas County. As a member of the Rotary Club of Downtown Dallas
in 2004, I chaired the Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee, which selected candidates for
a Rotary scholarship to study abroad. I also was a two time judge for the Rotary High
School Speech Competition and the National High School Mock Trial Tournament.
A: None.
A: $16,840 (as of August 13, 2010).
A: Monty Bennett, Gardere, Wynne Sewell LLP, and the Irving Republican Women's Club
PAC (as of August 13, 2010).
A: No.
A: Judge Mary Murphy, during her tenure as judge of the 14th District Court, was a model
of judicial restraint and was one of the most efficient judges in Dallas County in terms of
cases handled and cost per disposition. She issued legal rulings quickly, consistently and
correctly and treated all lawyers before her with fairness and respect.
A: Mercy and compassion have a role in all aspects of life. While this question certainly has
greater relevancy with respect to a criminal bench, a civil judge must have compassion for
the individuals before the court by being mindful of the great responsibility with which the
judge is entrusted. A judge must determine issues which are of primary importance to the
lives of the respective individuals before the court. A judge must recognize this and treat
the cases before the court with the same importance as do the litigants by being prepared,
granting quick hearings, issuing expedient and informed rulings, and remaining impartial
at all times.
A: A judge must treat all parties in the court fairly and respectfully and conduct himself or
herself at all times with dignity and in a manner deserving of respect.
A: A judge should disregard a jury finding if there is no evidence to support the jury finding
or if an issue contrary to the jury finding was established as a matter of law.
A: I have practiced since 2001 as a civil litigator in Dallas County and have extensive
experience in federal, state and appellate courts representing and counseling individuals,
local and national companies, Fortune 500 companies, insurance companies, and
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accounting firms. During this time, my practice has focused on a broad array of complex
commercial litigation matters, including securities class action, insurance coverage,
intellectual property, antitrust, breach of contract, business fraud, breach of fiduciary duty,
consumer protection, unfair competition, and professional negligence cases.
A: Not applicable.
A: No.
A: I chose to run as a Republican because the Republican Party espouses the philosophy of
judicial restraint and I believe personal politics should never affect a judge’s decision-
making on the bench.
A: While there is no perfect method for selecting judges, I do believe that reform of our
current system is needed. Instead of abandoning partisan elections, I believe the better
alternative is to either eliminate the straight ticket voting option or render it inapplicable
to judicial elections.
A: Although Texas appellate courts have repeatedly rejected the notion that a judge's
acceptance of campaign contributions from lawyers creates an appearance of impropriety
or bias necessitating recusal, a judge has the legal, ethical and moral responsibility to
ensure that campaign contributions do not affect his or her impartiality in any case before
the court. Accordingly, a judge should never accept a campaign contribution that he or she
believes might compromise his or her impartiality on the bench.
A: I will allow pre-trial motions to be set for submission, instead of hearing, when no party
objects. This will eliminate the need for unnecessary hearings when all parties agree that a
motion can be decided on briefing alone. I also hope to make all filing virtually paperless
by 2012. Lastly and perhaps most importantly, I will grant prompt hearings, issue opinions
and orders expeditiously, and attend hearings and trials prepared.
A: A judge should be vigilant in identifying the cases that should settle before trial and
order parties to mediation on a case-by-case basis. A judge can also indirectly encourage
the settlement of cases by being predictable in his or her rulings by consistently and
correctly applying the law. Settlement becomes more likely when each party before the
court can make a more accurate assessment of its potential success on issues of law in a
case.
A: I am running for judge because I want to serve the public and our courts are among the
most important institutions of government. Judges who do not consistently and correctly
apply the law can impose enormous costs on individuals and businesses subject to the
jurisdiction of the court. I am running for the 191st District Court, in particular, because the
results of the 2009 Dallas Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Poll indicate that this court is
in particular need of reform. I believe my experience and ability will bring the reform
needed to the 191st District Court and serve the citizens of Dallas County well.
goal.
A: In a case in federal district court in 2006, our client was sued for approximately $40
million in damages and wrongfully charged with, among other things, breach of contract
and theft of a competitor’s trade secrets. Our trial team was delivered an early setback
when the court granted partial summary judgment against us on breach of contract liability
a week before trial, leaving the amount of damages to be determined by the jury. During
the course of the ensuing three week trial, many leaders on our trial team emerged,
including myself, as we worked day and night preparing a defense for our client. In the
end, our client won a complete jury verdict when the jury found damages in the amount of
$0.
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Gena Slaughter
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Gena Slaughter
Street Address: 3109 Knox St. #313
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Date of Birth: -- not provided for security purposes --
Home Phone Number: -- not provided for security purposes --
Mobile Phone Number: -- not provided for security purposes --
Fax Number: -- not provided for security purposes --
E-mail Address: info@judgegenaslaughter.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgegenaslaughter.com
Questions:
A: 15 years in Dallas County, preceded by 20 years in Collin County.
A: Judge
A: Continuing Legal Education speaker: Dallas Bar Association, Dallas Trial Lawyers
Association, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, Minority Attorney Program -- Dallas Bar
Association, Habitat For Humanity Volunteer
A: SMU Women in Law, Continuing Legal Education speaker: Dallas Bar Association, Dallas
Trial Lawyers Association, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, Minority Attorney Program
-- Dallas Bar Association, Habitat For Humanity Volunteer
A: 191st Civil District Court
A: publicly available at www.ethics.state.tx.us
A: publicly available at www.ethics.state.tx.us
A: No.
A: I have a huge amount of respect for Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn of the United States
District Court. Judge Lynn is smart, decisive, runs an efficient court, and manages to have
a sense of humor while doing so.
A: Mercy is a concept criminal courts wrestle with where there is a State-authorized
prosecutor against a defendant accused of a crime. My court is a civil court wherein parties
bring lawsuits against each other. The challenge in a civil court is not so much a matter of
mercy as a matter of equity and fairness under the law. This is something I strive for
every day. My court has one of the lowest numbers of appeals filed of any civil court, so I
am pleased that the vast majority of litigants in my court believe they’ve received and fair
and equitable ruling.
A: Objective, knowledgeable, fair, reasonable, and patient. A judge must be willing to take
the time to read and research issues, case law, and statutes to assure equitable and
accurate responses to the pleadings brought by litigants.
A: Seldom, if ever. For the most part, in my experience, juries pay attention and really
understand the cases they hear – they almost always get it right. There are usually very
strict guidelines that govern when a jury’s verdict should be ‘overruled.’ I abide by these
rules and guidelines.
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A: As a civil judge, my legal experience, both on the bench and off, is limited to civil
matters.
A: No action has ever been taken against me by the Judicial Conduct Commission.
A: None.
A: I am a lifelong Democrat. I beleive strongly that service to my community, compassion,
and the collective good benefit us all.
A: In Texas, the system has worked well for many years. Like juries, the voters get it right
- it is their government. While there are many different schemes for selecting judges, the
others hide politics behind closed doors and are hostile to voters' choices. The selection of
judges should be open, transparent, and in full public view.
A: As long as the voters are entitled to select judges in open elections, political campaigns
will be needed to acquaint voters with their options. Until advertising is free or there is an
alternate method of funding, campaign contributions will continue to be a necessary part of
a democratic government. It is incumbent upon each judge to recuse himself or herself
when the judge believes they cannot be fair and impartial.
A: I’m working with several mediators and attorneys to develop a way to group and
address the two categories of cases that account for the largest portions of my docket –
collections and personal injury auto accident cases – so that we can move them through
the court more expeditiously, while saving money for both the individual litigants and for
Dallas County taxpayers.
A: Mediation can frequently result in a settlement that is tailored to the parties' needs and
is far more economical that a trial. Parties can often come up with more creative and
satisfying solutions than a court could grant. While I require most cases to participate in
mediation, the state law does not allow a judge to influence the outcome of the mediation.
Mediators cannot tell the judge what occurred in the mediation.
A: After graduating from law school, I clerked for Justice Ben Z. Grant of the Texas Court
of Appeals. I became fascinated by how essential the role of the trial judge was in
dispensing justice. I realized how critical it was to have trial judges with a good knowledge
of the law, a proper temperment, and a willingness to learn. Being a judge provides direct,
hands-on involvement in solving problems and make the law work for people.
goal.
A: I was heavily involved in Civil Air Patrol, which was one long experience in teamwork
and leadership. Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. One of the main
functions of C.A.P. is to search for lost aircraft. There is nothing better as a goal than
training and working as a team to save someone's life. While in Civil Air Patrol, I was the
cadet squadron commander, State Cadet of the Year, and earned my Spaatz Award (the
highest cadet award).

Description:
Craig Smith
Party: D
Biographical Info:
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Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
goal.
A: - no response -

Description:
Carl Ginsberg
448 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Carl Ginsberg
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
Date of Birth: 1970 (For security / ID theft reasons, I do not provide day & month)
Home Phone Number: For security reasons, I not provide this number
Mobile Phone Number: For security reasons, I not provide this number
Fax Number: Email is the preferred method of contact
E-mail Address: carl@ginsbergforjudge.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.ginsbergforjudge.com
Questions:
A: 38 years
A: Judge
A: 2003-Present: Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal
Specialization (fewer than 10% of Texas Lawyers are Board Certified in any field)
2004-2010: Member of the Exam Commission of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
(write and grade exams for applicants to become Board Certified) 2007-Present: Member
of the American Board of Trial Advocates (Probably the nation’s most prestigious
organization of litigating attorneys) 2001- Present: Member of the College of the State Bar
of Texas (Legal organization for attorneys with extra continuing legal education hours)
2009: Recipient of Outstanding Lawyer Under 40 Award by the Benjamin Cardozo Legal
Society.
A: • Former Member, City of Dallas Police Review Board • Former Member, City of Dallas
Judicial Nominations Committee • Former Member, Oak Lawn Committee (land use
planning advisory board) • Endorsed as Qualified by the Committee for a Qualified
Judiciary
A: None other than the current office of District Judge - 193rd Judicial District.
A: Obviously this matter fluctuates rapidly. This information is a matter of public record
which can be viewed at the Texas Ethics Commission website: www.ethics.state.tx.us
A: Obviously this matter fluctuates rapidly. This information is a matter of public record
which can be viewed at the Texas Ethics Commission website: www.ethics.state.tx.us
A: No.
A: I do not believe that the Canons of Judicial Conduct authorize me to comment on other
sitting Judges. However, three Judges that I admire are the late Judges Barefoot Sanders,
Jerry Buchmeyer, and William Wayne Justice. Each of these Judges deeply understood how
cases affected individual lives, one of the cornerstones of justice.
A: Ancient Talmudic law says before one can have atonement with G-d, one must make
peace with the person whom you have aggrieved. Atonement among mankind requires not
just the making of amends by the guilty party, but the acceptance of the apology and the
forgiveness by the aggrieved party. While we are a nation of secular law, these ancient
concepts provide instruction. Punishment is not about revenge, but it is ultimately about
paying penance, making restitution, and rehabilitation. The most cathartic experience one
can have is to show mercy / forgiveness to ones foe. For example, when Nelson Mandela
was freed from years of imprisonment, he did not bear a grudge against his captors, he
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forgave them. As a practical matter, in a civil court, the traditional concept of mercy
arises much less than in a criminal court. Obviously, a Judge cannot be “merciful” to one
litigant with the other litigant’s money no mater how sympathetic ones situation may be.
A: First and foremost, a judge should respect litigants, counsel & jurors and not lecture
them. A judge must never forget that the he or she serves the public and not vice-versa,
and therefore should always follow the “Golden Rule.”
A: While Judges interpret the law, juries decide the facts. According to well-settled law, a
judge can only overrule a jury’s decision of the facts when the verdict is not supported by
legally and/or factually sufficient evidence. Translating through the “legalese” of these
terms, it is extraordinarily rare that a Judge can overturn a jury’s decision. It is not the
role of the Judge to play the role of a “13th Juror” and second-guess the jury’s factual
determination.
A: I preside over a Court that hears civil cases, which include business-to-business
disputes, consumer-business disputes, employer-employee disputes, disputes between
citizens & government (state, county & local), personal injury matters, real estate issues,
tax appraisal cases, various appeals from administrative agencies (e.g., workers
compensation, civil service review boards, government licensing boards), and civil asset
forfeiture cases. We do NOT hear criminal, juvenile (delinquency or child protective service
cases), or family cases (divorce, custody, paternity, etc).
A: I have never been disciplined by the Judicial Conduct Commission.
A: I have never been disciplined by the Grievance Committee.
A: I am a Democrat because it is a party of inclusion that embraces diversity, equality &
individualism, and champions the fundamental right of every American to have the
opportunity to participate in the American dream.
A: The Constitution & Laws of this State unequivocally provide that Texans have the right
to elect its Judiciary. A Judge administers the law, but cannot alter constitutional and/or
statutory law, merely because the Judge may disagree with it. Therefore, whatever
personal opinions a Judge may have on the subject are irrelevant to his or her duties,
qualifications and performance as a Judge.
A: Any person, not just a lawyer, has the potential of appearing before a Court. Therefore,
the standard of “appearance of impropriety” cannot be construed so broadly as to mean
that a judge cannot accept campaign contributions from a person, lawyer or otherwise,
who may appear before the Court. Otherwise, judicial campaign contributions would be
completely prohibited.
A: When I took office, the 193rd Civil District Court was the most backlogged Civil District
Court in Dallas County - roughly 20% above the average backlog. After 39 months, the
193rd is the least backlogged Civil District Court in Dallas County - roughly 15% below the
average backlog. Immediately upon taking office, I implemented specific case
management procedures, such as requiring suits to be served within a certain amount of
time, requiring mediation in most cases, and the use of various standing orders
(scheduling, limine & mediation), which have all contributed to making the 193rd District
Court the most efficient Civil District Court in Dallas County.
A: Some Judges have a reputation for “hammering”parties to settle cases. I do not believe
that such strong-armed tactics are a proper approach. While case settlement is to be
encouraged, the parties must not feel like they were unduly pressured into settling -
otherwise faith in the legal process erodes. I order nearly every case to mediation as a
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matter of course, which has tremendous success in settling cases.

A: To whom much is given, much is expected. This creed is the very essence of public
service, in which I believe deeply. Bestowing me with a good mind, a top-rate education,
and a loving, nurturing family, life has been good to me, and, therefore, I feel compelled
to give back. With my skill set, I can best fulfill this mission as a Judge, hence why I am
running for re-election.
goal.
A: When I was a member of the City of Dallas Police Review Board, an issue arose
concerning Wage Supplementation Benefits (“WSBs”) for injured city employees,
specifically for police officers. In sum, when an employee is injured and receives Workers’
Compensation Benefits, the amount of money received is less than the amount of the
employee’s regular pay. In the past, the City of Dallas paid its employees WSBs to bridge
the gap between what they collected in Workers’ Compensation Benefits and their regular
salary, up to 52 weeks. Shortly before I began service on the Police Review Board, the
City had cut the WSB benefits from 52 to 26 weeks. Not long thereafter, several police
officers were shot and injured in the line of duty, and received Workers’ Compensation
Benefits, but then exhausted their WSBs before returning to work. The City of Dallas Police
Review Board took it upon itself to advocate for the Police Officers. The Board’s advocacy
started off being for Police Officers specifically, and not for all City of Dallas employees. I
realized that any plan to restore WSBs for police only would doom the plan in its entirety
because of the anti-discrimination provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act (“ERISA”). In sum, ERISA provides that an employer cannot distinguish among
employees in providing certain benefits. The City Council was faced with political pressure
from several groups to provide the benefits only for Police Officers. The City Attorney’s
office had indicated to the Council that there could be some problems, but did not fully
brief the issue. Therefore, on behalf of the Citizen’s Police Review Board, I contacted all of
the City Council Members, the City Attorney’s Office, the City Manager’s Office, the
employee’s representatives (as well as the Dallas Morning News) and explained the
necessity for providing the benefits to all employees, consistent with ERISA. Ultimately,
the Council did restore the 52 weeks to all City Employees, and the feedback I received
from the City Manager’s office was that my efforts played a very large part in the Council’s
decision.
Wes Johnson
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Wes Johnson
Street Address: 8728 Clover Meadow
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
Fax Number: 214-712-9540
E-mail Address: wes@wesjohnsonforjudge.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.wesjohnsonforjudge.com
Questions:
A: I lived continously in Dallas County for the past five years. However, I was born in
Dallas and spent a good portion of my childhood in Dallas County.
A: I am an attorney in private practice at a Downtown firm.
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A: My community involvement of late has been mitigated by the fact that I have two new
beautiful sons, ages 2 and 4 months. Needless to say, between work and parenting, I have
my hands full! However, I have maintained a commitment to continue representing clients
on a pro bono basis in fairly complex litigation. There is nothing more rewarding in the
practice of law than providing quality legal representation to someone who would not have
such access based upon financial need. In addition, my wife and I remain active at our
church, First United Methodist Church of Dallas.
A: Ever since becoming an attorney, I have believed it is the duty of every lawyer to give
back by representing clients in pro bono matters. I am fortunate to work for a firm that
believes in that committment as well. As such, I have been provided opportunities to
represent clients on a pro bono basis in wide ranging legal fields such as employment law,
contract disputes, debt collections matters, etc. In all of these cases, people had tried to
handle these matters alone with poor results. It is gratifying to know that based upon
training, skill and hard work, we were able to help place these folks' lives back in order.
That is power our profession holds and we should all strive to use it help influence the
community for the better. In addition, I have also volunteered to help tutor at-risk
children, worked with Texas Special Olympics, and I enjoyed visiting my law school alma
mater to assist with the moot court competition as a judge.
A: I have not sought public office prior to this election
A: As of the date of my completion of this questionnaire, I have raised $5,325. A large
portion of my expenditures to date have been made from personal funds.
A: Gardere Wynne & Sewell, P.C.; Taber Estes Thorne & Carr, PLLC; Carse Law Firm
A: What a great question! However, my interpretation of the Code of Judicial Conduct does
not allow me to make a statement that could be considered an "endorsement" of anyone
who seeks elective office. Since judges in Texas are subject to partisan elections, I imagine
that answering this question could be interpreted as an endorsement of the judge that I
would list. Thus, I must unfortunately decline to respond to this question specifically.
However, I can say that the model judge is a person who brings four specific attributes to
the table: 1) a lack of bias; 2) legal knowledge; 3) the desire and drive to work hard; and
4) the ability to show respect to the parties and attorneys that appear before that judge.
A: A sense of mercy and compassion has a role in every decision that we make in life,
inclusive of the justice system. However, in the context of the civil courts, judges are
guided by society's collective sense of mercy and compassion that is reflected within the
laws that represent the will of the people. The best and most compassionate act that a civil
district judge can make is to be fair and impartial and treat all litigants before the bench
with the utmost respect. While the law guides the courts, no party should feel that they
were denied justice because of bias, be it real or perceived. The courthouse is the one
place that everyone, regardless of race, gender, creed, religion or political affilation should
feel that they are given a fair shake. That sense of fair dealing only comes from the
unbiased application of the law as it is written. However, there are always situations where
the law provides leeway to the court (such as granting leave of court) to correct wrongs.
When such leeway is provided, a judge cannot ignore his or her inherent sense of mercy as
many times it is best and most righteous guide available.
A: I believe that the first and most important attribute that a judge needs regarding
appropriate temperament is to remember what it was like being on the other side of the
bench. The judge plays an important role in the court, but no more important than the
attorneys who advocate, the parties who seek redress or the jurors that cast the ultimate
judgment. Remembering that simple fact goes an awful long way towards establishing the
appropriate temperament. I further believe that a judge should be friendly. Lawsuits are
stressful times for the parties (and even the attorneys). Simple courtesy from the bench
goes a long way towards helping mitigate this stress and promotes respect from the
parties who come before the court. Furthermore, I believe that a judge must be level-
headed and maintain a professional air. I am acutely aware that litigants and attorneys
promote ridiculous, even untenable, positions in support of their claims. Sometimes people
misrepresent matters and even lie to the bench. A good judge simply cannot let that get to
them. Violations of the disciplinary rules should be handled professionally according to the
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law. Vexatious and frivilous matters should be properly disposed of in the manner allowed
by the law. However, too often judges allow their personal distaste for the actions of a
litigant or counsel to be visibly manifest as anger in the courtroom. Judges are not robots,
but they must retain their cool so as to avoid the erosion of the image of impartiality. Once
chinks develop in that armor, it tends to erode the public's confidence in the court entirely.
A: Rarely and hopefully never. Texas law only allows a jury's verdict to be overturned only
when no evidence exists to support one or more of the jury's findings or if a directed
verdict would have been proper. Our laws hold the verdict of the jury sacroscant and every
possible deference needs to be given to the product of their deliberations.
A: I have handled a wide range of civil litigation in my law practice, including insurance
litigation, transportation law, employment law, medical malpractice, construction defect
claims, real estate disputes and more.
A: Not applicable.
A: No.
A: I chose to run as a Republican because I believe that the Republican Party most closely
reflects my own own set of values. I believe strongly in the political values of limited
government, lower taxes, increased personal freedom, strict construction of our laws and
federalism.
A: No system is perfect. However, I do not believe that the current model of partisan
elections works best for our county or our state. I prefer a system of judicial appointments
followed by non-partisan retention elections wherein an incumbent judge is given an up or
down vote by the electorate on another term in office. This system provides the best
balance of accountability to the electorate and ensuring the best judges are selected. I do
not believe that the appointments should come from the executive. I prefer that local
community leaders and members of the local bar be appointed as commissioners in a
judicial selection committee that nominates prospective candidates to the Legislature for
approval. This allows for communities to have direct control over the nomination process
and helps remove the political aspect from the appointment process such as what we see
at the federal level. Most importantly, it removes the stigma of campaign money from the
courts
A: As I stated above, the stigma of campaign money undermines the public confidence in
the bench. However, in the current system of partisan judicial elections campaign money is
a neccessary evil. The best thing I can say about the practice of fundraising for judicial
elections is that it is at least transparent. The disclosure of donors through campaign
finance reports provides some measure of security that the acceptance of the funding does
not curry special favor or patronage. The simple truth remains, if our laws continue to
treat judges and judicial candidates as politicians, it is appropriate for such candidates to
raise money from those who support them in the same manner as any other election.
However, this my primary concern with current system of partisan judicial elections.
A: For the most part, Dallas County civil courts are all pretty much run in a similar
manner. I maintain a statewide practice and see different ways that dockets are managed
throughout the state. In many parts of the state status conference docket calls are held
routinely. Many times, litigants place a case on the "backburner" and regular contact with
the Court through status conferences can succesfully motivate the parties to move the case
forward. I believe that no matter should go longer than six months without a status
conference apprising the Court of the status of the matter and informing the Judge of the
parties' plans to timely prosecute/defend the case to disposition. In addition, I would likely
increase the number of matters brought forth on motion dockets. By reading the briefing of
the parties in advance of the hearing, the Court could dramatically reduce the time needed
453 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

for oral argument and use that time to resolve questions that the bench has about the
parties positions. This valuable courtroom time can be used to provide greater access to
parties to weekly dockets as more matters could be heard by the Court in each session.
A: As a general rule, most Dallas County courts mandate that a mediation occur in all civil
matters. I believe that the role of the judge in the settlement process pretty much begins
and ends there. I think that every litigant should meet with their opponents in good faith to
see if a middle ground can be reached. However, it is not the duty or province of the courts
to push for or apply pressue to settle disputes. The civil courts are open to all who desire
to have their "day in court." The parties are required to seek out third-party assistance in
resolving their dispute without further court intervention. It is the proper role of the court
to ensure that dispute resolution occurs by a certain date and if the parties cannot agree
on a mediator the court should appoint one for them. However, no influence should ever
be used against any party to accept a settlement that they may not agree with.
A: Ever since my first semester at law school, I have always dreamed of being a judge. I
love the scholarly aspect of legal practice and the judiciary is the ultimate forum of legal
scholarship. That being said, many were surprised when I initially declined to run when I
was recruited last summer. My wife and I had our hands full with one toddler with another
on the way. However, close friends and colleagues urged me to reconsider. I am glad they
did. I came to realize that my broad experience in a wide range of litigation made the
bench a perfect fit for me. In addition, leaving private law practice and turning to public
service could provide a valuable role model for my boys. Moreover, I got a lot of feedback
about this Court, from comments from peers to the evaluation of the Court from the Dallas
Bar Poll, which ranked this bench amongst the bottom three of evaluated courts. Clearly,
the legal community was saying that the bench needed to change. Based upon the
comments of my fellow lawyers, I knew that my traditional Texan values and a strict
application of the law as written was what was needed to build a bridge back between this
court and the community.
goal.
A: I am fortunate and blessed to be giving the honor and responsibility in taking the lead
on representing clients in important legal matters involving millions of dollars. However,
due to the nature of the practice, I should probably avoid commenting on the specifics of
any particular case. I do understand the importance of the question though. During my
career, I have come to seek and obtain a leadership role that will serve me well in running
the court.

Description:
Bryce Quine
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Bryce Quine
Street Address: 9715 Dartridge Drive
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-740-8800
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E-mail Address: bcquine@quineforjudge.com

Campaign Web Site Address: www.quineforjudge.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/2jkshSt5xO8&hl=en
Questions:
A: I was born in Dallas County and have resided here for 34 years.
A: Attorney, Partner at Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP.
A: I am a member of the Dallas Bar Association and currently serve as the co-chair of the
Morris Harrell Professionalism Committee. I am also a member of the American Bar
Association. I serve on the Board of Directors of the Dallas Ballet Company (f.k.a. City
Dance Theater), a non-profit ballet company for pre-professional dancers. In 2010, I was
named to the Texas Lawyer’s list of Super Lawyer Rising Stars. Based on my commitment
to continuing legal education, I am a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas.
A: I have been a member of the Dallas Bar Association’s Morris Harrell Professionalism
Committee since 2006, and I served as the co-vice-chair of that committee in 2009. In
2008 and 2009, I chaired the DBA’s Law Students and Professionalism Program, a half-day
seminar to educate law students on the need for professionalism through interaction with
local judges and senior attorneys. Last year, I donated my time to the State Bar of Texas,
Commission for Lawyer Discipline in an appeal to the Supreme Court of Texas in an
attorney disciplinary action. I also advised RBC Ministries, a multi-national non-profit
Christian media organization, regarding setting prices throughout the world. Between
2006 and 2009, I served as a Republican Party precinct chair in the Lake Highlands area.
A: None.
A: As of August 13th, I have raised $15,275. I have also contributed $3,500 of my own
money to the campaign.
A: Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP, my law firm, has contributed $2,500. Gardere Wynne
Sewell LLP contributed $1,400. And I have had three individuals contribute $1,000 each:
Scott Hastings and Roger Cowie, two of my partners at Locke Lord, and Dale Gillette, the
general counsel of one of my clients.
A: No.
A: During my years of practice, I have witnessed many judges with qualities I aspire to
emulate. These judges are thoroughly prepared for hearings, engage in the arguments,
and timely issue rulings. If elected, I would strive to incorporate the best aspects of each
of these fine jurists.
A: I believe that a judge must show compassion and respect for all who enter the court:
parties, attorneys, witnesses, and jurors. All should be treated fairly and equally under the
law. But at the same time, a judge must always follow the law as written, even when he or
she would prefer a different result. A judge must not let personal biases skew the outcome
of an action.
A: A judge should be a good listener, who remains calm in difficult situations, and is open
to diverse ideas. But a judge should also be firm and able to maintain control of the
courtroom. A judge should be decisive.
A: A judge should only overrule a jury’s verdict on the rare occasion when the jury
disregards the great weight of the evidence presented.
A: I have represented clients in a broad range of areas in both state and federal courts. I
also have extensive experience in arbitration actions, including international arbitrations.
During the past few years, my practice has focused on energy litigation. My clients have
also included insurance companies, car dealerships, mortgage lenders, retailers, and
bankruptcy trustees. I have represented clients both as plaintiffs and defendants in breach
of contact actions, officer and director liability claims, consumer sales-practice litigation,
and securities cases. In addition, I have significant experience in the class action context.
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A: Not applicable.
A: No.
A: The Republican Party best reflects my judicial philosophy of hard work, personal
freedom, judicial restraint, strict construction, and limited government.
A: I believe that a system of judicial appointment, followed by a review process conducted
by either the electorate or the legislature after a period of time in office would be
preferable to partisan elections. However, judicial elections do allow the candidates and
judges an opportunity to educate the public on the judicial system and provide a forum for
the voters to express their opinions regarding the quality of Texas’ jurists.
A: I believe that the issues with judicial campaign finance are part of the larger issue of
campaign finance in the United States. While it would be preferable for judges not to
accept contributions from lawyers who have appeared or may appear in their court, as a
practical matter, unless only attorneys who are independently wealthy or who have friends
who are independently wealthy are eligible to run for public office, judges and judicial
candidates have little choice but to accept campaign contributions from attorneys.
A: I would institute a three-tiered hearing docket: (1) a traditional docket with a court
reporter transcribing a formal record; (2) a hearing docket where the parties agree to a
hearing without a court reporter so that the hearings could be heard early in the morning
or late in the day; and (3) a submission docket for motions to be decided without a hearing
on agreement by the parties. In addition, I intend to set my own deadlines for issuing
rulings in a timely manner shortly after submission of a motion and/or conducting a
hearing. I would also strongly support mandatory e-filing of all pleadings.
A: A judge should work with the parties to suggest solutions to disputed issues, particularly
related to injunctions or discovery disputes. Parties should also be required to attend
mediation prior to trial under most circumstances. But I have also witnessed courts putting
pressure on parties to resolve a case simply by failing to rule on motions and/or refusing to
sign amended scheduling orders extending deadlines. That is not an appropriate method
for encouraging parties to settle, forcing them to resolve cases based on litigation cost
rather than the merits of the claims.
A: I was involved in an action with over $100 million in dispute where, after a multi-day
evidentiary hearing, the judge took over two years to issue a ruling to resolve the matter.
Parties should not be required to put their lives or business operations on hold waiting for a
court ruling. One of the hardest things I have to tell my clients is that they must wait for
their day in court. For the last few years, the 298th District Court has been one of the most
back-logged courts in Dallas County, as evidenced by the court-by-court statistics in the
Dallas County Management Reports, which is why I decided to run for this bench. I
realized that if I applied the same work ethic that my clients expect of me to the duties of
a district judge, I would be able to transform a seriously back-logged court into an efficient
bench. By committing to work the hours required to complete the work and address the
parties’ issues, including nights and weekends if needed, I can make the 298th one of
Dallas County’s most streamlined courts.
goal.
A: In the summers of 2008 and 2009, I chaired the Dallas Bar Association’s Law Students
and Professionalism Program. This half-day seminar educated law students on the need for
professionalism in the legal profession through interaction with local judges and senior
attorneys. I worked with the DBA’s staff, attorneys of diverse backgrounds, and judges to
implement an exciting and entertaining program that would captivate and inspire the
students.
456 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

Emily G. Tobolowsky
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Emily G. Tobolowsky
Street Address: George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building 600 Commerce Street, Suite 810
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
E-mail Address: emilytobolowsky@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.judgetobolowsky.com
Questions:
A: I have lived in Dallas my entire life except for four years of undergraduate school.
A: I am the Judge of the 298th Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas.
A: Twice Appointed Pretrial Judge by the Multidistrict Litigation Panel of the Texas Supreme
Court; Co-Chair, Dallas Bar Association Bench Bar Committee; Master, The Patrick
Higginbotham American Inn of Court, Dallas, Texas; Steering Committee, Dallas Bar
Association Business Litigation Section; Committee Member, Dallas Bar Association Morris
Harrell Professionalism Committee
A: Past Vice President and Member of Board of Trustees, Temple Emanu-El, Dallas; Past
President, Teatro Dallas; Past President, American Jewish Committee, Dallas Chapter; Past
Member, Board of Trustees, Greater Dallas Community Relations Commission; Past
member, Board of Trustees, Dallas Jewish Historical Society
A: In 2006, I was elected Judge of the 298th Judicial District Court of Dallas County, Texas
A: Since fundraising began for this election cycle, I have raised more than $100,000.
Campaign finance reports that detail contributions and expenses of candidates are
available to the public through the Texas Ethics Commission at its web site,
http://www.ethics.state.tx.us, and, for some candidates, at the Dallas County Elections
Department.
A: Baron & Budd,P.C., Haynes and Boone PAC, Frank L. Branson, P.C., and K&L Gates
Committee for Good Government have all contributed the same amount.
A: No.
A: I greatly admire Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the United States Supreme Court.
Justice Ginsburg is exceedingly hardworking, rigorous in her thinking, and fair. Though
frequently described as a liberal, her personal relationships on the Court cross ideological
boundaries; she and Justice Scalia are reported to be close friends. I also admire her
commitment to trial-by-jury. While still in practice, Justice Ginsburg argued to the High
Court in an appeal of a criminal conviction that the State of Missouri's law, which at that
time provided that jury service for women was optional, sent a message to women that
their participation on juries was less valuable than men's and was a violation of the Sixth
Amendment. On a lighter note, I understand that her family does not think she is a good
cook. I am afraid that the same can be said for me!
A: Mercy, or compassion, does have a role in the administration of justice, though not to
the extent of bias or at the expense of the law. In a civil court context, a Judge should be
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mindful that every matter which comes before her is important to the parties involved.
She should be open minded and should listen to all of the facts and should then apply the
facts to the law.
A: A Judge should be even-tempered, even-handed, patient, a good listener, slow to
anger, smart and sincere. And she should be flexible and yet firm. A Judge should show
respect to the parties, the process and the occasion, being ever mindful that the matters
on which she will rule will be of great significance to all stakeholders in the matters before
her.
A: The standards for granting a judgment notwithstanding the verdict are set forth in case
law and in the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Essentially, a trial Judge may overrule a
jury’s decision only if there is no evidence to support the jury’s findings on one or more of
the issues necessary to establish liability.
A: As a Judge, I have presided over a wide variety of cases, including breaches of contract,
business torts, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, employment
matters, and home equity foreclosures. In private practice, I was a commercial litigator. I
represented individuals and businesses and brought and defended lawsuits on behalf of
clients. I was most frequently involved in real estate litigation and employment law.
A: No.
A: No.
A: I did choose to run for this bench as a partisan, as that is the system we have. I believe
I am fair and non-partisan on the bench. I chose to run as a Democrat as I am committed
to open access to the courts by all persons with legitimate claims, the jury trial, due
process and our system of government, generally. All of these things are valued by the
Democratic Party.
A: No. Unfortunately, all forms of judicial selection - partisan election, non-partisan
election, appointment with retention election, or life-time appointment - to name a few,
are inherently political. Perhaps non-partisan elections with more stringent fundraising
caps and a shorter election cycle would be an improvement.
A: So long as Judges remain elected officials, it will be necessary to raise funds in order to
inform the public about our candidacies. Lawyers have an understandable interest in the
selection of Judges, as should the electorate as a whole. The Legislature has adopted
campaign finance laws which place limitations on the amount of money that individual
lawyers and law firms may contribute to a judicial candidate. This legislation provides
some safeguards against bias toward or against certain lawyers or law firms, and Judges
must conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with the intent of the campaign
finance laws.
A: I intend to implement a "stand-by docket" for hearings on which the lawyers have
indicated they will waive the notice requirements of the Rules of Civil Procedure in
exchange for a faster hearing. Sometimes scheduled hearings or trials cancel at the last
minute, creating inefficiencies in the docket. With the creation of the stand-by docket, I
would be able to slot hearings into the newly freed time, making better use of the Court's
and the litigants' time.
A: I try to encourage settlement by referring every case to mediation. The parties are
assigned a "default mediator" by court order so that if they do not agree to a different
mediator within the time provided, the default mediator will become the mediator. Further,
over the history of a case, it often will become apparent that because of the relationship of
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the parties, the claims involved, the evidence, or the economic and personal toll of
protracted litigation, the parties should receive some special encouragement to settle from
the Court. I do not involve myself in negotiations and do not believe that the Judge should
do so, but I do press for resolution before and even during trial.
A: I was born and reared in Dallas, having attended public schools and law school here.
Having served Dallas County as a lawyer and community leader for more than 25 years
before becoming a Judge, I wished to apply my skills and experience in the public sector.
Public service was always stressed in my family and in my religious tradition, and I am at
a time in my life when it seems appropriate to continue to give back to the community
which has given so much to me.
goal.
A: I have served as President and on the Boards of Trustees of many local organizations.
One of my most rewarding leadership roles was that of President of the Board of Directors
of Teatro Dallas, a non-profit professional theatrical institution dedicated to the
presentation of theatre reflecting all Latin communities. As a founding board member, I
later headed a working Board of Trustees. Together, we assisted the organization’s
founders and artistic director in obtaining funding, an audience and a venue for what was
then a fledgling arts organization. Teatro Dallas is in its third decade as an internationally
acclaimed theatre company.
Criminal District Court, No. 194

Description:
David Lewis
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: David Lewis
Questions:
A: 25 years
A: Lawyer
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: The Honorable Sydney Fitzwater because he is a model of hard work, intellectual
honesty and superb judicial temperament.
A: Justice and mercy are not mutually exclusive and, in fact, a good judge will always
temper justice with mercy.
A: I believe appropriate judicial temperament is treating all parties courteously, fairly and
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impartially. A good judge listens to both sides.

A: A judge should overrule a jury's decision if their finding is contrary to law or if there is
no evidence to support their decision.
A: I have handled all types of criminal cases. My experience has been as an assistant
district attorney in Dallas where I rose to the level of felony chief prosecutor, Assistant
United States Attorney, rising to the level of Chief Assistant in Austin, and as an attorney in
private practice. Consequently I have handled all types of misdemeanors, all types of
felony cases, including death penalty cases, and all types of federal cases in trial and at the
appellate level.I have represented defendants at all levels of criminal defense except the
death penalty.
A: - no response -
A: I had a complaint many years ago that was dismissed as unfounded.
A: - no response -
Q: In your view, are partisan elections the best method for selecting judges? If not, what
changes would you suggest and/or support?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Q: What is your personal view of the death penalty and how will that view affect the way
you handle cases in your court?
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
Q: The district attorney’s office wants to bring defendants to trial more quickly, especially
for repeat offenders on lower-level charges, to clear them from the system and reduce
stress on the county jail. What is your view of speeding the pace in this way?
A: - no response -
A: I enjoyed being a public servant as an Assistant D.A., AUSA and Special Prosecutor.
Federal Judge Ed Kinkade asked if I had ever considered ascending to the bench. I thought
about it and am trying.
goal.
A: When I was promoted to Chief Misdemeanor prosecutor I was assigned to the court that
had the lowest jury trial record and a high defendant jail population. Working with the
prosecutors in the court, the court personnel, the defense attorneys and the judge, the
court became one of the two highest in trials and one of the lowest in defendant jail
populations. Justice was being done. The guilty were going to jail, the innocent got out of
jail and most importantly, victim's rights were being protected.
Ernest White
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Ernest White
Street Address: 3808 Kimballdale Dr.
460 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
E-mail Address: ebwiiilawyer@yahoo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgeernestwhite.com
Questions:
A: 18 years
A: State District Judge
A: Aids Services of Dallas Oak Cliff Lions League of United Latin American Citizens (4871)
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: $12,350.00
A: Peter Barret - (Host - Fundraiser) James Vasilas Tom Benson - Albert Mendez
A: No. Never
A: There's none that I consider to be a role model.
A: Like any other factor used in accessing one's sentence, mercy may have a role in
sentencing and be considered with and weighed against the seriousness of the offense, the
injury to the victim, the defendant's prior criminal record, the remorsefullness of the
defendant and the future potential or dangerousness of the defendant.
A: My style is to be courteous to all every preson in the courtroom, defendant included
(while I never respect the act, I am always courteous to the accused). I am, however, firm
when necessary to maintain control and dignity in the courtroom. I don't believe you have
to be tempermental to accomplish this goal. I feel that if am respectful to all parties they
will return the courtesy to me.
A: In a criminal case, a judge should never have to overrule a verdict returned by a jury.
If the evidence is such of the nature that the state as required by law did not prove the
defendant to be guilty, the law requires the judge to grant a diricted verdict and instruct
the jury to return a verdict of not guilty.
A: Aa a judge, I've handled everything from a capital murder death penalty case to felony
theft cases.
A: No
A: Yes - all unfounded
A: If I had to narrow it down to a single word, it would be inclusion. I personally feel that
the Democratic party is more inclusive than the Rpublican party and that the Democratic
party is more mainstream that the other parties.
A: Partisan elections are currently the law in Texas. As a sitting judge and candidate for
re-election, I am not permitted to discuss my views on a current law or policy decision. My
job is merely to enterpret the law.
461 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

A: It is permissible for a sitting judge up for re-election or a candidate for judge to accept
campaign contributions from lawyers who have or may appear in the judge's court. I have
accepted and will continue to accept contributions from attorneys who appear or may
appear in the 194th. That being said, I personally feel that the position of a judge, is a
position of honor and of the utmost integrity. In my opinion, any judge who grants favors
to a contributor to their campaign ought to be removed from office. Justice should never
be for sale.
A: A sentence of death is the current law in Texas. As a sitting judge and candidate for
re-election, it is unethical for me to discussd my views on a current law or policy decision.
As a judge, I am bound to follow the law despite any feelings to the contray. I have
presided over a death penalty case and having another one pending. I feel that the
individual charged with a captial offense should have competent and zealous counsel. I
would not appoint an attorney who felt would not represent their client to their utmost.
A: I initated the Intensive Intervention program (IIP) and to date, there has been a
number of graduates from this program. Additionally, I meet with each individual I place
on probation 6 months after their sentence date to determine their progress on probation.
I will continue these programs
A: Since taking office, I have worked to reduce stress on the county jail chain by
proceeding to trial on all jail cases that cannot be worked out and that are set for trial.
Additionally, in an attmept to ease the jail chain, the district judges who took office in 2006
have routinely transferred and accepted cases from each other for trial on a regular basis.
A: In 2006 I ran because I wanted to make a difference in the system. I wanted to be of
service to the community. I continue to run because while succeeding in the two
aforementioned goals, I wish to continue in this direction and there is more to do.
goal.
A: I have 2 examples. I don't know whether they're relevant to the discussion or not, but
they are important to me. 1. Several years ago, I coached a track team consisting of 5th
and 6th graders. These kids were rambuctios kids as kids of that age would be, but they
worked extremely hard and won the Dallas Parochial League City meet. It was very
important to them, and to this day I'm proud to have been a part of that. 2. The first year
in office, I started the process to initate the specialty court, Intensive Intervention
Program (IIP). The program consists of those individuals who are performing
unsatisfactory on community supervision. When a defendant graduates from this program
and later successfully completes their community supervision, I'm humbled by their
success and honorored to have been a part of it.

Description:
Fred Tinsley
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
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A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
goal.
A: - no response -

Description:
Jennifer Balido
463 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Jennifer Balido
Street Address: 133 N. Riverfront Blvd., LB 28
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-653-5822 (work) 214-697-9419
(campaign)
Home Phone Number: not published
Fax Number: none
E-mail Address: jbalido@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgejenniferbalido.com
Questions:
A: 19 years
A: Judge, 203rd Judicial District Court
A: Dallas Bar Association, Ursuline Academy: Mock Trial Coach, Dean of Students
Committee, Team Leader for Parents Capital Campaign, St. Monica School: Grade Level
Represenative
A: Texas Bar Foundation; Dallas Bar Association: Criminal Law Section, Secretary 1995
and Vice-Chair 1996; Corporate Counsel Section, Board of Directors 2005; Mock Trial
Coach, Hillcrest High School 2004-2005; Mock Trial Coach, Ursuline Academy, 2006-2009;
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association:
Board of Directors 2000, Secretary 2001; Dallas Young Lawyers Association: VoTexas Voter
Education Program Chairperson for Sunset High School; Dallas Police Academy: Detective
School Instructor; Greater Dallas Crime Commission; United States Organization for
Bankruptcy Alternatives:Legislative Committee, 2004-2005; Junior Leagues of Texas:
State Public Affairs Committee; Junior League of Dallas: Coordinator for 75th Anniversary
Gift of Victim’s Waiting Room at Frank Crowley Criminal Courts Building; Texas Stampede:
Sponsor Liaison for Rodeo benefiting Children’s Medical Center and the Pediatric Programs
UT-Southwestern, 2003 and 2005; Interfaith Housing Coalition: Project Manager,
Renovation of Children’s Area; Board of Directors 1998; Habitat for Humanity
Homebuilder; Ursuline Academy Parents Board: Sophomore Class Representative; St.
Monica Catholic School: Girls Volleyball Coach (5th, 6th and 7th grade), Homeroom
Parent; Walnut Hill PTA Vice-President of Membership 2003.
A: 2006, Republican Nominee for Judge of County Criminal Court #6; 1998, Candidate in
Republican Primary for Judge of County Criminal Court of Appeals #2.
A: $600; I have not yeat held a fundraiser.
A: The Dallas Police Association and Arch McColl.
A: While I was in law school, I was arrested on a warrant that was issued when I allegedly
did not pay a traffic ticket by the stated deadline. I spent approximately 4 hours in jail.
The warrant was not valid--I had paid the ticket approximately 30 days before I was
arrested, but no one pulled the warrant off the computer.
A: I try to model myself after my predecessor in the 203rd Judicial District Court, the
Honorable Lana Myers. She is fair and impartial. She is hardworking and well-respected;
there is hardly a day that she is not on the bench. Her extensive working knowledge of the
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law made her a great trial judge and will make her an even better appellate justice. Her
biggest attribute that I try to emulate is that she "actively" listens to the the witnesses and
the attorneys and tries to make the right decision in each case based on the facts, the
applicable law and the unique situation of the parties in the case. As a lawyer, I always
appreciated a judge who actively listened to the participants in a case, looked the
witnesses in the eye and made notes when appropriate; the partipants always felt like
they were being heard, and they were satisfied with the outcome, even if the decision
didn't go their way. I try to do that as I sit on the bench.
A: I don't think "mercy" is the right word, but rather "compassion". As a judge, people of
all backgrounds walk into your courtroom as victims, witnesses and defendants, and while
you may not have the same life experience, you need to have compassion for what they
have experienced. Different life experiences may explain why, for example, two witnesses
may see the same event but describe it differently or why a person chooses to turn to
crime rather than walking the straight and narrow path. The word "mercy" implies, in this
day and age, a weak view on punishment. "Compassion" implies that you can consider all
the circumstances surrounding a case and those who are affected by the events--victim,
witness, defendant--and you make a just decision.
A: A judge should be respectful of all people in the courtroom and listen to their
arguments. A judge should be respectful of the time of the interested parties, jurors and
attorneys. A judge should be fair but firm, and let the parties try their cases the way they
want, within the law. A judge should be a s prepared as possible in regard to the legal
issues that may arise in a trial. As an attorney, the last thing I would do to prepare for a
trial is to review the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Rules of Evidence, and the applicable
case law to prepare myself for the various legal arguments and issues that may arise
during the trial. I have found that being a judge is no different: before each trial, I review
the statutory and case law regarding the particular offense we are trying so I can be ready
to address any issue that may arise. My experience as a prosecutor, a defense attorney
and a judge has taught me that if a judge treats the people in her courtroom with respect,
she will gain the respect of the people in the courtroom.
A: A judge should only consider overruling a jury's decision when the jury's decision is
clearly against the law and the evidence in the case. In criminal law, a judge cannot
change a jury's verdict, but can grant a new trial, if warranted. This extraordinary remedy
should only be used in clear cases where justice is not served.
A: Since I was appointed judge in December of 2009, I have presided over jury trials,
bench trials and pleas in cases of capital murder, murder, continuous sexual assault of a
child, sexual assault of a child, robbery, aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, assault
family violence, violation of protective order, and the possession and delivery or controlled
substances. In my over 17 years of experience as an attorney, I handled cases from traffic
tickets to capital murder cases in which the State sought the death penalty. I worked as
both a prosecutor and a defense attorney. I tried over 140 cases to a jury verdict, and
handled hundreds of other cases that were resolved by plea bargains, dismissals, open
pleas to judges or trial to the judge. Additionally, I authored and argued appeals to the
various Texas Courts of Appeal, and I had other appellate remedies considered by the
Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
A: No.
A: I have had approximately 7 complaints filed by former clients with the State Bar against
me in my almost 13 years of criminal defense practice. All have been dismissed by the
State Bar with no disciplinary sanctions.
A: I have been a Republican for as long as I can remember. When I was 6, my parents had
to explain to the election judge at the ballot box at the fire station in Midland, Texas, why
their daughter was chanting "Vote for Nixon" within the election limits. I was the 6th grade
chairman of the "Ronald Reagan for President" campaign at my elementary school. I read
Phil Gramm's book about limited government for fun the summer between my ninth- and
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tenth-grade years in high school. I worked for the Republican Party of Texas while
attending the University of Texas at Austin. I believe in limited government that is
transparent and responsible to the citizenry. I am financially and socially conservative. The
Republican Party best fits my lifelong-held beliefs.
A: Judicial elections have traditionally served Dallas County well, but I am troubled with
the wholesale change at the courthouse (from Republican to Democrat)that occurred in
2006. Dallas County lost many good, experienced judges in one election. I do not,
however, support any change that would strip from the citizenry the power to elect judges.
I still believe that the electorate, rather than a small committee, should choose a judge.
A: Judges are elected in Texas, and elections cost money. Who else will fund judicial
elections if not members of the Bar? That necessarily means that lawyers who appear in
court on a daily or weekly basis will contribute to judicial campaigns. If a judge treats both
parties fairly and has a good work ethic and knows the law, lawyers on both sides are
going to want to keep that judge on the bench. There is nothing inappropriate about that.
As long as a judge an an attorney follow the rule of no campaigning at the courthouse, and
there is no indication in the judge's decisions that contributions are affecting their
judgment, there is no "appearance of impropriety".
A: The legislature has passed the Texas Death Penalty Statute, and, by law, I must follow
the law. The death penalty is the ultimate punishment under our law, and I agree with the
United States Supreme Court that "Death is different". I believe that the Texas Death
Penalty Statute, if applied correctly, allows for the jury to have as much information as
possible about the crime, the victim, and the defendant before deciding the answers to the
issues that could sentence a defendant to death, and it is up to the judiciary to make sure
that the law is applied correctly. I have experience on both sides of the death penalty
issue: I represented the State in their answers to post-conviction of writs of habeas corpus
in death penalty cases and I represented a defendant in a capital murder case in which the
State was seeking the death penalty. I believe that my knowledge of the law and my
actual participation in death penalty cases will help me correctly apply the law to the facts
of any death penalty case over which I preside.
A: I was lucky when I was appointed to follow Justice Lana Myers as Judge of the 203rd
Judicial District Court because her court was already a leader in efficiency in the Frank
Crowley Courthouse. Since my swearing-in, our court has been a leader in lowest jail
population awaiting case disposition, lowest state-jail population awaiting case disposition,
and lowest cost per disposition. Before I became a judge, I believed and stated publicly
that if a judge has a good work ethic, listens to both sides and is consistent in her
decisions, the docket would take care of itself. I still believe that to be true, but a court
also needs fantastic, experienced staff members(coordinator, court reporter, court clerks,
probation staff, bailiffs, prosecutors, public defenders and the private criminal defense
bar), who make sure the docket runs smoothly. While we have not made major changes
since I took over, every day I listen to the court staff for suggestions how to improve
efficiency and we make the changes that are necessary to ensure that justice in our court
is swift and fair.
A: The premise of your question is faulty--I do not have any knowledge that the district
attorney's office wants to bring defendants to trial more quickly, specifically repeat
offenders on lower-level charges. When the district judges, as a whole, were trying to
address this issue earlier this year, we invited the district attorney's office to come to a
specially convened judges' meeting; the elected district attorney told us he would attend,
but he did not show up. Other members of his staff also missed meetings with
representatives of the district judges. Finally, the issue was dropped until the district
judges agreed to work together to expedite the jury trials of low-level repeat offenders by
transferring those cases to courts that had an opening in their jury trial schedule. Our
court has consistently had some of the lowest jail population of defendants awaiting
disposition and some of the lowest jail population of these low-level repeat offenders
awaiting disposition. We have achieved this by balancing all potential avenues of
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disposition: jury v. judge trials, trials v. pleas, probation v. jail time. Jury trials are the
most inefficient and most expensive way of disposing of cases, and clogging the trial
docket with these low-level crimes is no way to move them quickly through the system.
Additionally, giving these cases precedence takes up valuable court time that could be
devoted to more serious cases.
A: When I was appointed as Judge of the 203rd Judicial District Court in December of
2009, I was already an announced candidate for Judge of County Criminal Court #6. I am
running to retain this position because I believe that the 203rd Judicial District Court is a
place where I can have a positive impact in the lives of the people that come before the
court. Everyday, I bring my experience as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, as a
trial and appellate lawyer, and as a lawyer and a judge to work with me as I strive to
make the 203rd Judicial District Court a place where people know they will find a fair and
impartial court that treats all parties who enter the courtroom with respect.
goal.
A: When I was appointed to the 203rd Judicial District Court in mid-December, I had one
week to prepare to lead a team of professionals who had competing interests and who did
not necessarily work "for" me. Many of these people I had never had the pleasure of
working with before my appointment. While the court coordinator and the court reporter
serve at the will of the appointed or elected judge, the district clerks, the bailiffs, the
probation officers, the assistant district attorneys, and the assistant public defenders do not
work for the court, but rather work for separate county departments who assign
individuals to that particular court. This type of situation can be stressful, but now add the
fact that Justice Myers had served as judge of the 203rd Judicial District Court for 15 years,
and people were used to the way she did things. The way I handled the situation was to
walk into court and admit that I had no expertise in being a court coordinator or a court
reporter or a clerk or bailiff or probation officer or even an assistant district attorney or an
assistant public defender, and that I was not going to micromanage the situation; rather, I
was going to allow people to do their jobs and learn from them what things worked and did
not work. I believe my approach was successful because our court statistics show we are
one of the most efficient courts in the courthouse, and it is a very pleasant place to work.
Teresa Hawthorne
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Teresa Jan Hawthorne
Street Address: 5990 Lindenshire
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Home Phone Number: Same
Mobile Phone Number: Same
E-mail Address: tjhattorney@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.TeresaHawthorne.net
Questions:
A: 56 years
A: Attorney/Dallas County Public Defenders Office
A: Volunteer Work: Speaking to students regarding importance of an education and saying
no to drugs; Working with the elderly; Judging Mock Trials and Teaching students how to
prepare for Mock Trial;
A: Same as current civic involvement and Sitting on Board of Directors of Dallas Metrocare
Services; Working with the ROCK Program (Reaching Our Community Kids(. My beloved
friend, Belinda Loveland,who was the founder of this tremendous program ,is now
deceased)
A: Sought Judge Criminal District Court No. Judge Criminal District Court No. Judge County
Crimial Court No. 6
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A: See Ethics Report

A: J.R. & and Ashley Cook Tom Cox
A: No
A: I hold up any Judge as a role model who has an exemplary work ethic; who is fair and
impartial; who follows the law; who keeps their cool on the bench; and who is courteous to
all.
A: There is no justice without mercy!
A: My view of a Judge's appropriate temperament is a temperament that is consistently
fair and impartial to both sides of the bar without ever displaying any bias to social class,
race, gender or sexual orientation. A tempermanent that is evenhanded whether having to
be riqorous or when needing to relax in compassion. A
A: This would be very rare and before it is ever done a Judge should have researched the
law very carefully. The law MUST be followed. A judge does not make the law. In 20 years,
I have never seen this done in Dallas County. I am not saying that it hasn't been done, but
I have not seen it.
A: All felony cases such as but not limited to Capital Murder Trials, Murders, Aggravated
Robberies, Aggravated Sexual Assaults, Arson, All kinds of Drugs Cases and many more. If
you go to my website, www.Teresa Hawthorne.net, there is a section entitled Significant
Cases. Click and you can read about a significant case and/or you can email me and I will
send you synopsis' of other cases.
A: - no response -
A: No / During my 20 years experience as an attorney a few Grievances have been filed
but were immediately dismissed before I was even made aware of them from the State
Bar. I always zealously represented all clients. I keep very detailed work product in each
client file.
A: There is no such thing as Partisan Justice.. If elected, I will follow the law.
A: See above question. I would never support the appointment of Judges. The people
should always have the right to elect their judges.
A: No, Taking contributions does not give the appearance of impropriety. Special favors to
attorney's who have contributed to one's campaign does give the appearance of
impropriety.
A: My personal view of anything WILL NOT affect the way I handle cases in my court.
A: Many. One being that I would have in court docket call every morning. All defendents
would be required to be in the court room at 8:30 and not roaming the halls. They would
be expected to be properly dressed. Assistant DA, probation officer, clerk, court reporter,
coordinator will be in the court room and I will be on the bench ready to serve the public
by moving the docket in an orderly and professional manner. If all personnel, including the
judge, is not ready to help the defense attorneys when they appear, the docket is not
moved in an efficient manner. I will revise plea papers to more concise.
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A: I have not been told that the District attorney's office wants to bring defendants to trial
more quickly. I totally understand the stress on the county jail. There are numerous
reasons for this stress. Moving trials more quickly is just one answer, but there must be
enough time for both sides of the bar to thoroughly investigate and to prepare their cases.
Each case has it own pace. In the plea bargaining process reasonable offers must be made.
When a defendant has been offered probation by the state and the defendant accepts, the
plea should immediately be taken by the judge and not weeks later.
A: I ran for this particular bench because I knew that with my qualifications, my maturity
and my 20 years felony trial experience that I would be the public servant that Dallas
County Needs.
goal.
A: When I was teaching school my principal ask me to teach a senior biology class. Biology
was not my major or minor, but much to my surprise the principal had called Austin to see
if I could teach one class out of my field. He informed me that the kids in this class were
students with many past discipline problems. They all needed to pass this class to graduate
from High School. He told me he chose me to teach this class because I was the only
teacher that year that had not brought one student to the his office to be disciplined, so he
said that I must be doing something right. What a challenge. It was unbelievable what I
learned from these kids. I taught one to read . She was a problem student because she
could not read. Before she confided in me of her lack of reading skills , I had many
problems with her. I taught another girl to write. She was crippled and always had other
students write for her. She liked the attention of having someone else do it for her . After
learning she could do it on her own, she was excited. Her penmanship was not great but
legible. Each student had to re-take tests until they made a 70. The goal was achieved.
They all graduated, not with honors but with a diploma . I was determined to make a
difference with these kids and it was I that learned a lot.

Description:
Lena Levario
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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goal.
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Description:
Roger Haynes
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Roger Haynes
Street Address: 4131 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 680
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-739-3234
E-mail Address: rogerhayneslaw@yahoo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.rogerhaynesforjudge.com
Questions:
A: 19 years
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A: Attorney/ Solo Practitioner
A: I am a member of Watermark Community Church and serve in various ministries
including the Watermark Justice, Children's and Pre-Married Ministry. Watermark Justice
Ministry is a group of lawyers who pursue opportunities to use our legal training and time
to serve others in need. We support many different people and organizations both locally
and internationally. I have been invited to travel to Central Africa to help teach Biblical
Conflict Resolution and Ethics to lawyers and judges. For the past 8 years I have worked in
the Children's ministry helping teach sunday classes for kids ranging from infants to 3rd
grade. My wife and I recently led a group through an 8 week class for the Pre-Married
Ministry that teaches the biblical foundations of marriage and helps couples who are
engaged or seriously dating to identify areas of their relationship that need exploring or
addressing before marriage. I am a coach for YMCA soccer and baseball. This summer I
coached a Pre-K soccer team and a Pre-K T-ball team. I also assisted for a 2nd grade
soccer and baseball team. I am a member of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers
Association and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
A: I previously served on the Board Of Directors as Secretary for The Children's Brain
Tumor Foundation of the Southwest. Over the course of 5 years we raised hundreds of
thousands of dollars for Childhood Brain Tumor research, most of which went to Children's
Medical Center. In law school I was on the Student Bar Association and Head
Representative for Barbri Bar Review company. In college I was a member of Kappa
Alpha Order social fraternity and helped with the yearly event to raise money for MDA. In
high school I played varsity soccer and was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I
was a member of Future Farmers of America and earned the Lone Star Farmer Award.
Over the course of a year I raised, showed and sold a steer at auction and was on the Land
Judging team. In grade school I was the Master Councilor of the local Chapter of the
Order of Demolay during which term I earned the Past Master Councilors Meritorious
Service Award.
A: None
A: Approximately $7,500.00.
A: Patsy Henry Kenneth and Nancy Haynes Tim and Sherry Jeffrey
A: No
A: Justice Lana Myers. Before being recently promoted to Justice she was the presiding
Judge of the 203rd District Court of Dallas County. I first came to know her when I a
prosecutor assigned to the Child Abuse Section of the Dallas DA's office and the 203rd was
one of my courts. I have tried numerous cases in her court since then as both a prosecutor
and a defense lawyer. I have always found her to be very thorough and thoughtful in her
rulings and professional to all the parties. She is fair to both sides and she takes great care
to protect the rights of the accused and protect the record of the proceedings. She has
always shown the upmost level of integrity and ethics.
A: Mercy is a key component. It is not the only factor obviously and depending on the
circumstances it may not even be the most important component. Being merciful is
something that we are all called to as individuals and so as a judge my application of
mercy will be appropriate to the circumstance. Sometimes it's application will be more
liberal than others.
A: Judicial temperament is the manner in which an individual applies himself to his role as
judge. It includes everything from his courtesy towards others in his courtroom to his
application of the law. His underlying character will determine much of how this is
manifested. His compassion, dedication, fairness, and commitment to follow the law will
naturally flow from the condition of his heart. I believe that you must first have strong
character as an individual and then then be determined to serve others. The appropriate
temperament for a judge is that they be courteous, unbiased and fair to everyone,
compassionate but firm, willing to follow the law without question, and consistent in their
rulings.
A: In our system it is not a trial judges job to second guess a jury verdict. It should never
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happen. Hypothetically, there might be a circumstance where it would be justified but the
remedy would be a mistrial or motion for new trial not a reversal of the verdict.
A: I began my legal career as a prosecutor with the Dallas DA's office. During my 3.5
years there I was assigned to misdemeanor and felony trial courts and was assigned to
both the felony Child Abuse and Family Violence sections. Since leaving the DA's office in
2000 I have practiced criminal defense law handling misdemeanor and felony cases in both
State and Federal courts throughout Texas.
A: Not Applicable
A: None.
A: I have always considered myself a Republican so I did not choose it for this race alone.
I believe in limited government, strong national defense, support for the 2nd amendment,
lower taxes, traditional family values, and judges that follow the law. These are all values
that most closely align with the Republican party platform generally.
A: Yes. Judges must be held accountable just like all government officials so that they are
not free to impose their will on the citizens. When anyone running for public office must, in
a broad sense, identify themselves with a set of values, voters can make informed
decisions about who they prefer to have fill that position without having to know the
candidate personally before voting.
A: I support a citizen's right to participate in the political process by donating their time
and/or money to a particular candidate. Therefore, I do not object to that as it applies to
judicial races. A judge's oath also says that they swear to uphold the law and apply it fairly.
If they do not have the strength of character necessary to be unbiased because of a
campaign contribution they shouldn't be a judge anyway.
A: I support the death penalty. It will not affect the way I handle cases in my court. As
with all the laws of the State of Texas, even if I did not support it, I would follow the law in
Texas as it applies to the death penalty.
A: To be innovative means to do something new and completely different. Very few ideas
have never been tried before. I am commited to embracing new ideas in order to be more
efficient but in my years of practice it is my opinion that there are many traditional
practices, if enforced consistently, that will result in better efficiency as well. One
innovative idea that I like is being tested in a few courts right now. The coordinator has a
desk in the courtroom during the busiest part of the morning docket and is able to quickly
refer questions about a case that is getting stale to the judge for his or her attention. It will
hold lawyers more accountable who attempt to pass cases off for extended periods of
time. To be more fiscally responsible, each court can reduce overall costs by being more
efficient at moving the docket. First, I believe a standing order requiring early discovery is
essential even when the DA's office says they have an open file policy. Also, court
notification of attorneys for the State and Defense a week in advance of the trial schedule
lineup helps everyone plan accordingly. I will hold both the State and Defense attorneys
accountable for trial readiness once they have been timely notified and limiting the number
of resets except under special circumstances. I will be on the bench or in my office during
work hours and available for hearings or other court business. Normal work hours will be
dedicated to court business only and any other matters will be handled before or after.
These policies will result in the reduction of the number of defendants in the jail awaiting
trial and reduce jail costs. Also, using both the Court Appointed Attorney system and
Public Defenders office, not one or the other exclusively, will increase the efficiency of the
265th. I will examine all budget items for excess expense and use technology as available
to be more efficient. I will expect the court personnel to look for ways to be more effective
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in the systems already being used. Trial courts exist to provide a citizen accused of a
crime with a fair trial as swiftly as possible. As the judge of the court I will make every
effort to fulfill this objective and as a result the court will be more efficient and reduce
costs.
A: I agree that the pace of dispositions could be faster with better efficiency and
accountability. If everyone is diligent and responsible it can be done while still protecting
the rule of law and the rights of the victims and accused.
A: I have practiced criminal law from both the prosecution and defense perspective in
Dallas County since 1996 and I believe that the citizens of Dallas County deserve better
leadership on the bench than they are getting now. I have the experience and character to
deliver the principled, efficient and accountable leadership that the 265th needs. Great
leaders make it their goal to help others achieve more. As I serve others and hold myself
and others accountable for what happens as a result, we can make the 265th a court that
serves Dallas County well.
goal.
A: As a trial attorney I do that on a regular basis. I am the leader of the team of client,
investigator, witnesses, family and friends. It requires patience, wisdom, persistence and
the ability to listen and communicate well. Outside of the legal community I was one of
several team leaders who collectively organized and executed 5 years worth of fund
raisers including golf marathons and bicycle rallies, successfully donating over $300,000.00
to childhood brain tumor research.
Mark C. Stoltz
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Mark C. Stoltz
Street Address: 4020 Port Royal
City/Town: Dallas
State: Tx.
Date of Birth: Oct. 29, 1950
E-mail Address: mcstoltz@hotmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.JudgeMarkStoltz.com
Questions:
A: 30 years
A: District Judge
A: Member of Oak Cliff Lions Club, Glen Cove VIP, Lulac Mentoring program.
A: Volunteer at North Dallas Shared Ministries. Board member Glen Cove Swim Club,
volunteer coach YMCA and St. Rita's Catholic School, volunteer LIFT program, Host Parent
for AISF Exchange Program and volunteer AIDS Ministry at St.Rita's Church.
A: Elected in Nov. 2006 to current bench.
A: Since primary $850.00
A: Mike Stoltz, Brian Stoltz and self.
A: No
A: Judge John Creuzot. He started Problem Solving Courts in Dallas County.
A: Since everyone who appears before me is a human being, whether victim or defendant,
justice in a criminal court can't be rigid or inflexible but must be tempered with humanity.
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Injustice seems to occur when we disregard this fact.

A: Judges need to be good listeners and always remember they are public servants.
A: Criminal Judges do not have the authority to overrule a jury verdict.
A: Felonies.
A: Not that I am aware of.
A: Yes, unfounded.
A: Have always been a Democrat. I ran because I thought I could a better job than the
incumbent.
A: Not sure. Maybe non-partisan elections would be better but local municipal elections
don't inspire much confidence because of low turnout. The problem with an appointed
system is only FOG [friends of the Governor} are the only ones who get appointed.
A: I would support a ban on such contributions. Good luck.
A: It is the law and my personal views would not affect my handling of a Capital case.
A: We need a centralized system for the appointment of attorney's at the time of
arraignment.
A: Support it, the District Judges are currently offering to try these cases for other courts if
they are not in trial
A: Initially in 2006 I wanted to start a Specialty Court to assist the Mentally Ill in the
criminal justice system and initiated the Dual Diagnosis Court in 2008.
goal.
A: As a Judge I have on several occasions, brought different reps from the various
agencies involved in the criminal justice system to solve problems. Generally, one group
will make a change in policy or procedure without understanding how that decision will
impact the overall system. I have been successful in moderating this type of problem so
that a solution can be reached.

Description:
Andy Chatham
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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goal.
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Description:
Rick Magnis
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Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Rick Magnis
Street Address: 1506 Verano Drive
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
E-mail Address: rmagnis@yahoo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgemagnis.com
Questions:
A: I moved to Dallas County in 1988.
A: District Judge, 283rd Judicial District Court
A: I am an active member of my church.
A: I have been a leader in this church for more than two decades where I have served as
the vice-president of the congregation, on the board of trustees, a Sunday school teacher,
and co-chair of the annual campaign.
A: My only run for political office was in 2006 when I was elected to serve as Judge of the
283rd Judicial District Court.
A: I have raised about $15,000 including donations from members of my immediate
family.
A: My mother, my recently deceased father, and attorney Tom Cox are currently my top
three campaign contributors.
A: No.
A: As a sitting judge I prefer to run on my own record.
A: Mercy, defined as compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, may
sometimes play a role in determining punishment for an offender but should always be
secondary to public safety.
A: As a judge I try to be fair but firm. I listen to all the parties and treat everyone with
respect and courtesy.
A: As a trial judge in a Texas criminal court I do not have the authority to overrule a jury’s
decision. Therefore I should never do so.
A: I handle only felony criminal cases.
A: I have never been disciplined by the Judicial Conduct Committee.
A: I have never been disciplined by the Grievance Committee.
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A: I have always identified myself as a Democrat. I believe that all people should be
treated fairly and equally and that we should work together as a country to improve the
quality of life for all people.
A: There is no ideal system for selecting judges. I would consider non-partisan elections if
the campaigns were publicly funded and candidates were not allowed to use personal funds
or funding by wealthy supporters. This would ensure that the best qualified, rather than
the richest, candidates prevailed.
A: In a perfect world, judges would not have to accept campaign contributions from
attorneys who may appear in their courts. I am not independently wealthy and cannot
afford to self-finance a campaign. Because we do not have public funding as an option, I
have chosen to accept donations from attorneys, none of which exceeds $1,500.
A: I enforce all the laws of the State of Texas fairly. My personal opinion about a law,
whether it is the death penalty or any other type of case, is not relevant to how I carry out
my oath of office.
A: In 2010, I spearheaded new attorney appointment procedures and policies to assure
that court appointments of attorneys are fair and open. I volunteered to take on this
challenging task because I have some knowledge of computer applications and because I
felt that past administrations had abused the appointments system. This is currently being
tested across all felony courts. Following this initial period of testing, adjustments or
modifications may be necessary to assure its fairness. I am pioneering a paperless file
system that is more efficient and cheaper to operate, saving taxpayers’ money. This is in
the process of being rolled out across all felony courts. The system currently needs to be
improved, and I expect to be involved with the District Clerk’s Office to design and
implement the necessary improvements. I preside over a special court for non-violent
offenders who have mental illness and drug addiction. I do this in addition to my regular
court docket because I strongly believe that we can make the community safer and better
by diverting this population from the criminal justice system and into the mental health
services system. By keeping this population out of the criminal justice system we save
taxpayer dollars and create a safer environment for the community. My court handled
more cases than any other felony court in Dallas County in 2008 and 2009. I hope to
repeat in 2010.
A: I am in favor of speeding up the pace of the justice system. As I indicated previously
my court is the most productive felony criminal court in Dallas County. I have a history of
demonstrating my willingness to bring defendants to trial more quickly. When I
campaigned for my bench in 2006, I promised to bring back serious child abuse cases that
had been outsourced to visiting judges by the courts. These cases were taking four years
to come to trial. When I took the bench, I kept my promise that, I, personally, would try
all of the child-abuse cases assigned to the 283rd and have significantly sped up the
process. The only exceptions have been when the prosecutor and defense attorney have
specifically requested the case be moved because my court was occupied trying an older
case. I only allowed this as a way to speed up the process rather than defer difficult cases
to other judges. I, and the other Dallas County Criminal District Judges, have agreed to
fast track jury-trials for lower-level felony cases.
A: I have been a public servant for more than twenty years. I believe that my knowledge
of the law and temperament equip me to best serve my community as a felony district
judge
goal.
A: I have led my court team to be the most productive felony court in Dallas County two
years in a row. Primarily, I try to lead by example by working hard, and by delegating as
little work as possible to visiting judges and magistrates. I define goals and expectations
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but do not micromanage attorneys and support staff. My court coordinator constantly
monitors the docket and pending cases and works diligently to ensure that all attorneys
comply with court policy. My court reporter always files transcripts on time and is never
required to be absent from the court to work on appellate matters. The court prosecutors
and public defenders work hard every day to see that justice is done. The court probation
staff has responded to my very high expectations regarding creative sentencing and efforts
to reduce recidivism. The court clerks process paperwork promptly and accurately while
providing a professional “face of the court.” Finally, the bailiffs treat all litigants firmly but
respectfully and provide excellent security. I expect a higher level of professionalism and
conduct from everyone on my court team and they respond very well. I make sure that
they know how much I appreciate them on a regular basis.
Randall Parker
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Randy Parker
Street Address: 6440 North Central Expressway, Suite 205
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
Fax Number: 214-572-9356
E-mail Address: info@214dwi.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.214dwi.com
Questions:
A: 1971 to 1989, 1999 to present
A: Private-practicing criminal defense attorney
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A: None
A: $400.00
A: 1. Patrick Powers, Atty. 2. Anthony Farmer, Atty. 3. I don't have a third contributor.
A: Yes, for an "outstanding ticket" that was not outstanding. My wife at the time paid some
$350 to get me out. Two weeks later we got a check from the court and an apology.
A: Fred Tinsley. He makes a decision and sticks to it. He doesn't bend to the will of the
probation department. Rather, he is an independent, rational judge. He is the final word on
cases in his court. Too many of our judges in Dallas County think that they can solve the
world's problems with terms and conditions of probation. This leads to inefficient use of the
state's resources, and most often does not achieve the goal of preventing recidivism or
rehabilitating the convicted person. Folks who make an effort to improve themselves
should be given every opportunity. Those who don't should not hold the rest of us back.
A: Mercy should be earned. Some of my clients get this concept and some of them don't.
People that show a willingness to work at changing their lives deserve "mercy."
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A: The judge should hear all sides of an issue presented with an open mind. He should
refrain from pre-judging matters until he has heard all of the evidence. He, and his staff,
should treat parties and witnesses before the court with respect and dignity. When he does
make an order he should stick to it and demand that those bound by the order follow it, or
suffer the consequences.
A: Rarely, if ever. If a judge intends to overrule a jury's decision then why not grant a
motion for directed verdict? This motion should always be made by the defense attorney
prior to the jury getting the case. If I felt strongly enough about the evidence in the case I
would simply grant the motion rather than giving it to the jury and overturning the jury.
A: I have defended citizens accused for the last 10 years.
A: Not applicable.
A: No.
A: Less government, less spending- We are spending too much money at all levels of
government. If we spent less money on government, then we could spend more money
privately and eliminate the middle man when we sought to help people. Folks in the
republican party want to help people; they just don't want to have faceless, nameless
bureaucrats taking money from them and wasting it. That doesn't help anybody, unless
you are one of the lucky ones that gets the government job, or grant, or direct benefit
from the government's overspending. Personal responsibility- Everyone should get help,
but not a handout. Bad behavior should not be rewarded. Good behavior should be
rewarded. People who work hard should get help.
A: I see no reasonable alternatives to partisan elections. I like that judges are elected. It
seems that partisan elections simplify things for us as voters. Information cost, while
decreasing, is still a burden. If judges ran as independents that might be a better way, but
it would make campaigns much more difficult for us. It would probably serve to eliminate
folks like myself that don't have a million dollar budget. The party machinery allows us to
pool our resources and reach out to a vast network without spending a lot of money.
A: Lawyers are some of the most frequent contributors to judicial campaigns. I have
contributed to judicial campaigns in the past. I never thought that since I contributed, that
a judge should rule in my favor because of it. I contributed to a judge's campaign
because I thought he or she was a good judge and that I should help them because good
people are hard to come by in these posts. They have a difficult task to run and sit as
judges. Given that, lawyers are perhaps in the best position to know whether or not a
judge is deserving of his or her post. Then, to deprive them of the chance to support and
hold up the good judges over the bad would be to deprive us all of their expertise. Judges
should avoid the appearance of impropriety primarily by making fair rulings and treating
parties the right way.
A: Some folks definitely deserve it. If our courts did not make mistakes then I would be
100% for it. It is also very expensive. We would be better off just putting those folks in
super-maximum security and making sure they don't go anywhere or hurt anyone else.
However, it is the law of the land, and as a trial judge it would not up to me to decide for
or against it.
A: A judge that shows up early and works all day can get more done than the one who
comes in late. Attorneys get to know which courts they can get work done in and which
courts are going to give them the run around. If I know the judge works early I will come
in early to get my business done. This makes the case move faster and gets us to
disposition. Too often my cases are waiting on the probation department to make
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recommendations, or for the court to intervene in pre-trial matters. Those types of issues
can make cases drag on for months. Pre-trial and preliminary hearings can solve lots of
problems that arise prior to trial and maybe even prevent e few trials. For instance, I like
judges who admit exhibits all at once prior to the trial. This can save some time. Similarly,
pre-trial hearings in criminal matters can solve problems that might linger for weeks or
months.
A: The law dictates that judges give priority to cases where the defendant is in jail rather
than on bond. Also, our right to speedy trial dictates that the less-serious cases be tried
faster than the more serious cases, as they are presumably less complicated. The judge
doesn't pick which cases to go on though, the lawyers have to be ready. The district
attorney's office just needs to be ready on their cases if they want to move more of
them. In my court, the district attorney's office can go to trial on any case in which they
are ready and the defense is either ready, or does not have good cause to postpone.
A: Our constitution, our system, needs people with integrity and guts to hold these offices.
I have seen too many people hold these offices that don't care about doing a good job.
Either because they are lazy, or because they lack integrity. I believe that we are all
collectively responsible for the fitness of our government. I felt that I could make a
positive impact as a trial judge. I also felt that my opponent, because of the poor job he
was doing, needed replacing.
goal.
A: My family is my team. My goal is for them to be happy, well-adjusted people that do
the right things in life. I lead them toward this goal by being around, by showing a good
example, and by thinking about what I do and say, and how that will effect them. I believe
very firmly that there is no one way to do anything for anybody. We are all different. We
all must overcome our natural tendency to go the easy route. The easy route is the way to
suffering. The hard decisions make us who we are.

Description:
Susan Hawk
Party: D
Biographical Info:
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Description:
Lisa DeWitt
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Lisa DeWitt
Street Address: 7914 Glade Creek Court
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214 653-1911
Home Phone Number: 214 321-1976
Mobile Phone Number: 214 893-6010
Fax Number: none
E-mail Address: lisa4judge@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.lisaforjudge.com
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Questions:
A: I was born in Dallas in 1956 and lived here until 1982 when I moved to Waco to attend
Baylor Law School. I was married in 1985 and remained in Central Texas until 1989 when I
returned to Dallas.
A: Law Office of Lisa DeWitt
A: Enclave at White Rock Home Owner’s Association Board of Directors,Enclave at White
Rock Home Owner’s Association Architectural Control Committee,White Rock Republican
Women’s Club Board Member,North Texas Crime Commission Member,Conservative
Hispanic Society Member
A: Dallas County Grand Jury Foreman and Secretary,St. Bernard of Clairvaux School
Advisory Board, Athletic Committee, volunteer coach,Positive Coaching Alliance, Austin
Street Center (formerly the Austin Street Shelter)
A: County Attorney, Bosque County, Texas
A: $8360.31
A: Mr. Jon Frost, Vice President, Coppell Republican Club, Mrs. Mary Poss, Agent, Ebby
Halliday Realtors, Mrs. Cathy Roberts, Retired
A: No
A: Justice Lana Myers is the judge I hold up as a personal role model. I was first
acquainted with her when she was the assistant district attorney prosecuting a defendant
who assaulted me. I found her to be a thorough and meticulous professional who cared
deeply about her job and her community. Twenty years later, she is a thorough and
meticulous judge who cares deeply about her work and community. Time on the bench has
neither jaded nor entitled her. She is of the highest personal character and inspires those
around her to aspire to the same high standards.
A: A judge is the custodian of public power, not an individual holder of it. In punishment, if
mercy has some restorative potential, is not an affront to the victim and does not
jeopardize community safety, it may be a proper consideration. Mercy should not be a
pretext for leniency when a court simply wishes to reach a particular outcome or serve a
particular agenda.
A: A judge’s temperament is the way he conducts himself toward all court participants
during court proceedings. He must set the standard for the way adverse parties conduct
themselves by his example of courtesy, punctuality and availability. I believe a judge’s
work ethic is a reflection of his respect for the public he serves.
A: A judge should never overrule a jury’s verdict in deference to his own judgment or
desired outcome. If a judge has reason to lack confidence in the jury’s verdict due to the
conduct of the litigants or the jurors, he may grant a new trial, but never substitute his
own judgment for a verdict.
A: In twenty five years of law practice, I have handled civil and criminal, appointed and
retained cases. The majority of my litigation practice has been in criminal law. Most of my
office practice has been in probate and elderlaw.
A: N/A
A: No
A: From the state platform: Personal Responsibility Individuals taking personal
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responsibility for their own actions and a criminal justice system based on this idea. With
freedom comes responsibility. All citizens have a right to be safe in their homes with the
unalienable right to defend themselves. Judicial Restraint and Rule of Law Philosophy
Courts must strictly adhere to the Declaration of Independence, Texas and U. S.
Constitutions and not legislate from the bench. Honest Compassion A society assisting
those in need rather than a government trying to solve every problem by with the
expenditure of public funds and regulation. Limited Government A government should
promote policies to unlock individual potential . . . and does not try to be all things to all
people.
A: Yes. I believe an individual’s history of group affiliation as well as party preference are
indicative of his core values and view of the world. For a criminal district judge, these
views and values foretell the way he will excercise the considerable discretion he has in
supervision and sentencing matters. It will likely reveal his inclination to be a judicial
activist and "do the right thing" as he sees fit rather than following the law as it is written.
In elections for criminal courts, the voters deserve to know the candidate's view of the role
of government in rehabilitation because the voters ultimately pay for it. The primary
election process serves to have each party choose the candidate that reflects their beliefs.
I am proud to be the Republican nominee for Judge of the 292nd Judicial District Court of
Dallas County.
A: Campaign finance laws limit the amount lawyers may contribute to judges. The Canons
of Ethics and Code of Judicial Conduct require that judges and lawyers alike avoid the
appearance of impropriety to promote public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of
the judiciary. Thus, no law or ethical consideration prohibits accepting campaign
contributions from a lawyer who may appear before the court I will not accept more than
ten percent of the amount permitted by law from any lawyer who may appear before me.
In so doing, no lawyer can contribute so much as to distinguish himself from other
contributors or reasonably cast doubt on impartiality.
A: Polls have consistently shown that the overwhelming majority of Texans support the
death penalty, and therefore their elected representatives in the legislature have made the
death penalty a sentencing option for particularly heinous crimes. The role as a judge is to
follow the laws enacted by the legislature, not inject personal views as to what they think a
law should or should not be.
A: Return this court to the traditional practice of selecting juries by panels, rather than by
individual voir dire. Maintain the trial book to control the docket and closely monitor jail
population. Set state jail felony cases for trial on Tuesday so they may be reached if the
Monday settings do not go to trial.
A: Jury trials are the least efficient way to dispose of criminal cases, regardless of the
range of punishment. The cases in question are often misdemeanor offenses where
enhanced felony punishment is sought by the District Attorney at the grand jury. Examples
of these charges are theft and prostitution. When the District Attorney routinely seeks
penitentiary punishment for misdemeanor offenses, the result is likely to be an increase in
cases set for jury trials. Recent high jail population and the resulting stress on the county
jail occurred for several reasons. As reported by the Dallas Morning News, the current
district court judges have had as many as 500 unset jail cases. The District Clerk
implemented a paperless filing system at the same time as the Community Supervision
and Corrections Department changed the pre-sentence assessment process that has
delayed jail releases for weeks. Until recently, the District Attorney’s Office was not doing
grand jury waivers. Speeding up the pace of state jail felony trials will not address these
issues.
A: As a veteran of the Dallas County criminal courts, I see the need for judges with
experience, independence and character. I have the breadth and balance of experience to
be a qualified and independent judge. In a quarter century of criminal law practice, I have
been a County Attorney and Public Defender. I have been both appointed and retained to
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represent criminal defendants. I have been the victim of a felony crime and twice the
Foreman of the Dallas County Grand Jury. A criminal district judge hears the most serious
cases and makes the decisions that have the greatest impact on a community’s quality of
life. I believe that if people of principle are unwilling to serve as judges, the criminal justice
system will fail.
goal.
A: As foreman of the Dallas County Grand Jury, I presided over a twelve citizen panel that
heard over 5000 cases in our three month term.
Lawrence Mitchell
Party: D
Biographical Info:
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Description:
Tracy Holmes
Party: D
Biographical Info:
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Criminal District Judge, Ct. No. 1

Description:
Robert Burns
Party: D
Biographical Info:
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Description:
Carter Thompson
Party: D
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Description:
Jeanine Howard
Party: D
Biographical Info:
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Description:
Mike Snipes
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Mike Snipes
Street Address: 101 South Brookside Drive #1804
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas 75214
Fax Number: 972-739-3917
E-mail Address: michaelsnipes@swbell.net
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgmikesnipes.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/None&hl=en
Questions:
A: 20 years
A: Criminal District Court Judge
A: Criminal District Court Judge for 3 years. Working to establish special Veterans Court.
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Current adjunct professor of zoning law and administrative law at the University of Texas
at Dallas.
A: Advocate. I served as a peacekeeper in the Sinai Peninsula in 1986, continued my
service as an Army Reserve Officer from 1990 to 2005 and ended my tour with a combat
rotation in Iraq in support of the 1st Infantry Division. My awards include the Legion of
Merit, Global War on Terrorism Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals and the
Multinational Force and Observers Medal. Greater Dallas Crimes Commission Barefoot
Sanders Prosecutor of the Year Award in 2003. International Association of Financial
Crimes Investigators Prosecutor of the Year in 1999 and 2002 (only two time winner of this
award.) Chief Postal Inspector's Special Award in 1995 and 2001.
A: None
A: About $90,000
A: Brian Loncar Dr. Doug Barnes Phil Romano
A: No
A: Judge John Creuzot. No other sitting judge is more dedicated to his duty and his role as
a judge than John Creuzot. He is a national leader and innovator in criminal justice. His
ability to figure out ways to rehabilitate convicted criminals has no peer.
A: Mercy has a significant role in justice. A person who steals because he is hungry is not
the same as a person who steals because he is greedy. Mercy is one of many factors a
judge must balance, such as a need to compensate victims for the harm done and the need
to protect society. Mercy must also be balanced against the need to rehabilitate the
offender.
A: A judge should strive to project serenity in the courtroom by maintaining a calm
demeanor. However, at times, a judge may have to become stern with parties when they
abuse the justice system, or may have to show some humor in the courtroom, when the
stresses of litigation take their toll on lawyers and parties, in order to lessen the resulting
tension.
A: A judge should only overrule a jury's decision when the decision is illegal and the rules
of procedure permit it. Even then, a judge should only overrule a jury when it is apparent
that a grave and manifest injustice will otherwise occur.
A: As a judge, I have handled all manner of felonies, ranging from state jail felony cases to
a death penalty case. As a lawyer, I have handled significant federal cases involving white
collar fraud, public corruption and interstate narcotics crimes. I have handled the
prosecution and defense of criminal cases in both military and civilian courts. I have also
handled civil litigation.
A: No
A: No
A: I chose the Democratic party because I am dedicated to being "smart on crime," not
just "tough on crime." I believe in fashioning innovative punishment decisions.
A: Large urban counties, like Dallas County, where most voters do not the judiciary, the
problem is particularly acute. Our system of selecting judges should have relevance to the
qualities that make a good judge. What political party you belong to, how much money
you can raise and how good a public relations program you implement have nothing to do
with whether you would be a good judges. Judges, of all people, should not be partial to
any political party or favor any one group within our community. What a judge personally
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thinks about abortion, gay rights, public school finance or any other political issue is
absolutely irrelevant to the judge's job-doing justice in the courtroom.
A: I would like to answer this question with an enthusiastic "No!", but I'm afraid political
realities prevent it. Given Texas' current system of electing judges in partisan elections,
unfortunately, judicial candidates have little choice. Unless a candidate is independently
wealthy or has many affluent friends, running for office without such contributions is very
difficult. In Dallas County-which is in one of the most expensive media markets in the
country-the problem is exacerbated. I am fortunate to have many contributors who do not
practice in state criminal court, either because they are personal friends and non-lawyers,
or because they are lawyers who practice in federal or other courts.
A: My personal view of the death penalty is irrelevant to my role as a judge. The death
penalty may be authorized in a particular case. It is my job to follow the law, not to make
law. If the death penalty is legally imposed, I will pronounce and impose that sentence.
A: I have added a specialized veterans court and am actively working on that. These
courts were authorized by legislation passed last year and are designed to address the
special needs of veterans who have served in combat and may have combat related
mental problems that may lead to crime. As a veteran myself of the war in Iraq, this
program is very important to me. The goal of this court is to rehabilitate our nations
warrior heroes and return them to society as productive, peaceful, and law abiding
citizens. I am constantly working on ways to cut costs and fairly increase the disposition
rate.
A: I am always looking for ways to speed up the process of disposing of cases as long as it
can be done fairly and consistent with the ends of justice. It is clear that the last thing a
judge wants is for a defendant to wait in jail before his case has been disposed of. Setting
bonds may be appropriate in some cases. On the other hand, a judge must always be
mindful of potentially dangerous defendants being released without adequate oversight.
A: I have thirty-three years in public service. It is my passion and my life long mission. I
have loved being a judge. It is an honor and a privilege to serve Dallas County and this
great country.
goal.
A: In 2004 I was deployed to Iraq with a group of fourteen soldiers in support of the First
Infantry Divisions combat mission in that theater. We were all volunteers. I was proud to
lead this team of soldiers which was taken from my command of the First Legal Support
Organization. All of my soliders successfully deployed, executed their mission with
professionalism and safely returned to the United States.
Dallas County Criminal Ct., No. 1

Description:
Dan Patterson
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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Description:
Julia Hayes
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Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Julia Hayes
Street Address: 1409 S. Lamar St., #609
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
Fax Number: 214-485-0276
E-mail Address: contact@juliahayesforjustice.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.juliahayesforjustice.com
Questions:
A: Almost ten years.
A: Attorney
A: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
A: Former President, Policy Council- Childcare Group, Former Secretary, Dallas Black
Criminal Bar Association, Speaker- I Have a Dream Foundation, Amelia Earhart
Elementary Career Day, DeSoto East Middle School, Park South Family YMCA
A: None
A: $20,805.00
A: Jerry Hicks, Kelly Witherspoon, LLP, John Matthews
A: No
A: Gracie Lewis Judge of Criminal District Court No. 3. She is a leader and a strong person
and Judge.
A: It is human nature to have mercy on others, depending on the situation. With regard to
the justice system, however, I believe that it is the judge's role to follow the law in
dispensing justice.
A: Fair, even-keeled and respectful.
A: Hardly ever.
A: Misdemeanor and felony criminal cases as well as family law cases that involve criminal
allegations such as domestic violence, sex assault and child abuse.
A: N/A
A: Yes, only one that was dismissed as unfounded.
A: The belief in strength, inclusion and opportunity for Texans and all people nationwide.
493 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM


A: Yes. It is my opinion that voters should decide who comprises the judiciary. With no
other exposure to a judicial candidate, the voter's knowledge of a judicial candidate's
political party affiliation allows some insight into that candidate's beliefs and philosphies. In
the stages of the legal process that permit judicial discretion, one's party affiliation may be
the only indicator, to the voters, of what kind of decisions a judicial candidate will make if
elected.
A: Yes. Campaign contributions from lawyers who have appeared or may appear before a
judge in court, can be made without the appearance of impropriety. Lawyers, who appear
in the courts have the opportunity to know and experience the judges and practice with
judicial candidates who are attorneys. Lawyers probably have the most insight as to a
judicial candidate's temperament, knowledge of the law and his/her ability to be fair.
Therefore, attorneys should be able to participate in the process and not be precluded from
making campaign contributions simply because they may appear before those judges on
occasion.
A: As a candidate running for judge of a court that only has jurisdiction over misdemeanor
offenses, I will not be handling cases involving the death penalty. Therefore my personal
view of the death penalty will not affect the way I handle cases in my court.
A: Get there early and make myself available to the people of Dallas County. I will also
implement and enforce a try or dismiss docket.
A: I agree with speeding the pace of adjudicating criminal offenses as a whole. However,
with regard to repeat offenders on lower level charges, I plan to start a diversion program
for young adult offenders focusing on education, job-training, and providing alternatives to
incarceration/probation. My approach, in the long term, will reduce the amount of repeat
offenders moving through the system.
A: After representing several young adult offenders who started a life of crime in the
misdemeanor courts that continued into the felony courts, resulting in penetentiary time or
probation, I saw the need for a diversion program at the misdemeanor level. This program
would focus on requiring education rather than incarceration and job-training as opposed to
probation. Gearing the program to the 17-23 year old offenders, offers a true second
chance to the age group whose future educational and employment opportunities are most
detrimentally affected by a criminal record.
goal.
A: Organizing a small group of volunteers to assist in collecting over 1,800 signatures, in
thirty days, to get my name on the primary ballot.
Dan Montalvo
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Dan Montalvo
Street Address: 900 Jackson Street, Suite 330
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: (214)871.4900
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Fax Number: (214)871.7543

E-mail Address: dan@votemontalvo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.votemontalvo.com
Questions:
A: 1996 to present when I returned after law school to join the Dallas County Criminal
District Attorneys Office as an Assistant District Attorney. I have lived in Dallas County
ever since and now call it home. I also resided here from 1988-1992 while attending the
University of Dallas in Irving.
A: Criminal Defense Attorney and General Counsel to the Greater Dallas Latino Peace
Officers Association.
A: Mentor through the MODEL program at W.E.Greiner Middle School in Oak Cliff. Board
Member - Pike Park Scholarship Fund. Volunteer - Special Olympics State Meet in
Arlington,Texas. Member -Knights of Columbus Counsel #12021, St. Paul the Apostle
Catholic Church, Richardson,Texas, Member - Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce. Member - Conservative Hispanic Society.
A: Volunteer - Volunteer Law Students and Lawyers, Inc., Board Member - Dallas County
Defense Lawyers Association.
A: None
A: $4350.00
A: Enrique Lozano, Retired Teacher; David Finn, Former Judge of County Criminal Court
No. 10 and Former Candidate for District Attorney; and Heriberto Longoria - Retired
Teacher
A: Never.
A: Lana Myers, Justice, 5th Court of Appeals. Not only is she and example of judicial
temperament and fairness, she is an example of being loyal to your values and to your
political party. She was one of a handful of Republican judges remaining after the 2006
election when she presided over the 203rd Judicial District Court. Despite the pressure to
switch parties to the party in power, she did not do so. She remained loyal and ended up
being the only judge in the criminal courthouse to not switch parties. Her decision was
respected by both sides of the criminal bar and by both liberals and conservatives.
A: Mercy, in the criminal justice system, is determined by mitigating evidence. It plays a
large role in that the court is required to consider all of the evidence in determining
punishment or the outcome of a case. It should play a part in determining whether a
person deserves a chance to prove themselves, through court supervision, to be able to
become productive members of society.
A: A judges temperament should be determined by the fact that they are a public servant.
A judge should be open minded, respectful, patient and never advocate for one side or the
other. A judge should also be able to be firm in that they need to maintain control and
order in the court. A judge should be independent in thought and action.
A: Almost never. The only time that it should be considered is when a jury's verdict is so
egregious that it offends and shocks the sensibilities of a reasonable person.
A: I handle criminal cases, from Class C to Murder. I practice in State, Federal and Juvenile
Courts. I am licensed to practice in the State of Texas as well as the Northern, Southern
and Eastern Districts of Texas. As the General Counsel for the Latino Peace Officers
Association, I handle police shootings, disciplinary matters as well as criminal accusations.
A: N/A
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A: I have never been disciplined by the State Bar. I have had complaints filed against me
and they have been unfounded or dismissed. Court Appointed Attorneys must be qualified
for Felony cases based on their Experience and Number of Trials, First Chair and Jury
Selections. Lawyers that are qualified to accept First Degree Felony Appointments, as I
am, understand that complaints come with the territory when representing those accused
of the most egregious of crimes.
A: I am a Republican. The philosophies that directly impact judges are those of judicial
restraint, following the statutory and constitutional laws as written and not creating laws
from the bench. The philosophies, in general, for being a Republican are those of limited
government, low taxation, fiscal conservatism, individual freedoms, faith, family, pro-life,
strong military and pro second amendment.
A: The partisan elections give the electorate a good indication of the philosophies of an
individual. In that judicial races garner very little attention, the partisan method helps the
electorate get to know those running for judge. Perhaps elimination of the ability to vote
for judges on a straight party vote may cause the electorate to focus more on those races
and get more informed as to who may be the best qualified based on experience, number
of trials and concentration on the type of law that the bench serves.
A: I can assure the citizens of Dallas County that there will be no quid pro quo in my court,
should I be judge. Candidates need financial support to get their message out and this in
turn helps the electorate decide who the best candidate may be. In judicial races often
times the largest source of funds comes from those who may have matters in front of the
court from time to time. This type of fund raising occurs in all political races. Judges should
not be hampered in their efforts to fund their campaigns. Should a contributor indicate in
the slightest that they expect something in return their contributions should not be
accepted or they should be returned immediately.
A: I will follow the statutory and constitutional laws of the State of Texas and the United
States of America. The death penalty does not apply in County Criminal Court.
A: I would foster the implementation of e-filing in county criminal cases to get those
documents to the intended recipient faster as well as save paper and time costs for the
county, WiFi connections to access those documents and jail pleas via closed circuit to save
costs in time and manpower used to transfer inmates to and from the court. Further, I
would look into a centralized interpreting system. So many cases require a translator for
hearings in court. Often times cases are reset due to the unavailability of translators;
increasing costs for defendants in jail. It may be worth looking into this method used by
some courts through out the country.
A: It is not a judges duty to concede to the desires of the District Attorney's Office.
However, if this is done in a manner in which all of the statutory and constitutional laws are
followed and neither side is given a special advantage then I would be in favor of a faster
process. It is the duty of the judge to see that the proceedings are done in a fair as well as
efficient manner.
A: First and foremost, I was prompted to run because I am qualified. I was a veteran in
the Dallas County District Attorney's Office, and I have gained a great deal more
experience as a Criminal Defense Attorney and General Counsel of the Latino Peace
Officers Association. There are very few things in which I have not been involved in the
criminal law area as a prosecutor, a defense attorney, and as an attorney for the Police
Union. My extensive trial experience allows me to be able to be prepared to make legal
ruling quickly, in a fair manner and in accord with the law. Further, I would like the
opportunity to serve the citizens of Dallas County again.
goal.
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A: As a Father, Husband and Small Business Owner, there are many instances when I have
lead a group toward a goal. One that is particularly pertinent are the many times that I
have been First Chair in a jury trial. When a lawyer is First Chair in a jury trial, they are
responsible for how a trial is conducted; from locating and interviewing witnesses,
coordinating the investigation; the legal research conducted, the strategies that will be
implemented, jury selection, the presentment of the case in chief and jury arguments. It is
one of the most pressure intensive processes I have been involved in and it takes a great
deal of work, anticipation and thinking on your feet. I have been successful on both sides.
These experiences will be invaluable in serving the citizens of Dallas County well as Judge
of County Criminal Court No. 2.

Description:
Janet Cook
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Janet Cook
Street Address: 13510 Crestmoor Drive
City/Town: Farmers Branch
State: Texas
Fax Number: 972-620-0410
E-mail Address: cook1981@tx.rr.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.janetcookforjudge.com
Questions:
A: 29 years
A: Attorney/Dallas County Public Defender's Office
A: - no response -
A: In the past in conjunction with my children’s activities I have been a PTA member and
specifically held various posts such as PTA Board Member, Fundraiser, Chair, and
Newsletter Editor. I have also been a member of Baseball Booster Club, Softball Booster
Club, and the Band Booster Club when my children were in those activities.
A: none
A: $1455 from outside sources
A: myself, my sister-in-law Conni Fulk,the law firm of Matthews, Stein, Shiels, Pearce,
Knott, Eden & Davis, LLP, and my other sister-in-law Susan Morrissey.
A: No
A: Lana Myers. Justice Myers is an intelligent attorney, diligent in her work, and beyond
reproach in her ethics. She is fair and even handed in all her encounters with lawyers,
complainants, and defendants in her court. Her demeanor on the bench is the most
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professional and courteous of any judge I have ever seen.

A: Mercy is one of the many factors that is appropriate for a judge to consider when
assessing punishment. It does not play a factor in deciding guilt or innocence.
A: Treating all parties and counsel equally and with respect. Removing anger, sarcasm,
favoritism, prejudice, and frustration from the bench.
A: The only mechanism available in a criminal case is to grant a new trial to a convicted
defendant, but there must be stated legal and factual reasons in a motion by the defense
that satisfies the requirements of Rule 21 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.
A: I have practiced criminal law exclusively, handling both felonies and misdemeanors. As
an Assistant District Attorney for Dallas County, I prosecuted cases from misdemeanors to
murders. I tried 63 felony jury trials and 74 misdemeanor jury trials and numerous trials
before the court. After I joined the Dallas County Public Defender's Office I have tried at
least 20 felony jury trials on charges ranging from state jail offenses to 1st degree
murders, in addition to many trials before the court.
A: not applicable
A: As a criminal defense attorney, particularly one who is always court appointed and has
little choice regarding taking a client or case, I have had a few grievances filed, but ALL
were dismissed or determined to be unfounded.
A: Throughout my life I have mostly voted for Republican candidates. I generally have a
conservative political philosophy. I believe in personal responsibility of individuals and less
government intrusion in our lives. I consider myself a Republican.
A: I believe an election by public vote is the best method for selecting judges. Partisan
elections are the only method we currently have and is better than appointments or
selection by a committee.
A: No. See my website for my previous public announcement that I will not accept
campaign contributions from lawyers who may appear before me.
A: I am running for a misdemeanor bench and the death penalty is not a sentencing
option.
A: I believe that programs available to help individuals charged with a crime should be
available to anyone who qualifies without regard to their ability to pay. Part of being an
efficient court is not just moving cases, but moving them smartly. Part of being an effective
court is not just collecting money for the county, but SAVING the county money in the long
run. It has been my observation that some of the lower level felonies and misdemeanors
are committed by young people, mostly men or boys, roughly 17 to 23, who do not have a
job and have dropped out of school and have no high school diploma or GED. That gives
these young folks too much time on their hands and with too little to look forward to. I am
in favor of a program that will take these young people and allow them to change the
direction of their lives. I want to start a program where a person in this situation enters
their plea of guilty, but is not sentenced at that time. The case is passed with instructions
from the court to begin several requirements to be completed. These defendants are ones
who would already get probation, but the probation department is overloaded with clients.
So instead of reporting to a probation officer during this time, they are to report to court
and to the judge, hopefully that would be me, to show they are completing what they need
to do. This will be weekly or monthly or whatever is necessary to get them moving in the
right direction. The requirements could consist of taking an aptitude test to see where their
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abilities and interests lie, getting a GED or enrolling in community college or a trade
school, doing community service, actively seeking employment and getting a job. At the
end of a 6 month or 1 year time period, whatever is appropriate for their requirements,
they will then be sentenced to a deferred probation of a short duration. In other words,
they will have been given strong direction in changing their lives without costing the county
extra money and without further burdening probation. This can be a win-win situation. It
will require the judge to be more involved and to take more of the judge’s time, but this is
something that I would be willing to take on and I have a strong belief that it can work.
The purpose is to get these restless, bored, undereducated young people busy productively
so they will be a vibrant plus for the community and not a drain on Dallas County and the
taxpayers. I strongly believe this program would work and there currently is not one like
this. I am the one who can do this and wants to do this. It can and will make a difference
and I believe I can make that difference. The cost to the county is nothing. The payment to
the county for new productive citizens is priceless.
A: I oppose the District Attorney's proposal as it is currently designed. The most important
aspect of the criminal justice system is fairness, not how fast a defendant can be put
through the system. In my experience in handling hundreds of cases, this is not truly a
problem. It has become a popular scapegoat for the jail overcrowding, but in my opinion
the defendant's exercise of their constitutional rights is not the predominant reason for the
crowded jails. Judges must control their dockets and stop cases from being repeatedly
passed for less than legitimate reasons.
A: I have worked as both a prosecutor and defense lawyer, so I will be fair to both the
State and the defendant. Also, for three years I worked for the Dallas County Staff
Attorney's Office, as one of the lawyers advising the Criminal District Judges. I worked
closely with the felony judges, guiding them on evidentiary matters, answering legal
questions, and preparing jury charges. This gave me a unique opportunity to see the day
to day operations of a criminal court judge. All of the above experiences have influenced
my decision to ask the voters to elect me as judge of County Criminal Court #3.
goal.
A: As a supervisor of felony attorneys in the Dallas County Public Defender's office, I work
with younger, less experienced attorneys in evaluating cases, as well as preparing cases
for trial. In doing this, I guide the trial team, consisting of the lawyers and investigator.
Our goal is to represent an indigent individual charged with a felony case to the utmost of
our ability. This is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job.
Doug Skemp
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Doug Skemp
Street Address: 9434 Covemeadow
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
E-mail Address: judgedougskem@yahoo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: dougskempforjudge.com
Questions:
A: 35 years
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A: Judgeof County Criminal Court #3,Dallas County,Texas

A: Dallas Chapter of NAMI(National Alliance on Mental Illness) Lake Highlands Exchange
Club Volunteer judge for high school mock trial competions.
A: Attorney advisor for Hillcrest High School Mock Trial Team Stephens Minister through
Park Cities Baptist Church
A: none
A: Joe Kendall,Randy Isenberg,and Minda Moor
A: no
A: The Judicial Canon of Ethics, does not allow me to answer that question.Canon 2B states
that a judge shall not lend the prestige of his office to advance the private interests of
others.
A: Mercy has its place in the justice system. It is often the right response,and just as often
is not the correct response. Each case must be looked at on its own merits. Some cases
call for toughness, some for mercy,and some for a combination of the two.
A: Appropriate temperment means treating all partcipants in the judicial system with
politeness and respect. By all participants,I mean the attorneys ,the defendant, the
witnesses,the jurors,the bailiff,and the court staff. No one should ever be embarrassed
publically. It is also important that the judge treat all attorneys equally,and never express
favoritism to anyone. Regardless of whether we are having a bad day or not,that can
never be exposed in the court room.
A: When there is legally insufficient evidence to support the verdict. It should be noted that
a verdict of not guilty by a jury can never be overruled as that would violate the double
jeopardy clause of the United States Constitution.
A: As a judge I hear class "A" and "B" misdeamnors. Before becoming a judge I
represented defendants in every type of criminal case other than death penalty cases.
A: no.
A: In 31 years of practicing law I had 2 complaints filed against me. Both were dismissed
by the Grievance Committee without a hearing.
A: First,I have been involved with the Democratic Party for a much longer time than I
have been involved with judicial politics. When I look at which party has stood for
progress,I continually find the Democratic Party leading the way. Social security, medicare,
civil rights legislation, worker safety laws, laws to protect the enviroment, and laws to help
those in need have all been championed by the Democratic Party. That is the party to
which I have always belonged. Also,the Democratic Party has always been a leader in
supporting diversionary court programs for those suffering with a mental illness or a
substance abuse issue.
A: That is a question better answered by our Texas Legislature. I have no control over how
we are chosen.
A: First, Opinion No.48 from the Judicial Ethics Commission specifically allows these
contributions. As long as these contributions are offered by lawyers without hope of
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reward,and accepted in the same spirit, they are allowed. As long as funds are neccessary
to campaign,the lawyers who appear before a judge will be a source of funding. They know
whether you are doing a good job or not. They are the ones who know whether you are
qualified or not. I have always trated all lawyers the same whether they contribute to my
campaign or not.
A: The Judicial Canon of Ethics does not allow me to answer that question. The Judicial
Ethics Committee in Opinion No.184 stated that it was unethical to give an opinion on
abortion citing Canon 5. For the same reason it would be improper to give my views on the
death penalty.
A: Just being there every day all day increases the effiency of the court. I presently have
the 2nd lowest number of pending cases. I have presided over more jury trials than any
other misdeamnor judge since my term began. I have one of the lowest backlog of cases
set for trial. That means when a case is set for trial it will be set within 45 days and in all
liklihood will go to trial on that day. This results in cases not lingering on the docket with
needless delay. We also are possibly moving to a paperless system which has the potential
to increase efficiency.
A: I believe this question speaks to a district attorney initiative in the felony courts and
does not effect this court. Nearly all of our misdeamnor defendants who are in jail have
their cases disposed of within 10 days of their arrest. If someone in jail does want a trial
on his misdemeanor case it will be tried within 2 weeks from it being set for trial.
A: I always thought the best ending to my legal career would be by serving the citizens of
Dallas County as a trial judge. I choose to run for a misdemeanor bench for numerous
reasons. First I wanted a chance to make a difference with young low level offenders
before they graduated to the felony level. Through working with the probation office,I
have developed a system of progessive sanctions that has produced a positive change in
many a defendat's life. I also wanted to help mentor the young prosecutors and defense
attorneys who practice in these courts.I remember judges helping me in my early years of
practice. I wanted to return the favor to the next generation. Finally I wanted to establish
a program to help our chronically mentally ill defendants who rotate through the criminal
justice system. To meet that goal I have established a misdemeanor competency court,
whereby non-violent mentally ill defendants can seek tratment to regain competency on
an out patient basis. I have also taken a leadership role in the judiciary. I was chosen by
my fellow county judges to be the Administrative Law Judge for all the county courts. I
have also been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Criminal Law Section of the
State Bar.
goal.
A: I have established the Misdemeanor Competency Court in Dallas County. Every other
misdemeanor judge transfers their competency cases to my court. As the presiding judge
of this court I coordinate the competency court and all of the different players. This
includes the Public Defenders Office, the District Attorneys Office, The Dallas County Mental
Health Coordinator, and the Case Managers who supervise our incompetent defendants
when they are in our out patient program. This has been a work in progress, but through
weekly staffings with all partcipants we have developed a highly successful program. This
Court has saved Dallas County tax payersover $300,000 during the last fisical year by
eliminating the long wait in jail for these defendants,while wait for a bed to open up at the
State Hospital.Also these defendants when they do regain competency have obtained
housing,have gotten back on their medicine,and have a support group in place.They are
now have a much better chance of not reoffending.

Description:
Teresa Tolle
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Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: M. Teresa Tolle
Street Address: 6564 Chicory Ct.
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-653-8555
E-mail Address: tertolle@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.judgetolle.com/
Questions:
A: 1937-1956; 1985-Present 43 Years Total
A: Judge - County Criminal Court No. 4
A: Active member - Former Daughters of Charity. Involved in financial and personal
support of five households.
A: Refugee Resettlement Teacher - English as a second language Teacher - Citizenship
preparation classes
A: None
A: $15,967
A: Self Donation; James Vasilas; Udashen, Udashen, Sorrels
A: No
A: John Creuzot - District Judge - always concerned about the defendant and rehabilitation
- always appears fair and consistent.
A: There is no justice without mercy.
A: Respectful of all in the court. Patient Good-Humored
A: Never. That's why there is a jury.
A: Misdemeanor Cases - Class A & B
A: No
A: No
A: Traditionally, Democrats have cared about the poor and "have-nots" - and have
encouraged government to use its resources to help middle class workers.
A: Bi-Partisan appointment of judges with retention elections is an option - but it would
have to be carefully "supervised".
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A: Practically, criminal court judges have no alternative but to seek financial help from
criminal court lawyers - those who actually practice in their courts and can give or withhold
contributions as they wish.
A: I believe the death penalty should be seldom used - this does not affect the way I
handle "examining trials" in my court.
A: Perhaps video communication with misdemeanor defendants directly in jail - might
possibly lead to quicker release.
A: I am for whatever works practically - recent jail rules concerning supervision of female
inmates has slowed the "jail chain" process considerably.
A: The opportunity to relieve burdens on people caught by a justice system which can be
crushing and the opportunity to see that victims of crime are made whole.
goal.
A: As Director of Social Concerns for the Dioces of Springfield - Cape Girardeau, MO, I had
occasion to work with staff and parishioners on various projects - notably starting a shelter
for women.
Vanita Budhrani White
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Vanita White
Street Address: 3500 Oak Lawn Ave. Suite #700
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX 75219
Fax Number: 214-526-3500
E-mail Address: vbwlaw@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.vanitawhiteforjudge.com
Questions:
A: 13 years
A: Criminal Defense Attorney
A: Current member of Junior League of Dallas. (active member) Current placement- East
Dallas Community School.
A: Junior League of Dallas- Catholic Charities, Gilda's Club, East Dallas Community School.
A: none
A: Approximately $6000
A: Jacky Budhrani-father Suresh Mansinghani-uncle Jiten Budhrani- brother
503 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM


A: NO
A: Justice Molly Francis. She was the first felony judge that I ever practiced in front of and
she is well respected by her peers. She is able to be a professional and raise a family. She
was a judge of the 283rd Judicial District Court and currently sits on the Court of Appeals.
A: Mercy comes into play when determining punishment. The law is the law and should be
followed and if there are mitigating factors they should be considered in punishment.
A: Judges should be level headed and in control of their courtroom. Personal feelings and
emotions shouldn't affect the way they rule on issues of law. Attorneys should be able to
walk into your courtroom and know what to expect. Your courtroom should not be run
however you are feeling on a particular day. Consistency is the key.
A: It shouldn't if he law is followed and procedures were followed.
A: I have handled criminal cases my entire career. I have been practicing for
approximately 13 1/2 years.
A: None
A: One grievance was filed in 2001 and it was unfounded.
A: I have always been a Republican and I believe that free enterprise and a limited
government is the best philosophy to follow.
A: Criminal judges should not have to rely on politics to be elected, but that is the way our
judicial system works. The most qualified person should be the one that is elected, but that
does not always happen because of politics.
A: Judges can accept money from attorneys that may or do practice in front of them, but
they should not allow this to influence the way they decide a case when that attorney
appears in front of them. To date, I have not accepted any contributions from anyone that
may appear before me. If I do, it will not change the way I would rule for their clients.
Judges are to call the balls and strikes and not legislate from the bench.
A: I believe in the death penalty in appropriate cases. I would not hear death penalty
cases as a misdemeanor judge and it will not affect the way I preside over misdemeanor
offenses.
A: As former Chief of the Mental Health Division when at the District Attorney's Office, I
realized that individuals that have been diagnosed with a mental illness or that have been
to the State Hospital need to have their cases handled expeditiously. Currently, cases
where the defendant has been found incompetent are handled by one judge, but the
caseload has increased tremendously and I would be able to help and take over some of
the cases so that we would split the workload along with regular court business.
A: As a former prosecutor, a low level court would allow prosecutors to gain valuable
courtroom experience. Having a court designed to handle these type of cases would help
the jail population because these cases which are usually not a priority now are the priority
and they can be moved. Prosecutors and judges would rather try s higher profile offense
(ie: murder, rape, robbery.....) versus a State Jail Felony. This type of court would move
these lesser degree offenses.
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A: As a former prosecutor and now criminal defense attorney I feet that I am at a point in
my career that I should take a chance and run for office. I believe that I am qualified to
handle this position. I think a judge should experience both sides before they are elected.
goal.
A: I spearheaded the Mental Health Division at the District Attorney's Office. This position
involved dealing with numerous outside agencies, as well as, leading prosecutors on how
to properly deal with mentally ill defendants. Mentally ill defendant's cases were never a
priority for prosecutors. Once this division was created that mentality changed and
mentally ill defendants were now looked at as a priority especially if they were back from
the State Hospital. My priority in leading this division was not to necessarily send everyone
to the penitentiary, but my ultimate goal was working on a treatment plan that for these
individuals. By working with these individuals and finding the appropriate treatment and
services for them we were able to reduce recidivism.

Description:
Alexander "Lex" Fitzenhagen
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Alexander "Lex" Fitzenhagen, Jr.
Street Address: 6060 N. Central Expwy Ste 560
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
Fax Number: 214-526-2284
E-mail Address: lexforjudge@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.lexforjudge.com
Questions:
A: 40 years
A: Criminal Defense Attorney
A: Volunteer at Dallas Bar Association Legal Line
A: Member of Highland Park United Methodist Church; Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Virginia;
YMCA volunteer
A: None
A: $1,100.00
A: Nancy O'Neil; Luis R. Campos; G. Andrews Smith
A: No
A: Judge Jane Roden because she’s professional, fair, approachable and consistent with her
rulings. As a judge she is very practical, and she uses County resources wisely. She has a
common sense and fair application of the law and assignment of punishment. She has also
balanced her professional career with raising family.
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A: I believe in following the law as it is written and determining guilt or innocence based
on the facts of the case. However, I believe mercy has a role in the punishment phase of
justice. First time offenders sometimes deserve compassionate forbearance. For instance,
showing empathy for a mother stealing bread to feed her children is an important part of
our justice system.
A: A judge should always be professional, composed, and impartial. A judge should lead
the courtroom with his/her demeanor and set the example for professional behavior in
expediting justice. His temperament should naturally invoke respect, as a reflection of his
own respect for others. A judge’s behavior and attitude will set the tone for the court. I
believe that my natural predisposition is calm and level-headed. As an attorney, my
temperament in court is professional with patience and compassion.
A: In criminal court, if the jury clearly does not follow the jury charge instrument, if there
is blatant juror misconduct, or if new evidence is introduced that may exonerate the
accused, then a judge may set aside a jury’s decision and allow a motion for a new trial.
Only in extremely rare, specific circumstances does this occur.
A: As both a prosecutor and a defense attorney in Dallas County for over 20 years, I have
handled a wide variety of criminal cases. I have handled every possible type of Class A and
Class B misdemeanor cases, as well as felonies ranging from state jail felonies to second
degree felony cases. I have also handled thousands of cases as the court appointed
attorney for Spanish speaking and/or indigent clients. For example, I have handled cases
involving: DWI, theft, assault, UUMV, prostitution, burglary, evading arrest, forgery,
aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of controlled substance, delivery of
controlled substance, indecency with a child, family violence assault, etc.
A: Not applicable.
A: No
A: I am running for judge as a Republican because I believe in fiscal responsibility and
commonsense conservative principles. I believe everyone deserves a fair and speedy trial
with a presiding judge that has plenty of experience in criminal law. Past elections have
resulted in candidates, who lacked experience in handling criminal cases, being elected
into judicial office. The philosophies of the Republican party stress limited government and
fiscal responsibility. Judges with this philosophy can save tax payer dollars by handling
cases in a more expedient fashion. A backlog of clients waiting in jail costs the tax payers
more money.
A: No, I believe the best system would be to have non-partisan elections for judges. For
County judges, relevant experience is more important than political party affiliation. I
would suggest that all judicial candidates would be required to practice law for ten years in
the specific area (i.e. family, civil, criminal) for the bench in which they are seeking
election. The primary ballot would list only candidates who met this requirement, and the
two candidates with the most votes would be on the ballot in the general election. This
method would help to insure that the most qualified candidates serve on the County
benches.
A: County Criminal judges should strictly follow the laws of the State of Texas regardless of
any campaign contributions received. All judges should comply with the code of ethics as
written by the Texas Ethics Commission.
A: I am running for County Criminal Court #5 which is a misdemeanor court. The death
penalty is not relevant to this bench. My view of the death penalty will in no way affect the
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way I handle cases in this court.

A: I would try to implement into the misdemeanor courts the paperless computer system
that is now being used in felony courts. I would also try to implement a recycling program
for non-sensitive court papers and all plastic bottles and cans.
A: As long as the judge has experience with handling a wide variety of criminal cases,
speeding up of the pace of the judicial system helps clients whom cannot post bond and
saves tax payer dollars. Frequently indigent clients sit in jail for much longer than they or
their families would like because of delays in the judicial system. When a judge thoroughly
understands how the process works and the laws as they are written, he can move cases
quickly while being fair and impartial. The United States Constitution declares the right to a
speedy trial.
A: During the last 20 years working in the Dallas County Criminal courtrooms, I have
watched the judicial process deteriorate instead of improve. Recently the system has
produced a huge backlog of cases that I believe is a result of inexperienced judges and
inefficient political policies. The last election turned over several benches to new judges
who did not have adequate experience to efficiently run the courts. I decided to run for this
office because I understand how the judicial process works, know the laws and have
experience with these types of cases. I believe I can better serve the citizens of Dallas and
fairly, expedite criminal cases.
goal.
A: As a YMCA volunteer, I coached a youth basketball team to win their conference
championship. I worked to develop each player's potential and stressed the importance of
good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Etta J. Mullin
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Etta J. Mullin
City/Town: Duncanville
State: Texas
E-mail Address: ettajmullin@yahoo.com
Questions:
A: I have lived in Dallas County for approximately 39 years.
A: Attorney and Counselor at Law
A: Some of my current civic involvement includes the following, Active membership in
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Dallas Alumnae Chapter, a private, non-profit
organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established
programs in local communities throughout the world. The major programs are based upon
a Five Point Programmatic Thrust Economic Development, Educational Development,
International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political
Awareness and Involvement. Member of the Delta Gems committee which is created to
catch the dreams of at risk, adolescent girls aged 14-18, Member of Delta Social Action
Committee, Member of the Galliee Griggs Memorial District Association Constitution and
By-Laws Committee Voulunteer with several organizations such as the Youth Conversion,
Inc., City of Dallas Teen Summit,Stewardship Advisory Board Hopewell Development and
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Achievement Center, etc. Tutor and Mentor youth, Provide pro bono legal services to
several churches and organizations, Some of my current accomplishment highlights
include the following, Women of Excellence Award, Special Recognition for Participation,
Outstanding Achievements and Accomplishments, South Central Business and Professional
Women's Club, Certificate of Recognition for Career Day Speaker, Dallas Environmental
Science Academy, etc.
A: Some of my previous civic involvement/accomplishment highlights include the
following, Volunteer each year with the St. Philip's School and Community Center,
Thanksgiving Community Dinner to feed the homeless, St. Philip's School and Community
Center Christmas and Mother's day store, which provides free gifts to families in the local
community and low income throughout Dallas County, Volunteer with the City of Dallas
Teen Summit, Youth Conversion Inc., March Against Domestic Violence, Feed the homeless
at the Dallas Life Foundation, Grand Prairie Clean-up, etc.
A: Not applicable
A: As of July 30, 2010 I have raised $25,191.00 in funding for my campaign.
A: My top three contributors are Scottie D. Allen, Ralph Isenburg, and Leon Carter.
A: The sitting judge I hold up as a role model is Chief Justice Carolyn Wright of the Texas
Fifth District Court of Appeal. Prior to my becoming an attorney, I had the opportunity to
meet and observe Chief Justice Wright on the bench as the Judge of the 256th Dallas
County District Court. I was impressed by her judicial temperament, knowledge of the law,
courtroom decor, and her excellent reputation in the community as a Jurist. When I
became license I selected her to perform my swearing in ceremony.
A: Mercy is a compassionate treatment. It has a very pivotal role in the administration of
criminal justice. The Texas Penal Code sets range of punishment for all criminal offenses.
Mercy is one of the fundamental reasons we have a range of punishment. The facts and
circumstances of a criminal case, background of an offender, remorse for the commission
of an offense, etc. can impact the appropriate punishment in a given case. Compassion is
important in setting the proper punishment for the offense and the ability to be compassion
is essential to justice as a goal. When justice is attained the victim, the offender, and
society are best served.
A: In my view a Judge's appropriate temperament is to always be open minded, to be
knowlegable of the law and its application, and to show respect for the citizens who appear
before the court.
A: At the outset a jury's decision is the desired outcome of any jury trial. The Judge should
overrule a jury's decision upon a showing that the jury violated the law and the violation
prejudice the rights of the parties.
A: As a lawyer I have typically handled a variety of criminal, juvenile and appellate cases
both felony and misdemeanor, ranging from Capital Murder to DWI.
A: Not applicable
A: As a lawyer, complaints have been filed against me with the Grievance Committee
however; the dispositions of each complaint filed has been unfounded.
A: I am a life long democrat because I have always subscribed to the philosophy that
everyone irrespective of their economic status, race, sexuality, etc. deserves a right to full
inclusion into the political process. I view the Democratic Party as the party of inclusion.
The accused that will come before me will come from all facets of life. I do not see justice
as being democratic justice or republican justice, but only JUSTICE.
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A: Yes
A: Yes, Judges should accept campaign contributions from lawyers who have appeared, or
may appear before a judge in court. The Oath of a judge requires that a judge be impartial
and apply the law equally. I believe that lawyers who appear before a judge are aware of
the oath that a judge takes. I am also mindful that our justice system is based on the
integrity of judges and lawyers.
A: While the court I am running for does not handle death penalty cases, my view will not
affect the way I handled cases in the court.
A: I will develop a system that will move the court's docket in a clear and concise matter
while giving attorneys on both sides the necessary time to investigate and prepare. I will
require pretrial conferences on contested matters pending before the court and possibly
limit the amount of times uncontested cases can be reset without the showing of good
cause while adhering to the laws as set out in the Constitution of the United States of
America.
A: I believe this issue is more prevalent in the felony courts than it is in misdemeanor
courts. As to this court the sure number of cases filed in the court would require the court
to give priority to people in jail pending the disposition of their case.
A: It has always been my life long ambition to make a positive contribution to this
community and legal profession. I have represented thousand of citizens, worked for many
years in the community, and advocated for victim's rights. I feel that as a Judge my
experience and background gives me the balance prospective to have an even greater
impact on the community and legal profession.
goal.
A: I was appointed by my late pastor as the chairperson of his 50th year of preaching
celebration-planning committee. The goal of the committee was to show the church and
community's appreciation for his 50 years of preaching by securing the attendance from
the at large religious organizations and civic community. At the time of my appointment
the committee members and congregation lacked directions as to attaining the agreed
goal. Under my leadership the committee and congregation was successful in securing the
involvement of hundreds of religious, civic organizations and recognition from the
President of the United States of America.

Description:
Angela M. King
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: ANGELA M. KING
Street Address: 1507 WAVECREST DRIVE
City/Town: GLENN HEIGHTS
State: TEXAS
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Fax Number: 214-653-5777
E-mail Address: angelakingcampaign@sbcglobal.net
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgeangelaking.net
Questions:
A: 36 years
A: Judge County Criminal Court #6
A: Serving Dallas County in my official capacity. Speaking/participating in political forums.
Volunteering with local school programs. Supporting scholarships.
A: Speaking/participating in political forums. Volunteering with local school programs.
Supporting scholarships.
A: - no response -
A: Approximately $5000 since 2009
A: TO DATE, NO CONTRIBUTIONS IN EXCESS OF $500
A: NO
A: - no response -
A: MERCY AND COMPASSION ARE SOMETIMES NECESSARY TO ENSURE JUSTICE IS
SERVED.
A: FIRM, DELIBERATE, COMPASSIONATE, FORTH-COMING, SINCERE, EVEN-TEMPERED
A: THE JURY'S DECISION SHOULD BE FINAL. A JUDGE SHOULD VERY CAREFULLY
DETERMINE THE LEGALITY OF THE JURY'S DECISION BEFORE CONSIDERING OVERRULING
SUCH.
A: CRIMINAL
A: - no response -
A: NO
A: EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A VOICE AND EVERYONE SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY
REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, OR GENDER.
A: ELECTIONS ALLOW THE CITIZENS A VOICE IN THEIR GOVERNMENT.
A: CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS SHOULD BE TRANSPARENT.
A: I PRESIDE OVER A MISDEMEANOR COURT WHERE THE DEATH PENALTY IS NOT
APPLICABLE.
A: I HAVE IMPLEMENTED A WEEKLY AFTERNOON PRE-TRIAL DOCKET. I WOULD ALSO LIKE
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TO IMPLEMENT A WEEKLY EVENING DOCKET.

A: I WANT TO DO WHAT WILL ASSIST ENSURING ALL DEFENDANTS RECEIVE A FAIR AND
SPEEDY TRIAL OR DISPOSITION OF THEIR CASE.
A: I AM SEEKING RE-ELECTION BECAUSE I ENJOY SERVING AS JUDGE OF COUNTY
CRIMINAL COURT #6 AND I ASPIRED TO BECOME A JUDGE SINCE CHILDHOOD.
goal.
A: ESTABLISHING THE WEEKLY AFTERNOON PRE-TRIAL DOCKET TOOK SOME GETTING
USED TO, BUT NOW THE LAWYERS, STATE AND DEFENSE, AND THE DEFENDANTS
APPRECIATE KNOWING WHAT CASES ARE GOING TO TRIAL BECAUSE THEY HAVE A FINAL
TIME BEFORE TRIAL TO SETTLE ANY ISSUES WHICH LEADS TO FASTER DISPOSITIONS.
Christopher Koustoubardis
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Chris Koustoubardis
Street Address: 10432 Church Rd.
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: (214) 340-5843
E-mail Address: chriskoustoubardis@msn.com
Questions:
A: 54 years
A: Attorney
A: None
A: My first job in law was a parole officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. I
held this position from 1990-1995 during which time I had the opportunity to become
involved with Project RIO (Re-Integration of Offenders), which is a state-run initiative that
provides education, job training and equips incarcerated persons with the basic skills
needed to obtain jobs upon being paroled. Although my responsibility was to refer or
recommend my parolees to Project RIO I would often attend the workshops with them,
help seek employment and stay involved until they were able to succeed on their own.
Project RIO is a very valuable program that helps detainees who are willing to reform
make good use of time and resources while serving time. Preparing them to work and
contribute to society when they are released is best for everyone and is a promising
alternative to simply punishing them.
A: - no response -
A: Raised money to date $5,900.00
A: Louis Tremblay - $1,000 retired teacher Bobby Goldstein - $500 owner and creator
show Cheaters David Bower - $500 Investor Pete Livingston - $500 Investor Art Broker
Pryor Blackwell - $500 Real Estate Broker
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A: DWI 1978
A: Judge Tom Price, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Judge Price’s family and mine were
very close growing up in Highland Park. I watched Judge Price go from a County Court
Judge to a District Judge and now he serves on the highest criminal court in Texas. I have
always known Judge Price to be a fair and reasonable judge.
A: Mercy may be taken into consideration by both the judge and jury when considering a
just punishment. Texas makes an effort to guide the jury to dispense mercy on a defendant
when at all possible. The decision maker must weigh so many factors that are too
intangible to write into statute but such things as the defendant’s childhood can have a
lasting impact on their adult life, alter subsequent choices made and therefore should
factor into the punishment phase and hopefully result in an appropriate overall outcome for
both sides.
A: A judge should be emotionally stable, rational and consistent. He should be a good
listener, patient with the fact-finding process and confident when handing down decisions.
The most important and valuable attributes that make a judge truly reputable and
respected by all are fairness and equality. All this comes with years of experience, interest
and desire to uphold the law.
A: When a jury convicts a defendant and the judge feels there was either legal insufficiency
or factual insufficiency of the evidence to have convicted the defendant the judge should
exercise his right to overrule that decision. Checks and balances are in place to protect
both sides from being victimized by legal misrepresentation or negligence. Legal
insufficiency is when the state produces no evidence as to support a person’s guilt and
therefore the case should have never been presented to the jury. Factual insufficiency is
where the guilty verdict is based on evidence that is simply too weak to constitute a guilty
verdict.
A: As a former Administrative Law Judge for the Texas Youth Commission I presided over
approximately 2500 parole revocation hearings (Trial before the Court).
A: In that time I did not have any complaints filed against me to the Judicial Conduct
Committee.
A: In 1996 I had represented a parolee during his parole revocation hearing. The parolee’s
wife approached me to represent her in divorce proceedings and I told her I could not help
her due to conflict of interest and I referred her to the SMU legal Clinic. The girl’s mother-
in-law filed a complaint against me claiming I offered to do handle the divorce from her
side and essentially accused me of wanting sue my own client in a separate trial. A
Grievance Committee found the complaint unfounded and absolved me of any fault.
A: Because Texas selects judges through partisan elections the state has a generally
conservative judicial system in which all acting members are fairly unified in philosophy
and are effective in pursuing common goals. The beauty of this election process is that
accountability, visible and public interest are focal points rather than individual priorities or
agendas.
A: At the present time I feel this is the best way for Texas because there are just too many
judges for the general public to keep up. The partisan method gives a voter some
knowledge of a candidate’s philosophy by his political party affiliation. Elections can get
overwhelming and this makes the process more streamlined and manageable.
A: I do not believe it is an issue for judge-elects to accept campaign contributions from an
attorney who could someday appear in their court. As a judge I would not feel indebted in
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any way to an individual who contributed to my campaign and had a case before me. We
should all support each other when we are able and be friends of the court. Decisions made
in court should always solely based on fact so the number of personal friends you have and
money are completely irrelevant no matter if you are trying a case or presiding over it.
A: Death Penalty does not apply in my court. However I am in favor of the death penalty.
I feel the death penalty is definitely a huge deterrent to crime.
A: I would encourage teamwork and am a sticker for punctuality. It is very important for
all parties to be at work on time. In order to do a plea before a Judge, the prosecutor,
court reporter, clerks and defense attorney all need to be there and when one person is
late it makes everyone fall behind and creates at least double the amount of time wasted if
proceedings are rescheduled or delayed.
A: I am in favor of the DA’s office trying to bring defendants to trial more quickly. As a
Judge I will work hard to clear my trial docket to help reduce the over crowded jail.
A: I enjoyed being an Administrative Law Judge and this seems like a natural progression
where I can make a difference at a local level. Dallas is my hometown and I'd like to
improve circumstances for my children and yours too. Basically, I'd like to give back to the
community in which I grew up and have become very familiar with. I see this as a
long-term opportunity and plan to stick around to make a lasting impact. My family
means everything to me and I am committed to providing a stable future for them,
especially my 14 year old special needs daughter. She is a miracle and a treasure to me
and I want to make sure she is taken care of through her adult years. She inspires me
every day and I adore her. My three children are my motivation!
goal.
A: Having a special needs family child has its challenges but we all work together to
provide a great and enjoyable life for her. Coming together as family to support and care
for her is teamwork in its purest form. No matter how difficult the circumstances get,
seeing her so happy is all the reward I need. She lights up any room she walks into and
my goal is for that to continue.

Description:
Elizabeth Crowder
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Elizabeth Crowder
Street Address: 4848 Lemmon Ave., #100-389
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-747-1826
E-mail Address: ehcrowder@yahoo.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgecrowder.com
Questions:
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A: 24 years
A: Judge, County Criminal Court #7
A: Judge, County Criminal Court #7 from 1995 to present, Mentor in the Transition to Law
Practice Program, Mentor in Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mentor to four DISD high school
interns, Mock Trial Judge and volunteer attorney/advisor to UNT Dallas mock trial
students, Mock Trial Judge for Yavneh Academy and DISD high school mock trial teams,
Discussion Leader and author of the criminal law problem sets for the Dallas Bar
Association Law Students and Professionalism Program held annually since 2005, Life
Fellow of the Dallas Bar Foundation, Author and speaker on “Frequently Raised Issues in
DWI Trials,” Frequent speaker on Professionalism and Ethics in the Courtroom for
continuing legal education courses.
A: Elected by the other judges to serve as Presiding Judge over the 12 Misdemeanor
County Criminal Courts in 1996, Associate Judge of the 305th Judicial District Juvenile
Court from 1992 to 1995, Chief Prosecutor of the 304th Judicial District Juvenile Court from
1990 to 1992, Felony Prosecutor and Misdemeanor Prosecutor from 1987 to 1990, Dallas
Bar Association (DBA) Board of Directors from 2004 to 2009, Literacy Volunteer and Board
of Directors of Literary Instruction for Texas, Board Member of the Texas Licensed Court
Interpreter Advisory Board, Co-Chair of the DBA Library Committee, Chair of the DBA
Bylaws Committee, Co-Chair of the DBA Bench/Bar Committee, Co-Chair of the DBA
Criminal Justice Committee, DBA Joint Task Force on Professionalism, Judicial
Representative on Task Force to Develop Repeat Offender DWI Class.
A: None
A: $29,305.00
A: Texas Democratic Party, Omar Nawaz, and Joe Kendall
A: No.
A: Under Canon 5 of the Code of Judicial Conduct I am not permitted to publicly endorse
another candidate for public office, so I will not name a particular judge. The judges who
are my role models treat every person who comes into the courtroom with respect and
dignity, including persons accused, witnesses, jurors, lawyers, and court personnel.
A: If mercy means compassionate, humane treatment of others, then mercy is integral to
justice. I believe that the people who administer justice can remain compassionate,
regardless of the reason a person is involved with the criminal justice system.
A: A judge should never exercise authority in a way that humiliates or embarrasses
anyone who appears in the court. A good judge can be firm when necessary without losing
his or her temper. In my experience, the judge’s temperament and demeanor set the
example for the participants, and respect for everyone involved goes further than gavel
banging or yelling.
A: In a criminal trial, the judge may grant a new trial after a jury’s verdict only under
limited circumstances, including when the jury has engaged in such misconduct that the
person accused did not receive a fair trial or when the verdict is contrary to the law and
evidence. Even then the judge may only order a new trial.
A: As a judge, I have heard criminal misdemeanor cases for the last fifteen years. Some
examples of the cases I hear include driving while intoxicated, theft, assault, and burglary
of vehicle cases. As an Associate Judge in Juvenile Court, I heard cases including juveniles
charged with offenses ranging from shoplifting to murder. As a lawyer, I handled criminal
felony and misdemeanor cases of adults and juveniles including driving while intoxicated,
burglary, aggravated robbery, aggravated sexual assault, and murder cases.
A: In my almost eighteen years on the bench, I have never had a sustained complaint
against me. In 1997, the Commission on Judicial Conduct reviewed a complaint by the
relative of a defendant who had pled guilty in my court. The Commission ruled that the
allegations were without substance, and the decision was made to dismiss the complaint as
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being without merit. The person who submitted the complaint was upset that he did not
receive reimbursement of bond money as quickly as he would have liked.
A: No.
A: The Democratic Party is based on a philosophy of inclusion, rather than exclusion. I
agree with the party’s explicit goal to work toward ending discrimination based on race,
sex, ethnicity, national origin, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age
or disability.
A: I believe nonpartisan, merit selection with retention elections would be a better way to
select judges.
A: Under our current system, it is legal and ethical for a judge to accept campaign
contributions from lawyers as long as the judge complies with the Judicial Campaign
Fairness Act and Code of Judicial Conduct. I believe a change in the way judges are
selected could result in improvements related to judicial campaign finance as well.
A: I handle criminal misdemeanor cases only, not death penalty cases.
A: My court has the lowest backlog of the ten general jurisdiction misdemeanor courts, so I
would continue the policies I have implemented over the last 15 years. I will strive to
maintain the efficiencies already in place in a way that enhances the ultimate goal of
achieving fairness and justice for the participants.
A: This question applies to felony courts more than the misdemeanor court over which I
preside. In misdemeanor court there are rarely persons waiting in jail for trial. I have a
policy in my court that a case involving a person in jail waiting for trial takes priority over
all other cases.
A: When I was first elected as Judge of County Criminal Court #7 more than 15 years ago,
I chose a criminal misdemeanor court because I believed it was a place where the court
might be able to positively address issues that cause people to be charged with criminal
conduct. For most people who appear in my court, the law violation signals an underlying
problem involving the abuse of alcohol or some other substance or a mental health issue.
goal.
A: As Judge of County Criminal Court #7, my goal is to create an environment that is
professional, open, and efficient without being intimidating. I believe the judge of a court
sets the tone in that court, but the court operates efficiently only when the clerks,
coordinator, bailiff, probation officer, and court reporter work as a team. With all of the
court personnel working together we achieve the goal of running a professional, open,
efficient court, and I am proud that we have accomplished that goal in County Criminal
Court #7.
Justin Jay "J.J." Koch
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Justin Jay "J.J." Koch
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City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-954-9541
E-mail Address: jjkoch@jjkoch.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.jjkoch.com
Questions:
A: 8 Years
A: Attorney, Bellinger & DeWolf, LLP
A: Dallas Bar Association Mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters Amachi Program North Texas
Crime Commission, Legislative Committee Duke University, Iron Dukes Lee Park and
Arlington Hall Junior Conservancy Dallas Summer Musicals Associate Producers Dallas
Lodge 760 A.F. & A.M. First Presbyterian Church of Dallas Mock Trial Judge
A: Habitat For Humanity Dallas Bar Association North Texas Crime Commission,
Legislative Committee Duke University, Iron Dukes Lee Park and Arlington Hall Junior
Conservancy Dallas Summer Musicals Associate Producers Dallas Lodge 760 A.F. & A.M.
First Presbyterian Church of Dallas Mock Trial Judge
A: None
A: David Wilox, Richard Koch and M. David Saller.
A: No
A: I believe it is improper to respond to this question, as it may be construed as an
endorsement of another candidate. The Code of Judicial Conduct applies to candidates and
prohibits the endorsement of another candidate for office.
A: Mercy has a place in justice only so far as it acts to serve society. The individual found
guilty of a crime has violated the social contract and, therefore, must accept that the
needs of society are to be placed before their own. The Texas Penal Code provides for a
wide range of punishment, including possible probation, and thus recognizes that
circumstances vary widely in each case. That range of punishment is broad so as to give
the jury or judge the ability to serve justice appropriately. There are instances where it is
appropriate to act with mercy regarding an individual because society would be better
served than if that individual were more harshly punished. Individuals who show clear
potential to reform their behavior, but who may be pushed to failure and future criminal
behavior if sentencing is overly burdensome, must be addressed thoughtfully. That is the
only type of mercy that has a place in justice.
A: Above all, a judge must be dispassionate. More specifically, a judge must have a great
degree of "emotional intelligence" in order to effectively segregate the desire for a
particular outcome from the logical calculations that necessarily follow from strict
adherence to the law. A judge must also possess a consistent desire to learn and
understand the many intricacies of the law. Along those same lines, a good judge must
possess a great deal of drive and dedication in order to truly commit the time and energy
necessary to promote a fair and efficient judicial system and best serve the people of
Dallas County. Additionally, a judge must be considerate and honorable so as to instill
confidence in the institution of the court for the public and to ensure that it is both a
productive and positive environment for the employees charged with running that court.
A: A judge may grant a new trial where material evidence favorable to the accused has
been discovered since trial. The Code of Criminal Procedure dictates other extremely rare
occasions where a judge may order a new trial. Beyond those instances, it is inappropriate
for a criminal court judge to overrule a jury's decision.
A: I started my career as a prosecutor with the Dallas County District Attorney's Office
where I tried criminal cases on behalf of the people of Dallas County. I later left the
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District Attorney's office and began a criminal defense practice. In 2007, I was hired by
Bellinger & DeWolf, LLP to assist with civil litigation, represent the Dallas Fraternal Order of
Police and maintain my criminal defense caseload. Over the course of my career,
approximately 60% of my work has been criminal and the remaining 40% has been civil
litigation and employment law.
A: Not applicable.
A: No.
A: Personal responsibility. The Republican Party stands for the freedom of the individual to
prosper and be free from government intrusion. With that freedom comes the
responsibility of the individual to act according to the limited mandates of democratically
created laws. I am among the many proud civil libertarians in the Republican Party who
believe that individuals acting with personal responsibility make for a just and prosperous
society.
A: I support the partisan election method. While some argue that appointed judges are
more independent, there is plenty of evidence within the Federal Judiciary that the political
leanings of the appointing individuals are often reflected during the tenure of the
appointee. Elected judges are held accountable and are made to reflect the will of the
people.
A: Accepting contributions from attorneys who have appeared, or may appear, before a
judicial candidate is proper so long as the requisite disclosures are made and it is further
made clear, in word and deed, that contributions do not entitle a contributing attorney to
special treatment, in any form.
A: The judicial cannons prohibit me from disclosing my personal view of this issue. Further,
misdemeanor courts do not handle death penalty cases. As a judge, I am bound by the
law, and will follow it as it has been written by the legislature.
A: Availability. I believe that the greatest improvement that can be made to County
Criminal Court #7 is to have a judge who is available during the work day, does not take
excessive time off, and can dedicate the time and energy necessary to effectively manage
the Court. I will be available, on the bench from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm and will be in my
chambers both before and after that time. I will not spend taxpayer time at political
events.
A: If the accused and the State are prepared for trial, I agree that an accelerated pace is
preferable. However, if the accused needs more time to prepare with counsel or, in the
alternative, if the State cannot obtain a witness on short notice, justice will likely not be
served. Efficiency at the expense of justice is unacceptable. I will carefully monitor any
proposed program to ensure that "the numbers" are not the dominant concern of the
court. Rather, justice is--and always should be--the institution's primary goal.
A: I believe I can be a good judge. I've seen the criminal court system from every angle.
I've served as a prosecutor, I've defended the accused, and I've represented law
enforcement and understand its occasional failings. No one side has a monopoly on truth or
virtue. As a judge, I will place my faith in the criminal justice system and allow the
adversarial process--not emotion, whimsy or individual interests--to determine the result.
I was a prosecutor in County Criminal Court #7 and have been assigned to cases as a
court-appointed defense attorney in that court, as well. Based upon my experiences, I
believe that the people of Dallas County will be better served if I am elected to preside
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over County Criminal Court #7.

goal.
A: In my current position with Bellinger & DeWolf, I was charged with updating the
protocols regarding criminal representation of police officers. Our new system is efficient
and has yielded better response times to shootings, more effective representation in Public
Integrity investigations and more effective counsel for off-duty officers accused of a crime.

Description:
Deandra Grant
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Deandra Michelle Grant
Street Address: 2804 Lacompte Drive
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: (972) 943-8004
E-mail Address: deandra4judge@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.electdeandragrant.com
Questions:
A: I spent my elementary school years in Dallas attending St. Pius X Catholic School. My
family moved to Plano at the beginning of my 6th grade year. I graduated from Plano
Senior High School in 1986. After spending 4 years in San Antonio attending Trinity
University, I returned to the metroplex for law school at SMU. I've been back in Dallas
since 1990.
A: I am an attorney in private practice with offices in Dallas and Plano. My retained
practice is limited to DWI defense. I am also frequently court appointed by the District
Judges in both Collin and Dallas County to handle indigent clients charged with 1st, 2nd,
3rd or State Jail level felonies. As a side note, I have spent the past year co-authoring The
Texas DWI Manual, a trial guide and law book for Texas attorneys. The book is due to be
published later this year. In addition, I am a frequent speaker at legal seminars in and out
of Texas on the issue of forensic blood and breath testing in DWI cases.
A: I have been an active member of the White Rock Republican Women's Club since 1995,
having twice served as the club's President. We work on community projects throughout
the year. Recent examples include a book drive for the USO, participation in the Adopt-
A-Soldier program, welcoming troops back from the wars at DFW, collecting stuffed bears
for the police department so officers have a special "friend" for traumatized children they
encounter during their duties, a "personal items" drive for the tenants of Buckner
Retirement Home and adopting a DISD elementary school for a school supplies drive.
A: See above.
A: I was candidate in the 2002 GOP Primary for Dallas County District Attorney.
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A: I have raised approximately $10,000.

A: My mother, myself, several attorneys have donated $500 each. I have not held a
fundraiser or solicited funds from the local attorneys.
A: No.
A: Judge Jennifer Balido, 203rd District Court, is the judge I would recognize as a role
model because she knows the law and fairly applies it, has a calm demeanor in court, is
cordial to all who enter her court and is always on the bench for a full work day. I often
encounter lazy, absent, disinterested and disorganized judges so Judge Balido's court is a
pleasure.
A: Mercy and justice go hand in hand. Every person who appears in a criminal court
charged with an offense is an individual. Some may warrant more "mercy" than others.
Judges have to be able to look at the citizen accused, the crime, the potential harm to
society and the potential for rehabilitation. Often these are tough calls to make.
A: Having been in courts where judges stormed off the bench, threw files at lawyers, used
profanity, punished citizens more harshly because they were angry at the citizen's lawyer,
etc., this is an issue near and dear to my heart. Individuals who cannot maintain
self-control and treat others with respect while presiding over a courtroom have no
business serving as judges.
A: A jury is the "judge" of the facts of a case. The question then becomes: when should one
trial judge overrule another? The answer: they should not. In 18 years of criminal trial
practice, I have never seen a judge overrule a jury verdict.
A: I have handled all levels of state criminal offenses from Class B misdemeanor driving
with a suspended license cases all the way up 1st degree felony cases such as murder.
However, my practice over the past 6 years has narrowed to the defense of citizens
accused of DWI. The Court I am running for is a misdemeanor trial court which mainly
handles DWI trials.
A: N/A
A: I have never been the subject of a private reprimand, public reprimand, suspension or
disbarment.
A: I am a Conservative which means that I believe in the rule of law and adherence to the
US Constitution as it is written. I do not believe it is proper for a judge to twist the law to
suit their own particular agenda. The proper procedure to change laws you do not agree
with is through the Legislature or Congress, not through the court system. As a
Conservative, the Republican Party most closely aligns with my philosophies on these
issues.
A: I am always in favor of the citizens having control over their elected officials and this
would include judges.
A: Unfortunately, for the local judicial races, the majority of funds a candidate is likely to
receive are from other attorneys unless they are financially able to fund their own race.
Prohibiting judicial candidates from accepting donations from attorneys would likely result
in quality candidates choosing not to run for financial reasons.
A: No cases in the misdemeanor court I am seeking are impacted by the death penalty.
County Criminal Court Number 8 is a misdemeanor trial court.
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A: The DWI Court program is a special rehabilitation program for individuals with multiple
DWI's who have a substance abuse problem and wish to seek treatment. The Court is run
by a judge who volunteers their time outside of normal court hours to oversee the
treatment of the individuals who have chosen to enter this special program. Dallas County
currently has one DWI Court program but it is typically full with a waiting list. I have had
many clients benefit greatly from the DWI Court program and would like to see Dallas
County open a second DWI Court to accommodate more individuals. It is my
understanding that federal funds are available to open a second court but that no current
judge has volunteered to start the program. If elected, it is my intention to volunteer my
time to open a second DWI court in Dallas County because I believe it is an effective tool
in reducing the recidivism rate for DWI offenses in our community.
A: The judges in the Collin County misdemeanor courts regularly try 2 or 3 jury trials per
week. The Dallas courts typically have one jury trial per week. If I am elected, I will
institute the same docketing procedures used in Collin County so that we can get more
cases to trial each week.
A: We can't expect to have good people in public office if good people won't run. Many of
my colleagues are surprised that an attorney with a successful law practice would be
willing to close up shop in favor of public service but I believe the time has come for me to
give back. I am running for judge, not because I need the job, but because I believe I am
the best candidate. There is a difference.
goal.
A: I'm a wife and the mother of a 2 year old daughter and a 7 year old son. Every day I
lead a "team" toward the "goal" of raising happy, healthy and productive citizens. No
professional or civic accomplishment is more important than Team Family.
Tina Yoo
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Tina Yoo
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Date of Birth: age 40
E-mail Address: tinajyoo@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgetinayoo.com
Questions:
A: I have lived in Dallas County since 1979. I temporarily moved to Austin to attend the
University of Texas from 1988-1992 and moved back to Dallas County upon completion of
my college degree.
A: I am the Municipal Judge for the City of Hutchins and a criminal defense attorney
practicing at the local, state and federal levels.
A: National White Collar Crime Center - adjunct instructor; Dallas Police Academy -
Instructor; Lovers Lane United Methodist Church - Board of Trustees; Korean-American
Coalition DFW Chapter - member; Dallas Asian American Bar Association - Annual Banquet
Co-Chair; DFW AACC - Board Member; North Texas Asian Democrats - co-founder and
Secretary; People Empowerment Project - Advisory Board Member; Good Legal Clinics -
volunteer
A: Greater Dallas Crime Commission; Dallas Bar Association; JL Turner Association; Lovers
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Lane United Methodist Church - Lay Committee Chair for Rev. Mai Le; Youth Initiative -
Design Team; Lions Club; Rotary Club; Trans-Generation United Methodist Church - Board
Member; Texas District and County Attorneys Association; United Methodist Council on
Korean-American Ministries - Executive Board Member
A: I am currently the Municipal Judge for the City of Hutchins. I was an Associate Municipal
Judge for the City of Dallas before filing for elected office. Per the city charter, I resigned
when I filed to run for elected office.
A: Approximately $70,000 since the beginning of the campaign.
A: John Simmons, Perry Browder, Michael Angelides
A: No.
A: Judge John Creuzot has been a long time friend and role model. His development,
advocacy and implementation of the DIVERT (Dallas Initiative for Expedited Rehabilitation
and Treatment) program in Dallas County makes him my role model. Studies at SMU show
that the DIVERT program cuts recidivism by 68% over the regular Texas criminal justice
system. For every dollar spent on this court program, $9 is saved in future criminal justice
costs. In having the foresight and tenacity to develop DIVERT for Dallas County, Judge
Creuzot has made a difference in lives and in the criminal justice system.
A: To use an example, the Texas Penal Code allows for a wide range of punishment,
including possible probation, based on the knowledge that circumstances vary widely in
each case. Therefore, the range of punishment is broad enough to give the jury or judge
the ability to serve justice appropriately. Some may say that it gives room for mercy.
However, the punishment must be within the legal boundaries, and therefore, just within
the boundaries of the law. Mercy and justice do not have to be two separate concepts.
Another example is the DIVERT program. Some may say that it is a program based on
mercy. However, individuals are strictly monitored and studies show a cut in recidivism
rate by 68%. Justice is served as well as mercy.
A: A judge should be curious about the law so that she will continue to grow in knowledge
and understanding of the law. She should show no specific preference to either prosecution
or defense yet be accessible to both. She should be hard working - learning law, being
prompt, being available during work hours, being prepared and researching means of
greater efficiency. She should be considerate of those around her such as victims,
defendants, family members, lawyers, students, court staff, media, and advocates.
Additionally, she should be a good listener.
A: In criminal law, it can be done only when a motion for a new trial is requested then
granted by the judge. This would result in a new trial. Judges rarely grant this motion.
A: DWI cases; Theft cases; Drug cases; Child Abuse cases; Security Fraud cases; Child
Pornography cases; Prostitution cases; Money Laundering cases; Murder cases; Assault
cases; Robbery cases; Kidnapping cases; Environmental cases; Class C cases; Motions to
Expunge; Motions for Nondisclosure
A: No.
A: No.
A: I am a Democrat because the inclusiveness of the party and platform more closely
reflect my philosophies.
A: Traditional arguments are that appointed judges are more independent while elected
judges are more accountable. Some feel that non-partisanship elections would serve
judicial races more. Many studies conducted by political science experts argue that partisan
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elections yield the same caliber judges as other methods. Given these studies, I believe
that the best method is that which the people are willing to put their faith and reliance. So
far, the State of Texas has chosen to elect judges and therefore, I support this decision of
the people of the State of Texas.
A: On January 21, 2010, in the landmark case of Citizens United v. FEC, the Supreme
Court stated that corporations, for-profit and not-for-profit, and unions could spend their
money from their own treasuries on political campaigns, and that prohibiting such actions
would violate the 1st Amendment right to speech. These corporations may appear before a
civil or criminal court judge as a party to the offense. Many law firms or lawyers are
incorporated and therefore, would be included in this landmark case. This new case may
require our state laws to be reviewed. However, I believe the limitations that have been
placed on each individual or firm prior to the landmark decision is a fair method by which
we balance the rights of those who are giving money and the impartiality of those
receiving the campaign funds. It is incumbent upon every judge or candidate to maintain
the integrity of the judicial system and not let campaign funds sway their decision.
A: The judicial cannons prohibit me from discussing this issue. In addition, the bench I am
seeking is a misdemeanor court which does not handle death penalty cases. However, as a
judge, I believe that it is my duty to follow the laws of the State of Texas as they have
been written by the legislature that we have elected. I can and will follow the laws of Texas
as written.
A: Working with the County, I would like to create a misdemeanor DIVERT court that
would deal with repeat offenders. Given the statistics that the DIVERT court has shown a
decrease of 68% recidivism rate over the traditional criminal justice system and that for
every dollar spend on the DIVERT court, we save $9 dollars of future criminal justice costs,
this implementation would improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system. In
addition, I would consider the possibility of a 1 pm docket in addition to the 9 am docket
on non-jury trial days to increase the efficiency of this court.
A: I would have to review the docket to see how many cases from my court would be
effected and whether the attorneys would have any hardship in going to trial more quickly.
Efficiency at the cost of justice is no efficiency. However, if both parties have sufficient
notice of the trial dates and we are more efficient with docketing cases, there is no reason
to not decrease the stress on the county jail. A possible establishment of a second docket
may solve any problem this court causes based on case load and speed.
A: Serving those around me has always been a priority. I went into the field of law so that
I could help others. As I have moved from prosecutor to defense attorney to municipal
judge, I have grown in my understanding and knowledge of criminal law. I have also
grown in my understanding of criminal law from teaching law enforcement officers all over
the nation as well as serving in free legal clinics. I believe that the next role where I can
most serve the citizens of Dallas County with the knowledge and experience I have gained
would be as a misdemeanor judge.
goal.
A: Recently, I led a group of adults through a 32 week long bible study. We met every
Wednesday night for two hours. During this time, every person had weekly studies they
had to maintain which included reading, reflecting, and writing. To maintain this group
throughout the 32 week period included not only leading by example and preparation, but
also voicing the belief that everyone could do this study, that they were an important
member of the group and that the study was worthwhile. Members of the group had needs
and concerns that sometimes could be shared with the group. By encouraging the sharing
of their lives and thoughts during this time period, each member was more likely to stay in
the group and finish together as a group. We achieved the completion of our 32 week
study.
522 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

Description:
Peggy Hoffman
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Peggy Hoffman
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Date of Birth: Oct. 21, 1967
E-mail Address: info@judgepeggyhoffman.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgepeggyhoffman.com
Questions:
A: I have lived in Dallas County for 32 years. I was born and raised in Dallas but I lived in
Minnesota during college and lived in New York for 6 1/2 years where I worked as an
Assistant District Attorney in the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office. I returned to Dallas in
2002.
A: I am currently the judge of Dallas County Criminal Court #9.
A: I am currently a member of Altrusa International of Downtown Dallas which is a service
women’s organization. I have also been the attorney advisor for the Bishop Lynch High
School Mock Trial team since 2006. I work closely with the team members to prepare for a
competition in New York City in October and then for the Dallas Bar Association’s regional
competition. I have traveled several times with the team and am proud to be their
attorney advisor. I also judge the other regional high school mock trial competitions and
the state competition. I am the Presiding Judge of PRIDE (Positive Recovery Intensive
Divert Experience) Court which is a docket in addition to my regular court docket. This is a
specialty drug divert court for persons charged with being prostitutes. I work closely with
the Dallas Police Department, Dallas Sheriff’s Department, the County Commissioners, the
Dallas County probation department and many social service providers in order to help
these individuals exit their current situation and become productive members of society. I
was honored by the Dallas County Commissioners in 2009 for the work on PRIDE Court
and for writing and receiving a $350,000.00 federal grant to help fund the court. I am also
a guest speaker at various organizations including grade schools, high schools and
colleges.
A: Previously, I have raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in
Training program by running marathons. I served on the Bishop Lynch High School Board
for three years. I have also been a judge for the high school state and national mock trial
competitions as well as a judge for the college and law school mock trial competitions. I
have spoken at numerous high schools and colleges and speak at the Dallas County
Sheriff’s Citizen Academy once every 6 months. Further, I was a speaker at the National
Prostitution Diversion Initiative National Conference in 2009 regarding PRIDE Court. I have
also volunteered at St. Joseph’s Catholic Grade School by working at their auction and
speaking to the students.
A: The only time I have run for public office was in 2006 for the position I currently hold.
A: I have raised approximately $23,000.00 so far for the 2010 election.
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A: Mary and Derek Hartsfield, Joe Kendall and Randy Isenberg
A: I believe that as a sitting judge I would be publicly endorsing another judge by
answering this question which is a violation of the Canon of Judicial Ethics.
A: Mercy does play a role in justice however, it should be reserved for the punishment
phase of a trial after an individual is found guilty. Every case in the criminal justice system
is a unique situation. Each case must be evaluated equally and fairly and the appropriate
punishment must be given in cases wherein the defendant is guilty. There are situations
where a defendant does deserve to be incarcerated for a very long time, however, there
are also cases where a defendant should be given a second chance at being free. Many
defendants in the misdemeanor courts (I am a misdemeanor judge) are first time and/or
young offenders. They should be given a chance to rehabilitate and to be productive
members of society. Many defendants have horrible backgrounds and with the right
guidance through probation or divert programs these individuals may contribute greatly to
society.
A: A judge must treat everyone – whether you are an attorney, defendant, witness,
complainant, juror or court staff - equally and with respect. A judge must be confident and
be able to control a courtroom. A judge must be fair. A judge must be able to assess any
situation that occurs in the courtroom and handle all matters with respect and dignity.
Further, a judge must decide each case on its own merits and rule consistently. A judge
must set aside all biases which the judge may carry and decide the case on the merits.
A: If a jury returns a not guilty verdict, a judge cannot overrule that decision. The district
attorney would be barred from retrying the case. If there is a guilty verdict, then there are
situations when a judge could overrule a jury’s verdict but that should be rare. An example
would be in a motion for new trial where there was insufficient evidence at trial to support
the verdict. An appellate court could also overrule a jury’s guilty verdict by ruling that
there was insufficient evidence to support the conviction.
A: I am currently a misdemeanor judge and handle Class A and B misdemeanors from
Dallas County. Typical cases include driving while intoxicated, prostitution, evading arrest,
resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, assault, criminal trespass and theft. I am Board
Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and have been a
criminal attorney for 17 years. As an attorney, I was an assistant district attorney for
Dallas County from 1993 to 1996 where I prosecuted all types of misdemeanors and
felonies including homicides. I also was a prosecutor for the child abuse division where I
prosecuted aggravated sexual assault of a child cases and injury to a child cases. From
1997 to 2002, I was a prosecutor in the Brooklyn New York District Attorney’s Office. In
that office, I prosecuted all types of felonies and then was promoted to the Homicide
Bureau where I was responsible for prosecuting homicides including high profile cases and
cases involving multiple victims and/or defendants. I returned to Dallas in 2002 where I
opened my own practice as a criminal defense attorney. I have defended citizens charged
with all types of criminal offenses. I represented individuals accused of murder and sexual
assault on down to all misdemeanors.
A: There have not been any complaints filed against me.
A: There was one complaint filed with the Grievance Committee in 2004 and it was
unfounded.
A: I am a democrat and I believe that everyone is created equally and should be treated
equally, fairly and with respect. There should not be any special treatment for anyone and
justice should be tempered with mercy. I think that many of the individuals who appear
before a misdemeanor judge need further guidance and help and that the courts have the
unique opportunity to guide guilty individuals to the right path either through probation
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and/or drug treatment courts. Therefore, I follow the philosophy that rehabilitation is a
better course for some defendants than sending everyone to jail. I believe that drug courts
which rely on judicial intervention help defendants overcome their addictions and become
productive members of society. I favor that approach rather than instantly putting
someone in jail when the crime involves drugs or it is clear the individual has a drug
addiction. In violent cases or if someone obviously will not accept the help then jail time
may be the only option. However, in the less serious misdemeanor cases, many times
rehabilitation is the better course of action. In fact, I developed the PRIDE Court in 2008
because of these beliefs and received a $350,000.00 federal grant to run this court. This
drug divert court is for individuals charged with being prostitutes. The court is premised on
the belief that people don’t choose this type of life but they are so addicted to drugs and/or
are forced into this way of life that offering help to these individuals is the appropriate way
to handle the case. Besides helping these individuals, drug divert courts save the county
and state money by not having to pay for their incarceration. Further the goal is that these
individuals will become productive taxpaying citizens. Another philosophy I hold is that a
court should be operated as efficiently as possible. I was elected to work hard and to work
every day. I am proud that I have tried over 400 trials in the 3 ½ years I have been on the
bench and consistently dispose of a large number of cases each month.
A: I believe it is the legislature’s job to decide how judges become judges and I will follow
the rules they delineate.
A: The ethics committee has stated that it is acceptable to accept campaign contributions
from lawyers. I believe that a judge must have the temperament and ability to not be
influenced by an attorney who has contributed to their campaign. The attorneys who
appear in the courts are the best people to know how a judge is performing and therefore
whether that judge should be reelected. A judge must rule blindly and set aside any bias
they could have merely because someone donated to their campaign.
A: As a sitting judge, I do not believe I am allowed pursuant to the Cannon of Ethics to
state my views on the death penalty or discuss how I may rule on a case in the future.
A: When I became a judge, jury trials in this court were set 8 months after the request for
one. I have reduced that time to 2 – 3 months for a trial setting. Further, my court has
rules regarding how often a case may be reset before it must be resolved. There are
circumstances in which an exception is made, however, it is the court’s philosophy to
efficiently move cases so that there is a resolution to the cases quickly. Further, if a
defendant is in jail on a misdemeanor case and they request a trial, that trial will typically
be held within 3 weeks of the request which will help lower the jail population. County
Criminal Court #9, my court, was the pilot court for changing the method attorneys are
appointed to cases pursuant to the indigent defense plan. I implemented a program to
ensure the court is following the law by appointing attorneys within the designated
timeframe. This generally means a disposition is reached faster.
A: Having a speedy trial is important to everyone involved in a criminal case. This plan the
district attorney’s office has involves the State Jail felonies which is not under my
jurisdiction. However, I am in favor of having speedy trials in the misdemeanor courts
because the misdemeanor courts are overwhelmed by the number of cases filed. I have
tried over 400 trials in 3 ½ years which has greatly reduced the trial backlog in this court
and therefore cases are going to trial faster than in the past. Disposing of cases in an
expedient fashion reduces the stress on the complainants and the defendants. Witnesses’
will not be lost, memories will not have faded and if there is a conviction wherein a
complainant was financially hurt, that complainant may possibly then receive restitution.
Further, disposing of cases quickly helps reduce the number of cases the court must handle
each day.
A: I had been a prosecutor in Dallas and New York City and a defense attorney in Dallas
and felt that I had a unique and diversified perspective to bring to the bench. Because I
have practiced on all sides, I thoroughly understand the different challenges each
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participant in a criminal court case face. I believe I have the temperament to weigh all the
factors involved, follow the law and to make fair rulings. After practicing in a different
jurisdiction and being Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal
Specialization I believed that there were many areas in which Dallas County could improve
and I wanted to participate in making Dallas County a better place by improving the
criminal justice system. Over the last 3 ½ years, I volunteered to be on the boards of
different agencies within Dallas County in addition to my regular docket so that I could
help with these changes. I would like to continue this work in a second term.
goal.
A: As a judge I see many people enter the criminal justice system, take a plea, serve a
short sentence only to be returned to the streets. Many people charged with prostitution
have no alternative but to return to the streets and a life of drugs and prostitution. After
watching these individuals reenter the system over and over without receiving any help, I
decided to develop a specialty drug divert court in addition to my regular docket for
individuals charged with prostitution. This court, called PRIDE Court, is a voluntary court
for individuals charged with prostitution who have substance abuse problems. The
participants report to the court weekly for a year, receive inpatient treatment and help to
transition into a life without drugs. It is a pretrial divert court and if the participant
completes the intensive year long program, the case is dismissed by the District Attorney’s
Office. To develop this court, I have worked closely during the last two years with the
Dallas County Probation Department, District Attorney’s Office, Dallas Police Department,
the Public Defender’s Office and local service providers to put together a comprehensive
program to offer these people rehabilitation instead of jail time. All of these entities agreed
to work toward the common goal – to offer rehabilitation to this population and help them
become productive members of society. There is a representative from the District
Attorney’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office on the court team. I wrote and received
a $350,000.00 federal grant which helps fund a case manager and a counselor who are
also on the team. With this funding, we have been able to expand the program and will be
able to work with 30 individuals at a time. Each member of the team has her own
responsibilities but together we work to reach our common goal – to offer services to those
individuals who otherwise would remain in jail and be caught in a continuous cycle of
incarceration. The court currently has 14 participants and has proven to be very successful.
On August 20, 2010, the court held the first graduation in the program. Our graduate has
been off the streets and is drug free. She is currently employed and is working on her
GED.
Leigh Logan
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Leigh Taylor Logan
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214/691-7842
E-mail Address: Loganlawfirm@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.jeffus.org/index_files/Logan.htm
Questions:
A: I was born in Temple, Texas, and I've lived in Dallas County for nearly 25 years.
A: Lawyer
A: Junior League of Dallas, Poll watcher for Senator Scott Brown, January, 2010, Boston,
MA, Volunteer -- Bradfield Elementary School, T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute,
Member of the Dallas Bar Association
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A: Texas Monthly Super Lawyers "Rising Star" -- 2006, Inn of Court -- Patrick
Higginbotham Chapter, Junior League of Dallas, Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer judge for
the Dallas Bar Association High School Mock Trial competition, Volunteer -- Bradfield
Elementary School, Member of the Dallas Bar Association
A: None
A: $800.00
A: Jerry Clements, Nancy Lord, Mark Whittington
A: No.
A: Judge Merilea Lewis is one excellent role model. Her knowledge of the law and her
judicial temperament are outstanding. Moreover, Judge Lewis stayed loyal to her party and
true to her values when it seemed impossible for a Republican to win a county-wide bench.
She and Justice Lana Myers were the only sitting Republican judges who did not abandon
their party after the 2006 and 2008 elections.
A: Mercy is an essential part of justice.
A: Humility, compassion, and independence.
A: When a meritorious motion for new trial is presented.
A: Criminal misdemeanors, although I have also handled felonies and appeals.
A: N/A
A: No.
A: Honest, smaller, more competent government, and the importance of an independent
judiciary.
A: Not for the bench I am seeking. I would support a non-partisan process for selecting
judges.
A: I have accepted no campaign contributions from any lawyer who may appear before
me.
A: My personal view of the death penalty will not affect the way I would handle cases in
my court because I am seeking a misdemeanor bench.
A: When an accused citizen is required to be present in court, for example, or how often a
case can be re-set before its disposition, affect the operations of a court. If elected, I will
assess what adjustments may be made in County Criminal Court No. 9 to improve its
efficiency.
A: There is much truth to the adage, "justice delayed is justice denied." At this point,
however, whether the district attorney's office intends to move cases along so quickly that
the accused citizen's rights would be injured remains unclear.
A: The importance of an independent judiciary. My opponent and some other sitting
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judges have financial ties with the district attorney's wife, Tanya Watkins. Specifically, they
hired Ms. Watkins to assist them in their judicial campaigns. At the same time, Ms.
Watkins's husband and his assistant district attorneys appear before these judges on a
daily basis. In my view, when a judge has a financial relationship with the spouse of the
elected district attorney, it undermines the public's trust and confidence in an independent
judiciary.
goal.
A: Being a judge is not about leading a team. It is about applying the law, not writing the
law. I have worked as part of a team in several efforts (e.g., building houses for the
disadvantaged through Habitat for Humanity, working with high school students through
the Dallas Bar's High School Mock Trial Competition). Interpersonal skills, enhanced
through activities like these, are what I will bring to the bench.

Description:
Scala Byers
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Scala D. Byers
Street Address: 3917 cedar creek dr.
City/Town: Garland
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 1/866/255-9795
Home Phone Number: 972/240-6366
Fax Number: 972/240-6366
E-mail Address: byerslawoffice@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: dallasgop.org
Questions:
A: September 1987 to the present
A: Attorney. Law practice is the source of income
A: Running for Judge of County Criminal Court #10. Got on the primary ballot by getting
almost nine hundred signatures of Dallas County voters. I accept appointments to
represent indigent citizens accused of crimes.
A: I have worked on several campaigns building signs,walking neighborhoods, and
distributing campaign literature. I have also assisted in judging high school mock trials and
have spoken at Daniel Webster Elementary School about my (then) occupation as an
assistant district attorney.
A: N/A
A: I have just begun to solicit funds and endorsements.
A: See previous question
A: No.
A: Judge Lana Myers. Judge Myers is firm, calm, engaged, and thoughtful in all her
decisions. She is respectful to all parties and is fair-minded with keen insight and good
judgement.
A: Mercy has no role in the guilt/innocence phase of a trial. However, during the
sentencing phase a judge must consider all the facts, circumstances and considerations of
the offense and parties when pronouncing a sentence; this would include, amongst other
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factors, the consideration of mercy.

A: A judge should be knowledgable in the law, fair and impartial, have an even
temperament, be respectful to those before the court,thoughtful in his/her decisions,
always engaged in any proceeding before the court, and, most importantly, have sound
judgement.
A: A judge can only take actions that are authorized by the law.The authority to overrule a
jury decision is very limited. The standard by which a court is authorized by law to overule
a jury verdict, is if the evidence demonstrates the proof of guilt is so obviously weak that it
undermines confidence in the jury's determination, or, the proof of guilt, although
adequate if taken alone, is greatly outweighed by contrary proof. Put simply, a judge is
authorized to overule a jury verdict if the facts presented to the jury were insufficient to
sustain the verdict.
A: I have handled all types of misdemeanors, felony grade offenses,(excluding capital
offenses), juvenile offenses, state security fraud offenses, and child welfare cases.
A: N/A
A: I have had three complaints since 1987 when I was licensed. All 3 were ruled
unfounded.
A: I have been a republican voter since 1980. The philosophy that everyone should have
the opportunity to succeed
A: I think it is the best method.
A: My opinion is yes. To avoid the appearance of impropriety there are strict limits on the
amount of campaign contributions an individual or a lawfirm can give.
A: N/A I am running for a misdemeanor court, (County Criminal Court #10).
A: I would begin by speaking with other judges who run efficient courts and would utilize
those practices. I would also want to discuss practices that didn't work and why.
A: I am in favor of any policy that would accelerate the trial docket and ease the
overcrowding in the jails.
A: I have an interest in the issue of family violence and I would like to try to make a
difference with families who live with violence in their homes.
goal.
A: As an assistant district attorney, I was promoted to chief of the court I am currently
running for. While in that position, I supervised two lawyers and an investigator. We
worked well as a team and tried many cases successfully. I was later promoted to felony
court where I was acting chief of the court when my chief was trying capital cases and
fulfilled all the chief's duties in his abscence. We worked together well and tried many
cases successfully.
Roberto Canas
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Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Roberto Cañas
Street Address: 1920 Abrams Pkwy. #135
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: N/A
E-mail Address: judge@reelectjudgecanas.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.reelectjudgecanas.com
Questions:
A: Thirteen years.
A: Judicial salary.
A: City of Dallas Animal Shelter Commission, Vice-Chair since 2007; Junior League
Community Advisory Board, since 2009; Dallas Association of Young Lawyers Foundation
Board of Trustees, since 2009; Make A Difference Award from New Beginning Center, 2009;
Nominated for Man of Influence Award from the Family Place, 2008; Outstanding Young
Dallasite Award from Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce, 2008; Oak Cliff Lions Club,
since 2008; Operation Kindness Board of Directors, since 2007; Kitchen Dog Theatre Board
of Directors, since 2007; Junius Heights Historical Neighborhood Association Board of
Directors, since 2003; Commission on Domestic Violence member since 2004; Dallas Bar
Association, member since 1998; Texas Bar Association, member since 1997.
A: Outstanding Volunteer Award from Faith & Liberty’s Place, 2006; Presidential Merit
Award, Texas Young Lawyers Association, 2006; Love of the Lake Volunteer, Animal
Welfare Committee Founder & Co-Chair; Freedom Run Co-Founder; Texas District and
County Attorneys Association member 2001 - 2006; Task Force on Racial and Ethic Bias in
the Courts, member 2004; Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, Board of Directors 2003 -
2009; American Bar Association: Litigation Section, 1998 - 2010; The Family Connection,
President of the Board of Directors, 2002; City of Dallas Animal Shelter Commission
(Councilman Salazar’s appointee) January 2005 – November 2005; Seminar on
Professionalism, Panelist, 2005; Outstanding Director Award, Dallas Association of Young
Lawyers, 2003; Distinguished Service Award 2002, 2004, Dallas Association of Young
Lawyers; Rising Star, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, 2003; Leadership Class 2001;
American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Council, member 2003-2005; Criminal
Bar Involvement Committee Co-Chair, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, 2001-2003.
A: None.
A: Between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, I have raised $13,645.
A: From July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010 five people have given me $500 donations (the
highest amount I have received). Four of them are lawyers with cases in my court, one is
a non-lawyer.
A: No.
A: Although I am not politically aligned with these two judges and even though they did
not always rule in my favor, I have no hesitation in listing Justice Lana Myers and Judge
Robert Francis as role models. Judge Francis because it was his court I began my career in
as a felony prosecutor. He has a reputation for being fair and for considering alternatives
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that work, especially in drug cases. Judge Francis also believes that experienced lawyers
have an obligation to mentor younger, less experienced lawyers. He took a legitimate
interest in my career many years ago. I hope to emulate Justice Myers in that she is
thoughtful, fair, and knowledgeable about the law, prepared, punctual and always ready to
work. Justice Myers treated her courtroom and what happened in it seriously, but did not
take herself too seriously as she is easy to talk to. Also, Justice Myers exemplifies how
judges should use their position to educate the public about what they do as a judge. In the
recent past, Justice Myers and I regularly spoke to victim advocate trainees about our
roles as judges.
A: When deciding punishment, mercy and compassion are critical. A judge should have
compassion for the victim and try to empathize with what she has been through and with
what she is feeling. In domestic violence cases, victims often are worried about their
safety and the safety of their children because either the relationship continues or the
relationship just ended. So for the sake of the victim, a compassionate judge will send the
message to the defendant that the community will not tolerate his behavior and issue
orders to maximize the victim’s safety. Similarly, a judge should have mercy on
defendants as our justice system is not based on vengeance. In domestic violence cases,
many defendants do stay with their victims and share children with them. So for the sake
of the defendant, a merciful judge will use the available and appropriate tools to give
defendants a chance to change their behavior.
A: A proper judicial temperament consists of two important personality traits: decisiveness
and steadiness. It is important that judges be consistent and predictable; be a good
listener; and to help achieve compromise when compromise will lead to the best solution.
However when compromise will not work, then a judge needs to take action and make a
decision. Being decisive is not easy because many times someone is going to be upset by
your decision. Decisiveness takes a strong mind and a view of the big picture. A judge also
needs a high level of confidence in his or her own decision making. This confidence
typically comes with knowledge and experience with the type of case before the court.
Judges who hear domestic violence cases exclusively like me, also need a powerful sense
of accountability. A sense of accountability is critical because holding batterers accountable
for using violence in their relationships is the best way to break the cycle of that violence.
Abusers use violence to control and continue to use violence because they get away with it.
Judges must have an understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and its broad
effects because it is judges who are uniquely placed to send that message of accountability
on behalf of the community. During my first term on the bench I have demonstrated my
decisive and steadiness traits. Accountability for batterers is one of the main reasons my
court exists and I stay true to it in every case. I have earned the respect of the community
because of my knowledge, experience and commitment to accountability. My supporters
include not only prosecutors and domestic violence advocates, but defense lawyers as well.
I attribute their support to my reputation for fairness, directness and professionalism.
A: Unlike civil court judges, criminal judges can overrule juries only in exceptional
circumstances. First, criminal judges can only overrule a guilty verdict; they cannot
overrule a not-guilty verdict. Second, guilty verdicts can only be overruled pursuant to a
Motion for New Trial alleging some fundamental unfairness to the defendant.
A: During my thirteen-year legal career, I have handled civil legal matters and prosecuted
many different types of crimes. My experience is broad and varied and thus I am capable
of handling the most serious criminal issues that face our community. I started my career
at the law firm of Haynes and Boone. At Haynes and Boone I worked on civil and white-
collar criminal defense cases. More specifically, I worked on cases involving the Deceptive
Trade Practices Act, health fraud cases, price-fixing cases and antitrust cases. In 1999, I
joined the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and handled a variety of cases including
driving while intoxicated cases, drug possession, assaults, violations of protective orders,
indecency and obscenity cases. After a year, I was promoted into the felony division and
assigned murders, sexual assaults, child abuse cases, aggravated robberies, high-level
drug cases and high-dollar economic crimes. My experience has given me first-hand
experience with some of society’s biggest problems such as domestic violence. Domestic
violence is a profound problem, harming families and the community at large. My
experience with these types of cases include prosecutions for child endangerment, robbery,
property damage, stalking, harassment, probation violations, protective order violations
and gun crimes. I have tried 191 cases as a lawyer and over 100 cases as a judge.
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A: No.
A: On December 15, 2004 I received notice of a Grievance that had been filed against me,
the style of which is D0110425179, Claude Allen Hamilton v. Roberto Cañas, Jr. Mr.
Hamilton was a criminal defendant I prosecuted for drug possession and he complained
against both me and his court-appointed lawyer. The basis of Mr. Hamilton’s compliant
against me was that I “having knowledge of law and knowledge of [his] unlawful arrest
ha[d] deliberately ignored and manipulated the law to achieve [my] own ends.” The
Grievance was dismissed and Mr. Hamilton’s appeal was not granted. In his criminal case,
Mr. Hamilton accepted my plea bargain offer of six months in jail, which was the minimum
for that offense. On July 14, 2006 I received notice of a Grievance that had been filed
against me, the style of which is D0070629982, Phillip Francis Carpenter v. Roberto Cañas,
Jr. Mr. Carpenter was a criminal defendant I prosecuted in 2001 for Sexual Assault of a
Child. He pled guilty and received a twenty-year sentence. His Grievance essentially
alleges that I reneged on a plea bargain offer. The Grievance was dismissed for not
alleging professional misconduct. Mr. Carpenter appealed that decision, however, the
appeal was not granted and the dismissal was affirmed by the Board of Disciplinary
Appeals.
A: I do not believe that partisan philosophies should be the main reasons why someone
wants to be a judge. Law enforcement positions should be apolitical. I am a proud
Democrat, but the reasons why I am a Democrat otherwise do not inform my decisions on
how to handle a domestic violence case. Domestic violence cases are highly-specialized
cases that require someone who is not only educated or experienced with the law, but also
educated and experienced with domestic violence and its broad effects.
A: I believe that traditional politics should be removed from judicial selections. The
challenge with changing the current system is that no other system is perfect or
completely devoid of politics. One suggestion is that judges should be appointed from a list
of candidates that have been vetted by apolitical groups, such as the bar associations.
A: The fact you ask the question is evidence that the current system of financing judicial
campaigns does not completely leave the impression that there is no impropriety. Past
scandals prove that some campaign contributors do expect certain things for their
contributions. It is fair to ask whether that is true in judicial campaigns. The current
system of financing judicial campaigns leaves it in the hands of judges and lawyers to
police themselves to ensure that there is no quid pro quo. The system leaves much room
for abuse as judges have wide discretion in the decisions they make and in how they make
those decisions. It would be very difficult to prove whether a judge made a decision based
on contributions received or not received. I do believe that changes can be made to the
system that would increase the public’s trust in how judges finance their political
campaigns. For example, the limit on how much judges can raise could be drastically
lowered to $10,000. This makes sense particularly in populous counties with multiple
judicial races that do not attract much attention outside of the legal community. For better
or worse, the Texas Legislature will only change the law regarding judicial campaign
financing when the public demands it of them. I have and will continue to support change
in the way judges are selected in Texas. I have to work within in the current system and
ask the public to trust that I will act ethically and not create an appearance of impropriety
in the way I conduct my re-election campaign.
A: My court has no jurisdiction over death penalty cases.
A: During my first term on the bench I have disposed of over 9,600 cases, tried 118 cases
and reduced the cost to the taxpayer by 25%. I reduced costs by changing how I used the
public defender assigned to my court and by changing the amount I paid lawyers for
representing indigent defendants. While domestic violence cases generally proceed slower
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than other cases, I have achieved the number of dispositions by limiting the amount of
times a case can be reset.
A: It is important to know that the District Attorney does not control when a trial can
occur, judges do that. All the District Attorney can do is to ensure that the prosecution is
prepared to go to trial within the time required by law. It is also important to know that
trials are the least efficient way to dispose of a case. Trials are expensive, time-consuming
and in the end only one case is disposed. When a trial is necessary, then the court, the
prosecution and defense should work to be expedient without cutting corners regarding the
evidence and without ignoring the rights of all involved.
A: I am running for re-election for the first time. Being the presiding judge of County
Criminal Court 10 has been as challenging and rewarding as I thought it would be. This
court only hears domestic violence cases, which are not easy cases to handle. The
experience and specialized knowledge I brought to the bench have served me well. I
instituted many best practices and have received national recognition for my work on the
bench. I am passionate about doing my part to combat the problem of domestic violence.
It is a critical problem in our community, harming families and causing broader community
violence. Remaining judge of this court is the best way to do my part to help make families
healthier and communities safer.
goal.
A: I have been fortunate in that I have had the opportunity to work with and lead several
groups of talented individuals to achieve a wide variety of goals such as a fundraiser for
the Dallas Police Department’s Assist the Officer Foundation and transforming the Family
Connection into Faith and Liberty’s Place. I can list several other occasions but I will tell
you about my favorite: In July 2004, I founded the Animal Welfare Committee, a group of
lawyers committed to local animal welfare issues, such as overpopulation and animal
cruelty. One of the first major projects we did was to provide free spay/neuter services to
the animals of low-income and homeless individuals. I assembled a group of lawyers and
community activists to organize the project. The date for the project was the Friday after
Thanksgiving. We partnered with the Stew Pot and the City of Dallas to help advertise our
plans. The Stew Pot was involved also because we wanted to provide a Thanksgiving meal
to homeless and low-income individuals while we treated their animals. We also worked
with dog groomers and a veterinarian to provide free services. Local companies donated
free pet food and new collars and leashes. We provided other medical services such as
heartworm testing and treatment and vaccinations. In that first year, we spayed and
neutered sixteen animals and a total of 44 animals received medical services. In our
second year, we partnered with the Humane Society and serviced nearly 100 animals.

Description:
Elizabeth Davis Frizell

Party: D
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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goal.
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Dallas County Crim. Court of Appeals No. 1

Description:
Kristin Wade
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
A: - no response -
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goal.
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Dallas County Crim. Court of Appeals No.2

Description:
Jennifer Jackson
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
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goal.
A: - no response -
Jeffrey Rosenfield
536 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Jeffrey L. Rosenfield
Street Address: 7812 Glenneagle Dr.
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
E-mail Address: jeff@judgerosenfield.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgerosenfield.com
Questions:
A: Approximately 21 years.
A: Judge-Dallas County Criminal Court of Appeals #2
A: People Empowerment Project, Dallas Bar Association Mock Trial Program participant as
a judge Temple Emanuel Brotherhood, Dallas interfaith activities, DISD Principal For a Day
program participant, often speak to schools, scouts and religious groups about making
good choices in life, Bishop Larry McGriff's Church of the Living God Toy Drive, active
member of the Dallas County Democratic Party.
A: Prior member of Elks club and Kiwanas club, mock trial coach for over ten years
winning the countywide championship twice, member of Temple Emanuel for over 20
years, longtime member and contributor to the Jewish Federation of Dallas, longtime
contributor to the Southern Poverty Law Center. frequent contributor of pro-bono legal
services to Legal Services of North Texas, helped coach several of my sons' little league
sports teams. prior longtime member of several legal organizations including Texas Trial
Lawyers Assoc., Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Assoc., Dallas Bar Assoc., Collin County
Bar Assoc., Plano Bar Assoc.,Family and Criminal Sections of State Bar Assoc. and Dallas
Bar Assoc.
A: N/A
A: Xavier Duran, Wilma Watson and John Key
A: N/A
A: Judge Elizabeth Crowder. She is patient, professional, impartial, pleasant and
knowlegable of the law.
A: "Mercy" in Webster's New Collgiate Dictionary is defined a compassion or forbearance
shown to an offender. "Mercy" does have a role in criminal justice, particularly in the
punishment phase of the case when one is determining the appropriate sentence for a
convicted criminal. Mercy is an important element to consider. A judge without the capacity
to consider mercy is a judge without much conscience. Having said this, mercy must be
tempered with the appropriate punishment for the offense committed to help keep one
from over punishing a defendant.
A: Patient, pleasant, even-tempered, impartial, professional, firm but not intimidating.
A: Rarely, and only when there is no evidence whatsoever to support the Jury's verdict.
A: For the past 44 months I have exclusively handled criminal misdemeanor cases. Prior to
becoming a Judge, I practiced Criminal law, Juvenile law, Family law, Personal Injury law
and Civil litigation for 19 years.
A: No.
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A: Yes, in 19 years of practice, I had two complaints filed against me, and both were
unfounded.
A: I agree with more of the items of the Democratic party platform than with those in the
Republican party platform. I adhere to the following Democratic philosophies: Americans
have an obligation to support the chronically poor and ill; to properly fund the arts and
education; and to follow the U.S.Constitution.
A: Yes. Although partisan elections for selecting judges is not a perfect system, I am not
sure a better system exists. Synthesizing the power of many(registered voters)into the
power of a few (Governor appointment or "selection committee")politicizes the process
more.
A: Yes-until we have publicly funded elections. Lawyers should have the right to contribute
to campaigns just like anyone else. As American citizens, we all have the right to
contribute. It should not be different for Lawyers and Judges. Publicly funded elections
would eliminate this perceived problem with all elections.
A: As a Judge and American, I am required to follow the law. The death penaty is the law
in Texas and I would follow it if I handled those types of cases. I do not handle death
penalty cases so, there is no effect on any case I handle.
A: My court is one of the most efficient County Criminal courts in Dallas County. I sat on
the Dallas County Criminal Courts' rules committee and helped develop the rules which
have helped all the Dallas County Criminal Courts become more efficient. I have created a
specific set of written rules for the County Criminal Court of Appeals #2 to assist the
attorneys. I developed a "Certificate of Trial Conference" to help streamline the Jury trial
docket. Attorneys are required to announce the day before trial on their readiness; this
helps with the Jury trial docket. Most months the court generates the most revenue of any
comparable County Criminal court; the court staff works closely with defendants to make
sure their obligations are satisfied. We are a very busy court and have tried at least 50%
more cases than my predecessor. The reason for this improvement is basically my
dedication to working harder and longer hours. We implemented an improved version of
the "Road and Bridge" program and saved Dallas County several hundred thousand dollars
in jail expenses from this court alone. The program has been adopted by some other
misdemeanor and felony courts, saving Dallas county over a million dollars.
A: Bringing defendants to a quick trial is a great idea; however, my court is already
efficient. Generally, we do not contribute to the overcrowding of the jail in this regard.
A: I believe a misdemeanor court judge and lawyers have the unique ability to help
people, especially younger offenders, turn their lives around after they have made a poor
decision leading them to commit a criminal offense. Because of this belief, I thought I could
help more people as a judge than I could as a lawyer.
goal.
A: During the decade of the ninties,I worked with an 8th grade mock trial team training
them to be lawyers and witnesses in a time span of about 60 days. One particular team
was outstanding. Our goal was to win the countywide championship. We were an underdog
team as we had not competed well in years past. The team was motivated to win. I
worked with them many days and hours over a two month period training them. They
ended up winning the championship against the heavily favored team, and their success
was a great victory for them and for me.
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Family District Court, No. 254

Description:
Jeff Coen
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Jeff Coen
Street Address: 8750 N. Central Expressway Suite 600
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas, 75230
Mobile Phone Number: N/A
Fax Number: N/A
E-mail Address: jeffco@airmail.net
Campaign Web Site Address: www.coenforjudge.com
Questions:
A: 1974 to present
A: I am currently a full time mediator, arbitrator and board certified attorney in family law
A: Board of Directors Dallas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) Board
of Directors, Secretary, "chief painter" Hobbycrafters Foundation, Inc. (making wooden
toys for underprivileged children in North Texas for more than 60 years) Volunteer for
several committees providing pro bono legal services including the Dallas Bar Association -
Dallas Volunteer Attorney Project and Legal Services of NorthWest Texas. Mentor to
patients awaiting organ donation through Methodist Hospital of Dallas Dallas Bar
Foundation - Sustaining Life Fellow Texas Bar Foundation - Life Fellow
A: Board of Directors for the American Diabetes Association (2001-2007) Received four
awards from the Dallas Bar Association and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas for past pro bono
services, including the Equal Access to Justice Award, their highest award for volunteers in
the community. From the State Bar of Texas, Operation Enduring LAMP Award (Legal
Assistance to Military Personnel) for volunteer legal work done for military personnel.
Task Force on Racial & Ethnic Bias in the Courts (2004-2006) Human Rights Initiative -
Child Immigration Project Advisory Committee (2005-2007)
A: 2002 - 2006 Presiding Judge, 254th Family District Court (elected) 1994 - 2002
Associate Judge, 303rd Family District Court, Dallas, Texas (appointed) 1982 - 1994
Municipal Court Judge Flower Mound, Lewisville and Balch Springs (appointed)
A: I believe that there is a public perception that elected judges are influenced by large
contributions to their campaigns by attorneys and special interest groups. In order to
change this perception, I am accepting no more than $50 from any individual, law firm or
PAC. All contributors have given the same amount - $50.
A: no
A: I know many trial judges throughout the country whom I hold up as a role model. I
cannot pick one above all the others. My role model would be a judge who is hard working,
knows and understands the meaning of the law and legal procedures, has the ability to
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analyze issues, uses common sense to find practical solutions for litigants and does so in a
compassionate and understanding manner. Such a judge would at all times strive to be fair
and follow the law as written, setting aside personal bias and agendas.
A: I would substitute compassion for "mercy" in a family court situation. I believe that
compassion and fairness are key elements in any judicial philosophy regarding children and
individuals going through family court. While people must be held accountable for their
actions in family court settings, there is no justice without compassion.
A: How the justice system is perceived by the public is formed in a large part by the
judge's temperament. Judges should understand litigants' emotions, particularly in family
court, where emotions run high. A judge should always remain calm. Demeanor and
temperament are critical components in the judge's role of being a fair and unbiased
decision maker. The judge is the servant of the people and of the law and should at all
times be respectful of that role.
A: In family law matters where a jury is permitted, the law generally prohibits the court
from overruling a jury's decision. However, the court should rarely contravene a jury's
decision except under extraordinary conditions involving jury misconduct, a complete
misapplication of the law or the safety of children. The jury is the fact finder and a judge's
desire for a different outcome is never grounds to set aside a jury verdict.
A: For the past four years I have mediated approximately 500 family law matters.
Typically these involve assisting people find solutions that meet their needs and those of
their children in order to avoid contested family court proceedings. As a former family
court judge, I have tried thousands of cases in all aspects of family law including child
custody issues and all manner of property divisions. In the 18 years I was in private
practice I handled a wide spectrum of litigation and transactional matters including family,
civil and criminal. Over time, my practice became almost exclusively devoted to family
law. I handled over 4000 cases in private practice and tired hundreds of cases throughout
Texas, including scores of jury trials and twelve appeals.
A: none
A: In approximately 1993, a client filed a grievance against me because she disagreed
with the outcome of her trial. The grievance committee dismissed her complaint as
unfounded. No others have been filed.
A: I have been a Republican all my adult life. While there are individual issues with which I
disagree, I strongly believe that the Republican Party stands for personal responsibility,
fiscal restraint, social values and compassion for the individual. I agree with it's opposition
to an activist judiciary. I believe that Individuals who are encouraged to take responsibility
for their lives and given the means to do so will benefit to a much greater extent, than
relying on government. As an example, parties in a family law matter make better
decisions about their lives and those of their children than does a court. Although the court
must be available as a final resort when parties cannot resolve their differences, the
parties should be empowered and encouraged to make the decisions.
A: I believe a change is necessary. Currently It is not realistic to think that Texas would
change to a wholly appointed judicial system regardless of the specifics. Therefore, I would
favor an approach that begins with removing the judicial races from the "straight ticket"
party voting. Voters would have to individually vote for each judicial race. I also favor the
proposed bill in the last legislative session. That bill called for a contested election the first
time a candidate ran for judicial office. Thereafter a judge would run every four years in an
up or down retention election. The goal is to attain a stable judiciary that qualified and
experienced yet still responsible to the public.
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A: No. I believe that the public has a strongly held belief that judges are influenced by
attorneys and special interest groups that contribute to their campaigns. I have attempted
to counter that belief by accepting only $50 from any individual or law firm. Any large
contribution to a judicial campaign from any attorney or special interest group carries a
bad perception.Unfortunately because of the cost of conducting a judicial campaign in
Dallas County it is impractical to bar all contributions. Accepting small campaign
contributions over a large grass roots network is the best way I know to address the
problem.
A: 1. I would set cases for trial five days a week. The role of the judge is to be available at
the convenience of the parties and their attorneys not the other way around. I would
closely monitor all the cases in court with a new docket control system. Now that all files
are viewable on-line, the status of the case can be determined by reviewing the file rather
than always requiring attorneys to be present at hearings. Video conferencing should be
offered for many matters. I would also encourage informal conferences between the judge
and all attorneys. 2. Lawyers spend too much time in court on routine matters. Many
pre-trail matters can be dealt with by "submission" to the Court, meaning that the
positions are expressed in writing and the judge simply rules on the written material. 3. In
my mediation practice, scheduling is on-line and the available dates are posted on an easy
to use calendar. A like system can easily be developed for the court, With everyone able to
see the availability, scheduling is more efficient. 4. The new courtrooms have state of the
art audio-visual equipment which greatly reduces trial time if used effectively, I would offer
training and encourage its use in trial.
Q: What would you do, as a family or juvenile court judge, to ease access to the court for
pro se litigants? Similarly, how would you work with local nonprofits to increase access for
people who cannot afford legal representation?
A: Most metropolitan family courts have pro se litigation staff attorneys and institutional
departments. Dallas does not. The key is and will remain funding. I would update and
better publicize the pro se materials published by the Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar
Association. Many pro se litigants qualify for legal services, but need to be directed to the
right programs. I would conduct training for all court personnel. I would set up a dedicated
family court pro se web page and email access so that the paperwork could be submitted
for approval on-line and inquiries could be answered. Expanded dates and times for pro se
hearings should be scheduled as needed. Texas law does not allow the courts to give
special treatment to pro se litigants, butI would conduct hearings in a manner in which
they could understand the proceedings. I have and continue to work closely with the
Dallas Volunteer Attorney Project and Legal Aid of Northwest Texas. The three major issues
are communication, lack of volunteers and funding. I would expand the role of the court in
recruiting and training volunteer attorneys. I would work to involve the community in
publicizing the availability of the programs and assist in seeking grants and participation by
Dallas County as available and allowed by judicial ethics.
A: For the past four years I observed the challenges that face the Dallas Family Courts. I
have given much consideration and thought to these challenges and the future of the
family law courts. I am running because I believe I can make a positive difference now
and and in coming years. I am not running against any individual or political party, but
because of what I have to offer the citizens of Dallas County.
goal.
A: In 2008, Child Protective Services removed 460 children from the FLDS compound in
Eldorado, Texas. Each child had to have an attorney appointed by the court in the removal
proceeding. I chaired the three person committee in North Texas to secure volunteer
attorneys to represent the children. While our original goal was modest, we eventually
obtained more than 200 volunteer attorneys in North Texas and coordinated with state bar
leaders to organize their assignments. Because of my work I was asked to supervise a list
serve funded by the Texas Supreme Court Permanent Judicial Commission for Children,
Youth and Families.As the moderator, I coordinated the list serve which handled more than
6,000 emails while the FLDS cases were pending assisting the volunteer attorneys with
information and advice.
James Martin
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Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: James B. Martin
Street Address: 4300 Caruth Blvd.
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-871-0447
E-mail Address: law-mart@sbcglobal.net
Campaign Web Site Address: jamesmartinforjudge@gmail.com
Questions:
A: Continuously since 1966.
A: Attorney in private solo practice principally in area of Family Law
A: Member, First Methodist Church, Dallas Member, First Methodist Chancel Choir Member,
Dallas Metropolitan Chapter, SPEBSQSA (the Vocal Majority Chorus) Member, Dallas Bar
Association and the Family Law Section
A: Member, The Vocal Majority Men’s Chorus since 1973: President, 1987-1988. Member,
First Methodist Church, Dallas and Chancel Choir Member, Mill Creek Homeowners Assn.
1976-1986; President 1980-1984 Appointed to City of Dallas Board of Licenses and Appeals
Delegate to the Dallas 2000 Project. Bar None III-X cast participant 1988-1995 benefiting
the Sarah T. Hughes Diversity Scholarships
A: none
A: $9,175.00 during the primary campaign and an additional $4,438.37 during the general
election period. Total: $13,613.37
A: Ms. Hong Le Dr. Henry F. Martin III Frank Branson, Esq.
A: No
A: Of the current Judges: Judge Tena Callahan, Judge of the 302nd Judicial District
(Family)Court. She is knowledgeable in the law. She is eminently fair in her rulings. She is
patient with litigants, particularly with pro se litigants. She treats attorneys with respect
and consideration. She is attentive to the case being presented. She is prepared on the
cases before her and is never demeaning or condescending to the lawyers or parties
appearing before her. She is timely and is always working: 5 days per week from early
morning to late in the day.
A: Justice is meaningless without mercy and understanding. In the Family Law courts
justice is not a term frequently used. Perhaps a suitably related term would be fairness. It
is of utmost importance that a Judge be fair,knowledgeable and understanding in his or her
rulings.
A: A Judge must be aware of and sensitive to the litigants and the case presented. He or
she must not impose artificial deadlines on the preparation of the case or the presentation
thereof. He or she must be willing to consult with the lawyers not only regarding the merits
and issues of the case but regarding any extraordinary considerations. The Judge should
not make the case more difficult for the lawyers or the litigants because of his or her
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preconceptions or hidden agendas. A Judge has a sacrosanct duty to the legal community
and the community and the citizens of Dallas to be reasonable, dignified, kind caring,
compassionate and appropriate at all times. He or she must treat all litigants and their
counsel with dignity.
A: When it is clearly against the great weight and preponderance of the evidence or when
the decision is clearly not in the best interest of the minor child or children.
A: Earlier in my career I handled criminal cases; civil litigation, both State and Federal;
juvenile cases (which I still do on a Court appointment basis); probate cases (which I still
do) and family law cases which make up the majority of the contested cases and trial
docket that I maintain. I have handled well over 400 cases in my career, not only in Dallas
County but in approximately 20 other counties in Texas.
A: N/A
A: . I believe a number of years ago there was one or two complaints filed by disgruntled
parties on the other side of a family law case. One was quashed as unfounded at
administrative level and the other was heard by a local grievance committee and
determined to be unfounded.
A: I am running as a Democrat because, while there is little relation between political
issues and state trial court (family law) issues, the Democratic party better fits my
personality, my views that all persons should be and are entitled to a fair and unbiased
hearing of their cases or concerns and my views that we are losing and ignoring the less
fortunate and the vast hard working middle class of our country. I am proud of my
Democratic Party affiliation and its concern for the welfare of all persons in our very
diverse society.
A: Sadly, I think that a political party based election process for judicial office is in no way
effective to ensure that competent, qualified judges are selected. I believe that a system
of appointment of judges by a standing statewide commission of 7 members made up of 2
laymen chosen by the Legislature and 5 lawyers chosen by the Supreme Court, balanced
as to Democratic and Republican backgrounds, perhaps serving 6 year terms would be a
better system. This commission should make selections on the basis of merit and subject
to review every four years and perhaps a recall election process. Even a system of election
where any judicial candidate must run without party affiliation and without accepting
contributions from lawyers practicing before those courts would be preferable to the
current system.
A: Absolutely not! I stated in a letter to the Dallas Bar Family Law Section at the beginning
of my campaign journey in September, 2009, that I would not accept campaign
contributions from lawyers that will or might practice before me in a family district court.
Further, in the kickoff invitation to my general election campaign, in May 2010, I reiterated
that position. In fact, I have returned two sizeable checks from family law firms that I
received in May, 2010.
A: I would reinstitute hearing “prove ups” on agreed or uncontested matters at 8:00 AM
each morning of the week. I would conduct lawyer conferences any morning beginning at
7:30 AM on an appointment basis to free lawyers to handle their other trial matters during
regular court time. I would institute a process whereby lawyer pre-trials are held from
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on every 1st and 3rd Thursday and/or Friday to allow for more trial
or motion time on the regular docket.
A: I would make the court more user friendly to pro se litigants by setting up a process of
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counseling and advice to them by court or volunteer personnel. I think the Court should
consider the possibility of holding court at other, more accessible locations such as the
Martin Luther King Center for pro se litigants on one evening per week or on one Saturday
per month. Additionally, the churches around Dallas are the perfect venue to institute
partnerships with the Dallas Family Bar to facilitate access to the Family Courts.
A: Having practiced law in Dallas County for forty years I am particularly well suited to
know good judges from less-able judges and to know a well run court from a poorly run
court. The court for which I am running was a poorly run court and the incumbent Judge
received the worst rating in the Dallas Bar Judicial Poll of any of the seven Family District
Courts and the 4th worst rating of all of the Civil courts (forty courts). I believe the citizens
of Dallas deserved better. I also thought that, after forty years of representing ordinary
folks with problems and crises that were very real and important to them, I had a broad
and unique skill-set that I should make available to the litigating public and give back to
my community. I have always thought that many time children get lost in the litigation
issues of their parents and that they need the protection that can be afforded by
experienced family law practitioners.
goal.
A: I was President of the Vocal Majority, a men’s choral group of approximately 250
members affiliated with the Barbershop Harmony Society, from 1987-1988 when the
Chorus won its 5th gold medal in international competition. Through out my life I have
been a leader in groups from my senior high church youth group to my Boy Scout activities
to my college fraternity to a Dallas homeowners group.

Description:
Lori Chrisman Hockett
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Lori Chrisman Hockett
Street Address: 2213 Boll Street
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Mobile Phone Number: n/a
Fax Number: n/a
E-mail Address: lhockett@tx-law.com
Campaign Web Site Address: http://www.judgehockett.com
Questions:
A: 48 years
A: State District Court Judge
A: Board Member, Dallas County Juvenile Board; Member, State Bar of Texas; Member,
Dallas Bar Association; President, Annette Stewart American Inn of Court; Member, Texas
Academy of Family Law Specialists; Member, McCulloch Middle School PTA; Member, Park
Cities Baptist Church
A: Former Dallas County Assistant District Attorney, including time serving as lead
attorney for Child Protective Services in Dallas County family courts; Former sole
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practitioner, focused on divorce and custody suits involving complex property/tracing,

discovery and child advocacy issues, with a portion of practice dedicated to collaborative
law cases; former Texas Monthly "Texas Super Lawyer" in 2004 and 2006; Board Member,
Baylor University Alumni Association Board of Directors in 1991 and 1992
A: Elected to the 255th Family District Court in November 2006
A: Complete campaign finance reports for judicial candidates are available at the website
of the Texas Ethics Commission: http://www.ethics.state.tx.us
A: Complete campaign finance reports for judicial candidates are available at the website
of the Texas Ethics Commission: http://www.ethics.state.tx.us
A: No.
A: I most admire Judge Barefoot Sanders who devoted his life to public service. During a
very difficult period in our community, he had the courage to follow the law and integrate
our school system. I admire the independence and profound sense of good judgment he
displayed throughout an exemplary career as a jurist.
A: This question is perhaps more appropriate for a criminal court candidate. However, in
general terms, it is my belief that judges should follow the law and avoid subjectivity in
dispensing justice. Nevertheless, mercy may play a role if there is legal authority for a
judge to use discretion in assessing a penalty, for instance. To mention one possible
example that might occur in a family court: if the judge had to make a decision about child
support or custody in a case of divorce involving children, showing mercy or leniency to a
parent would be secondary to making a decision that is in the best interest of the children.
A: A good judge is an attentive, diligent listener who takes the time to understand both
sides of every case. She should also be open-minded and capable of forming independent
opinions, based on a sound knowledge of the law. A good judge must also be disciplined
and hard working in the execution of duties and always exhibit respect for anyone who
appears in her court.
A: There are times when juries make decisions that are not supported by the evidence
presented in a case. On these unusual occasions, it is the judge’s duty to overrule the
decision.
A: My career has been focused almost exclusively on family law. I currently preside over
family cases as Judge of the 255th Family District Court. Before being elected, I operated
my own firm with a focus on divorce and custody suits, usually involving complex
property/tracing, discovery and child advocacy issues. I have also served as a
guardian/attorney Ad Litem in both Child Protective Services and private cases. A portion
of my prior practice was dedicated to collaborative law cases. Before my solo practice, I
worked for a private Dallas firm that was also focused on family law cases involving
custody and property issues. As an Assistant District Attorney for Dallas County early in my
career, I was lead attorney for Child Protective Services in Dallas County family law courts
for two years. I handled approximately 25 jury trials as an assistant district attorney.
A: No.
A: No.
A: A judge must be non-partisan in the execution of her duties, and follow the law. We
have partisan election of judges in Texas, and because I am and have always been a
Democrat, I chose to run as a candidate of my party of choice.
A: I would only consider supporting an appointment/retention system that is non-partisan,
with an appointing commission that includes judges and lawyers but also other elected
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officials and citizens. A system that allowed the governor to appoint all judges would
simply be replacing one kind of politics (i.e., the current system of judicial elections) with
another. I also have more than a little faith in our local citizens’ ability to select judges at
the community level, based on each candidate’s merits and qualifications.
A: The current system of partisan judicial elections makes campaign fundraising
imperative, and lawyers and law firms have become primary sources of funding. Until a
different system is devised, accepting funds from lawyers and firms is a practical reality. It
is up to the conscience of each judge to make fair, impartial decisions.
A: I am supportive of the enhanced teamwork between the courts and the District Clerk's
office and the innovative use of technology to create paperless courts that save Dallas
County significant amounts of money.
A: People representing themselves in family law cases in our county is paramount to the
ability of our courts ability to function. These individuals are saddled with the same
reaponsibilty to know the rules of court as well as all of the timelines the same as
attorneys who have been practicing for many years. Often they are paired against an
attorney representing the other party. I see this as one of my primary responsibilites to
assure that these litigants understand the process and have the opportunity to voice their
concerns. This process is extremely time consuming but I believe necessary. Our court
staff works diligently to direct these individuals to any low cost or pro bono services that
exist in our county.
A: My career has been dedicated to positively impacting families who are in crisis. My
experience covers the gamut of the issues addressed by the family court. I have now
served as a judge, a CPS Caseworker, an Assistant District Attorney representing CPS, and
in private practice as a family trial attorney. I have participated in the Court process as a
witness when I worked for CPS and as an advocate for parents and for children. My father
was a judge in Dallas County for 13 years and for a good part of that time, he presided
over a family court. I spent a lot of time observing hearings and trials as a young person
and I believe these observations gave me my direction. I also observed the opportunity it
provided to my father to have an impact on mental health legislation and juvenile issues
during these years, namely as President of the Legislative Oversight Committee for Mental
Health Issues and as President of the Texas Mental Heath Association. I am proud of the
work I do as a family court judge, and I am honored to have the opportunity to impact the
families of Dallas County. When I reflect on my background and the work opportunities
that I have, I believe I have unusual background that specifically addressed the issues of
the Court.
goal.
A: Some of the most powerful team-building experiences I have had occurred when I
worked as an assistant district attorney in Dallas County. Many of my jury trials involved
marshaling the assistance of psychologists, caseworkers, medical staff and other experts.
It was gratifying to work hard with members of a team to prepare and present a case.

Description:
David Lopez
Party: D
Biographical Info:
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Name: David Lopez

Street Address: 714 N. Marsalis
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Mobile Phone Number: n/a
Fax Number: n/a
E-mail Address: davidalopezpc@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: n/a
Questions:
A: I was born and raised in Dallas. The only time I have lived away was during the time I
attended college and law school.
A: Judge
A: My civic involvement generally is through my volunteer efforts in my church. My church
is located in Oak Cliff and we generally reach out to the community with different
programs and activities. I am involved in the jail ministry at my church Praise Chapel. I
lead a group of men who go to the jail and share the message of Jesus Christ. Additionally,
I participate in various festivals and programs which share the goodness and grace of God.
A: My previous civic involvements have carried through to the present. I started
participating in the jail ministry over 10 years ago and even now am still participating in
leading men to know the Lord through worship and the Word of God. I have been involved
in my current church since 1993 which has always been gracious to the community.
A: None.
A: I have raised, for the primary and general election, approximately $30,000.
A: Local attorneys and law firms who support the work I have done in the 256th court.
A: Not applicable.
A: There are many judges whom I admire for different things. The qualities I admire most
in a sitting judge are temperament, knowledge of the law, patience, understanding, and
good work ethic. These attributes are attributes that I desperately strive to acheive.
A: The family courts, like some other courts, are courts of equity and courts of law. We as
judges must follow the law and the law provides for some discretion to be exercised by
judges in certain circumstances. Discretion in civil courts is like mercy in criminal courts, so
I do from time to time exercise discretion in the rendering of fair and just divisions of
property and also in determining the best interest of a child. The discretion I exercise
cannot violate the law.
A: Temperament comes with understanding, patience, and compassion. A judge's
demeanor and temperament should not interfere with the litigants presentation of their
case. In fact, as a result of proper judicial temperament, the presentation of each litigants
should be maximized. Further, judicial demeanor should never conflict with the
presentation of a case in trial.
A: Generally a judge should never overrule a jury's decision. If a jury's decision violates
the law, and only in that situation, may a judge overrule the jury. During my tenure on the
bench no jury decision has been overruled.
A: As a family district court judge, I have heard just about ever type of case envisioned by
the Texas Family Code. Most of my time is consumed hearing property division cases as
well as child issue cases.
A: No complaints have been filed against me.
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A: During the time I practiced I had three grievances filed all three were unfounded.
A: Many philosophies of the democratic party appeal to me and I am proud to be the
democratic candidate in this race.
A: Partisan elections are not the best way to select judges and I would support nonpartisan
elections that could be conducted fairly.
A: Unfortunately, judicial campaigns are costly and generally the only contributions that
are regularly received by sitting judges are from attorneys and law firms and without
those contributions it would be difficult for judges to run and administer an effective
campaign.
A: I have already implemented a rigorous trial docet with multiple settings each day
scheduling settings early in the morning and late in the afternoon as well as various trial
settings at any other time the court can set trials with the agreement of the parties. I am
continually searching for more effective and efficient ways to manage the court. We
experiment with some changes and retain those innovations which make the 256th a
stronger court.
A: Every second Tuesday of the month, the 256th court sets aside time in the late
afternoon to hear cases from Legal Services of North Texas. Additionally, the 256th court
does hear from pro se litigants daily and I try to help the parties resolve the conflicts they
present in court.
A: I thought and believed that I could implement a dramatic change to the backlog of
cases pending in the 256th court, improve its efficieny, reduce the time it took to get to
trial, and render better decisions. I further believe that I have been successful on some
level in each one of these aspirations.
goal.
A: When I took over the 256th court we had more cases pending than any other court and
it took approximately 6-9 months to get a final trial setting. Since becoming the judge of
that court, the staff and I have dramatically reduced the backlog of cases, have become
very cost effective, and reduce the trial time to approximately 2-3 months.
John Neuhoff
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: John Neuhoff
Street Address: 3890 W. Northwest Highway, Suite 200, Dallas, Texas 75220
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
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Fax Number: 214.637.4301
E-mail Address: jdnholdings@sbcglobal.net
Campaign Web Site Address: johnneuhoff.com
Questions:
A: I was born in Dallas and have lived here for 58 years.
A: I am a practicing attorney. Legal fees are the main source of my income.
A: I am a member of the Board of Directors of Saint Joseph's Residence, an assisted living
facility for seniors in Oak Cliff. This volunteer work includes attending regular meetings,
offering legal advice when necessary, and working with staff and administration to resolve
issues and problems as they arise. I volunteer at The Bridge Homeless Center in Dallas on
the third Saturday of every month serving breakfast to the homeless and I am an active
volunteer at Jesuit College Preparatory School.
A: I was appointed foreperson of the federal grand jury in Dallas and served in that
position for 18 months. I have performed pro bono legal services and conducted
mediations for people who were financially unable to hire an attorney. I was a member of
the State Board of Law Examiners Character and Fitness Committee and served as
Subcomittee Chairman. I have served as a volunteer judge for local high school moot court
competitions. I have been involved in alumni fundraising for Jesuit College Preparatory
School.
A: I was a candidate for Highland Park Town Council many years ago.
A: My campaign has been largely self funded. To date I have raised about $5000.00 from
individual contributors.
A: Robert Uly, John Tomaso, and Doug Brooks.
A: No.
A: The Honorable Carolyn Wright, Chief Justice of The 5th Court of Appeals. Justice Wright
is an incredible role model because she is a many faceted individual who has a history of
excellence and achievement. Justice Wright grew up in a military family and was a gifted
scholar and athlete in high school. After graduation from Howard University and law
school, Justice Wright has had a proud legal and civic career. I have had the privilege of
trying cases before Judge Wright when she was an Associate Judge, and later when she
was Judge of the 256th District Court, the court to which I hope to be elected. Her judicial
demeanor, intelligence, dignity, and warmth are qualities I will seek to emulate on the
bench.
A: Justice and mercy are both virtues. Justice requires absolute fairness with an individual
receiving exactly what they are entitled to and nothing more. Mercy is more than just
empathy or compassion. It is at least the partial removal of a moral obligation arising from
a human failing. Tempering justice with mercy should only be considered when justice has
been done and the grantor is reasonably certain that it will stimulate virtue by giving the
person a second chance. In a family court setting the protection of children is of paramount
concern. Mercy may be shown only when it does not conflict with the best interest of a
child.
A: Judicial temperament is the attitude and demeanor that a judge exhibits in all of his or
her behavior. Judges must be patient, respectful, and dignified. They must be studious,
hard working and decisive. Their temperament must reflect a passion for justice and a
search for truth as well as a sense of humor.
A: A judge should overrule a jury's decision in two instances. If insufficient facts were
presented at trial to enable a reasonable jury to reach the given verdict or if the jury's
verdict is based upon an incorrect application of the law, their decision should be
overruled. As a practical matter, this is a rare event in family court.
A: I have handled a wide variety of cases during my 33 year legal career. I have been a
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Board Certified Family Law Specialist and have represented many clients through in
divorce, child custody, child support,and related cases brought under the Texas Family
Code. I handled litigation for an employee benefit plan administrator and represented a
government contractor in debarment proceedings at The Pentagon. I have worked at a
commercial litigation firm where my team was responsible for preparing complex business
cases for trial in both state and federal court. I have been responsible for hiring counsel in
foreign jurisdictions and setting litigation budgets. Importantly, I became a mediator in
2001 and have worked with insurance professionals and litigants to facilitate settlement of
family law and other civil cases. I am not currently Board Certified in any specialty.
A: N/A
A: No.
A: I chose to run as a Republican because I agree with their philosophy of judicial
restraint. I believe that judges should follow the law as enacted by the legistlature and not
"make law" in furtherance of a personal or social agenda. In this way litigants are assured
of consistency, fairness, and equal justice under the law.
A: I think it is important for state court judges in Texas to be elected by the people whom
they will serve. Elections allow the majority of voters to decide the better candidate for a
particular court and to later replace them with a superior candidate if they so choose. As a
practical matter partisan elections that identify a candidate by a political party may not be
the best way to accomplish this. It is no secret that certain judges in Dallas County have
switched parties, some multiple times, not because of any change in their personal
ideology but simply to align themselves with the political party who appears to have an
advantage. Judges should not let a preoccupation with keeping their job prevent them
from doing their job. A possible alternative might be the appointment of judges who would
then face retention elections.
A: I have not solicited contributions from lawyers who may appear before me in court.
Lawyers and others may believe that a large contribution to a judge will grant them
superior access or favoritism. Also, family court judges are often responsible for deciding
the amount of attorney's fees to be awarded to a lawyer in their court and if that lawyer is
a large contributor it could certainly could raise an appearance of impropriety. Money will
not grant anyone preferential treatment in my court. My opponent as an incumbent judge
has accepted many thousands of dollars from lawyers practicing in his court. This is not
improper or unethical under the law. It is a matter of perception.
A: Family law cases must be settled or tried as soon as is practicable after their filing.
Families in conflict and especially children need justice that is not unreasonably delayed. I
will require that all cases in my court be referred to mediation immediately upon
completion of discovery. The only cases exempted from this rule will be some of those
involving family violence. It has been my experience that more than 90% of mediated
cases are settled before trial. This has the obvious benefit of removing those cases, that
might not have settled informally, from the court's trial docket. Mediation can have
another dramatic and positive impact on court efficiency. The vast majority of pending
family law cases in Dallas County are not divorce cases. They are other actions under the
Texas Family Code often seeking modification of court ordered custody, visitation, and
support. Mediated settlements can reduce the need for post divorce court filings and
intervention saving critical court time and tax dollars. People endorse what they help
create and are much more likely to adhere to agreements they have helped construct. The
working together of opposing parties to resolve conflict also prepares them for the many
small issues they will need to work out informally in the future. Docket management is the
cornerstone of an efficient court. In order to facilitate this I will work closely with my
associate judge, court coordinator, and clerk to make sure that we have matters
continuously scheduled to be heard with as little down time as possible. Every case
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pending in my court will have a setting for trial or interim relief. Cases without settings will
be placed on a dismissal docket. I intend to make extensive use of pre trial conferences
and lawyers will be required to appear with the authority to narrow issues and and advise
the court regarding the matters in controversy and the length of time it will take to try the
case. Complex property and custody cases will receive special settings with continuances
granted only in extraordinary circumstances. These cases that may take extended court
time to try will be "backed up" by several smaller cases that have announced ready for
trial so that valuable court time will not be lost if the large case settles immediately before
or during trial. Additionally I will have my staff identify pro se cases early in the process so
that they can be placed on a special pro se docket where they can receive the extra
attention from my associate judge and myself that these cases require. The court will be
through and prepared and the same will be expected of counsel.
A: It is important to identify early in the process those cases in which at least one party
intends to act as their own lawyer. These "pro se" cases need special analysis and
attention. Pro se cases will be put on a special docket and I will determine the answer to
two questions immediately. Is the litigant appearing pro se simply because they cannot
afford an attorney or is there another reason? and, Is the matter before the court likely to
be contested or will it be agreed to? The rules of evidence and procedure are complex and
pro se litigants are at a tremendous disadvantage if the other party is represented by
counsel in a contested matter. I intend to compile a list of lawyers practicing in my court
who will be willing to accept appointments to represent without charge those pro se
litigants who are not able to afford an attorney. I intend to host "A Saturday Morning in
Court" program as is done in federal court to explain the policies and procedures in these
cases to volunteer lawyers. I will work with the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program, the
Dallas Bar Association Family Law Section, the Dallas Young Lawyers Association, the J.L.
Turner Legal Association, other minority bar associations and local law schools to interest
them in this program as a way for younger lawyers to gain experience and hone their skills
while benefiting the community. Uncontested pro se cases will receive special attention.
Pro se litigants will be required to submit proposed Orders and Decrees to the Associate
Judge or me for approval prior to their court appearance. Documents approved in advance
for entry with the court will make the court appearance for the pro se litigant go more
smoothly saving court time. Finally, the Republican family court judicial candidates when
elected will invite the sitting family court judges to discuss the handling of pro se cases, the
provision of translators in the family courts and improved communication with Family
Court Services.
A: I believe that I can do a better job for the citizens of Dallas County than is currently
being done. My experience as a family lawyer, commercial litigator, mediator, and small
business owner makes me more qualifed than my opponent to handle the complex matters
to be decided in family court. I was also motivated to run because judicial philosophy is
important in family court. My judicial philosophy is built upon the principle of judicial
restraint. This concept of judicial restraint means much more than refusing to legislate
from the bench and strict adherence to the law. It provides a consistent, fair, application of
the law to the facts that enables litigants and their attorneys to know what to expect at
trial. It incorporates my firm belief that family members, even those in crisis, can often
with the aid of a good mediator, make decisions affecting their family that are superior to a
court mandated solution.
goal.
A: In order to lead you must be a good listener. I was hired by a firm to mentor a group of
young, extremely intelligent, and independent young lawyers. It was my task to support
their talent, increase their professionalism, and foster unity and a spirit of loyalty within
the group. Within the existing management structure I had to accomplish this without
being their "boss" or controlling their work load. I was able to achieve this goal by first
reaching out to the individual group members and showing my interest in their goals. Over
time I was able to demonstate my willingness to help them, keep their confidences, and
create trust. I was able to lead from within and together we built a cohesive team that was
more interested in doing quality work than in receiving individual credit. This group of
lawyers has now gone to other firms and other pursuits but we have remained colleagues
and friends.
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Description:
Lynn Cherry
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Lynn Cherry
Street Address: 600 Commerce Street, Suite 340
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Date of Birth: 1949
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: 214-653-7407 - work
Fax Number: 214-653-7797
E-mail Address: plynncherry@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.JudgeLynnCherry.com
Questions:
A: 36 years
A: District Court Judge of Dallas County
A: State Bar of Texas: Family Law Section; Judicial Law Section; Animal Law Section
Dallas Bar Association: Family Law Section; Board Member 1991-2010; Judicial Liaison
2007 to present; Special Projects Director 2003-2006; Chairman 2001-2002;
Vice-Chairman 2000-2001; Treasurer 1999-2000; Secretary 1998-1999; Served on
individual committees for 18 years, each year on the board. Texas Association of Child
Protection Judges; Texas Bar Foundation, Annette Stewart Inns of Court; Texas Association
for Protection of Children - Children's Advocate Dallas County Democratic Party
Affiliations: Dallas County Democratic Party Leadership Council – Member; Progressive
Voters League New Era – Member; Grand Prairie Democrats – Member; North Dallas Texas
Democratic Women - Member; Stonewall Democrats of Dallas – Member; Preston Hollow
Democrats – Member; Southwest Dallas County Democrats – Member; Precinct Delegate,
Senatorial District 9 Dallas Summer Musicals – Board of Directors 2004-2010
A: State Bar of Texas: Family Law; Juvenile Law; School Law; Environmental Law; Animal
Law Sections; Texas Council of School Attorneys; Judicial Section of the State Bar; Child
Protective Services Judges Association; State Bar College 1988-2006 Dallas Bar
Association: Family Law Section - Board Member - 1991–2010; Special Projects Director -
2003-2006; Judicial Liaison - 2007 to present; Special Projects Director - 2003-2006;
Chairman - 2001-2002; Vice-Chairman - 2000-2001; Treasurer - 1999-2000; Secretary-
1998 – 1999; Served on individual committees for 18 years, each year on the Board;
Women in Law Section; Solo and Small Practice Law Section; Juvenile Law Section;
Alternate Dispute Resolution Section; Dallas Association of Young Lawyers; Lawyers
Against Domestic Violence; Recruitment and Placement Committee – Chairman;
Bi-Centennial Committee - Vice-Chairman Delta Theta Phi Legal Fraternity: Bert Tunk’s
“Outstanding Student Award” – 1984; Ritual Master -1983-1984; Rolls Clerk - 1982- 1983
Texas Association of Family Mediators; National Council of Family Relations; Texas Council
of Family Relations - Board Member - 1990- 1992; Southwest Institute for Dispute
Resolution - Board Member - 1991; Collaborative Law Institute of Texas -2003-2004; Texas
Association of Family Mediators; National Council of Family Relations; Texas Council of
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Family Relations - Board Member - 1990 - 1992; Southwest Institute for Dispute Resolution
- Board Member - 1991; Young Women's Christian Association Advisory Board - 1991 -
1993; Member and Volunteer Lawyer for Women's Resource Center Wynnewood North
Homeowner’s Association - Founding President, Officer and Board Member; Old Oak Cliff
Conservation League - Board Member; Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce - Served on
Community Development Committee and Legislative Committee; Oak Cliff Business and
Professional Women’s Club - Member; Cliff Topper Award – 1989 City of Cedar Hill Human
Relations Board Member - 1995; City of Cedar Hill Community Development Corporation
Board Member - 1996 - 2000; City of Cedar Hill Teen Court Judge - 2000 - 2002; Family
Connection Board Member - 1995 - 1999; Leadership Southwest - 1997 - 1998; Explore For
Women - Member and Volunteer; American Association of University Women - Grand
Prairie Branch - 1977-1984, President - 1979-1981, Board Member; Received Project
“Re-New Grant” for State of Texas Classroom Teachers of Grand Prairie - 1975-1978,
President - 1977-1978; Young Men’s Christian Association of Grand Prairie - Board of
Directors -1977-1981, Executive Board - 1977-1979; City of Grand Prairie - Tax
Equalization Board - 1979-1980 American Cancer Society, Area 10, Board of Directors
-1978-1980; Family Connection Board Member 1995-1999; Hannah's House Board Member
2003; Collaborative Law Institute of Texas 2003-2004; Dallas Summer Musicals Board of
Directors 2004-present; Best Friend’s Animal Society Member Co-Author, Author, Speaker:
Advanced Family Law Course, State Bar of Texas; Dallas Bar Association Pro Bono Training;
Legal Assistant Division, State Bar of Texas; CASA Volunteer, Ad Litem Training Course;
Grandparent's Association of Dallas and Tarrant Counties; Dallas Family Law Section
Summer Bar Seminar, Course Director and Speaker; Dallas Minority Bar Association; SMU
Guardian Ad Litem Training; National Business Institute; Dallas Volunteer Attorney Project;
Dallas Paralegal Association; Dallas Bar Association Family Law Section; Cedar Hill ISD
Career Day; De Soto ISD Career Day; Dallas ISD Career Day; American Association of
University Women
A: None
A: $65,207
A: McCurley, Orsinger, McCurley, Nelson and Downing; Tom Noble; Goranson, Bain and
Larsen
A: No
A: Shortly after being elected I read an article in the Dallas Morning News regarding Judge
Carole Clark, Judge of the 321st Judicial District Court in Smith County. Judge Clark is a
strong advocate for children in Child Protective Services cases and has been instrumental
in creating a group of Judges who have the goal to resolve and investigate critical issues in
the Child Protective Services system, a group which I am now a proud member of. She has
tirelessly fought for years for the protection of those children who are in a system that has
many problems. She has assisted other Judges through the Texas Center for the Judiciary
to offer training to Judges who handle these type of cases. Judge Clark has worked for
legislation regarding funding and protection of children. After reading my first article about
Judge Clark, I phoned her and told her she was a hero to many kids and also myself. If
more Judges were as proactive and as caring as Judge Clark, our system would be much
better.
A: The heart of a judge is an important component of being a good and fair judge. A judge
must be able to stand in the shoes of the men and women who appear before that judge
each day and have compassion and mercy for those people. Although a judge is required
to follow the law, compassion and mercy must be a basic component in providing each
litigant the opportunity to fairly present their case.
A: A judge’s temperament is critical to the litigants and attorneys who appear each day in
court. The judge must be respectful of the litigants and the counsel who appear before that
judge and must allow each person to present their case without being critical or
judgmental. The ability to carefully listen and be respectful to those who appear before you
is very important to the process of restructuring the family unit. A calm, respectful
demeanor is a critical tool for a judge.
A: Both the United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution provide that an individual
has the right to a trial by jury, and I support that right to one’s day in court. The decision
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of a jury should stand and not be set aside by a judge unless the evidence presented to the
jury does not support the verdict, the verdict is not supported by the law, or the verdict is
manifestly unjust.
A: I have handled the following types of cases as a District Court Judge: Pre-marital
agreements, annulments, agreements incident to divorce, partition agreements, divorce
cases involving substantial sums of assets and debts and those with virtually none,
disputes as to QDROs, jury trials, family violence protective orders, enforcement of
property orders, attorney/guardian ad litem appointments, termination and adoption
cases, custody cases, modification of custody and child support cases, Child Protective
Services cases, Indian Child Welfare Act Cases, writs of habeas corpus, fraud on the
community lawsuits, jurisdictional disputes, relocation litigation, property receiverships,
attachments, garnishments, 3rd party intervention cases, Attorney General Cases,
alimony -establishing and collecting, discovery disputes, Bills of Review, jury
questionnaires, spousal tort claims, default judgments, common law marriages,
reimbursement claims, venue disputes, Title IV-D claims, disqualifications, equitable
reimbursement claims, Daubert Challenges, International Child Abduction Remedies Act,
Interstate Compact of the Placement of Children, ICPC, Hague Convention, Parental
Kidnapping Prevention Act, child support liens, military retirement benefits, Uniform
Parentage Act, requests for Temporary Restraining Orders and Temporary Orders. As a
Solo Practitioner for 22 years focusing in the area Family Law, I handled hundreds of cases
involving the following aspects of Family Law: Pre-marital agreements, annulments,
agreements incident to divorce, partition agreements, divorce cases from million dollar
property issues to zero dollar amount with the parties in dispute over no dollar value
items, family violence protective orders, retirement litigation, enforcement of property
orders, attorney/guardian ad litem appointments, termination and adoption cases, custody
cases, modification of custody and child support cases, Child Protective Services cases -
being appointed to represent children and indigent parents, child support collection and
enforcement cases, Indian Child Welfare Act Cases, writs of habeas corpus, fraud on the
community lawsuits, jurisdictional disputes, relocation litigation, property receiverships,
attachments, garnishments, 3rd party intervention cases, Attorney General cases, alimony
- establishing and collecting, appeals both to the District Court Judge and the Court of
Appeals, discovery disputes, depositions, Bills of Review, jury trials, jury questionnaires,
spousal tort claims, default judgments, common law marriages, reimbursement claims,
venue disputes, Title IV-D claims, disqualifications, equitable reimbursement claims,
Daubert Challenges, mediation, arbitration, International Child Abduction Remedies Act,
Interstate Compact of the Placement of Children, ICPC, Hague Convention, Parental
Kidnapping Prevention Act, parent liability for conduct of child, child support liens, military
retirement benefits, Uniform Parentage Act, requests for Temporary Restraining Orders
and Temporary Orders.
A: None have been filed.
A: In the ‘90s, before the New Ethics Rules came into being, all complaints had to be
heard. The following cases were heard, but I do not have the exact dates: I had one
complaint filed by an indigent litigant who I had been appointed to represent in a child
support contempt action. The basis of the complaint was that I would not file to get her
custody of her son. The woman kept requesting that I get her custody of her son. The
District Court Judge informed her I had only been appointed to represent her in the child
support contempt action and not a modification of custody. A hearing was held by the
Grievance Committee. The woman did not appear for the hearing, but was called at her
home. The committee members had a difficult time understanding her or her comments
because she would not turn down the volume on her television set. The District Court
Judge appeared on my behalf to explain the scope of my appointment and my court
appointed duties as the attorney for the complainant only in the child support contempt
action. The District Court Judge shared with the Committee a copy of the court transcript
where the woman had been informed of the limited scope of my representation and that I
had not been appointed to represent her in any modification of custody. The case was
determined to be unfounded. I was appointed as the Attorney/Guardian Ad Litem for a
small child whose mother was an alcoholic. I interviewed all parties and conducted an
investigation. The Associate Judge of the Court, after a hearing and my recommendation,
placed the child with his father. The Maternal Grandparents (who were not parties to the
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action) filed a grievance against me because of my recommendation that the child be

removed from the custody of the mother. A hearing was held and the committee
determined the complaint was unfounded. The child still lives with his father to this date
and is healthy, happy, and safe. In 1993, after filing a successful suit for unpaid attorney’s
fees against a former client, the former client filed a grievance. The grievance was filed
months after the trial on the merits of the fees; a trial which resulted in my former client
being ordered to pay me outstanding legal fees. I reviewed the complaint and information
with two other attorneys in my office and discussed what steps should be taken. I then
discussed it with another attorney in my building. Based upon the advice of the attorney
assisting me and in preparation of my defense, I sent a copy of my response to the District
Court Judge who had heard the matter the year before and the opposing counsel who had
been involved in the case, since both had volunteered to prepare supporting affidavits for
my defense. Each had requested some information since neither really remembered any of
the particulars of the case. My response had some notes from my prior client and the
Grievance Committee felt that sharing my response with the District Court Judge,
Opposing Counsel and those assisting me was a breach of the attorney-client privilege and
issued a Public Reprimand dated April 16, 1991, for the sharing of the information. The
Committee did not find any basis to the client’s grievance, but did find a breach of
attorney-client privilege in the preparation of my defense of the grievance filed against me
by the former client.
A: "The Texas Democratic party believes government can be as good as the people. The
Party has faith that democracy, built on the sacred values of family, freedom and fairness
can afford every Texan, without exception, the opportunity to achieve their God-given
potential." As a judge the right of the individual to be treated fairly and with respect is
their right as a litigant in court. The Democratic Party is known as the party of
inclusiveness and is dedicated to providing to the citizens of Texas the opportunity to have
equal access to justice. As a candidate I felt at the time I ran in 2006 and now in 2010 that
the values of the Democratic Party are values to which I aspire and to which I hold true.
A: This topic has been discussed and analyzed for many years, and it does appear that a
process that allows the voters to select and evaluate a candidate is the best process that
benefits the voters. Our current party system addresses this process and is much better
than an appointment system which allows only the party in control to choose our judges.
The more open we have our selection process, the better for the citizens of Texas. Judges
should not be selected by an elite group of people. Judges work for the people and should
be selected by those same people.
A: The current system wherein we only have attorneys, rather than citizens, interested in
the judiciary leads to the system of the vast amount of donations coming from attorneys
who care about the quality of the judiciary they must deal with on a daily basis. The
required reporting system of the Texas Ethics Commission is the main tool that allows all
citizens the opportunity to view the source of all donations. The system is transparent in
that the information is available to all citizens. In a review of my donations one will note
that the vast majority are from solo practitioners rather than big law firms. Running a
campaign is similar to running a business, with each there are costs associated with the
process. Until the general public realizes the importance of the judiciary, then our only
source of funding are the lawyers. The lawyers are aware of the process, can view what
others have given and have the option of requesting that a Judge recuse themselves if the
donation is questionable or they feel there is any type of impropriety.
A: I have already implemented many programs which have improved the Court's ability to
hear cases to be heard expeditiously such as my Pre-Trial Docket each Monday and
Tuesday. At the time I was elected the 301st Court had a backlog of cases, with many
being two to four years old. The current dismissal system which has been implemented has
the Court reviewing the status of cases every four months. In addition to the regular
dismissal docket, more inventories are being taken of all files to identify the on-going
status of each file. Additionally, I have located social workers who are available to
complete social studies within a six to eight week time period rather than a six to nine
month period as was previously the case, thus allowing custody cases to be mediated and
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heard much quicker For those who need to complete their cases at a time as to not
conflict with their work schedule, I have offered late afternoon, evening, and Saturday trial
times. Previously prove-ups were only done at 8:30 a.m. The 301st Court now offers that
same time and additionally 11:45 and any other time we are available. I frequently
meet with individuals in the community to discuss any suggestions which might improve
the efficiency of the 301st Court. Many of those suggestions have been implemented and
have helped in the efficiency of the Court. The 301st Court also has a Suggestion Box
posted outside the Courtroom with appropriate forms, and we will continue to take any
suggestions from people as to steps that can be taken to improve the 301st District Court.
A: As to Pro Se Litigants, the 301st Court has provided access to forms which have been
prepared by the Texas Young Lawyers Association along with directions available in the
Law Library to assist in the preparation of valid and enforceable court orders. A special
docket date is set for Pro Se litigants where more time can be given to assist them in
finalizing their cases; and in many cases, if needed, a meeting is scheduled to discuss more
complicated matters with Pro Se litigants. For those individuals who need additional help,
a list of Pro Bono Services providers are available for the litigants. I have volunteered my
services, provided mentor services, and lectured to the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Project
and the Dallas Minority Bar Association both of which provide services to Pro Se Litigants.
Lastly, in any event where a child writes a letter to the Court expressing some type of
concern I have a group of volunteer attorneys who will contact the child to determine if
there is some need for intervention by the Court or Child Protective Services.
A: In 2006, as a practicing attorney, I saw the need for a positive change where litigants
would be treated fairly and with respect in the 301st Judicial District Court and made the
decision to run for the Court to which I was elected. I have implemented programs that
have expedited the trial process, thus saving litigants both time and money. I have
diligently worked for the benefit of the citizens of Dallas County and will continue to do the
same for the next four years; therefore, I have chosen to seek re-election to the 301st
Judicial District Court.
goal.
A: In the late 1980s, while living in Wynnewood North Subdivision of Oak Cliff in Dallas,
crime was a real issue in our neighborhood. A source of much of the crime was a huge
partially vacant and burnt-out apartment complex where gunshots were a nightly ritual.
We also had no Crime Watch program in our neighborhood, and I felt that the neighbors of
Wynnewood North Subdivision could accomplish more as a group. I spoke with several of
the neighbors and expressed my concern about this issue and decided that we needed a
strong neighborhood association so the police and the city would hear a strong group of
voices instead of those random telephone calls that we all frequently made. I walked the
neighborhood and placed fliers on each door, inviting all of the neighbors to a neighborhood
meeting to form the Wynnewood North Homeowners Association. The Association was
formed and we became a strong voice. We addressed crime and then we started looking
for a solution to the apartment complex issue. An entity named Dallas City Homes
ultimately purchased the property. A group from our homeowners group attended many
meetings, working for more than a year and a half with then Mayor Steve Bartlett and
other city representatives, the developers of the property, and the police department to
have not only a visually beneficial complex, but a complex with criteria for residents of the
complex. Guidelines for residents were adopted and those guidelines helped assure that
the people who lived in the Wynnewood Garden Apartments would care for their property
as the homeowners of the Wynnewood North Subdivision did. The residential criteria
developed for the residents of the Wynnewood Garden Apartments, as I understand, are
still used to this date. I believe the day I walked my neighborhood and helped motivate a
group of citizens made a difference to not only the residents of Wynnewood North
Subdivision, but to the people who now live in the Wynnewood Garden Apartments.
George White
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Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: George White
Street Address: 426 W. Pioneer Dr.
City/Town: Irving
State: Texas 75061
Date of Birth: December 24,1947
Fax Number: 972-254-1348
E-mail Address: GWhitepc@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.GeorgeWhiteforJudge.com
Questions:
A: 54 years
A: Attorney at Law
A: College of the State Bar, (membership is restricted to those members of the bar who
are academics, in that they attend at least double the required hours of Continuing Legal
Education each year.) I consistently have 75 or more hours instead of the required 15.
Member of the American Legion, China Post 1 chapter, see www.chinapost1.org Also a
proud member of the American Legion Riders ( an organization of Legionnaires who ride
motorcycles, many of whom use their riding for charitable causes)
A: Member, City of Irving, Board of Adjustment an Appeals 1991-1992; 1992-1993
Substitute JP P/2-2 and 6-2 Dallas County ( Six months full time) Member of AMBUCS
(American Business Clubs) City Court Prosecutor, City of Grapevine Judge, National and
Regional Moot Court Competitions at SMU (Which trains young lawyers) Lecturer, Dallas
County Community College District Teacher, Paralegal Studies, Southwestern Paralegal
Institute, Dallas, Texas Appointed Friend of the Court, 256th Family District Court, Dallas,
to help collect child support Contributed to the community as a Visiting Associate Family
Court Judge, 245th Family District Court Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas ( for
those who report a large number of free services to indigent people)
A: County Court at Law #1 Justice of the Peace P2-2
A: $15,000 plus
A: I have funded my own campaign and have only received contributions from a few close
friends, also attorneys, I have known for years. One of which is a Democrat incidentally.
They believe in me and what I can bring to the Court
A: Never arrested.
A: Judge Marilea Lewis, sitting Judge of the 330th Judicial District Court. She has
consistently, both as an Associate Judge and a sitting District Judge, shown herself to be
fair, impartial, attentive, reflective and has correctly applied the law to the facts.
A: A Family Court Judge must always temper Justice with mercy. Within the bounds and
discretion allowed by the statutes, a Judge must factor in the circumstances of the parties
and act with compassion for all parties and the children.
A: A Judge’s temperament should be calm, considerate, thoughtful, attentive, reflective
and fair.
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A: Only in rare cases. That would be when it is obvious that the jury has decided solely on
emotion and prejudice and not on the facts introduced in evidence. If the Judge handles his
Court properly it should happen rarely, if ever.
A: All types of Family cases, from divorce to termination cases, CPS, Child Support,
Modifications of parental rights. Also Criminal Cases from traffic tickets to serious 1st
Degree Felonies.
A: N/A
A: Approximately 18-20 years ago a complaint was filed for which I accepted responsibility
and was given a minor reprimand.
A: The Republican party has always been the party of Fiscal Responsibility, Social
Conservatism and adherence to Constitutional Restraints on Governmental power
A: Partisan elections are not the best method but at the moment the only thing we have.
Some procedure for appointment with retention elections would be better but finding the
proper procedure to do so has been a problem
A: Transparency avoids the appearance of impropriety. The reality is that campaigns are
expensive. Contributions are necessary. So if a judge accepts contributions, that fact
should always be disclosed to the parties, not only in campaign filings, so that objections
can be heard and made by the parties and the Judge can recuse himself, if necessary.
A: To begin with I would impose a five day work week on all employees including the
Judge All should be there at 8:00 a.m. ready to work for the public. That is not done
currently. Then, the Court should set up status hearings early and often so that cases can
be monitored by the Court and pushed to completion. No lollygagging by attorneys which
also runs up the fees. This procedure could also be used to notify litigants of when their
case will be dismissed if nothing is done. Currently the Courts mail out notice which in
many cases are not received or not sent out leading to untimely dismissals and necessary
re-instatements, all time consuming. Additionally, hearings should be prompt. Appeals
from decisions of the Associate Judge should be heard within 30 days. Further I would
eliminate the standing Order that all CPS cases should be sealed. This was done without
notice to the D.A, C.P.S or anybody with a pending case. I believe in transparency and
sealing only in certain cases after request, notice and hearing.
A: In the past there were handouts for pro se’s that explained the process in language they
can understand. I would work with the library where there are forms for pro se’s to use to
simplify the procedure. I would publish instructions and handout’s. I would require that pro
se’s submit their documents ahead of time for approval so they do not have to make a trip
for nothing. I would have pro se dockets so they can get their cases handled quicker. I
would contact the help organizations which support pro se’s to see how they are assisting
them to try to keep them on the right track with the right information.
A: Members of the public and other attorneys indicated to me this Court needed change.
Plus I have seen first hand this Court not following the law and the effect that has on public
confidence in the Court system. One need only read the blogs on this Court to see that.
Someone had to change this Court and no one was willing. If not me then who came to
mind. This Court needs a fair, efficient and impartial Judge.
goal.
A: I was in the Texas Army National Guard serving our Country for 13 years. I was a
558 of 605 5/23/2011 5:17 PM

platoon leader in a forward support unit. We consistently also came in at the top of the
proficiency rankings Its an all volunteer army and everyone in my unit re-enlisted..I have
to believe leadership had something to do with that. So did the Guard. I received the
Adjutant Award for that feat.

Description:
Tena Callahan
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Tena Callahan
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Date of Birth: December 5th
Home Phone Number: unlisted
Mobile Phone Number: private
Fax Number: 214-324-1933
E-mail Address: judgecallahan@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgecallahan.com
Questions:
A: Except for when in undergraduate school at UT Austin and law school at St Mary's in San
Antonio, my entire life.
A: District Judge
A: Texas Bar Foundation Fellow DAYL Foundation Fellow Family Violence Prevention Council
– 2007 to present; Altrusa International Inc. Downtown Dallas – 2001 to present;State Bar
of Texas; Family Section Member Dallas Bar Association; Family Section Member 1999 to
present; Co-Vice Chair, Bar None Production Committee 2010; Member, Judiciary
Committee 2010 Member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW No. 6796. Since taking the bench, I
routinely volunteer monthly at the DVAP prove-up docket. Through the Amachi Program
spearheaded by 2009 DBA President Christina Melton Crain, I became a Big Sister in June
2009 and continue that relationship. Cast member and assistant director of Bar None, a
variety show that has raised over 1.25 million dollars for the Sarah T. Hughes Diversity
Scholarship at the SMU School of Law, 1994 to present. I also volunteer my time through
my membership in Altrusa International Inc. of Downtown Dallas at such places as Hope
Cottage, Attitudes and Attires, the Genesis Women's Shelter, the International Rescue
Commission, Jonathan’s Place, The Family Place and Wednesday’s Child.
A: Altrusa International Inc. Downtown Dallas – 2001 to present; Board Member
2005-2006; 2008-2009 State Bar of Texas; Child Abuse and Neglect Committee – 2002
thru 2005 Dallas Bar Association; Family Section Member 1999 to present; Board Member,
Judicial-at-Large – 2009; Co-Vice Chair, Bar None Production Committee 2009; Co-Chair,
Bench/Bar Conference 2009; Member, Judiciary Committee 2009 Volunteer for Father's for
Equal Rights and the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Project. Named "Parent of the Year" by Big
Brothers Big Sisters Association of Dallas, 1988.
A: 302nd District Court 2007 to present.
A: This information is available on-line with the Texas Ethics Commission.
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A: This information is available on-line with the Texas Ethics Commission.
A: No
A: Judge Barbara Lynn. She is extremely knowledgeable in the law, well-reasoned in her
opinions, and an active member of the Bar who believes that a constant dialogue between
the Bench and the Bar serves well those who the Bar represents.
A: Mercy is the human element that breathes life into words on paper that are our laws.
Mercy is essential to the ability to acknowledge and confront the humanity inherent within
the issues that confound and confront a District Judge in a family court on a daily basis.
A: Judicial temperament is the manner and demeanor of the judge. A judge should strive
to be at all times courteous, calm, respectful and punctual. A judge should also be firm,
informative, engaged, alert and in control of the courtroom.
A: When, as a matter of law, a judgment notwithstanding the verdict is appropriate. These
occasions are extremely rare.
A: Family cases, including but not limited to the following: annulments, informal marriage,
claims for reimbursement; offsets; management rights, equitable contribution; spousal
gifts, proportional ownership by estates; property interest in certain retirement accounts
and insurance proceeds; spousal liability, fraud on the community, receiverships,
nonreimbursable claims; marital property agreements (both pre and post); equitable liens;
sale of homestead after spouse declared incompetent; special appearances; jurisdiction;
venue; residency qualifications, temporary restraining orders; temporary injunctions;
protective orders; de novo appeals of associate judge recommendations; name change;
temporary orders during appeal; waiver of prohibition against marriage; agreements
incident to divorce; spousal maintenance; modification spousal maintenance; suits to
enforce property divisions; post-decree division of property; being an amicus attorney;
publication attorney; motions for summary judgment; declaratory judgments.
A: No
A: N/A
A: I believe this quote aptly describes my philosophy. “The Democratic Party is not a
collection of diverse interests brought together only to win elections. We are united instead
by a common heritage – by a respect for the deeds of the past and a recognition of the
needs of the future.” John F. Kennedy, from a speech he was to deliver in Austin on
November 22, 1963
A: No, partisan elections are not the best method of selecting judges. I would favor an
election/retention method.
A: Yes. Because of the partisan method of electing judges and because judicial elections
are down-ballot non-policy contests, most of the people that will contribute to a judicial
election are the people that know the judges, i.e. lawyers. There is a limit to the amount
anyone can contribute to a judicial campaign.
A: I implemented the first paperless court in Dallas County; an innovation that saves
countless hours of dealing with searching for lost files and lost pleadings (not to mention
saving untold numbers of trees) and which saves Dallas County taxpayers hundreds of
thousands of dollars. I also changed the docket from a weekly schedule to a yearly
calendar method assuring quicker access to the court. I also began 'early-bird' dockets
that begin at 8:30am to take care of cases with pro se litigants, trials with limited issues
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and issues involving the Office of the Attorney General (i.e child support).
A: The major stumbling block for pro se litigants is a lack of knowledge as to what is
involved in obtaining a divorce and other relief and the appropriate paperwork needed to
finalize the case. Currently, the Associate Judge reviews all pleadings filed by pro se
litigants and informs what, if anything, is lacking in the paperwork. It is a cumbersome
process that can often result in litigants resubmitting their paperwork several times with
the same missing information. This task is very time draining for the Associate Judge.
What I would like to see is an organization, such as the Dallas Volunteer Attorney
Program, man a desk at the courthouse and calendar volunteer attorneys to sit at the desk
and review paperwork with pro se litigants prior to the resolution of their case. The goal is
to free up time for the Associate Judge's contested trial docket and take less time for the
pro se litigant to resolve the case.
A: The fact that I had ideas and programs I believed I could put into place that would
modernize Court procedures and better serve the citizens of Dallas County.
goal.
A: I was the first Court in Dallas County to implement a paperless file system. I and other
members of the Court met with the District Clerk's office and the IT department on a
regular basis as the paperless system was created. Monthly, sometimes weekly, meetings
were held wherein all parties at the table communicated the pros and cons of the process
as it was incrementally rolled out. As a result of this process, a blueprint model for taking
the other Family Courts paperless was created. I am currently in the process of creating a
Family Drug Court. This is a divert court that offers parents who've had their children
removed as a result of neglect because of drug use the opportunity to go through
rehabilitation, get clean and sober, and have their children returned to them as opposed to
having their rights to their children terminated. I am currently holding monthly meetings
with Court and County personnel, the Office of the Attorney General, and diverse local
community service providers. I and Court staff have attended training and continue to
search for affordable training opportunities. I am also in the process of amassing a steering
committee that will form a 501(c)(3) and foundation that will be able to raise funds for the
Drug Court. The creation of this fundraising entity will ensure that, no matter who is judge
of the 302nd Court, this program will be able to financially sustain itself and continue
servicing Dallas County; either in the 302nd Court or another Dallas County Family District
Court.
Julie Reedy
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Julie C. Reedy
Street Address: 6116 N. Central Expwy, Ste. 901
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-369-2980
E-mail Address: jcreedy@sbcglobal.net
Campaign Web Site Address: juliecreedyforjudge.com
Questions:
A: 45 years
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A: Attorney
A: I have limited my current activities because of the campaign. I am still very much
involved with the Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs at the Dallas Child Advocacy Center. I am
also involved with a special project for PEO (a national philanthropic and educational
organization), I participate in the Designers and Diggers Garden Club, and I periodically
volunteer at the Trinity River Audubon Center.
A: State Bar of Texas Child Abuse and Neglect Committee: Legislative sub committee;
Shaken Baby video sub committee; Education sub committee; State Bar of Texas
Advanced Family Law CLE Programs, therapy dog presentations Dallas Bar Association:
Juvenile Justice Committee, Courthouse Committee, Lawyer Referral Service Committee
Mary Baldwin College Alumni Board member PEO (a National Philanthropic and
Educational Organization) Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs Dallas County Children's Advocacy
Center Denton County Children's Advocacy Center Juliette Fowler (Children's Programs
and Retirement Center) Genesis Center Other Nursing Homes and Hospitals Member of
Dallas Southern Memorial Association Lee Park and Arlington Hall Conservancy Trinity
River Audubon Center National Canine Cancer Foundation Participant: Canines for the
Cure Crimes Against Children seminar volunteer Speaker: SMU Family Law Association,
Family Law Solo Practice Presentations "Guardian Ad Litem vs. Attorney Ad Litem" KERA
Juvenile Law Issues KNON Juvenile Law Issues El Central College, Paralegal Class Dallas
Volunteer Program "How Domestic Violence Affects Juveniles" PEO "Everyday Law"
Juvenile Justice Seminars "Representing Adolescents in Juvenile Delinquency Cases," "How
Domestic Violence Affects Juveniles," "The Correlation Between Juvenile Delinquency,
Domestic Violence and Child Abuse," "How Domestic Violence Affects Juveniles- Part III,"
"Medical Issues Related to Juveniles" Mentor, Elementary School Student, DISD Dallas
Gang Prevention Program, Panel Member (Chief Ben Click's task force) Juvenile Law
Class/Crossing the Line, Instructor "Driving, Dating and Underage Drinking, Liability, and
the Law, Curfews, and Consequences," Panel Member, Highland Park Independent School
District
A: None
A: Betty and Carter Creech $500.00 Dick and Pat Clampitt $250.00 Janice and Svend
Freytag $500.00
A: No
A: Marilea Lewis - Judge Lewis is a dedicated and hard working jurist. I have handled
cases before her while she has served on all three of her benches, in Juvenile Court, as an
Associate Judge and now as Judge of the 330th District Court. She is patient, fair,
reasonable and very competent. She is also consistent and does not play favorites. Judge
Lewis knows the law and applies it fairly.
A: My dictionary defines "mercy" as "more kindness than justice requires”. Today, too
often we think of mercy as "give me a break". But that sometimes might require a Judge
to stray outside the law and the facts; dispensing an uneven and uncertain "justice." In
family law, those who perhaps deserve more kindness than "justice requires" are the
children who are on the receiving end of adult decisions.
A: A Judge should be respectful of the litigants, regardless of race, creed or socio-economic
condition. A Judge also needs to be firm but very patient, especially when dealing with
litigants who choose to represent themselves. A judge should be attentive and deliberate.
A Judge should resist the temptation to predetermine the outcome of a case before all the
evidence and witnesses are heard. Reserving judgment is necessary in promoting an ideal
judicial temperament. A judge should be patient while firmly adhering to the rules of
evidence and procedure.
A: A judge might overrule a jury’s decision when the decision is so overwhelmingly against
statutory or other legal authority. There may also be situations if there was Jury
misconduct.
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A: As a lawyer, I have handled all areas of family law cases: including but not limited to
divorce, custody, conservatorship, possession, child support issues, modification,
enforcement, contempt, terminations, adoptions, property divisions, protective orders,
family violence issues, child protective cases and juvenile law. In addition to being a
retained and sometimes appointed lawyer for litigants, I have also frequently been an ad
litem and amicus attorney for children and those unable to represent themselves. I have
been involved in all aspects of cases from preliminary temporary orders hearings through
trials before the court and jury trials. I also handle cases in the Probate Court, including
guardianships, probate and administration of estates, and again, as an ad litem.
A: N/A
A: None
A: I have chosen to run as a Republican because I believe in conservative family values,
fiscal responsibility, limited government, judicial restraint, public service and
accountability. My general outlook on life leans more toward that of the Republican Party.
A: I tend to not favor partisan judicial elections. A political party should not direct social
reforms through the office of a Judge. A Judge should be impartial and follow the law, not
use the bench to further partisan, social or political agendas.
A: This is a difficult issue because obviously, campaigns need funding, but this can easily
become troublesome with larger contributions and more costly races. There is always the
possibility for any contributor, whether an attorney or not, to seek preferential treatment
from a court. I think that it would be very difficult to prohibit an attorney who practices in
a particular court from donating to a campaign, as it would be too easy to circumvent the
process. Then, too, there is the problem of a litigant, or possible litigant, making a
donation. It would be impossible to prevent potential conflicts in that situation. I believe
that the best way to handle this problem is to limit the amount of contributions. I would
not be opposed to restricting contributions to local judicial races to $500.00 per person or
firm.
A: One of the first things that I believe needs to be done is to have all of the Family Court
Judges and Associate Judges meet to determine the best and worst of all of the current
Court procedures and policies. I believe that it would also significantly help both the
lawyers and pro-se litigants (as well as the Judges and Associate Judges) if all of the Court
had policies and procedures that were set forth in a more consistent and standardized
written form. As a group, decisions should be made as to how to handle the problem of
having foreign language interpreters available on a more consistent basis. Additionally all
of the Courts need to be more pro-active in developing consistent, ongoing, working
relationships with Dallas Volunteer Attorneys Program participants, Legal Services, (and
other pro-bono programs) and pro-se litigants. Family Court Services has on-going issues
that cannot be addressed by an individual court. It needs to be a joint effort.
Implementation of the above should obviously streamline and make court efficiency much
better. Now that the Courts are paperless, a pro-se check list and prove up approval
documentation should be done by e-mail. Pre-trial hearings, in many cases, should be
done via telephone conferences. An early morning, daily, prove-up schedule will be
implemented. The 302nd Family Court should not have to depend on the 256th Family
Court, or any other one to handle its prove-ups.
A: See answers to the question above. Again, consistent, standardized, written policies and
procedures will ease the ability of pro-se litigants and pro-bono cases. I know that
sometimes, court proceedings are held at the MLK Center, but since we already have the
facilities and security at the George Allen Courthouse, (which is easily accessible by bus
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and DART train) perhaps it would be better to increase access to the Court system by
holding sessions very early (6:30 or 7 am) or early evening sessions so that those litigants
who have to be at work during the regular work day can get their cases heard in a timely
manner. I volunteered at the East Dallas Legal Clinic for a number of months, but felt like
we really did not accomplish a great deal in getting cases moved along. Again, we need to
coordinate and streamline the interaction between the various programs and the Courts to
allow for quicker and more responsive access to the Courts and to reach a resolution in the
cases.
A: I really love family law and believe that I will be a highly effective, motivated and
competent Judge. Being a Judge is more than a job; it is a dedicated commitment to the
citizens of Dallas County and to the community as a whole. I have always been active in
the community and believe that a Judge needs to set an example in the community. I will
be scrupulous in my attendance and punctuality in the Courthouse. I have a great deal of
energy and enthusiasm. I plan to follow the law and not follow a social or political agenda.
I believe that my character and integrity will make me a great Judge.
goal.
A: I have been a leader in a great number of activities from helping to set up successful
conferences with the Juvenile Courts, to the successful completion of producing the Shaken
Baby DVD through the State Bar Child Abuse and Neglect Committee. The DVD was very
much of a joint effort with hundreds of the videos disseminated throughout the State of
Texas. I have worked with Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs to help start and expand the
efforts in various "child related" programs. Our first was at Juliette Fowler Children's
Home. Before the program closed, it had a wonderful therapeutic residential foster care
program. The children benefited from weekly visits with the therapy dogs and their
handlers. The program went from one or two of us at the visits to bring a sought- after
volunteer commitment. Once the Fowler program was up and running I was requested to
help out at the Denton County Children's Advocacy Center's program. Following that I was
a founding Therapy Dog volunteer at the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center. I was able to
help initiate therapy dog programs at all three of these centers. For three years I have
presented the Animal Assisted therapy programs at the Texas Advanced Family Law
Seminar.

Description:
Dennise Garcia
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Questions:
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Description:
William A. "Bill" Mazur Jr.

Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: William A"Bill" Mazur Jr.
Street Address: 1854 Wisteria Dr.
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: work-214-698-4960
Fax Number: 214-698-5553
E-mail Address: wamazur@tx.rr.com
Campaign Web Site Address: billmazur.org
Questions:
A: All my life-59years minus schooling
A: Distict Judge-304th-Dallas County-Juvenile
A: Chair"Do the Write Thing"Challenge,Established "Spotlight Program with all 18 cities in
the county in order to more closely supervise at risk youth, One of only three Judges
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statewide chosen to serve on Public Private Partnership Comm. to re-design foster care in
Texas,actively peruing location of RTC's in Dallas area,Member Juvenile Board and JJAEP
School Board
A: Past and current Board member of Children First in Grand Prairie,Past Bar Assoc. Pres.
Grand Prairie,Municipal Judge 1981 to 1996,Member Host Lions club,Sponsor for Mock Trial
Competitions,developed public Cemetary in Grand Prairie
A: Municipal Judge1981 to 1996,District Judge of 304th
A: About $22,000.00 raised plus personal monies
A: David Cole,(atty) then 7 tied including 3 attys. and 4 old friends
A: Obstructing a Highway 1998
A: Judge Kinkeade always appeared fair and open-minded.Knowledge of the law and an
ablity to handle the lawyers and parties.
A: like most"concepts" it fits on a case by case basis or might not fit at all
A: Businesslike,willing to take a stand to enforce the law and always fair
A: Almost never
A: I have had a very broad range of experience,including but not limited
to:Juvenile,Divorce,Criminal,Probate matters,Bankruptcy,Civil matters in this state and
others as well as in Federal Courts across the land
A: None
A: One in about 1988 or so,unfounded
A: Less prone to go to war,generally more in tune with common man and Civil Right's
A: I really struggle with this idea but have decided that I see no clearly better
alternative,would support public funding of Judicial Races though under certain rules
A: Currently,Yes but as I stated would support public funding and therefore limits
associatated therewith
A: I feel we have that under pretty good control in the 304th
A: In light of Government action to take rights to the litigants children away from them we
routinely appt counsel to represent them.Most litigants in this court are clearly indigent
A: A passion for the unheard voices of our communities abused,neglected and at-risk youth
goal.
A: Contacted every Chief of Police in the county and had the juvenile dept. train officers
from each of those cities to participate in Project Spotlight wherein at risk youth are visited
at their homes for extra supervision after their release.Less than 100 days expired fom the
idea's inception to the officer's being trained and on the street
Louis White
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Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Louis M. White, Jr
Street Address: 6303 Richmond Ave #202
City/Town: Dallas
State: TX
Fax Number: 214.800.2847
E-mail Address: louiswhiteforjudge@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: louiswhiteforjudge.com
Questions:
A: Three Years.
A: Lawyer/ Self-employed.
A: Safer Dallas Better Dallas Steering Committee, Speaker for African-American Initiative
at North Lake College, EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing
Independence)2010 Townhall panelist.
A: Former Director Texas Young Lawyer Association, Past-President Ector County Young
Lawyer Association, Past President of the Fort Bend Young Lawyer Association, Youth and
Government Coach, Good Hope Baptist Church Youth Basketball Coach.
A: None
A: $1400
A: Gary Griffith, Tenet PAC, Reena Morris.
A: Yes, I was arrested as a youth, however the case was not filed. It was a wake-up call
for me to change the path I was on and it is a story that drives why I want to be judge and
will allow me as judge to better help other youth facing similar choices.
A: - no response -
A: A punishment is always warranted if a crime is committed and a person is convicted of a
crime. Mercy does play a role in determining the degree of punishment, particularly in a
juvenile court where the court has more flexibility in determining the appropriate
punishment for the crime committed.
A: A judge should always be in control of emotions and consistent in his/her temperament.
A: A judge should only overrule a jury’s decision when it is proven that there is jury
misconduct.
A: As a prosecutor and defense attorney I have handled a range of juvenile, CPS, criminal
and family law cases. I have tried a number of trials to jury.
A: No
A: No
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A: I am a Republican because I am fiscally conservative and believe in small government
and strict adherence to the constitution.
A: I support elections, but believe that non-partisan elections similar to city council and
school board elections are the best methods to select judges and give the people an
opportunity to have a voice. I would also support any efforts to educate the public more on
the importance of judge elections and the experience of candidates.
A: A judge should be able to accept contributions as long as it does not impact his/her
decisions on the bench. Decisions in court should only be based on the case and the
applicable law and not if a lawyer is or is not a donor.
A: Once elected, I would spend my first 90 days evaluating all processes to determine
opportunities to improve the efficiency of the 304 district court.
A: The 304 district court will be as assessable to pro se litigants as it is for lawyers. I will
continue to foster the relationships the court has with current non-profits and be open
minded to more opportunities that present themselves to ensure that everyone has access
to the court no matter what their economic background.
A: I believe that who you become is determined by the experiences that shape you and
the choices you make along the way. My experiences and choices have built me to be
Judge of the 304. First, I am qualified to be judge of the 304 District Court. I am a former
juvenile prosecutor and juvenile chief prosecutor. I have tried a range of misdemeanor,
felony, and juvenile cases. I have also handled a number of CPS cases. As a defense
attorney, I have continued to practice in these areas of law. Second, my life experiences
have prepared me for this position. I grew up in an economically depressed area infested
with drugs and gangs similar to most of the backgrounds of the kids that would come
before me. I was told “there was no chance in hell” that I would get out of the
neighborhood or that I would amount to anything. However, I chose to go to college
instead of the path that many of my peers chose that lead to prison or an early grave.
Although the journey was difficult, it built me for the 304 District Court. I believe that my
life experiences have given me special insight into the issues that these kids face so I can
determine which kid needs a hug and which needs a kick.
goal.
A: My leadership style with youth is a based on setting clear expectations, providing
constructive feedback when a person is veering off course, being relatable and current on
their issues, and always ensuring that I provide some type of encouragement for moving
to the next level. One of the accomplishments that I am most proud of is coaching a group
of at risk middle school students. We did not win a championship, but for me a greater
accomplishment was that our kids showed up for every game on Saturday mornings. I
followed these kids throughout high school and one of my most memorable moments is
when one of the guys chose to go into the military instead of a life on the streets. When he
came back from basic training he sought me out to let me know that the tough love
conversations we had while he played ball made a difference in changing his life path.

Description:
Cheryl Lee Shannon

Party: D
Biographical Info:
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goal.
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Description:
Marilea W. Lewis
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Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Marilea W. Lewis
Street Address: 600 Commerce Street, Suite 340 George Allen Courts Building
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Date of Birth: 08.02.53
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: Campaign office: (214) 634-7411
Home Phone Number: It is unlisted.
Mobile Phone Number: I will be happy to provide this upon the assurance that it will not
be made public.
Fax Number: I will be happy to provide this upon the assurance that it will not be made
public.
E-mail Address: mwlewis8@me.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgelewis.com
Questions:
A: Thirty-two (32) years
A: District Judge
A: Junior League of Dallas – Sustaining Member; Dallas Chapter – Pi Beta Phi Alumnae;
Prudence Alexander Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution; Church of the
Incarnation – Altar Guild, chalice bearer, lector, Marmion Library Guild, Verger; Domestic
Violence Task Force – Court Partnership; Kids Matter International – Advisory Board; La
Fiesta de Las Seis Banderas; Life member - Baylor University Alumni; Life member –
Baylor University School of Law Alumni; Park Cities Republican Women; Dallas County
Republican Party; Dallas County Alternate Dispute Resolution Board; Dallas Bar Association
– Transition to Law participant; Dallas Association of Young Lawyers – Summer Judicial
Intern program participant
A: Junior League of Dallas – Project chair for B.T.Washington Arts Magnet High School,
Sustaining Board; Dallas Chapter – Pi Beta Phi Alumnae – Panhellenic Council Alternate;
Prudence Alexander Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution; Church of the
Incarnation – Altar Guild, chalice bearer, lector, Marmion Library Guild, Sunday school
teacher, Vestry member; United Cerebral Palsy Guild; March of Dimes Auxiliary; Dallas
Symphony Orchestra League; Baylor University Parent’s League; HPISD – Talented and
Gifted Board; Chimeras; Interlude: The Argyle Club; Park Cities Republican Women -
Board; Texas School Safety Center Board
A: Master/Referee/Associate Judge - 305th District Court (1986 - 1992) Associate Judge -
330th District Court (1992 - 2002) District Judge - 330th District Court (2002, 2006)
A: According to my treasurer's reports, I have raised approximately $26,000.00.
A: Goranson, Bain, Larsen McClure Duffy & Eitzen (Kelly McClure) McCurley, Orsinger,
McCurley, Nelson, & Downing
A: No
A: As a sitting judge, it is inappropriate for me to comment about other sitting judges.
However, former judges who have taught me a great deal about judicial temperament are
Justice Annette Stewart, Chief Justice Linda Thomas, and Judge Theo Bedard. All of these
former judges exhibited patience, wisdom, knowledge of the law, and a sense of humor.
A: Mercy, as well as compassion, is an essential element of justice. However, justice should
be achieved by the correct and impartial application of the law. That the punishment
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should fit the crime is more than just an adage; it is an instruction for justice.
A: Appropriate temperament is more than maintaining decorum. It includes listening
attentively to litigants and attorneys, allowing sufficient time for presentation of evidence,
and encouraging an environment of trust. As important, appropriate judicial temperament
is demonstrated by treating all those in the judge’s court – staff, litigants, lawyers,
colleagues – with respect and courtesy.
A: A judge should not substitute his or her judgment for the collective wisdom of a jury
unless there is a clear justification for it as a matter of law. Judgment N.O.V.
(notwithstanding the verdict) is appropriate when a Motion for New Trial or a Motion for
Judgment N.O.V. has merit.
A: I preside in the 330th Judicial District Court. It is a family law court, created specifically
to hear family law matters. The cases involve divorce, child custody, child support,
visitation and access, division of the community estate, annulment, parentage, contempt,
Child Protective Services (abused, abandoned, and/or neglected children), Hague
Convention cases, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act cases, Uniform
Interstate Family Support Act cases, IV-D cases, family violence cases, and any matter
found in the Texas Family Code other than those cases involving juvenile law matter.
A: Having sat on the bench for almost twenty-five (25) years, I am confident that
complaints have been filed with the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. However, I
have not been reprimanded, sanctioned, or disciplined.
A: I am unaware of any complaints being filed.
A: I am running as a Republican because my beliefs are reflected more by Republican
philosophies. Personal accountability, individual initiative, smaller government, free
enterprise, and the independence of the judiciary are very important values in my life. I
ran as a Republican in 2002 and 2006; although encouraged to change parties, I have
declined to do so in order to run as a Republican in 2010.
A: I believe that there are other methods of selecting judges that result in a qualified
judiciary and remove the partisan nature of the current system. Judges, by definition as
well as by profession, should be impartial. Politics have no place at the courthouse. There
are several ways that could be accomplished. Judges could be elected by special election.
Another alternative would be to remove the straight ticket vote for judges from the voting
machines; this would not require a great deal of expense or a Constitutional amendment.
Finally, a system of appointment and retention vote would also remove the partisan issue.
A: All litigants are entitled to, and should expect, an independent judiciary. Attorneys have
a vested interest in maintaining a competent, effective judiciary. The public is not always
well informed when selecting judges. The campaign contribution laws are designed to
protect both the interest of the public and the maintenance of an independent judiciary.
A: What I have done is implement a system of effective docket control. Each case is
specially set from a pre-trial setting. This avoids the need for attorneys and litigants to
wait through a docket call. It also allows the parties to have a date that they know their
case will be heard. Additionally, my court maintains a dismissal docket, which prevents
cases from stagnating. My court, the 330th, hears uncontested matters daily, in addition to
regular motions and trials.
A: I was one of the judges who helped develop the pro se litigant order review form. I
have worked with the Associate Judge and with the staff to make my court as responsive
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and user friendly as possible. We have developed form instructions for pro se litigants and
scripts for prove-ups in English and in Spanish. The 330th has a dedicated docket for pro se
litigants.
A: I believe that I have the temperament, knowledge, and skill necessary to provide fair
and impartial judgments. I am passionate about family law and about the families that
come before me. Being Board certified in Family Law, I am constantly seeking judicial and
legal education.
goal.
A: Three years ago, I contacted a family violence advocate and another judge about
providing a multi-disciplinary training in family violence. We organized a committee,
created a curriculum, and produced a successful seminar. We have now completed three
(3) successful training seminars. I created the course, planned the curriculum, and
arranged speakers for a State Bar of Texas webcast, entitled “From Bar to the Bench: So
You Want to Be A Judge”. Additionally, I have served, and am currently serving, as Chair of
the Texas Center for the Judiciary’s Curriculum Committee. The Curriculum Committee
plans and implements judicial education for Texas judges.
Andrea Plumlee
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Andrea Plumlee
Street Address: 600 Amberton Tower 4144 N. Central Expy
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Home Phone Number: Unpublished
Fax Number: (214) 841-9112
E-mail Address: andrea.plumlee@lawyer.com
Campaign Web Site Address: plumleeforjudge@aol.com
Questions:
A: 34 years
A: Attorney
A: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Victory Park Baptist Church
A: Jack & Jill of America, Inc. District 6A Grievance Committee (Vice Chair) Dallas Bar
Association Family Law Section - Former Board Member Pro Bono Attorney, The Family
Place Volunteer Attorney, North Texas Legal Services Participant - Interim Advocate
Program Target Kids In Court, Former Steering Committee Member
A: Not Applicable
A: Approximately $ 7,500.00
A: Keith Rawlings, M.D. Christopher & Natalie Plumlee Robert & Sharolyn Headroe
A: No
A: Judge Cheryl Lee Shannon. Judge Shannon listens to the lawyers and litigants who
appear before her each day. She understands that the 'case' she is hearing is actually the
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'life' of the person appearing before her. She is consistent in her judicial philosophy,
measured when rendering decisions, respectful of all who appear before her and can make
a tough call on the evidence without flinching.
A: I believe that justice must be tempered with mercy and compassion or justice has not
been accomplished.
A: Unbiased,calm and thoughtful.
A: Rarely. A judge should overrule a jury's decision only if there is no evidence to support
the jury's findings.
A: My primary area of practice is Family Law and Juvenile Defense. Specifically in the area
of family law, I have handled divorces and paternity cases, enforcement and contempt, as
well as child welfare litigation. Approximately fifty percent of my practice is mediation of
family law and child welfare cases.
A: Not Applicable
A: Once, the complaint was dismissed.
A: The inclusionary vision of the Democratic Party is in keeping with one aspect of my
judicial philosophy -- that the courthouse / courtroom is a place where everyone should
have equal opportunity for access to justice.
A: There are definitely issues that deserve candid discussion regarding partisan elections,
however, there are also systemic problems with the appointment system. Perhaps after
honest dialogue regarding both methods, a hybrid of the two methodologies might be in
order.
A: Lawyers, in general, are the people who know and can attest to the quality of the
judges they appear before. They are aware of the legal knowledge each judge may or may
not possess, the temperment of the judge and the judge's ability to run an efficient court
room. The general public simply does not sufficient contact with a judge or candidate to
make an informed decision regarding their knowledge, competency, and/or temperment.
Perhaps if the media gave more exposure to the judiciary, the general public could make
well-informed decisions about persons running in the contested judicial races and
contribute to those campaigns. Lawyers, their client's and the general population, should
have a vested interest in keeping good judges in office serving Dallas County.
A: I would start with being present each and every day during business hours. You can not
be efficient if you do not show up for work. Secondly, I would solve the back-log problem
by reviewing cases quarterly and moving the cases through the process in a timely
manner, placing cases that are not being worked on a dismissal docket. I would extend the
time for prove-ups and set aside some time for a walk-up docket before the associate
judge of the Court.
A: As a family court judge, I would ease access to the court for pro se litigants by
scheduling a walk-up docket on uncontested matters. I have also considered requesting
every attorney seeking ad litem work in the court, to take at least one pro bono case each
year and setting aside an evening each month where we conduct 'night court' for their
indigent client's.
A: I have prepared my entire legal career for the opportunity to serve the citizens of
Dallas County as a Judge. I am a dedicated, hard-working advocate for my client's and I
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will bring that same dedication and work ethic to the bench if elected. I sincerely believe
that every person who walks in the 330th Court, deserves an unbiased judge who will treat
them with respect, listen to the facts and circumstances of their case, render a decision in
conformity with the law and do so with compassion.
goal.
A: While in law school, a very accomplished law professor was denied tenure. I led a group
of students in gathering the professors pertinent scholarship and presented our Dean with
a comparative analysis of the tenure-tracked professors, professors who had achieved
tenure status and the professor who had been denied tenure. We engaged the entire
student body in a public debate that attracted local and national media attention. We were
ultimately successful in assisting the learned professor in achieving tenure.
Dallas County Court-at-Law No. 1

Description:
D'Metria Benson
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: D'Metria Benson
Street Address: 1920 Abrams Parkway, PMB 398
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas 75214-6218
Date of Birth: August 1
E-mail Address: dmebenson@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: JudgeDMetriaBenson.com
Questions:
A: 20 years, 3 months.
A: Judge, County Court at Law No.1.
A: Dallas County DRS Committee Junior League of Dallas, Sustaining Member Cathedral
Church of St. Matthews (Epsicopal)Member Cathedral Church of St. Matthews, Vestry
Member Cathedral Church of St. Matthews, Choir Member
A: Former Board President and Secretary, Voices of Change Former Board Member Dallas
Wind Symphony Former Board Member Theatre Three Former Board Member, DFW NELA
A: Initially sought position of Judge in 2002.
A: In excess of $50,000.00.
A: My top four contributors are Haynes & Boone, LLP, Baron & Budd PC, Kendall Law Group
and Frank L. Branson PC.
A: No.
A: Federal Judge Mary Lou Robinson because she is a shining example of a fair judge
respected by both sides of the bar. She exhibits judicial temperance while maintaining
control of her docket and her courtroom.
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A: Justice implies and requires the proper administration of the law without regard to any
mitigating circumstances. Mercy tempers justice. It is the means by which mitigating
circumstances may be considered. Mercy takes into account the human condition, the
flawed nature of mankind and the particular circumstances in a given situation in the
process of administering justice.
A: Approporiate judicial temperament is exemplified by the demeanor of the judge in
being respectful toward the litigants,counsel and the citizens of the community while
maintaining a calm and authoritative presence in the courtroom. I believe that appropriate
judicial temperament incorporates patience, moderation,fairness and objectivity.
A: Generally speaking a judge should not overrule a jury's decision unless there is a
specific legal precedent that allows for such an action as evidenced by an overwhelming
bias and prejudice on the part of a jury which results in a misapplication of the facts of the
case to the law.
A: As a judge I handle a large variety of civil cases including but not limited to: personal
injury, eviction, contract, workers compensation, eviction, medical malpractice, legal
malpractice, intellectual property, employment law, sequestration, debt collection,
consumer issues, products liability, property law, landlord tennant issues.
A: One complaint was filed which was dismissed as being without merit.
A: Approximately 18 years ago a complaint was filed against me which was determined to
be unfounded.
A: I chose to run as Democrat because I believe that the party best reflects my belief in
respect for the dignity of all individuals and concern for our country overall at all levels.
A: Under our current political system, I can see no way in which partisanship can be
removed for the judicial selection process. So it seems to me that the most fair means of
selecting judges is to allow the voting public to decide who they will be.
A: Judges should accept contributions from anyone who wishes to contribute to their
campaign without expectation of return of preferential treatment. Attorneys are members
of the voting public and have the same right to participate in the political process as do
non-attorneys, so long as they do not seek nor expect preferential treatment in exchange
for their contributions.
A: I actively utilize scheduling orders, status conferences, try to strictly adhere to time
standards for case disposition required by the Rules of Judicial Administration, and
maintain daily motion and trial dockets. These methods have resulted in an overall
average caseload reduction from in excess 2700 cases to the current low of 1053 cases--a
61% overall reducton in average caseload since I took the bench in January 2007.
A: Because parties have the greatest control over the outcome of their cases when they
resolve them themselves and can be creative in coming up with innovative solutions as
opposed to being subjected to the risk of an all or nothing outcome, settlement should be
encouraged. My policy is to provide the opportunity for informal resolution to the parties
by ordering all cases to mediation prior to trial. The court has no influence over what
happens in the actual mediation process and if the parties do not reach resolution we go
forward with trial.
A: A strong desire to serve the public and to have a judiciary reflective of the demographic
of Dallas County.
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goal.
A: When I first became a judge, I inherited a court with a significant case backlog. Working
with my staff and the clerks assigned to my court we formulated a plan to reduce our
backlog while simultaneously maintaining excellent customer service and providing greater
access to the court for hearings and trial settings. We were very successful in
implementing our plan and today our caseload is 61 percent lower that when I first took
office.
Russell Roden
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Russell Roden
Street Address: 7417 Sugarbush Dr.
City/Town: Garland
State: Texas
Date of Birth: Sept. 15, 1960
Fax Number: 972.371.2410
E-mail Address: info@rodenforjudge.com
Campaign Web Site Address: rodenforjudge.com
Questions:
A: 1960-1979; 1989-present (40 years total)
A: Attorney, Mediator, Arbitrator with the firm of Nesbitt, Vassar, McCown & Roden, LLP
A: I am involved in educating youth about the legal system through presentations at area
schools and volunteer for mock trial and moot court competitions, as well as providing pro
bono legal services to those who cannot afford legal counsel.
A: I have been involved in educating youth about the legal system through “Kids in Court”
presentations; the Dallas Area Young Lawyers’ Association’s summer internship program;
the SMU Law School externship program; the “Hot 100 Attorneys Who Care” raising funds
for youth summer camps; co-founder/participant of Austin College Law Day Symposium to
help promote the public’s understanding of the legal system
A: Judge, Dallas County Court at Law No. 1 (April 1, 2002 - Dec. 31, 2006)
A: While I have fund-raising events planned, I have not actively solicited campaign
donations as of the date this questionnaire was answered.
A: While I have fund-raising events planned, I have not actively solicited campaign
donations as of the date this questionnaire was answered.
A: No.
A: Judge W. Eugene Davis, United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. I had the
honor of serving a judicial clerkship with Judge Davis from 1988-1989. Judge Davis
demonstrated a dedication to providing each case the time and attention required in order
to render an impartial and fair decision based on the merits of each case.
A: In jurisprudence, mercy is a concept that is traditionally associated with criminal
proceedings rather than civil cases. However, to the extent mercy is defined to mean that
the judge or jury should consider evidence of relevant circumstances that might, for
example, mitigate the harshness of a result, the concept of mercy is consistent with
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justice. In civil courts, this concept of mercy is often reflected in principles of equity that
have developed over hundreds of years and now apply in the civil courts. To the extent
mercy is defined to mean that the judge or jury should ignore the established principles of
law and equity to render a decision based on sympathy, bias or prejudice, it does not have
a role in justice. The law requires judges to instruct jurors in civil cases that bias, prejudice
or sympathy cannot play any part in their deliberations. Otherwise, parties would lose the
valuable right to have their disputes decided based on the evidence presented and
consistent with the laws created by, and for, the people.
A: A judge must be patient, professional and prepared. Litigants often arrive in court with
strong emotions, ranging from fear and doubt to animosity and anger. A judge who
prepares by reading the parties’ motions and pleadings prior to a hearing or trial reduces
the anxiety of litigants concerned that their dispute will not be given thoughtful
consideration. During the course of a hearing or trial, the judge must set an example for
the proceedings by displaying a calm and patient demeanor and require the same of the
litigants so that matters can be resolved in an orderly and just fashion. When I previously
served as judge of this court (Dallas County Court at Law No. 1), I was one of the
highest-rated judges in the category of "judicial demeanor and temperment" in the Dallas
Bar Association's Judicial Evaluation Poll. The current incumbent judge -- elected in 2006 --
has a lowly 23% rating for "judicial demeanor and temperment."
A: The right to a jury trial is the cornerstone of our judicial system. The denial of a right to
jury trial was one of the specific grievances set forth in the Declaration of Independence. It
is for these reasons that the decision of a jury should be upheld, unless to do so would
cause an injustice. The role of the jury is to decide disputed facts in a case. It is the role of
the judge to see that the case is tried in accordance with the rules of law. A jury must base
its decision on the evidence presented and in accordance with the law given by the judge.
A judge should not overrule a jury’s decision even if the judge would have weighed the
credibility of the evidence differently than the jury and reached a different determination of
the facts. The jury’s determination should only be disturbed if it renders a verdict that is
not based on any evidence or it is reached by violating the law given by the judge. A
decision not based on the evidence nor rendered in accordance with law prevents the
parties from a just and fair trial as guaranteed by law.
A: I previously served as Judge of County Court at Law No. 1 from 2002-2006. County
Court at Law No. 1 is a court with jurisdiction over a wide-variety of civil lawsuits. The
types of civil matters I handled as Judge of County Court at Law No. 1 are too numerous to
mention, however, the following provide a sample: contractual disputes; auto collisions;
medical malpractice; products liability; condemnation; forcible entry & detainer;
defamation; and, employment claims. In addition to my prior experience as judge of this
court, my private law practice also uniquely qualified me for the variety of cases heard by
County Court at Law No. 1. I have handled all of the aforementioned type of cases while in
private practice.
A: No.
A: No.
A: Judges should not base rulings on political party philosophy. Rather, a judge should
provide a knowledgeable and impartial application of the laws as established by the
elected representatives of the people. This view is consistent with the party on whose
ballot I am running.
A: The selection of judges by partisan elections certainly is not perfect because it allows for
“down-ballot” judicial races to be determined by a “straight-ticket” partisan vote rather
than an individual weighing of the qualifications of the judicial candidates. For example,
prior to the 2006 election, I was serving as judge of this court and had an overall approval
rating of 91% in the Dallas Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Poll. In the 2006 election, I
was among a slate of down-ballot incumbent judges swept out of office when the party
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with the most “straight-ticket” votes shifted. My opponent was swept into office and, since
that time has served as judge of this Court with a paltry 17% approval rating, ranking her
145th out of 145 judges rated. Thus, issues raised by partisan election of judges certainly
warrant discussion of possible modification to other forms of selection, including
non-partisan elections. However, extreme caution and deliberation should be utilized
anytime the right to elect government servants is under consideration for restriction or, as
suggested by some, elimination. For example, it can be argued that an appointment
process has as much, if not more, potential for “inside politics” in that the group of persons
who control the initial appointment is significantly smaller and subject to less scrutiny than
an open election. Specifics regarding how to modify the selection process for judges would
need to be fully analyzed before giving serious consideration to abandoning the current
system of electing judges. As long as there are elections, voters will hopefully become
informed through the work of bi-partisan groups such as the Committee for a Qualified
Judiciary, the Dallas Bar Association’s Judicial Evaluation Polls and endorsements from
informed civic and media groups.
A: During 2002 through 2006, I did my best to serve the citizens of Dallas County and the
litigants of County Court at Law No. 1 as an impartial, knowledgeable and hard-working
judge who decided issues on the evidence and the law. I want to continue to serve because
I am devoted to our system of justice and want to be known as someone who contributed
to its improvement. While I was on the bench, I received a 90% approval rating in the
area of “impartiality,” among the highest of any judge in Dallas County. I believe this
reflects that past contributions did not give an appearance of impropriety. Under our
system of electing judges, my ability to return to service will be jeopardized if I do not get
my qualifications before the voters through mailings and other media, including
advertisements in this newspaper, all of which cost money. While I commend efforts such
as this one by the Dallas Morning News (and sites provided by the League of Women
Voters and the Committee for a Qualified Judiciary) to provide information to voters, these
methods do not provide the type of dissemination required to reach as many voters as
possible. As a result, I will accept donations made within the bounds of the law and the
applicable ethics guidelines.
A: When I previously served as judge of this court (2002-2006), I created and
implemented an improved system of providing information and scheduling hearings and
trials that led to one of the most efficient courts in the county, disposing of among the most
civil cases at the lowest cost per disposition. If returned to this bench, I would establish
dedicated dockets to efficiently handle discovery disputes, disposition of matters, and
trials. Under my system, rulings on motions will generally be issued the day of hearing,
unlike the system of the current judge.
A: Settlement of cases can achieve the goal of allowing parties to resolve disputes on their
own terms while also reducing their litigation costs and attorney’s fees. As a result, a judge
should encourage parties to participate in formal mediation of their litigation with a neutral
third-party mediator. Through this process, the court and parties are assured they will
have a good faith attempt to resolve the dispute short of trial. Judges do, and should,
order mediation prior to a trial of the matter to assure that alternative methods of dispute
resolution have been exhausted. However, the judge should avoid direct participation in
negotiating settlements between the parties. In fact, there are certain portions of the Code
of Judicial Conduct addressing the role of the judge and restrictions on the judge in
settlement efforts for a case pending in front of the judge. Furthermore, a judge should not
“force” parties to settle or make them feel they will be “punished” if they choose to
exercise their right to a trial of their dispute. There are times when parties to a dispute
simply cannot reach a settlement agreement and, in those cases, those parties should be
able to have their dispute settled in the fair and open forum established by the laws of our
state and nation.
A: I previously served as Judge of this court from April, 2002 through December, 2006. I
was defeated by D'Metria Benson during the 2006 "sweep" of judicial candidates. The effect
of the 2006 election has been harsh on litigants hoping to find a knowlegeable and
impartial jurist in Dallas County Court at Law No. 1. While I served on the bench, the court
had one of the highest-rated judges in the Dallas Bar Association's Judicial Evaluation Poll
-- an "overall" approval rating in excess of 90%. My successor has now been rated with a
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paltry 17% approval rating -- ranking her 145th out of the 145 judges rated in the poll.
When I first ran for office, I vowed to work hard and appropriately apply the law in an
impartial manner. While I served, I performed as promised. In the Dallas Bar Association’s
Judicial Evaluation Poll, I received a 93% approval rating in the category of “knowledge of
the law,” the highest of any of the 18 state civil district and county court-at-law judges. I
also rated among the highest of all judges with a 95% approval rating in the category of
“hard-working” and a 93% rating in the category of “impartiality”. The overall approval
rating of 91% was the second-highest numerical rating of the 18 civil district and county
court at law judges. In addition to having the lowest "overall" rating of any current sitting
judge, D'Metria Benson rated at or near the bottom in every subcategory. Only 22% rated
her level of preparedness for hearings and trials to be acceptable; a mere 23% said she
issues opinions and orders without unnecessary delay; a scant 21% rated her as
"impartial"; and only 23% voted that she has a proper judicial temperament and
demeanor. After leaving the bench, I did not have plans of running again in 2010, despite
the requests and encouragement from many members of the bar. However, as the filing
deadline approached, it was clear that, as a matter of principle, the public needed a
qualified option in the race for Judge, Dallas County Court at Law No. 1. Parties seeking a
resolution of their disputes in County Court at Law No. 1 deserve better than a judge with
a 17% approval rating. I hope this is something on which ALL voters can agree.
goal.
A: I’ve had many opportunities to work with others to achieve a particular goal. Those
opportunities have come in athletic, community and business endeavors. In college, I was
a starting wide-receiver on a team that achieved its goal of winning a national football
championship. A great deal of dedication, effort and, of course, teamwork was necessary
to the success of the effort. About 20 years ago, when my neighbors had a goal to insure
the maintenance, development and safety of our neighborhood, I established and
coordinated a voluntary, not mandatory, neighborhood association that still exists today.
Through the association, we established a crime watch and safety program with our local
police department; established committees to maintain common areas and worked with
city leaders on programs to improve our neighborhood and the community. When I
previously served as Judge of Dallas County Court at Law No. 1, my court staff had an
on-going goal to better serve the litigants in the Court. I developed and implemented a
unique calendaring system in County Court at Law No. 1 that achieved the group’s goal of
increased efficiency in the scheduling of hearings (in some cases reducing the time
required for this task by as much as 200%). In response to working with the staff, I
determined that court efficiency could be further increased by the creation of
www.judgeroden.com, a website that provided litigants and attorneys information
regarding the court’s dockets, rulings, policies and procedures. This site – funded by me
without taxpayer expense – provided the public easy access to important information while
giving court staff more time to handle other tasks. As a result of these efforts and
improvements, we disposed of over 3,300 cases in my final fiscal year, among the highest
of the civil courts in Dallas County, and with the lowest disposition per case during that
time period. All of our goals were achieved without neglecting the rights and needs of the
litigants appearing in the court.

Description:
King Fifer
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Questions:
A: - no response -
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goal.
A: - no response -

Description:
John Goren
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: John Goren
Street Address: 11308-D Park Central Place
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City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: (214) 739-3216
E-mail Address: AppealNow@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.johngoren.com
Questions:
A: I was born in Houston, and my family moved to Dallas in 1952. I attended Preston
Hollow Elementary School, Benjamin Franklin Jr. High, and was an honors graduate of St.
Mark’s School of Texas in 1966. My family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, which was my
residence while I attended college and law school. After three years as an attorney with
the Securities & Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C., I returned to Dallas in 1977.
Total 47 years residency in Dallas, including the last 33 years.
A: Lawyer. I am a solo practitioner of civil law, which other than investments considered
my retirement nest egg, is my only source of income.
A: I am currently Chair of the Dallas Bar Association (DBA) Memorial & History
Committee, which carries on the oldest tradition of the bar association dating back to 1875
by researching and writing memorial resolutions honoring DBA members who have died. I
am a member of the DBA House Committee, where my principal responsibility is
overseeing the landscaping and preserving the architectural integrity of the historic Belo
Mansion, which is the headquarters of the bar association. I am also Vice-Chair of the Solo
& Small Firm Section, which presents various legal education programs of interest to
general practitioners and lawyers practicing solo or in small firms. I am also a member of
the Plano Bar Association and the Wharton Alumni Club of Dallas.
A: In my work for the DBA, I have developed a reputation for quality, dependability and
innovation. I am the only person to receive from the DBA the awards for both the most
outstanding Committee Chair and the most outstanding Section Chair. I founded and was
first Chair of the DBA Appellate Law Section, the first appellate section of a local bar
association in Texas. I have also served as Chair of the Memorial & History Committee and
the House Committee; in years I was not Chair, I served as Vice-Chair or member of those
two committees. In 2009, I was Secretary-Treasurer of the Solo & Small Firm Section. I
also chaired the Committee that planned the celebration of the Centennial of the Dallas
Court of Appeals. At various times, I have served on the Continuing Legal Education
Committee, Membership & Admissions Committee, Judiciary Committee (and its
Subcommittee on Judicial Appointments), and the Speakers’ Committee. In 2005, my first
year as Chair of the Memorial & History Committee, I modernized operations by going
completely digital, using email only, and by researching biographical information of
decedents on the Internet. While computerizing the process may seem mundane, it
revolutionized the Committee’s work. It used to take many months to get the resolutions
drafted; now it takes days or weeks. On the House Committee, I designed the monument
sign in front of the Belo Mansion and initiated many steps to restore the building back to
the way it looked when it was built in 1900. From 1995-2001, I served on the Mandatory
Continuing Legal Education Committee of the State Bar of Texas, which oversees minimum
continuing legal education (CLE) for all lawyers in Texas and formulates the accreditation
standards for those programs. Even though my term had expired, I was asked to return to
draft the CLE appeal procedures that were approved by the Committee and then State
Bar’s board of directors. My most important accomplishment was that I was the early
advocate on the MCLE Committee for Internet programs to deliver low-cost, quality legal
education to lawyers. I was asked to Chair a Subcommittee on Online CLE, and we
initiated the first experimental programs using the Internet. As a result, the State Bar of
Texas was a pioneer of online CLE. I was President of the Plano Bar Association and before
that CLE Director, Vice President for Special Projects, and President-Elect. I am the only
person elected President who did not live or office in Plano. As CLE Director I increased the
attendance at meetings from approximately 15 to 45 per meeting by making sure
accredited CLE programs were presented at every lunch meeting. I am most proud of my
involvement in the creation of “For Kids’ Sake” program. I saw a need for a seminar to
help parents cope with their divorces. After investigating two programs given in other
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states, I concluded that the written materials were unsatisfactory as well as too expensive
for many parents and that such a program needed to have input from the legal
community, focus on practical tips, and be inexpensive. I suggested that the bar
association initiate such a program and over a two-year period helped develop “For Kids’
Sake” with the Plano Bar’s President, Judge Curt Henderson (who was interested in
starting such a program), and Practical Parent Education. PPE actually created the
curriculum and wrote the materials with input from us. We then obtained a grant of
start-up money from the Texas Bar Foundation; the program thereafter has been
self-sustaining. The “For Kids’ Sake” program was the first program created in Texas to
meet the needs of Texas. It is currently given in 57 Texas counties. The State Bar awarded
the Plano Bar Association a Certificate of Merit as “Best Program” and also the award for
the “Best Bar” in its size division. The Plano Bar also received a Certificate of Merit for the
“Partners in the Schools Agreement” that I instituted the year I was President. From 2006
through 2009, I was a member of the Appraisal Review Board of Dallas County, a citizen’s
board that hears property owner protests of their tax appraisals. I have also served as a
member of the Federal Practice Committee of the Appellate Practice & Advocacy Section of
the State Bar of Texas, as a director of the Dallas Chapter of the American Jewish
Committee (a human relations organization), on the Worship Committee of Temple
Emanu-El, as a director and President of my condominium association, and as President of
the Wharton Alumni Club of Dallas. As President of the Wharton Club, I planned luncheon
programs with speakers on various business and economic topics, but the highlight was
planning the Dallas celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Wharton
School of Business and Commerce, our nation’s first business school. I insisted that our
featured speaker be the Wharton Professor who the year before had won the Nobel Prize in
economics. I also took certain actions to widen the appeal to all Penn alumni. I put
together a committee, which included three alums who were business leaders and
invaluable in selling tables to the corporate community. The Dallas celebration garnered by
far the largest attendance, and the University of Pennsylvania sent 20 administrators to
learn how Dallas, with so few alums, could beat Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and
Philadelphia. The dinner event was so successful that the Club gave the University a
substantial monetary contribution from the proceeds and had enough left over so that the
Club, for the first time, had a significant operating reserve in its treasury. Furthermore, the
event generated so much excitement among the non-Wharton alumni that shortly
thereafter they established the University of Pennsylvania Alumni Club, which was an
underlying goal of my plan.
A: Ran in Republican Primary for Justice, Fifth Court of Appeals in 1992 Member, Appraisal
Review Board of Dallas County, 2006-2009
A: I am just starting to solicit funds for my campaign. As of August 20th I have received
$1,325. I am fortunate to be able to fund my campaign from personal resources if
necessary.
A: Patricia Houseman, Robert K. Dowd and Greg Nochese.
A: No
A: U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade, who previously was a Justice on the Texas Court of
Appeals for the Fifth District at Dallas and Judge of the 194th District Court. He has
wonderful judicial temperament; he works hard; he knows the law and when he doesn’t he
is willing to find it, and his rulings are consistent. Off the bench, he’s just a nice, warm,
unassuming, regular guy. He also believes in mentoring; despite his duties, he finds time
to teach as an Adjunct Professor at Texas Wesleyan School of Law. The judges I have
respected through the years have those attributes, especially competence coupled with
humility and a genuine desire to serve the public.
A: This question is more applicable to the criminal courts where mercy is of particular
relevance in sentencing of convicted defendants. County Courts at Law do not hear
criminal cases. In many ways, mercy is encompassed in our civil system of justice. For
example, the law allows a judge to set aside a default judgment under a rather broad set
of circumstances when a defendant fails to file an answer to a lawsuit. In a civil lawsuit, a
court has limited remedies; generally, it can rule for one person and impose a money
judgment on the other. While strict “justice,” this is not always the ideal way to resolve a
conflict, for discord and antagonism may persist. This is one reason why settlement is
favored. Litigants often can find a way to resolve their dispute in a more amicable manner.
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A judge should be a judge and not a legislator. A judge should not use the concept of mercy
to impose his or her agenda on the court process.
A: The essential function of a judge is to facilitate conflict resolution. A judge must be able
to deal with the parties, counsel, jurors, and witnesses calmly, courteously, tactfully,
patiently, respectfully, and compassionately. A judge must be willing to listen well, consider
the views of all sides, be able to digest information outside the judge’s own experience,
and not act arbitrarily. A judge should be even-tempered but firm, open-minded but able
to reach a decision, confident but not arrogant or egocentric. Appropriate judicial
temperament requires a recognition that the administration of justice and the rights of the
parties rise above the judge’s personal feelings or desires. In other words, what goes on in
the courtroom or the case is not about the judge. When these qualities are conveyed, a
party ideally should leave the courtroom believing that his position was fairly heard and
impartially decided based on the evidence and controlling law even if the judge ruled
against him.
A: Trial by jury is a precious right. The collective wisdom of the jury should be respected,
and a jury’s verdict should not be overturned lightly. The rules of procedure and appellate
decisions specify when a judge may overturn a jury verdict. A jury verdict should not be
overturned unless the judge is convinced that controlling law compelled such a result.
A: In almost 36 years of practice I have handled just about every type of civil cases. One
of the nice things about having specialized in appellate law is that each case involves a
different area of substantive law, so I do not typically handle any particular types of cases.
For example, currently I am handing an appeal involving whether a contract for the sale of
the inventory of a retail store is enforceable, another appeal involving who is the
beneficiary of some Individual Retirement Accounts, and a third appeal concerns an
automobile accident in the context of the immunity of county government. Early in my
practice I did more drafting of contracts and other documents, which is excellent training
for understanding business transactions and contract language. Interpreting contract
language is an essential skill for a civil judge. I have handled matters encompassing
building construction; bankruptcy; civil rights; consumer protection; contracts;
corporations; debt collection; entertainment, music and copyright; evictions; family;
juveniles; mergers and acquisitions; partnerships and limited partnerships; personal
injury; probate, wills and trusts; sales of goods; secured transactions; securities (federal
and state); real estate; tax; traffic accidents; and, “wrongful” death. County Courts at Law
hear all types of civil matters, except family and probate. My extremely broad background
has prepared me to handle the wide range of matters that could come before me.
A: Not applicable.
A: No.
A: I have been active in the Republican Party for many years, so running on the
Republican ticket was not a choice for “this” race. I do not believe that a person should
choose a political party merely for convenience of getting elected or re-elected as a judge.
The law should neither be Republican nor Democrat. However, I do believe that Republican
judges are less prone to “legislate from the bench.” Party affiliation will have absolutely no
bearing on the courtesy, respect and attention litigants or their counsel will receive; nor
will it affect the decisions that I might make. I will make decisions based on the evidence
presented and the controlling law, whether or not I personally agree with that law. The
rights of the parties and the integrity of the our system of justice trump my personal
feelings or desires.
A: Yes. Every system of judicial selection has its positives and negatives. I have read the
arguments supporting the alternatives and am not convinced that any of them are
substantially superior to the system the voters of Texas have chosen. One of the dangers
to all who hold public office is the arrogance of power. I believe requiring judges
periodically to ask for votes from the public has the positive effect of reducing the chance
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of that arrogance. It is a reminder that whatever power a judge possesses is only

temporary, comes from the people and can be withdrawn.
A: Actually, it is Canon 2 of the Judicial Canons of Ethics which provides that a judge should
avoid the appearance of impropriety. In Texas, we elect our judges. Funds must be spent
to inform the public about my credentials, experience, and abilities. Accordingly, it is
usually necessary to raise campaign funds from citizens. As a practical matter, the funds
will come from the legal community, and lawyers should not be excluded from contributing
to the campaign process or helping to elect qualified individuals to the bench. I have
voluntarily agreed to comply with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness
Act, which sets strict limits on the amount and timing of contributions and requires detailed
public reporting of same. I believe the real danger at the trial level is not so much from
the lawyers per se but from those few judges who are willing to test the limits of propriety
by exploiting fear among lawyers that their clients will be disadvantaged if they do not
give support. No one should ever feel pressure to contribute to a judicial campaign. It is
inherently unfair and undermines the integrity of our judicial system.
A: I would hold more hearings on motions, that do not require live testimony, by
telephone. The lawyers would not incur travel time or time at the courthouse waiting to be
heard, thereby reducing the cost to the parties. I would more frequently ask the lawyers if
they want special settings for trial of cases. Nothing produces anxiety or expense more
than getting ready for trial, and then having it postponed at the last minute. I would
encourage use of a “summary calendar” by which the court determines motions without a
live hearing unless a party requests one. Finally, I would like to rule more often from the
bench at the conclusion of trials or motion hearings rather than taking matters under
advisement; it’s expeditious and a judge’s recollection of the evidence is better
immediately after hearing it than days or weeks or even months later.
A: Lawsuits can be lengthy, expensive and full of anxiety. Settlement by the parties is
always preferable, because the litigants can often craft a settlement that is superior to the
win-lose proposition of going to trial. Indeed, settlements are essential, because no court
can try every case. A judge should explore the potential for, and encourage, settlement.
However, in a case that arose out of court I am running for, the appellate court set limits
on how far a judge can go. A judge must be careful not to become an advocate for, or an
adversary to, a party. A judge must at all times act with absolute fairness and in a neutral
and detached manner. In encouraging settlement, I will be careful to stay within
permissible bounds, because if the case goes to trial the parties must be confident that I
remain impartial. The limitations on what a judge can do is one reason why most cases are
referred to mediation, where experienced and impartial professionals assist the parties in
reaching a compromise agreement. I will refer most cases to mediation.
A: I come from a family that has a tradition of civic involvement and service. I believe that
serving the public as a judge is the highest calling in the legal profession, a great privilege
as well as honor. After almost 36 years in the practice of law, I want to give back. My
background has prepared me to handle the types of cases that come to County Court at
Law. With respect to my education, I graduated from St. Mark’s School of Texas with
honors. I earned a B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School
of Business and Commerce, one of the top business schools in the country. And I received
my law degree with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law, graduating in the
top 5% of my class. I enjoy the highest peer rating from my fellow lawyers—pre-eminent
for competence and ethics. I am Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board
of Legal Specialization; less than half a percent of Texas lawyers possess that certification.
Appellate courts “grade the papers” of trial judges; appellate lawyers are trained to review
trial court records, identify errors committed by the trial judge, and get them corrected at
the appellate court. After 26 years of handling appeals, I know the errors trial judges
make and I can avoid them. The citizens of Dallas County deserve a judge who knows the
law, will follow the law, and apply the law correctly in a consistent and predictable manner
as well as treat litigants and their counsel with courtesy and respect. I was asked to run for
this particular office, because of the incumbent’s poor performance. She has consistently
received low marks in the Dallas Bar Association bar poll both when she was a Republican
and now as a Democrat. In 2006, “Texas Observer” named her one of the five worst
judges in the entire State. I want to bring back competence and accountability to the
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court. Whether parties win or lose, I want to make sure they leave the courtroom feeling
that they were fairly and respectfully heard and that the decision was informed, impartial
and based on the evidence and the controlling law and not based on whim.
goal.
A: When I became Chair of the House Committee, it had a reputation for being unable to
make decisions or not making them expeditiously. The DBA directors authorized us to
install a new sign in front of the Belo Mansion. I went about creating consensus by focusing
on our general goals for the building’s appearance and then presented only a couple of
alternative sign designs that were in keeping with those goals. When construction of the
monument sign was completed, I invited the Committee members as well as the DBA
officers and directors to a small “unveiling” party at the Belo Mansion to celebrate and
thank everyone for their hard work. After receiving the DBA Jo Anna Moreland Most
Outstanding Committee Chair Award, I was informed that one of the primary reasons I
received the award was the excellent relationship I had developed with the Committee,
which helped break the deadlock of indecision, as well as the number and scope of the
improvements to the building the Committee was able to accomplish that year. See also
the discussion of when I was President of the Wharton Alumni Club and worked through a
committee of the right people to accomplish what I could never have done alone.
Sally Montgomery
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Sally Montgomery
Street Address: 14232 Marsh Lane, Box 75
City/Town: Addison
State: Texas
Date of Birth: Not provided for security reasons
Home Phone Number: Not provided for security reasons
Mobile Phone Number: Not provided for security reasons
Fax Number: Not provided for security reasons
E-mail Address: info@sallymontgomery.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.sallymontgomery.com
Questions:
A: Native Dallasite
A: Judge
A: Preparing seminars without charge to lawyers needing continuing legal education in the
areas of Collection and Consumer Law and Landlord/Tenant Rights and Ethics, including
co-authoring a paper on this topic for dissemination at seminars and trainings for lawyers
involved in pro bono legal work. Only Dallas County civil judge certified by the Texas
Center of the Judiciary for having met the standards of certification in the field of Civil
Jurisprudence at the Texas Judicial College (April, 2003) and recertified for additional five
years (April, 2009).
A: Involved as an original member of the 500, Inc. and it's first art festival. Co-recipient
of the Texas Young Lawyers' Associations Award for Service to the Public. Co-recipient of
the American Bar Association Young Lawyer's third place Award for Service to the Public.
Member of the Women’s Service Organization in college. Original counsel on the Dallas
Bar Association's Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee. Co-Chair of
the first Family Law Subsection of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee. Board
Sponsor of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyer's Pro Bono Adoption Committee, which
provided free legal services to the parents adopting Channel 8's Wednesday Children the
year of inception, 1984-1985. Former Member of the Juvenile Board Presidential
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Commendation (State Bar of Texas) for "individual leadership in improving justice in Texas"
- 2006
A: 95th Civil District Court, County Court at Law #3
A: publicly available at Dallas County's Election Department
A: publicly available at Dallas County's Election Department
A: No
A: Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn of the United States District Court has both my admiration
and my friendship. An intelligent, practical, but witty individual, Judge Lynn has also been
a loyal friend for more than 26 years. A no-nonsense judge, Barbara Lynn has a proper
judicial demeanor, and is thorough in her work.
A: Civil courts work to find justice between litigants -- which can include governmental
entities, corporate entities, wealthy individuals, and individuals of limited means -- rather
than between someone accused of a crime and the State. Mercy is not our calling or
charge – civil judges are responsible for insuring a fair outcome to such disputes, which
always involve money and property rights. Equity is a difficult, but utterly critical
component of our legal system, without which little justice would be done.
A: Well-prepared, knowledgeable of the law, calm, objective, and committed to fairness,
the law, and truth.
A: Trial by a jury of our peers is one of the truly sacred foundations of our legal system. I
have been an active advocate in the preservation of the availability of jury trials to all
litigants. It is a rare instance when a jury’s decision should be overruled by the judge, and
then only when it is a matter of law so that the rights of those before the court are
protected.
A: As an attorney, I handled a wide variety of civil cases, which prepared me for the
diversity of the cases that have come before my court as a judge. As a judge for the last
14 years my docket has always had "unlimited civil jurisdiction", which translates to mean
cases involving every level of money damage or property rights. In the last 8 years alone,
my court has had 22,000 cases filed.
A: The Judicial Conduct Commission has never found me at fault for anything
A: Never
A: I am a strong believer in fairness, in the equality of all of us before the law, and the
rights we all have. I believe that the Dallas County Democratic Party best reflects my true
values.
A: I trust our voters. Open campaigns tend to bring out all the issues that should be
considered in who should judge our actions. Political appointments tend to hide those very
issues, which does not serve the best interests of us all.
A: Unlike most elected officials, judges are only allowed to receive campaign funds for
about one-and-a-half years out of our four-year term –- time enough to fund both a
primary and general election. This rule is in place to specifically limit the kind of influence
to which your question alludes. The system is designed to allow us, as judges, to abide by
our oath -- should there appear to be undue influence, a good judge will recuse him- or
herself. Those appearing before a court also have the option of asking a judge to recuse
him- or herself. Where influence could come into play would be if judges were allowed to
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accept money from the parties who appear before the court. If that were to ever happen,
the judge would have to recuse him- or herself to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
A: I have run a court for 14 years, and I believe I have put into place all innovations that
improve its efficiency and yet maintain the rights of the parties for speedy and accurate
justice. However, I constantly coordinate with the lawyers to find additional effective
innovations that would improve my courts efficiency. Currently, during my tenures as
judge, I have disposed of more cases than that of any other judge. Some of the
innovations I have put into place include the usage of a Scheduling Order, (one of three of
the original District Judges to use same and the only County Court-at-Law to use them). I
was one of the first courts to require mediation in ever case to faster and more fairly
dispose of cases before additional and needless attorney fees could be incurred.
A: It is utterly inappropriate for a judge to attempt to influence the outcome of mediation.
To require mediation is, however, an excellent way to allow parties to work out differences
that the court may not be able to hear or decide, based on the law. Most people are
happier with resolutions they’ve had a hand in working out and agreeing to than those
handed down by a court.
A: I have always had a calling to be a problem solver. I felt I could best apply this calling in
my career as a judge.
goal.
A: I led a team of attorneys to write, edit, and film five areas of the law that were felt to
provide basic legal information for immigrants, and then worked with the team to have the
film translated into five different languages. This successful project took several years, but
the dedication and skill of those I worked with is something I will always treasure -- it was
a service to which we were all devoted. I was pleased and humbled to be recognized,
along with the rest of my committee, with an Award for Service To The Public by both the
Texas Young Lawyers' Association and the American Bar Young Lawyers' Association.

Description:
Ken Tapscott
Party: D
Biographical Info:
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Description:
Mark Greenberg
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Mark Greenberg
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas 75374
Date of Birth: 52 years old
E-mail Address: judgemarkgreenberg@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.judgegreenberg.com
Questions:
A: I have lived in Dallas Couonty since 1988.
A: Presiding Judge, Dallas County Court at Law No. 5
A: Since 2002, I have served on the Board of Directors of the Dallas Bar Association
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Community Service Fund, which oversees the Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program and the
Equal Access to Justice Campaign. In addition, I am a regular volunteer at the Good Legal
Clinic, which is an offshoot of the Reverend C.A.W. Clark Legal Clinic created by the Good
Street Baptist Church. Although the Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits me from providing
legal advice at these clinics, I do interact with the clients and answer general questions
about the civil justice system and access to courts. I am also a member of the Executive
Council of the William "Mac" Taylor American Inn of Court, which is a group of lawyers and
judges dedicated to promoting professionalism in the legal field and mentoring young
attorneys. I am also a member of the Cardozo Society, a service organization of Jewish
attorneys.
A: From 2000 to 2004, I served on the Board of Directors of the Dallas Bar Association,
which has more than 10,000 attorney members. I have also chaired the DBA Legal Ethics
Committee and organized and taught at several ethics seminars sponsored by this group. I
have been a frequent speaker at many continuing legal education programs, including
programs sponsored by the SMU Dedman School of Law, the University of Houston Law
School, the University of Texas Law School, and the State Bar of Texas. I have been a
volunteer judge at numerous law school and high school moot court and mock trial
competitions. In 2010, I was honored by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of
Greater Dallas for achievement in public service. In addition, since 2001, my job
performance as a magistrate or elected judge has been evaluated on four separate
occasions in the Dallas Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Poll. In each of these
evaluations, I have had an approval rating of greater than 90 percent. In the most recent
poll conducted in 2009, I attained a 97 percent approval rating (with 75 percent of
respondents rating me as "excellent").
A: I am seeking re-election to my third term as presiding judge of County Court at Law
No. 5. I have not sought or held any other elected positions.
A: I have raised approximately $187,000.
A: More than 400 individuals, law firms, and other organizations have contributed to my
re-election campaign, and all donations I have received are a matter of public record and
on file with the Dallas County Elections Department. Haynes & Boone, L.L.P., the Law
Offices of Frank Branson, K&L Gates, Baron & Budd, P.C., and Rose Walker, L.L.P., are
among my top contributors.
A: Twenty-six years ago, in 1984, I pleaded nolo contendere to a misdemeanor charge of
driving while intoxicated and was placed on two years' deferred adjudication probation.
After successfully serving my probationary term, the charge was dismissed.
A: I admire many of my colleagues, but, if asked to name one judge I admire, it would be
Justice James Baker, whose death in 2008 was a great loss to our state. Justice Baker was
a justice on the Dallas Court of Appeals when I served as an attorney at that court. Justice
Baker later sat on the Texas Supreme Court. Justice Baker exemplified the judicial
temperment that I seek to emulate. And he was an ardent proponent of mentoring young
lawyers and law students and of judicial and legal education, with an emphasis on legal
ethics. Justice Baker embodied the spirit of professionalism that represents the absolute
best in public service.
A: Clearly, the law recognizes that mercy may play a part in the sentencing of defendants
in the criminal courts. My court, however, does not have criminal jurisdiction.
Nevertheless, I do believe that compassion is a good quality in all people, including judges,
and we should always treat the parties and lawyers before us with respect and dignity
while adhering to the controlling law in any given case.
A: As a judge, I hope to create an atmosphere in my courtroom that is conducive to
zealous advocacy while maintaining the dignity of the judicial process. To achieve that, I
must be a skilled listener (listening is a skill that improves with use) who is both patient
and knowledgeable about the law, so that regardless of whether parties win or lose, they
feel they had their day in court and that my ruling was informed, impartial, and based on
the evidence and controlling law.
A: I have a great respect for the collective wisdom of jurors, and I would overturn a jury's
verdict only in the rare circumstance in which the controlling law compelled such a result.
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A: My court hears civil cases only. Over the past eight years, I have presided over more
than 200 jury trial, 1,500 bench trials, and 10,000 hearings. The types of cases include
negligence, contract, consumer disputes, property disputes, business disputes, and product
liability. I do not hear criminal or family law cases. My legal experience before entering
the judiciary prepared me for the variety of issues that I face each day. As an attorney in
private practice, I was certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in civil appellate
law. Although I was an appellate specialist, I handled all levels of the litigation, including
pretrial, trial, and appeal, and represented both plaintiffs and defendants in the same
types of cases that now come before my court.
A: I have no knowledge that any complaint has ever been filed against me.
A: I have no knowledge that any grievance has ever been filed against me.
A: As a trial court judge, I am compelled to follow the controlling law as decided by the
appellate courts and the Texas Legislature, regardless of whether I agree with it or not.
Consequently, party affiliation is not pertinent to my role as a trial judge. However, my
personal philosophy is more closely aligned with the ideas and values of the Democratic
Party and its message of access to the courts, respect for the jury system, equal
opportunity, and equal rights.
A: This is an issue that will ultimately be decided by the Texas Legislature and the wisdom
of the citizens of our state. I follow the debate on appointed versus elected judges and am
open to hearing additional arguments on either side, but as of yet, I have not heard any
proposal for selection or appointment that I believe is superior to our current method of
electing judges.
A: Because judges must be able to effectively communicate with the voters during an
election cycle, we must be able to obtain funds to run a contested campaign. This is
especially true when representing a county as large as Dallas County. As a practical
matter, the funds will come predominately from the legal community in a judicial race.
Although campaign contributions absolutely play no role in my judicial decisions, I do
recognize and respect any concern on this issue. While the transparency in the reporting
requirements, coverage by the media, and scrutiny by watchdog groups may not eliminate
those concerns, I hope they can lessen them.
A: All Dallas County courts at law have recently implemented electronic filing, which allows
computerized access to our records. Computerized access increases the efficiency of our
court system and provides a convenient method for accessing records by both lawyers and
the public.
A: The trial process can be lengthy, expensive, and anxiety-ridden. As a result, I refer
nearly all contested cases filed in my court to mediation, where skilled and impartial
professionals assist the parties in negotiating a compromise settlement agreement. I do
not, however, get involved in any settlement negotiations because it is important that
litigants view me as impartial in the event settlement is not reached and the case proceeds
to trial.
A: My father was elected county court at law judge in Galveston County, and from a young
age, I grew up with a great respect for the judicial system, the role of an independent
judiciary to a free society, and the dignity of public service. After practicing law for a
number of years, I redirected my focus to public service, first by serving as a magistrate
judge for Dallas County's state district courts and then by seeking election as judge of
County Court at Law No. 5. I am now seeking my third term as elected judge and feel
truly fortunate to be able to serve the public in a job that can make such a difference.
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goal.
A: In civil cases, unlike criminal cases, courts do not generally appoint counsel for indigent
litigants. Thus, one of the great challenges we face is to ensure that low-income residents
have adequate representation. To help achieve that goal, I have served for the past eight
years on the Board of Directors of the Dallas Bar Association Community Service Fund,
which oversees the Equal Access to Justice Campaign and the Dallas Volunteer Attorney
Program. Over the past year, we recruited more than 600 attorneys, who volunteered
thousands of hours to represent low-income Dallas County residents in more than 1,000
litigated cases, including family law, consumer protection, housing, and domestic violence.
Trenton Nichols
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Trenton Colby Nichols
Street Address: 6440 N. Central Expressway, Suite 204 Dallas, Texas 75206
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: (214) 550-0283
E-mail Address: Trenton@TrentonNichols.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.TrentonNichols.com
Questions:
A: Since 2005
A: Attorney at Law in private practice with THE NICHOLS FIRM, PLLC
A: I am a member of First Baptist Dallas and an assistant Sunday School teacher. My time
is dedicated to my family, running my law firm, and involvement in my church.
A: Various charitable work through First Baptist Dallas.
A: None.
A: I have tried to run my campaign as efficiently as possible and have not tried to raise
significant campaign funding. It total, not including money I have spent on my own
campaign, I have raised approximately $3500.
A: (I am listing my top four contributors since they each contributed the same amount.)
Mr. Shane Spillers - $250 Taber Estes Thorne & Carr - $250 Mr. Patrick Elkins - $250 Mr.
William Burnett - $250
A: No.
A: I consider the Honorable Al Cercone as a role model. Judge Cercone has served the
citizens of Dallas County as Justice of the Peace in Precinct 3-1 for almost 20 years. He is
well-known for being fair and impartial and is well-liked by his constituents and
well-respected by the legal community. Not one to rest on his laurels, Judge Cercone has
become an expert on justice courts and the role of the justice of the peace in Texas law,
and provides training and education to justices of the peace across the state. All judges
could look to Judge Cercone as an example of the temperament a judge should exhibit, the
required commitment to applying the law, and the ongoing education and study a judge
must undertake to maintain the highest level of competence of the judiciary.
A: County Court at Law No. 5 is a civil court. Although mercy may play some role in justice
in criminal matters when exacting punishment upon the defendant, it should not play a role
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in civil matters. It is not within the purview of the civil court to consider mercy when
establishing liability or calculating damages. Damages must be established through
evidence and should be awarded in accordance with the evidence without an adjustment
based on mercy.
A: A judge’s appropriate temperament is accurately described in the Judicial Code of
Conduct. A judge shall not be swayed by partisan interests, public clamor, or fear of
criticism. A judge shall require order and decorum in proceedings before the judge. A judge
shall be patient, dignified and courteous to litigants, jurors, witnesses, lawyers and others
with whom the judge deals in an official capacity, and should require similar conduct of
lawyers, and of staff, court officials and others subject to the judge's direction and control.
A judge shall perform judicial duties without bias or prejudice. A judge shall not, in the
performance of judicial duties, by words or conduct manifest bias or prejudice, including
but not limited to bias or prejudice based upon race, sex, religion, national origin,
disability, age, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status, and shall not knowingly permit
staff, court officials and others subject to the judge's direction and control to do so. A judge
shall accord to every person who has a legal interest in a proceeding, or that person's
lawyer, the right to be heard according to law. A judge should dispose of all judicial matters
promptly, efficiently and fairly.
A: The right to trial by jury is one of the most sacred and protected rights in our judicial
system. A judge should be very careful and tread very lightly in any decision to overrule a
jury verdict. Only in situations where a jury verdict is clearly adverse to the law and the
facts established by the evidence should a judge overrule a jury verdict.
A: have handled cases as both a plaintiff’s attorney and a defense attorney including the
following types of law: breach of contract, deceptive trade practices, employment, real
estate, landlord/tenant, personal injury, subrogation, constitutional rights, land use,
probate, municipal law and school law.
A: Not applicable.
A: To my knowledge no complaints have ever been filed against me with the Grievance
Committee.
A: I am a Republican because I have a conservative judicial policy. I believe judges should
exercise judicial restraint and enforce the law based on strict interpretation of written
statutes and judicial precedent. Judges should refrain from interjecting personal belief or
bias into decisions and should never legislate from the bench or engage in making policy
decisions. Our system of government was designed with distinct and separate branches of
government and the judiciary should maintain that delineation and fulfill its designated
role, which does not include legislation. I further believe the constitution should be strictly
interpreted as to its original intent.
A: Although sometimes flawed, partisan elections are the best method for selecting judges
and justices. Selecting judges through the election process gives the power of selection to
the people rather than giving the power of appointment to other elected officials. Although
the election process necessitates the acceptance of campaign contributions, laws limiting
campaign contributions often prevent the type of impropriety and political favoritism that
might arise from judicial appointments. Further, the election process gives voters an
opportunity each election to remove judges that they believe have not performed
adequately. Party affiliation provides a glimpse into a candidate’s judicial philosophy and
provides a guide by which to identify a candidate who aligns with the voter’s ideals.
A: This issue was considered in Judicial Ethics Opinion 48 issued by the Commission on
Judicial Conduct in 1979. The unanimous decision held that contributions proffered by
lawyers without hope of reward and accepted in the same spirit, do not violate either the
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letter or the spirit of the statutes, the Code of Professional Responsibility, or the Code of
Judicial Conduct.
A: An immediate comprehensive assessment of the court’s policies and procedures will be
performed to identify and evaluate inefficiencies. Innovations will be implemented
immediately to improve and promote optimum efficiency.
A: A judge should encourage parties to evaluate all options for a reasonable settlement of
a case before trial. Once settlement negotiations have been attempted or good reason is
given why settlement cannot be attempted, a judge must allow the parties to move
forward to trial. A judge should be careful not to exert undue influence or induce a party
into undesired settlement, and should recognize that litigants have a right to their day in
court.
A: I believe strongly that judges should adhere to a conservative judicial philosophy,
maintaining a strict adherence to the law as written, and should remain steadfast in their
commitment to their beliefs despite any change in the perceived political landscape. I
would like to serve the citizens of Dallas County as a judge that can be counted on to
uphold conservative judicial principals and to remain true to the values upon which I am
elected.
goal.
A: In my legal career I have worked with many talented attorneys and support staff, and
the goal is always the successful representation of clients and the achievement of a
particular legal outcome. Rather than go into the details of a case which is client-specific, I
will discuss leadership outside of the legal realm. I believe it is important that people look
out for one another and offer a helping hand in times of need. I recently organized and led
a group of men to provide lawn care to a woman whose husband was serving in
Afghanistan. The woman was focused on working and raising her family while her husband
was overseas serving our country, so we took one item off her “to do” list by providing
weekly lawn care throughout the spring, summer, and fall.
Dallas County Probate Court No. 1

Description:
Brenda Hull Thompson

Party: D
Biographical Info:
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Description:
Lori Ashmore Peters
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Lori Ashmore Peters
Street Address: 9719 Van Dyke Rd.
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: 214-520-1550
E-mail Address: lori@loriashmorepeters.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.loriashmorepeters.com
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/v/Q9h7RBFk48U&hl=en
Questions:
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A: 41 years
A: Probate Attorney
A: Legal Counsel for Friends of Reverchon, nonprofit organization, Board Member of
Maurine F. Bailey Cultural Foundation, nonprofit organization
A: VNA Meals on Wheels, Member of the Permit and License Appeal Board City of Dallas,
Director Friends of Reverchon
A: None
A: $51,870
A: Hicks Morgan, Baron and Budd, Ed Ewing
A: No
A: Judge Marilea Lewis for her experience, fairness and compassion toward those that
appear in her Court.
A: As a probate judge I must carry out the laws as promulgated by the legislature. Where
I am able to exercise discretion, I will not look at those who appear in front of me as
faceless people. With certain matters, a probate judge's responsibility is for those who
cannot care for themselves. For example, minors, elderly and incapacitated people whose
rights need to be protected.
A: A judge should always be fair and impartial and uphold the law. A judge should never
legislate from the bench.
A: When the law does not support the decision made by a jury.
A: As a lawyer for over 14 years I have handled and continue to handle cases involving
Estate Planning, Probate of Estates and Administration of Estates. In addition I have
handled and continue to handle Guardianship matters as the attorney for the Guardian. I
continue to serve as an Attorney Ad Litem to advocate for the Proposed Ward and
Guardian Ad Litem, to act in the best interest of the Proposed Ward in the Probate Courts,
I also conitnue to serve as Guardian Ad Litem in the County Courts at Law to act in the
best interest of a minor child who is the Plaintiff in a lawsuit. I have also represented
families in end of life decisions. I conitnue to serve as a Court appointed Attorney Ad Litem
for the mentally ill. I have served as Probable Cause Master for mental illness probable
cause hearings. I also have served as Special Probate Judge for Probate Court No. 3. I
have worked with litigation law firms in Dallas and Houston as a probate consultant, as
well as worked with probate attorneys and Probate Judges throughout the United States.
A: Not applicable
A: No.
A: I am a conservative. I am a believer in the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness. I believe in personal property rights, lower taxes and less government.
A: I feel it is important to have a judge that is experienced and qualified and has regularly
handled the types of cases heard by the court for which they are a candidate.
A: Persons contributing to a judge's campaign should have no bearing on the rulings made
by a judge. A lawyer who practices before a judge is in the best position to determine
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whether a judge or candidate has the qualifications and experience to do their job.
A: I will get back to the basics. I will always have an open door policy. People will receive
the personal service they deserve and not the service of an automated machine. Because
the probate court deals with individuals and families when they are potentially at their
most vulnerable they should know they have an actual person on the other end of the line
and not an automated operator directing them to different numbers, for none to be
answered.
A: Not applicable as I am a Candidate for Probate Court No. 2
A: As an attorney handling probate, estate planning, guardianship and mental health law I
understand the importance of having an experienced and qualified judge in the Probate
Courts. Because the Texas Probate Code gives much discretion to Probate Judges, it is
important that a Probate Judge have experienced the various matters to have a complete
understanding of the impact rulings can have on the lives of those individuals and families
who appear in front of a Probate Court. I have experienced and appeared in front of
Probate Judges that have not had much experience with the types of matters a Probate
Judge hears. Although those Judges have compassion I have seen many instances where
their inexperience has caused families more heartache and have caused them more
financial burdens then were necessary.
goal.
A: As a co-owner of a law firm I lead our attorneys and staff in achieving our goals to
always advocate for our clients but at the same time have the respect for the Judiciary as
an officer of the Court.
Chris Wilmoth
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: Chris Wilmoth
Street Address: 9090 Skillman St. #182-A, PMB 181
City/Town: Dallas
State: Texas
Fax Number: n/a
E-mail Address: wilmothforjudge@gmail.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.wilmothforjudge.com
Questions:
A: About 22 years.
A: Attorney at Baker Botts L.L.P.
A: Member of Board of Directors, Wesley-Rankin Community Center; Volunteer for Dallas
Volunteer Attorneys Program; Volunteer for Advocates for Community Transformation;
Member of Lake Highlands Exchange Club; Member of Northaven United Methodist Church;
Member of Dallas Bar Association (Probate, Trusts and Estates section, Business Litigation
section, CLE Committee); Associate Member of Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (Elder
Committee); Life Fellow of DAYL Foundation (Nominations and Disbursements
Committees); Member of Texas Bar Association (Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law
section, Litigation section); Member of Texas State Bar College since 2005; Member of
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American Bar Association; Member of American Constitution Society; Member of Dallas

Trial Lawyers Association.
A: 2005 Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL) Distinguished Service Award; 2005-06
DAYL Federal Casenotes Committee Co-Chair; 2003 DAYL Leadership Class; 2002-03 Legal
Clerkship with the Hon. Jorge A. Solis, United States District Court for the Northern District
of Texas; 2002 Externship with the Securities and Exchange Commission; 2002 Texas Trial
Lawyers Association (SMU Chapter) Outstanding Leadership and Vision Award; 2002 SMU
Bar Association Outstanding Committee Chair; 2001-02 Founder and President of SMU
Chapter of American Constitution Society; 2001-02 Vice President of SMU Chapter of Texas
Trial Lawyers Association; 2000 Internship with the Federal Trade Commission in Dallas;
2007-09 Member of Board of Trustees of Northaven UMC Covenant Fund; 2005-09 Member
of Leadership Council at Northaven UMC; 2002-05, 2008-09 Leader of Disciple Bible Study;
1994-2001 Member of Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC); 1998-99 Member
of HPUMC Administrative Board; 1998 Coordinator of Pursuits class at HPUMC; 1996-98
and 2002 Member of mission team to Saratov, Russia with HPUMC; 1996-98 Member of
Disciple Bible Study; 1994-99 Member of choir at HPUMC; 1996-97 Volunteer at Legacy
Founders' Cottage AIDS Hospice; 1996-99 Tutor at Wesley-Rankin Community Center;
1997-98 Mentor with Compadres program at Wesley-Rankin Community Center; 1998-99
Tutor at DeGolyer Elementary School; 1996-99 Editor at DeGolyer and MacNaughton;
1992-93, 1994-96 Adjunct Writing Instructor at Southern Methodist University, Texas
Christian University, Brookhaven College and/or Tarrant County Junior College; 1995
National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Seminar for College Teachers;
Presented papers at international conferences in New Orleans, Richmond, and Toronto;
Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, Order of
the Coif, Associate Managing Editor of Journal of Air Law and Commerce (class of 2002);
Southern Methodist University, Dedman College, M.A., English (class of 1993); Southern
Methodist University, Dedman College, B.A., English and Economics, magna cum laude, Phi
Beta Kappa, President's Scholar (class of 1991).
A: None
A: Haynes and Boone L.L.P.; Baker Botts L.L.P. Amicus Fund; Frank L. Branson, P.C.
A: No.
A: Judges Jorge Solis and John Peyton. I hope to emulate Judge Solis' judicial demeanor
and temperament. I admire Judge Peyton's commitment to fairness, service and
professionalism.
A: Justice and mercy go hand in hand. In a probate court, mercy is manifest in the respect
and compassion the court shows to parties who are grieving the loss of a family member
or loved one as well as to guardians and wards.
A: A judge must be fair and respectful. First and foremost, a judge must not pre-judge any
matter that comes before the court based on the parties or the claims. There are always
two (or more) sides to any story. Second, a judge must listen to all parties. Parties who
come before the court will leave more satisfied if they believe their voices were heard,
even if the outcome is not what they would have preferred. Third, a judge must be
prepared. Except for unusual situations, a judge should not waste the parties' time by
opening the file for the first time when they appear for a hearing on the case. Fourth, a
judge must be flexible. Sometimes hearings run long, and sometimes time is of the
essence. A good judge knows how to respond to the needs of the day. Finally, a judge must
not be afraid to make decisions and enforce the law. Alternative dispute resolution has its
place but its availability is no excuse for ruling on contested issues and bringing a case to
trial.
A: A judge should overrule a jury's decision only when no evidence supports a jury finding
on an issue necessary to liability. Tiller v. McLure, 121 S.W.3d 709, 713 (Tex. 2003). If a
jury finding is contrary to an issue or legal principle that has been established as a matter
of law, the jury must be overruled. Gallas v. Car Biz, Inc., 914 S.W.2d 592, 593 (Tex. App.
-- Dallas 1995, writ denied); Farias v. Laredo Nat. Bank, 985 S.W.2d 465, 473-74 (Tex.
App. -- San Antonio 1997, pet. denied).
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A: Civil cases. Over the past five years I have handled bankruptcy and probate litigation
matters almost exclusively.
A: n/a
A: No.
A: I filed for this position as a Democrat because I have been a Democrat for most of my
adult life. I am a Democrat in large part because of the party's commitment to equal
protection, due process, open courts and the jury system.
A: I think that the election of judges holds them accountable to the people for performing
their duties properly and acting in an unbiased manner. Party affiliation is often the best
proxy for determining whether a candidate matches the voter's political philosophy.
A: I think that the disclosure system in place in Texas--requiring candidates and judges to
disclose the identity of those who contribute $50 or more to a campaign fund--helps judges
and parties avoid the appearance of impropriety. Moreover, individuals and firms are
subject to a cap in the amount they are able to give. That said, a judge should be wary of
accepting unusual contributions from parties or counsel with issues pending before the
court.
A: Generally, I intend to harmonize the policies and procedures of this court with those of
the other probate courts in Dallas County. A few specific changes: First, the current
practice in this court is to terminate and reset a hearing when the time requested by the
attorney expires, even if witnesses from out of town are present and need to be heard.
This practice imposes an unnecessary burden on parties and counsel and presents an
opportunity for gamesmanship. I will terminate this practice and be more flexible in my
handling of the daily docket. Second, this court presently does not schedule hearings for
routine matters, instead permitting such matters to be heard during a regularly scheduled
"open" court time. If time runs out before a party can be heard, that party may attend the
next such session and hope to be heard then. This practice causes inconvenience to the
parties and increases attorney expense. I will permit such matters to be scheduled for
hearing at a specific time, as is presently the practice in the other probate courts. Third, I
am committed to making this court, to the extent practicable, a paperless court with a
first-rate interactive electronic document management system on par with those used by
the federal courts. To that end I intend to work closely with County Clerk to modernize the
court. Fourth, I will require electronic service of pleadings as far as is consistent with the
rules of civil procedure.
A: I have worked extensively with the Dallas Volunteer Attorneys Program since 2003 and
have good relationships with the staff there. DVAP caters to its clients by bringing judges to
the DVAP offices and other convenient locations for monthly prove-ups. I intend to
participate in this program. I will also work with DVAP and the Dallas Association of Young
Lawyers to educate newer attorneys about basic probate issues and encourage them to
take on pro bono representations of people who cannot afford legal representation.
A: At the time I decided to run for judge of Dallas County Probate Court 2, it was unclear
whether the incumbent would retire or run for re-election, but it was clear to me that it
was time for new leadership in Court 2. I believe that my broad experience in probate,
bankruptcy and other civil litigation in both state and federal court will help me bring fresh
perspective to this court and help make it a better place to appear and practice.
goal.
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A: In 2009, I made a presentation to the C.A.W. Clark Legal Clinic at Good Street Baptist
Church about the importance of signing living wills and medical powers of attorney. At this
clinic, we helped about two dozen people execute these documents. This event inspired me
to commit to mount 20 similar clinics across Dallas County to honor the 20th Anniversary
of the founding of the C.A.W. Clark Legal Clinic. Thanks to the persistent efforts of my
friends Cleo and Barbara Steele, and the dedication of several attorney friends of mine, we
accomplished that goal. As a result, over 1000 people executed these critical legal
documents, free of charge.

Description:
Michael E. Miller
Party: D
Biographical Info:
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goal.
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Collin County Judge

Description:
Keith Self
Party: R
Biographical Info:
Name: Keith Self
Street Address: 804 Bluffwood Ave
City/Town: McKinney
State: Texas
Work or Campaign Office Phone Number: W 972-548-4631
E-mail Address: Keith@KeithSelf.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.KeithSelf.com
Questions:
Q: Length of residency in this county:
A: 10 years
A: County Judge
A: Board, Samaritan Inn, Co-chair, US Army DFW Recruiting Battalion Advisory
Committee, Board, Prestonwood Pregnancy Center, Member, North Central Texas Council
of Governments Clean Air Steering Committee
A: Member, Executive Board, North Central Texas Council of Governments
A: District 26, US Congress, 2002
A: $99,141 since January 2009
A: Patrick and Susan Fallon Mark and Sherry Tucker David James and Jennie Daley
A: No
A: I am running for re-election in order to continue our successful efforts to keep taxes
low, slow the growth of county government, and to reform unfunded future debt growth.
Collin County will continue to provide excellent core county functions to a rapidly growing
population.
goal?
A: We slowed the growth of county government from more than 10% on average for the
seven years before I took office on 2007 to an average just over 1% for the three budgets
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during my tenure. That is a multi-year effort to slow the ever-increasing size of

government.
Q: What political leaders do you most admire and why?
A: Ronald Reagan and Maggie Thatcher from the same era in the US and UK. They brought
their national governments back into line from excessive domestic spending and
internationally started the rollback of the Soviet Union. In the modern era, Senator Tom
Coburn. He is principled, courageous and conservative.
Q: For better or worse, county judges are determined by partisan election. Please discuss
the reason you chose your current party, with some specific examples of party philosophy
that led to that decision and how that would affect the way you do your job.
A: I am a Republican because I believe that citizens can order their lives for themselves
with a limited and small government to do only those things that the private sector cannot.
Freedom is still the basis for America; unless and until we let it slip away. The Republican
Party is the party of freedom, internationally and domestically.
A: Collin County made government transparent by broadcasting Commissioners Court
meetings online and placing the county checkbook online. Collin County reduced the
growth of government from more than 10% per year on average for 7 years prior to
taking office down to about 1% per year on average for the three budgets since taking
office. Collin County reduced both the tax rate and tax dollars for the average taxpayer
since taking office.
could be used for transportation projects? If so, what should it consist of? Please critique
the plan that failed in the 2009 legislative session.
A: I did not support the plan (more accurately, the plans) that were floated during the last
legislative session. Every entity needs to make full use of their current tax dollars to fund
their transportation needs. Governments should re-prioritize current taxes to meet the
most pressing needs of their citizens without going immediately to the default position to
add more taxes on the backs of our citizens. This requires hard choices. I believe that the
state should re-prioritize the state budget to adequately fund transportation.
appropriately?
A: This looks like a Dallas County question. The constables in Collin County do not require
additional oversight measures.
Q: How do you think county budget cuts should be implemented? If cuts should be made,
should departments be prioritized or should all of them be required to cut the same
amount? Should some departments like the district attorney’s office be untouched?
A: I recommended the court consider changes to the District Clerk's office to match the
County Clerk's staff working in individual courts. I recommended that the Substance Abuse
Office, which only operates a referral service, be closed and those salary dollars be
allocated to treatment programs.
A: Collin County will not have a tax rate hike. We will balance the budget through cuts
and, if necessary, selective use of reserves.
Q: Should the county push for a regional solution to North Texas’ health care needs? If so,
what would you do to advance a regional cooperation?
A: I do not support a regional health care solution. Collin County has a robust and growing
health care infrastructure and increasingly takes care of our own. Very few indigent Collin
County citizens visit Parkland Hospital (on the order of a few hundred per year) and Collin
County pays for verified visits. Collin County is also working to expand our partnerships
with clinics across our county to provide less expensive indigent care. Collin citizens do not
make great use of regional facilities, and most who do, have individual insurance.
A: Collin County has funded a study to examine mental health funding in our county by the
Northstar system. That study will show us how best to approach mental health in our
county.
Q: What county services do you think need to be increased and why? Please be specific.
A: The mental health study was generated because we may not be getting necessary
mental health care funds from Northstar. We need to increase mental health services in
our county.
Q: What county services do you think require less funding and why? Please be specific.
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A: We will decrease multiple contingencies throughout our budget to better reflect past
emergency expenditures. District Clerk office, specifically clerks assigned to individual
courts. Substance Abuse office, specifically moving salary dollars into treatment programs
instead of referral.
Q: What other service reforms, if any, do you favor and how will you push them if elected?
A: We are reviewing the number of bank accounts held by various county officers in order
to make sure that security of funds is adequate.
specific.
A: No.
A: A proven record of fiscal responsibility. It takes constant vigilance against the continuing
pressure to grow government and intrude more into our citizens' lives.
David Smith
Party: D
Biographical Info:
Name: David M. Smith
Street Address: 101 E. Park Blvd., Suite 600
City/Town: Plano
State: Texas
Fax Number: 972-516-3869
E-mail Address: DMS4CollinCounty@aol.com
Campaign Web Site Address: www.DMS4CollinCounty.com
Questions:
Q: Length of residency in this county:
A: 20 years, preceded by 10 years as a resident of the Dallas County portion of Richardson
A: Self-employed consultant. Environmental, political and telecommunications practices.
A: Vice President for Legislative Affairs for Texas Neighborhoods Together Vice President
for Legislative Affairs for the Plano Homeowners Council Vice President of the Meadows
Neighborhood Association Attendee of meetings of numerous government and civic
organizations as a prospective County Judge Member, Transportation Advocates of Texas
A: Three terms as a Plano City Council Member. Member of the city's Community Finance
Committee during all three terms. Alternate to the Regional Transportation Committee
during all three terms. Member of a precursor to the current North Texas Clean Air
Committee. Officer or member of a variety of local, state and national committees
focusing on public sector information systems, telecommunications, transportation,
community planning, animal services, the environment and energy. Fiscally conservative
voice contributing to three reductions in city taxation while improving city finances and
increasing city services Advisory Director of the Plano Chamber of Commerce Elections
administrator - managed 3 primary elections, including the historic 2008 presidential
primary Manager of several winning campaigns for city and school district posts Vice
President, Copper Creek Homeowners Association; President, Shadow Lake Homeowners
Association Church Leader - Vice Chair of the Church Council - Building Trustee - Sunday
School teacher and superintendent - Liaison to Boy Scout troop
A: Plano City Council, Place 7 (at-large) - sought and was elected to three terms
A: approx. $24,000
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A: Texas Democratic Party (in-kind provision of voter file), Jack Ternan, Deborah Hyatt
A: No.
A: Provide competent, pragmatic leadership for Collin County government. Maintain
first-class county services. Work with others in the county and the region on
transportation, public health, sustainability and government cost efficiency initiatives that
will benefit all. Nurture area economic growth and embrace the associated diversity in our
population growth. Restore confidence in Collin County government.
goal?
A: As a member of the Plano City Council and its finance committee, I was able to steer
the city towards limiting spending increases to growth plus inflation and reducing taxes.
Q: What political leaders do you most admire and why?
A: Joe Jaynes, for his common sense. Glen Whitley, for his regional teamwork. Ron Harris,
for his devotion to public service. Bill White, for his pragmatism. Jimmy Carter, for his
reliance on his faith
Q: For better or worse, county judges are determined by partisan election. Please discuss
the reason you chose your current party, with some specific examples of party philosophy
that led to that decision and how that would affect the way you do your job.
A: I have stayed with the Democratic Party because of its focus on the needs of individual
people and its philosophy that government serves all the people. As County Judge, I would
ensure public safety, transportation, public health and other initiatives best serve all who
reside in or travel through the county. I will listen to and embrace ideas and solutions from
all, including those who may oppose me in this election.
A: I have extensive public and private sector experience in building consensus among
many individuals and organizations. This includes my past service as a Plano City Council
Member, current service as a legislative coordinator for Texas Neighborhoods Together and
middle management experience at EDS.
could be used for transportation projects? If so, what should it consist of? Please critique
the plan that failed in the 2009 legislative session.
A: Yes, particularly if the state legislature continues to provide no new funding. Urban
areas have more expensive transportation infrastructure and require more funding to meet
those needs. I personally like the idea of an additional gasoline tax paid in urban areas.
But, I am open to other ideas that may gain regional or statewide consensus. The plan
offered in 2009 had too many options, a number of which could be labeled as "higher
taxes," and became complex. This made it easy for opponents to find something to attack.
Despite a consensus from virtually all of our county's mayors and other political leaders,
the incumbent county judge was among the few opponents who derailed the plan. I am
currently closely following the Transportation Advocates of Texas, which includes a number
of business and political leaders again working towards a consensus on transportation
funding. If they reach a consensus and if the Collin County Commissioners Court ultimately
becomes part of that consensus, I will strongly support their proposals.
appropriately?
A: Collin County is fortunate not to have the constable office issues that have been evident
elsewhere. However, as of this writing, six employees of the District Clerk's office are
under indictment; and there are rumors that similar allegedly illegal activity has been
taking place in other county departments, including constable offices. The Collin County
Judge and the Commissioners Court should work with the other elected and appointed
county officials to implement policies promoting the highest ethical standards while
ensuring all can do their jobs without breaking any rules or laws. And, of course, the
Commissioners Court should continue the oversight that comes with its budgetary
authority.
Q: How do you think county budget cuts should be implemented? If cuts should be made,
should departments be prioritized or should all of them be required to cut the same
amount? Should some departments like the district attorney’s office be untouched?
A: Budget cuts or increases should be based on the needs of each department and those
who they serve. At any given time, one department might be running leaner than another;
and different departments may have growing or shrinking needs. Any needed overall
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budget cuts or freezes should not be arbitrarily applied across the board. The County Judge
and Commissioners Court need to work closely with the department heads as well as other
elected officials and stakeholders to understand the needs and make smart budget
decisions. While public safety is the highest priority, the district attorney's office as well as
others should not be immune to budget scrutiny.
A: Currently, Collin County is fortunate to have a very small drop in its property tax base.
This year and next, the budget can be balanced with minor belt-tightening, no cuts in
services and no tax hike. The county is also fortunate to have a very large operating
reserve (328 days worth of expenditures, as of this writing). We need use none of that to
cover any operating deficit. I will advocate setting more of the operating reserve aside to
improve county finances. This would include shoring up funds that currently have unfunded
liabilities, saving more for future replacement expenses and debt reduction. All this will
eliminate the need for future major tax increases and, better, can lead to future tax
reductions. A bit of progress was made during the recent budget work session. Much more
needs to be accomplished in the next cycle.
Q: Should the county push for a regional solution to North Texas’ health care needs? If so,
what would you do to advance a regional cooperation?
A: Yes, we should address health care needs as a region. I support Collin County
representatives coming to the table to discuss regional cooperation, rather than staying
away and talking about going it alone. A first step will be ensuring that county officials
simply attend all key regional meetings. When we are at the table, an increased number of
facilities and providers physically located in Collin County will be part of the discussion.
Further, I will convene a roundtable of providers and advocates to discuss how we can
improve services in our county and the region.
A: More facilities and providers physically located in Collin County will be a key reform.
Many of those in need typically cannot or will not travel to Dallas County or elsewhere. The
mentally ill that do not get treatment and then offend our laws end up in the Collin County
Jail, at great expense to the county taxpayers. We need a better distribution of funding as
well as more funding from the state. Some of the money currently spent in Dallas County
serving Collin County residents needs to instead be spent in Collin County. Also, I will work
with mental health advocates to make the case that funds spent on mental health care
may be more than offset than savings in emergency room and jail spending. In the longer
run, the national health care reform implementation will reduce the number of uninsured
or underinsured people, opening up more treatment options for many.
Q: What county services do you think need to be increased and why? Please be specific.
A: Collin County needs to fully embrace its public health responsibility. This does not
necessarily mean any increase in county expenditure. It may mean devoting more
resources to recruiting more health care facilities and providers for our county and
aggressively referring and placing people in programs that can best serve them.
Increasing access to services for all, thereby improving our county's public health, is a
primary goal. We will economically benefit through (1) more health care dollars spent in
our county, (2) a healthier, more productive workforce and (3) less emergency room and
jail spending. We also need a sustainability focus. Reducing the cost of energy and water
resources consumed by our county government operations can lead to future tax and fee
reductions. A number of other services will need to grow with county population growth. I
will ensure that we take advantage of economies of scale and other cost efficiencies as we
grow.
Q: What county services do you think require less funding and why? Please be specific.
A: The Collin County Tollway Authority, recently formed to compete with the North Texas
Tollway Authority, can be folded in to the North Texas Tollway Authority. We do not need to
be duplicating things they are doing or can do. Also, county road and bridge expenditures
will go down as the population grows. As our cities grow, they will assume those
responsibilities within their expanded borders. Another area of scrutiny will be the fusion
center. Is it doing things that are or can be done by others in the region? The fusion center
is an example of an area where high dollar contracts were awarded on a no-bid basis. I
will look at all of the county’s no-bid contracts. Each may be an opportunity to introduce
competition and ultimately provide services at a lower cost. In general, I will lead the
county commissioners court in examining all spending for government functions operating
under the county umbrella. We will look at the needs being met as well as the
appropriateness and amount of spending. Given an understanding of that, we will reduce
or increase funding as necessary.
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Q: What other service reforms, if any, do you favor and how will you push them if elected?
A: Restoration of public confidence in Collin County government will be a major initiative,
in addition to the transportation, public health, sustainability and cost efficiency initiatives
discussed in previous answers. I will lead an exploration of root causes. Is the county
payroll system so inflexible that supervisors feel they must break rules or the law to fairly
compensate their employees? Are there other county policies that can lead to elected
officials or others towards making bad choices? Where there has been or may still be
wrongdoing outside the scope of the current Texas Rangers and district attorney
investigations, I will advocate for holding all concerned accountable. A goal will be public
confidence that any misuse of taxpayer money or other wrongdoing in Collin County
government has been reduced to zero and will stay there. In furtherance of that goal, I will
also advocate for statements from investigators or their successors that may remove the
current clouds of suspicion from those who have not willfully violated policy or law. Last
but not least, I will lead by example. I will personally scrupulously abide by applicable
policy and law and ensure those working closely with me also do so. I will not use county
resources for campaign or other nongovernmental purposes. I will not take anything of
value, including campaign contributions, from county vendors. I will not give anyone
reason to believe that unethical or illegal behavior is OK in our county. If there needs to be
any culture change in our county government, it will start at the top.
specific.
A: I favor no changes at this time. I am a strong supporter of transparent government. I
was comfortable serving under these laws as a Plano city council member. As County
Judge, I will work towards further exceeding the requirements of these laws to further
demystify government decision-making and operation, with a view towards promoting
higher citizen involvement.
A: Competent, pragmatic leadership. Skills and experience from extensive civic
involvement, military service and corporate leadership. I know that consensus-building
and teamwork are absolutely necessary for getting things done in our county and our
region. I will be in office to best serve those who live and travel in our county. I will not be
in office to serve a political ideology.
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Dallas Morning News Voter Guide - HTML Candidate Profiles View file:///C:/DOCUME~1/009900/LOCALS~1/Temp/dallas-html-candidates.

U.S. House, District 3

Candidates (choose 1):

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A: I have never been arrested for any reason.

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engaged in the community as the founding member or President of 4 other organizations.

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appropriate federal authorities so quick action can be taken.

U.S. House, District 4

Candidates (choose 1):

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Name: Ralph M. Hall

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was promised by never delivered by previous immigration laws. In addition, the

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U.S. House, District 5

Candidates (choose 1):

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E-mail Address: KenAshby at aol.com

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Mobile Phone Number: 214-738-3386

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or raise payroll taxes at the appropriate time to balance the system.

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U.S. House, District 6

Candidates (choose 1):

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Q: Length of residency in the district:

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Street Address: 6119 Castle Creek Rd

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U.S. House, District 12

Candidates (choose 1):

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