nonpartisan election material HARRIS COUNTY

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1 LWV nonpartisan election material HARRIS COUNTY VOTERS LWV GUIDE L e a g u e o f Wo m e n Vo t e r s o f t h e H o u s t o n A r e a Primary Election MARCH 2, 2010 Polls Open 7AM to 7 PM WHAT S ON THE BALLOT? On March 2, Harris County voters will cast votes to elect their party's candidates for national, state and county races. ABOUT THIS VOTERS GUIDE The League of Women Voters of the Houston area published this information to help voters cast an informed vote. Inside you will find candidates qualifications, answers to our questions and photographs. Each candidate is solely responsible for the content of the material submitted. Our state organization, League of Women Voters of Texas, provided the statewide candidate information. Races and candidates are listed by political party and in ballot order. Candidate replies are published without editing or verification. Replies exceeding word limit requirements are indicated by (///). No portion of this Voters Guide may be reproduced for use in political campaigns or advertising. Other proposed reproduction uses of the Voters Guide must have permission of the League of Women Voters Houston Area Education Fund. DEMOCRATIC PARTY: U.S. Representative Governor Lieutenant Governor Attorney General Commissioner - Gen. Land Office Commissioner of Agriculture Railroad Commissioner Justice, Supreme Court Justice, Court of Criminal Appeals Member, State Board of Education State Senator State Representative Chief Justice, Court of Appeals Justice, Court of Appeals District Judge INDEX TO VOTERS GUIDE Family District Judge County Judge Justice, County Court at Law Justice, County Probate Court District Clerk County Clerk County Tax Assessor-Collector County Treasurer County School Trustee County Commissioner Justice of the Peace Harris County Democratic Chair REPUBLICAN PARTY: U.S. Representative Governor THE PRIMARY ELECTION PROCESS IN TEXAS The March 2 election is a Party Primary Election and only Democratic and Republican candidates are on the ballot. You may vote in either the Democratic Party or Republican Party Primary election on March 2 or during the early voting period. When you vote in a political party s primary election, you become a member of that party for the current calendar year. Your voting certificate will be stamped at the time you vote with the name of the party in whose primary you vote. If there is a runoff, you may vote only in the same party s runoff election. However, it does not commit you to vote for that party s candidate in the General Election in November. In November the Democratic and Republican winners of this election will be on the General Election ballot. Also on the November ballot will be Libertarian candidates and, if successful in obtaining enough petition signatures, Green Party, other party and independent candidates. The Libertarian Party has already gained access to the November ballot by meeting the required percentage of votes in the last General Election. Its candidates are not subject to petition requirements. Political parties in Texas - other than the Democratic and Republican Parties - select their candidates at conventions rather than through a primary election. Independent Lieutenant Governor Attorney General Commissioner - Gen. Land Office Commissioner of Agriculture Railroad Commissioner Justice, Supreme Court Justice, Court of Criminal Appeals State Senator State Representative Chief Justice, Court of Appeals Justice, Court of Appeals District Judge Family District Judge County Judge Justice, County Court at Law Justice, County Probate Court candidates gain access to the ballot through an individual application and petition process. If you vote in the March 2 Democratic or Republican Primary Election, you may not participate in another party s convention or sign a petition for a candidate from another party or an independent candidate. Shortly after the polls close on March 2, the Democratic and Republican Parties will hold Precinct Conventions to conduct party business, pass resolutions for the party platform, and select delegates to their Senate District or County conventions. You may attend the Precinct Convention if you voted in that party s primary. The Libertarian and Green Parties will hold Precinct Conventions at 7 pm on Tuesday, March 9. You may participate in either of these conventions only if you did not vote in the Democratic or Republican Primary Election or sign petitions for Democratic or Republican candidates. The Green Party will hold its Precinct Conventions at 7 pm on March 9 at 4822 Spellman, Houston, For additional Green Party information and for Libertarian Precinct Convention locations, visit their websites, which are shown on Page 39. District Clerk County Clerk County Tax Assessor-Collector County Treasurer County School Trustee County Commissioner Justice of the Peace Harris County Republican Chair VOTER INFORMATION: Voting in Texas Primaries Voter Information Telephone Numbers/Web Sites Early Voting Locations/Schedule Candidate replies are published without editing or verification. Each candidate is solely responsible for the content of the material submitted. The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan. It DOES NOT support or oppose any political party or candidate. We thank and acknowledge contributors who fund the Voters Guide. See page 41 for a list of contributors. League of Women Voters of the Houston Area

2 VIEW YOUR SPECIFIC BALLOT! 1 - Go to Click on English, Spanish or Vietnamese 3 - Click on Find your Election Day Poll and View Voter Specific Ballot. 4 - Select Republican or Democrat and enter your name, your address, or your voter registration certificate number. 5 - Scroll down to your information and click on Sample Ballot. 6 - You will see your Voter Specific Ballot for the party you selected. 7 - To view the ballot for the other party, go back to step 4, select the other party and follow the same steps. Facts about Voting You are qualified to vote if you meet the following requirements: You are a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years of age, and a resident of Harris County. You are not on parole, probation, or in prison for a felony. You have not been declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law. You are registered to vote in Harris County. (February 1, 2010 was the last day to register for the Primary Election.) How do I register to vote? Each county has a Voter Registrar. In Harris County the Voter Registrar is the County Tax Assessor-Collector. You may register in person at 1001 Preston Avenue 2nd Floor, Room 200, in downtown Houston; any of 16 Tax Office substations throughout the County; any Texas Department of Public Safety Office (DPS); each Public Library, including any branch or service outlet; or several other state agency offices. Or you can mail in your application to Leo Vasquez, Tax Assessor- Collector and Voter Registrar, P.O. Box 3527, Houston, Applications are available at those sites, on line at or by calling to request one via mail. During voter registration drives you can register with a deputized volunteer voter registrar. After you register, you should receive your Voter Registration Certificate (VRC) within 30 days. Every 2 years you will be mailed a replacement VRC. To maintain your registered status you must notify the Voter Registrar of any address or name change. Where do I vote? During the Early Voting Period, February 16-26, 2010, you may vote at any of the designated Early Voting Locations. Go to page 40 for a list of these locations. They are posted on line at or you can call On Election Day, you must vote in the polling location designated for your precinct of residence. Polling locations for each precinct may be listed in the newspaper the week of the election. Also, they are on line at or you can call Where do I find my Precinct Number? Your Precinct Number (Pct. No.) shows in the middle of the left side of your Voter Registration Certificate (VRC). Check the precinct number on your VRC before going to the polling location. Or, you can contact the Voter Registrar, / or the Harris County Clerk s Elections Office, / What do I take to the Polls? Take your Voter Registration Certificate (VRC). This is all that is needed unless this is your first time to vote in this county for a federal office and your original application was sent to the Voter Registrar without proper identification. Other documents accepted for voter identification purposes include: 1. a driver s license or personal identification card issued to you by the Department of Public Safety or a similar document issued to you by an agency of another state, regardless of whether the license or card has expired; 2. a form of identification containing your photograph that establishes your identity; 3. a birth certificate or other document confirming birth that is admissible in a court of law and establishes your identity; 4. United States citizenship papers issued to you; 5. a United States passport issued to you; 6. official mail addressed to you, by name, from a governmental entity; 7. a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address. You can take this Voters Guide or other written material into the Voting Booth. However, voters are not allowed to display or share any campaign material in the polling place. What if my name is not on the list of registered voters and the Voter Registrar has no record of my registration but I think I have registered? If your name is not on the list and you think you have registered, the Precinct Judge will contact the Voter Registrar. If the Voter Registrar cannot verify your registration, you may vote a provisional ballot. First, you must complete an affidavit stating that you are a registered voter in the precinct in which you are attempting to vote and that you are eligible to vote in this election and you must present valid identification. Your ballot will be counted only if state or local officials determine you are eligible under State law. You will receive a letter after the election notifying you whether your provisional ballot was accepted or rejected. What is provisional voting? See answer to previous question. For more information on the provisional ballot process visit: VOTER INFORMATION What can I vote on in this election? You may vote for candidates running for U. S. Representative for your district, Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Commissioner of the General Land Office, Commissioner of Agriculture, Railroad Commissioner, Texas Supreme Court Justice, Court of Criminal Appeals Justice, State Senator and Representative for your district, State Board of Education Trustee for your district, Court of Appeals Chief Justice, Court of Appeals Justice, Civil/Criminal/Family District Judge, County Judge, County Civil and Criminal Judge, County Probate Judge, District Clerk, County Clerk, County Tax Assessor-Collector, County Treasurer, County School Trustee, County Commissioner, Harris County Party Chair, and, in some precincts, Party Precinct Chair. The Republican ballot includes five Referendum propositions. To find out which U. S. Congressional, State Senate and Representative, County Commissioner, and Justice of the Peace District you are in, look on the right half of your Voter Registration Certificate or contact the Voter Registrar, or the County Clerk s Voter Information Line, The County Clerk s Elections Office has Your Specific Ballot on line at You may view which races and candidates will be on your specific ballot. See instructions at the top of this page. To obtain this information via telephone, call , the County Clerk s Voter Information Line, during regular hours. When can I vote? You may vote: On Election Day - at your assigned precinct s polling place. Early - at designated times and locations from February 16-26, 2010 see schedule on page 40 By ballot-by-mail if you are at least age 65, disabled, confined in jail, or if absence from the county will prevent you from voting early or on Election Day. For this election your application to get a ballot-by-mail must be received between January 1 - February 23, 2010 (received, not postmarked), and you must follow the requirements for voting by mail. Contact the County Clerk s Office, or visit to print an application for a ballot-by-mail. How does a student who is a registered voter and attends school outside the county vote? A student can return home to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period. A student can vote absentee by using a ballot-by-mail. For ballot-by-mail instructions, see the answer to the previous question. What do I do if I change my address and still live in Harris County? Promptly notify the Harris County Voter Registrar of your address change. You can change your address online at or in writing by completing a voter registration change form or by correcting the information on your current voter registration certificate and returning it to the Voter Registrar. Voter registration change forms are available from the Harris County Voter Registrar, , on line at or the Texas Secretary of State s office, , or on line at You will be able to vote in your new precinct 30 days after your notice has been received by the Voter Registrar. Meanwhile, you may vote a full ballot in your former precinct if your registration has not become effective in your new precinct. You will need to complete a Statement of Residence form. What do I do if I change my address and move to another county? You must reregister. Complete an application and mail it or take it in person to the voter registrar of your new county. You will be registered 30 days after your application is submitted. You may be eligible to vote a limited ballot, i.e. on measures in common between your former and new county, in your new county of residence after moving if you were qualified to vote in your former county at the time you moved, and if your registration in the new county is not yet effective. You must apply for a limited ballot and vote by personal appearance with the early voting clerk conducting the election in your new county during the early voting period not on Election Day. What does the term suspense mean on a voter s record? The term suspense is used to designate those voters for whom the Harris County Voter Registrar does not have a current address. A voter in suspense status on the rolls will be allowed to vote after completing a Statement of Residence form. Once the address is corrected, the suspense designation will be removed from the voter s record. On November 30 of even-numbered years, the Voter Registrar cancels registrations of suspense list voters if two general elections have occurred since the voter was first listed as a suspense voter and the voter has not submitted an address correction. 2 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

3 The races are listed by political party. Democratic Party candidates begin on this page (3). Republican Party candidates begin on page 22. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE / Democratic Party Member of U.S. Congress. Serves in the House of Representatives. The House originates revenue bills and, by tradition, appropriation bills. The House brings charges of impeachment for trial in the Senate. Both the House and the Senate count electoral votes following a presidential election and, if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, the House chooses the President from among the top three candidates. The member is elected for a two-year term. Rank-and-file member salary $174,000. Speaker of the House salary $223,500. Majority and Minority Leaders salary $193, DISTRICT 18 Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What reasonable measures can be taken to reduce the risk of terrorism? AL GREEN RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR DISTRICT 9 TED ANKRUM RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR DISTRICT 10 JARVIS JOHNSON I am currently serving my third term on the Houston City Council representing District B. As a council member I have focused my energies on bringing $1.9 billion to my district for infrastructure, parks, and senior citizen projects. I earned a Bachelor s Degree in Communications from Texas Southern University. SHEILA JACKSON LEE Yale University, Political Science Honors; University of Virginia Law School; Congresswoman TX; Chairperson Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Committee; Authored major legislation on transportation and chemical security; added Homeland Security new transportation jobs to Houston. Served on City Council; Associate Municipal Court Judge, Practiced law and I care about people! (///) SEAN ROBERTS B.S. Economics 1993; Juris Doctorate 1996; Lawyer for 15 years representing individuals and businesses in a variety of transactional and litigation matters I support the President s initiatives in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and elsewhere to defeat Al Qaeda. The recent Christmas Day terrorist attempt exposed coordination issues within national security agencies that need correcting. We must continue to provide assistance to partner nations to improve their capability to help us defeat terrorism worldwide. We must continue to assist local law enforcement coordination efforts. Reducing terrorism involves a comprehensive approach: increased funding for human intelligence; more behavioral assessment of individuals vs. profiling; increased funding for air marshals; implementation of new technology such as body scanners and increased professional training of Transportation Security officers. My bill HR 2200, is a comprehensive approach to reducing terrorism. America must spread peace and hold true to the ideals that make us a great democracy, while still never dismissing attempts to understand other s positions from legitimate and acceptable differences. What are your recommendations for reducing harmful emissions into the air? What specific legislation would you support? I embrace the goals of the American Clean Energy and Security Act. This legislation puts us on a path of reducing harmful emissions, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and creates clean energy opportunities. Let s make sure though that our local industries economic impact concerns about the legislation can be accommodated and incorporated. New forms of energy and transportation modes are required. I helped jump start Houston s hike and bike trails with $6 million. I invited Transportation Secretary LaHood here; he then submitted Metro Solutions to the President s budget. I helped Houston secure $150 million for the rail; another billion is coming. We must work with our refineries to improve air quality. Massive research, investments an initiatives in biofuels, wind energy and nuclear energy. What measures, if any, should the federal government take to stimulate job growth? My priority is job growth in the 18th where double digit employment is the norm in good and bad times. We need to reform education, eliminate the drop-out rate and better prepare our students for college and jobs of the future. The 18th has an abundance of affordable undeveloped land that can be used for clean energy job creating industries. Our economy will not have fully recovered until Americans are back to work. I support President Obama s stimulus bill to create jobs. I organized two federal job fairs attracting over 10,000 Houstonians. I am working to ensure that new infrastructure projects and job re-training programs promote hiring in District 18. I also help to pass a new jobs bill. Promoting small business lending, as well as encouraging joint ventures between larger institutions and small businesses. DOUG BLATT 25 years of experience in information systems development required me to analyze and solve problems efficiently and effectively. Earned a MBA from TX A&M at Commerce. Owned/ Managed a small profitable business. Also worked for all 3 branches of government at state and local levels. Convince the wealthy nations of the Middle East to provide more support for the Palestinian people who have been living in camps for decades, and accept them into their countries as citizens. If the Palestinians had better living conditions, many would be less likely to join terrorist groups. Finish building Iraqi and Afghani infrastructures and bring our troops home. Invest more in clean energy and mass transit solutions. Create incentives for businesses and individuals to switch to cleaner energy sources through more tax deductions and implement stiffer penalties on polluters. Keep raising the café standards for the automobile industry. Offer tax incentives for business whose workers telecommute, ride-share or ride mass transit regularly. Ratify international global climate change agreements. Give tax incentives to business that hire. Create a nationwide unemployment database that employers hire from before asking for a visa-holder. Invest more in education and retraining for the unemployed. Invest more in small business startups and growth using grants, loans, and business expertise. Expand the role of the small business administration to help small businesses survive and grow. DISTRICT 22 KESHA ROGERS I ran for Texas Democratic Party Chair in 2006, recruiting youth into politics. A political organizer with economist Lyndon LaRouche since 2002, I ve worked to restore the tradition of Hamilton, Lincoln and FDR. I hold a B.A. in Political Science and Speech Communications. Full biography: Lanzé una campaña para la ser presidenta[líder] del partido demócrata en el estado de Texas en el 2006, reclutando jóvenes a la política. Organizando políticamente con el economista Lyndon LaRouche, he trabajado para restaurar la tradición de Hamilton, Lincoln y FDR. Tengo una Licenciatura en Ciencias Políticas y Comunicación oral. Reveal the illegal flows of black market derivatives, narcotics, and weapons by offshore banks to stop terrorism s funding. Orient the USA toward anti-colonial policies of sovereign national development with Russia, India, and China. These four powers will lead the peaceful buildup of nuclear power, water desalinization, mass transit, modern sanitation, etc., alleviating the poverty that recruits people into terrorism. Revelar los flujos ilegales de los bancos extraterritoriales -de los paraísos fiscales- hacia el mercado negro de derivados financieros, narcóticos y las armas, para detener el financiamiento del terrorismo. Orientar a los Estados Unidos de América, hacia políticas anti coloniales de desarrollo nacional soberano, en conjunto con Rusia, China e India. Estas cuatro potencias, dirigirán la construcción de plantas de energía nuclear con fines pacíficos, desalación de agua, transporte público masivo, servicios de saneamiento modernos, etc., aliviando a la gente de la pobreza, para que no sean reclutados por el terrorismo. Since carbon dioxide is primarily plant food, no matter what the EPA says, I propose massive increases in anthropogenic emissions of CO2, legislated by nationwide infrastructure development, nuclear power, high-speed rail, urban reconstruction, and agriculture. The biggest cause of ecological degradation is globalization, both via the looting of resources, and the enforced poverty of green jobs and green energy. Puesto que el dióxido de carbono es el principal alimento de las plantas, no importa lo que la Agencia de Protección al Medio ambiente EPA diga, propongo un aumento masivo de las emisiones antropogénicas de CO2, legislado para el desarrollo de la infraestructura nacional, energía nuclear, trenes de alta velocidad, reconstrucción de centros urbanos y la agricultura. La mayor causa de la degradación ecologica es la globalización, a través del saqueo de los recursos y la pobreza forzada de los empleos verdes y la energía verde. End the bailout, and put the Federal Reserve System through Glass-Steagall bankruptcy reorganization, transforming it into a Hamiltonian-style National Bank. Use Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution to issue longterm credit for nationwide infrastructure development, manned space exploration, nuclear power, high-speed rail, urban reconstruction, and agriculture. Employ youth in productive Civilian Conservation Corps-style jobs. Acabar con el rescate financiero y pasar por medio de una reorganización por bancarrota tipo Glass Steagall al sistema de la reserva federal, transformandolo en un banco nacional al estilo Hamiltoniano. Utilizar la sección 8 del artículo I de la Constitución para emitir el crédito a largo plazo para el desarrollo de la infraestructura nacional, la exploración espacial tripulada, energía nuclear, trenes de alta velocidad, reconstrucción de centros urbanos y la agricultura. FREDDIE JOHN WEIDER, JR. NO RESPONSE RECEIVED 29 GENE GREEN RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR DISTRICT 29 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 3

4 GOVERNOR / Democratic Party Four-year term. Must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Texas for the five years immediately preceding the election. Among duties: executes all laws and conducts all business with other states and the federal government; fills appointive offices; fills vacancies in state or district elected offices by appointment; calls special sessions of the legislature and sets their agenda; approves or disapproves every bill passed by the legislature. Annual authorized salary: $115,345 What training and experiences qualify you for this office? (50 words) What policies do you support to create jobs and assist those who are unemployed? (75 words) FELIX (RODRIGUEZ) ALVARADO NO RESPONSE RECEIVED What do you see as the state government s role in increasing the use of alternative fuels and energy conservation among Texas residents? (75 words) Aside from the issues above, what do you consider the two most serious and pressing issues facing Texas during the next four years and how would you address them? (75 words) STAR LOCKE As a home builder & rancher for 35 years. I have tremendous experience in dealing with all people and solving problems. As US Army Veteran I spent 14 months living inside Mexico so I can understand/fix this border & immigration problem. My Complete Report to Texas is on Feb 15 (///) Interest free loans to small business that wish to manufacture any Wind or Solar machines. Also free home installation of Wind & Solar power devices designed to power homes. Interest Free loans to farmers or ranchers for land, tool, equipment and expenses to raise grains for fuel. I will place import tax on all Chinnse & foreign goods where Labor Laws & Human Rights Laws are not used with foreign workers. We close Texas Ports goods built with salve labor. This will return the 35 million jobs we lost. Also I create the Texas Defense Force; half million new jobs will be created and Veterans hired. A new Texas Army. Property Taxes. Stop renting our own property! We pay all commercial property taxes for banks, oil companies, wal marts and the malls each time we buy gasoline, groceries, a shoes or a burger. They just passed-it-on in higher prices. Lets replace Property Tax. Mexico. I will build a new Texas Defense Force like the Israel Defense Force. I need 30,000 Combat Troops to close this border and defeat & kill the drug lords & corruption. E. GLENN NO RESPONSE RECEIVED FAROUK SHAMI I came to America with $71 dollars in my pocket and through hard work and determination achieved the American dream. The company I founded is worth over a billion dollars. We do business in over 106 companies. I will bring my business skills to this office to solve Texas problems. The state should strongly encourage conservation and energy use reduction amongst the government, business and Texas residents. This will not be enough to solve all of our problems, though. I have a plan to research new technologies, train Texans to work in green jobs and utilize solar and wind technologies to create new sources of energy. Doing so, we can put Texans to work and close coal fired power plants, cleaning up our air and (///) First, we should have accepted the federal government s offer to help subsidize our unemployment insurance fund. Beyond that, I have a plan to build small business incubators, create green energy jobs, promote industry development clusters along the border, put people to work modernizing core infrastructure, create high paying jobs in economically distressed areas, and modify tax incentive policies so we re not competing against ourselves to encourage companies to move. The Border: We need to embrace Mexico as a trading partner and negotiate and encourage Mexico s Government and their people to establish jobs on their side to help solve legal immigration long term. Furthermore, I have a plan to get serious on apprehending the drug distribution gangs and stop wasting time attempting to apprehend all undocumented workers. I plan to populate the border by bringing jobs from overseas to the Texas border. Transportation: I have (///) STATE BILL WHITE With a long business career, I ve met a payroll, balanced budgets, and increased efficiency. In six years as Houston s mayor, I brought people together to get results. We led the nation in job growth, cut crime, cut property tax rates, and helped the city become a clean energy leader. Durante mi larga carrera empresarial, manejé nóminas, mantuve presupuestos balanceados, y aumenté la eficacia. En seis años como Alcalde de Houston, uní a los ciudadanos y obtuve resultados. Lideramos a la nación en creación de empleos, redujimos el crimen, disminuimos los impuestos de propiedad, y colaboramos para ser líderes energéticos. Texas is a national leader in traditional energy, and we must be an international leader in energy efficiency and energy supplies for our future. Leadership starts at the top, and as Texas Governor, I will promote more clean sources of energy and energy efficiency standards. With a Governor experienced in the energy business, we can attract new jobs, bring down electricity bills, and protect our natural resources so that our children can enjoy them. Texas es un líder nacional en energía tradicional, y debemos ser líderes internacionales en eficiencia energética y energía renovable. El liderazgo se ejerce desde arriba, y como Gobernador de Texas, yo promoveré un mayor uso de fuentes energéticas limpias y mayores estándares de eficiencia energética. Contando con un Gobernador con experiencia en el campo energético podemos crear nuevos empleos, reducir los gastos eléctricos, y proteger a nuestros recursos naturales para que los disfruten nuestros hijos. As a former businessman, I know firsthand how state government affects business. As Houston s mayor, I helped our area lead the nation in job growth. Jobs with a future come from attracting new businesses and allowing small business to grow. We must ensure an educated, skilled workforce and invest in critical infrastructure, including transportation infrastructure. Finally, we must use tax dollars for incentives more wisely and have accountability for the results of incentives. Como empresario, yo sé como el gobierno afecta al negocio. Como Alcalde de Houston, ayudé a que nuestra región liderara a la nación en creación de empleos. Los empleos con futuro se crean atrayendo a nuevas empresas y fomentando el desarollo de pequeños negocios. Debemos garantizar la educación y el entrenamiento de nuestra fuerza laboral, e invertir en infraestructuras básicas, incluyendo al transporte. Finalmente, debemos utilizar los estímulos fiscales sabiamente y poder contabilizar sus resultados. Education and long term economic growth. For the first time, young Texans entering the workforce are less educated than the previous generation. Our long term economic future depends on the investments we make in students today. We must improve achievement in public schools, cut the dropout rate, and reduce barriers to higher education. Examples of potential solutions to improving achievement include: voluntary summer programs, expanded pre-k, closing the digital divide, attracting and retaining great teachers. La educación y el crecimiento económico a largo plazo. Hoy por día, los jóvenes Texanos ingresan al mercado laboral con menos educación que la generación anterior. Nuestro futuro económico depende de nuestras inversiones en nuestros estudiantes. Debemos mejorar el desempeño académico, disminuír el abandono escolar, y reducir los obstáculos para la educación superior. Algunas soluciones que propongo son: programas veraniegos voluntarios, expandir la educación preescolar, eliminar la brecha digital, y retener a nuestros mejores maestros. BILL DEAR My experience of being an investigator, businessman, author and rancher, all while raising two sons as a single parent has given me insight into the reality most Texans deal with. I know their struggles and I will truly represent them and will listen to their concerns. Texas needs to utilize the resources it already has, include solar and wind options for utilities, and alternative fuels for transportation. Educate residents as to the cost, as well as the pros and cons, of each source of energy. Our state government should be able to keep our citizens informed about pollution in our state and ways to live cleaner so we can care for our resources. Give tax breaks and incentives to companies who bring their business to Texas. We have a large population with plenty of talented, innovative workers and no state income tax. Texas citizens would welcome a company into their communities. We need to market what Texas has to offer, in our small towns, metropolitan cities and suburban areas, because it is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Education and unemployment. Empower teachers to teach their students by taking violent and extremely disruptive students out of the classroom. Stop standardized testing because Texas wants an above standard education for children. Address the lack of graduates furthering their education by offering technical classes in high schools, introducing students to the option of attending college or a trade school. Many problems can be resolved by better educated children and workforce ready adults. ALMA LUDIVINA AGUADO NO RESPONSE RECEIVED TO FIND OUT WHERE YOUR PRECINCT VOTES ON ELECTION DAY: Call or or 4 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

5 LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR / Democratic Party Four-year term. Must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Texas for the five years immediately preceding the election. Among duties as part of both the Executive and Legislative branches: assumes powers of governor when governor is absent or unable to serve; acts as president of the senate; by statute, the Lieutenant Governor is a member of several Legislative branch boards and committees. The Lieutenant Governor s salary is that of a state senator when serving as President of the Texas Senate and that of the governor when serving as Governor. STATE What training and experiences qualify you for this office? (50 words) RONNIE EARLE I have a proven record of fighting for ethics in Texas government, reducing crime, and bringing communities together to solve problems. A former Staff Assistant to Governor John Connally, Presiding Judge of the Austin Municipal Court, and Texas State Representative, I was District Attorney of Travis County for 32 years. Tengo una trayectoria comprobada de pelear por el sentido de ética en el gobierno de Texas, de reducir el índice de crimen y de incluir a la comunidad para resolver problemas. Mi experiencia incluye haber trabajado para el Gobernador John Connally, haber sido Juez Municipal, haber representado a Austin en (///) MARC KATZ I have owned an award-winning business, with more than thirty years of experience in management, marketing, sales and training. I am skilled in determining, developing and securing funding for successful business growth, attributes that are essential for this office. What policies do you support to create jobs and assist those who are unemployed? (75 words) I would implement the President s health care plan, fully fund the Children s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and invest in hospitals, nursing homes, and medical infrastructure statewide. I would create incentive programs to increase the number of primary care physicians and to recruit doctors to all areas of the state regardless of the local socioeconomic conditions. Implementaría el plan de seguro médico del Presidente, dedicaría los fondos necesarios para el programa de Seguro Médico para Niños (CHIP) e invertiría en hospitales y en la infrastructura médica al nivel estatal. Crearía programas con incentivos para incrementar el número de doctores de primer cuidado y programas para reclutar doctores a todas partes del estado, sin importar las condiciones socioeconómicas locales. The federal government is in the process of passing a national health care plan that will help cover all Texans, however we must implement it correctly to make it work for us. First of all, I would make sure that the state insurance commissioner that is appointed to oversee the federal process, is not a political appointee who has very close relationships with the big insurance companies. Next, I would push to overhaul the current (///) LINDA CHAVEZ-THOMPSON NO RESPONSE RECEIVED What specific actions would you support to ensure that Texans of all ages and circumstances have access to health care according to their needs? (75 words) I would: - Reform the tax structure that is shrinking the middle class and punishing small business; - Abolish insider deals that create stealth taxes like exorbitant utility rates, insurance premiums, and college tuition; - Accept the federal government s return of Texas tax dollars for unemployment benefits and economic stimulus; - Invest in retraining programs; - Invest in green energy, not pollution-belching coal plants, and use cleanburning Texas natural gas that generates severance tax dollars. - Reformaría la estructura de los impuestos que está disminuyendo la clase media y castiga a los empresarios de empresas pequeñas. - Me deshacería de los tratos epeciales a las empresas que crean cargas adicionales para la clase media, como seguros caros, el alto costo de la educación universitaria y las altas tasas de servicios de utilidad. - Aceptaría el retorno de impuestos del estado en la forma de fondos federales para el estímulo económico (///) I support the implementation of alternative power policies to help create jobs for the future. We must look to sources of power other than oil, and by creating them ourselves we will also help create green jobs for Texans, along with lightening the load of utility bills. I also feel that along with unemployment, unemployed Texans should have access to free classroom training that promotes green energy. We should teach our citizens how to build (///) ATTORNEY GENERAL / Democratic Party BARBARA ANN RADNOFSKY RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL Aside from the issues above, what do you consider the two most serious and pressing issues facing Texas during the next four years and how would you address them? (75 words) Texans must retake their government from the forces of corruption and greed that have been in control for the past 15 years. We need ethics and election law reform to reduce the temptation for corruption and ensure an ethical, transparent, and accountable government that works for all of its citizens. Our failing public education system must be adequately funded. All-day education must be available for all Texas four-year-olds whose parents want it. - La gente de Texas debe de tomar el gobierno de las fuerzas de la corrupción y codicia que han controlado nuestro estado los últimos 15 años. Necesitamos un sentido de ética y reformas a las leyes electorales para reducir la tentación de corrupción y asegurarnos de que nuestro gobierno sea transparente y responsable a las necesidades de todos los habitantes de Texas. - Nuestro sistema de educación necesita los fondos adecuados para funcionar y (///) Education and immigration are the two most pressing issues. Our children need access to better education at a younger age. We should be more diligent that all of our children, not just a portion of them are allowed to attend pre-k and kindergarten classes. Teachers need to be treated like professionals and more attention paid to their values and ideas in the classroom rather than a standardized test. Immigration reform has also reached a critical (///) COMMISSIONER OF THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE / Democratic Party Four-year term. Must be at least 18, a citizen of the United States, and a Texas resident for at least the 12 months preceding the election. Among duties: management of state lands and mineral-right properties totaling 20.3 million acres; repository of state land documents; responsible for the prevention of and response to oil spills that occur on submerged lands out to 10.3 miles in the Gulf of Mexico. The Commissioner also serves as a chairman of seven state boards, including the School Land Board, the Veterans Land Board, and the Coastal Coordination Council. Annual authorized salary: $125,000 STATE What training and experiences qualify you for this office? (50 words) BILL BURTON I am a Texas Veteran, Real Estate Broker for 23 years. Former Judge, Real Estate Educator, teaching Real Estate Law, Law of Contracts, Lease Agreements; and former Mortgage Broker;. Appeals Arbitrator on behalf of the Texas Comptroller for Public Accounts in Property Tax Disputes and Mineral Right s Issues. HECTOR URIBE Thirteen-year veteran Texas house and senate. Member Natural Resources, Water Committees. Represented coastal district with oil and gas reserves on state land, beaches, bays, and estuaries. Authored laws to protect beaches, coastal lands and environment and to create Texas Enterprise Zone Act to promote economic development and create jobs. Attorney. What changes do you support in the General Land Office s management of state owned lands and mineral rights properties? (75 words) I would have the Texas Legislature to designate a funding source through the CEPRA ACT and FEMA to clean up the Coastal Lands. I will enhance current efforts dedicated to Erosion and Long Term Plans. I will assign an environmental Ecologist, and Geologist to conduct an oceanographic study and evaluate the cause and affects of existing debris and soils to determine the most conducive method for aquatic care. Coastal lands: replenish sand on our hurricane ravaged beaches and plant native flora that accelerates beach and sand dune growth. Correct inappropriate engineering efforts to create sand accretion that actually accelerates beach erosion elsewhere. Submerged lands: assure the free flow of water to bays and estuaries from Texas rivers and streams to submerged lands and attempt to restore the appropriate salinity levels in our bays and estuaries for habitat restoration for fowl, fish and crustaceans. What changes would you make in the management of Texas coastal lands and submerged lands to minimize the effect of destructive natural causes? (75 words) The first change I support is putting the Permanent School Fund money back where it belongs. I will stop using the PSF money to promote business ventures. I will find alternative methods to general and increase funds to the PSF through other natural resources such as Natural gas and Wind energy, (better known as Renewable Energy). I will conduct a bi-annual site inspection to confirm the appropriate process is followed as outlined in the Lease (///) More emphasis on the idea of stewardship for the long term; would manage oil and gas leases to ensure that the Permanent School Fund enjoys like revenues in Would immediately audit leases to ensure oil and gas companies are paying fully. Would lease land for wind and solar and seek legislative support for electric grid needed to move green power where needed. Would emphasize carbon reduction, conservation and energy independence. Aside from the issues above, what do you see as the two most serious and pressing issues the Commissioner of General Land Office will face in the next ten years and how would you address them? (75 words) (I). The GLO purchased more than a half billion dollars worth of Land in and near the South Texas, El Paso area which caused a negative impact on tax revenues. (A). I will determine the best use of the property. I will offer residential property for sale first to the Texas Veterans. (I). Texas Veteran Home Improvement Loan limits them to $25,000.00, which has not changed in over twenty years. (A). I will work to (///) How will the Land Office join the battle against global warming and promote the harnessing of renewable energy sources, wind, solar and geothermal? How will it assure that in the transition from 20th Century to 21st Century technologies that there is no negative impact to the revenue streams that flow into the Permanent School Fund from the leasing of state mineral rights? Econometric models that predict the impact of policy changes may be the answer. League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 5

6 COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE / Democratic Party Four-year term. Must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Texas for the twelve months preceding the election. Among duties: heads the agency and chairs the nine-member board charged with overseeing pesticide regulation. Annual authorized salary: $125,000 STATE What training and experiences qualify you for this office? (50 words) RICHARD KINKY FRIEDMAN I ve been involved with ranching in Texas all my life, and I care about rural issues. Echo Hill, the ranch I live on and manage in the Texas Hill Country is a defining element for Kinky Friedman. I also served as Agricultural Extension Director in the Peace Corps in Borneo. HANK GILBERT I have lived and worked in agriculture my entire life. After graduation from Texas A&M, I taught high school agriculture for 13 years. For the past 5 years, I have been a citizen lobbyist for private property rights, against eminent domain abuse and against the Trans- Texas Corridor. How would you balance environmental concerns and economic interests of Texas farmers and consumers? (75 words) Candidate s response did not meet the criteria listed in this Voters Guide. We have to do all in our power to enhance agriculture and keep it profitable. By creating a viable marketing campaign within the agency, and expanding domestic and world markets, this is possible. The TDA should also take a pro-active role with municipal governments to encourage productive growth patterns as opposed to urban sprawl, thus reducing the losses of agricultural lands. I will also work to prevent TXDOT from taking new agricultural lands for new (///) RAILROAD COMMISSIONER / Democratic Party JEFF WEEMS RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR RAILROAD COMMISSIONER How do you propose to protect agricultural lands and rural communities in Texas with its high rate of urbanization? (75 words) The Texas Department of Agriculture deals with the business of farming and ranching as well as consumer safety. The current commissioner allowed tainted beef to be sent to school cafeterias. On his watch an unlicensed peanut processing plant caused a national salmonella outbreak. The key to balancing the farmer s interest and consumer safety while preserving the environment is to remember that they go hand in hand. Agricultural producers, just like our energy manufacturers, have to become better stewards of our environment. I would work closely with our research universities to in continuing to improve upon cleaner and more efficient farming techniques, broadening organicbased substitutes, and less-invasive pesticides. Besides farming, I will take the lead in developing more alternative energy through wind, solar and bio-mass technologies. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE / Democratic Party Aside from the issues above, what do you see as the two most serious and pressing issues the Commissioner of Agriculture will face during the next ten years and how would you address them? (75 words) I believe the two most serious issues before the commission will be preserving the family farm and protecting the consumer and ranchers and farmers from the excesses of big agri-business corporations. Farmers are facing a few companies that have a monopoly on certain seeds. Consumers are getting hurt because the lobbyists are in control at the Ag Department. We need to get some competition back into this business model, and be a watchdog for consumers. Stopping the loss of family farms by increasing markets and marketability of Texas agricultural products. The agency can, and must, take a more proactive approach in this area, and will, under my leadership. We must also offer better consumer protections, both in the grocery store, and at the gas pump. For too long, Texas consumers have been subject to rip-offs, due to a lack of oversight by this agency. This will change when I take (///) 3-9 JIM SHARP RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, PLACE 3 BILL MOODY RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, PLACE 5 BLAKE BAILEY RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, PLACE 9 COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS / Democratic Party 6 KEITH HAMPTON RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR JUDGE, COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, PLACE 6 MEMBER, STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION / Democratic Party 4 LAWRENCE A. ALLEN JR. RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION, DISTRICT 4 STATE SENATOR / Democratic Party RODNEY ELLIS RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 13 JOHN WHITMIRE RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 15 STATE REPRESENTATIVE / Democratic Party Member of the House of Representatives must be 21 years of age and a legal resident of the state for at least two years and resident of the district from which they are elected at least one year. All bills for revenue and appropriation of funds for operation of state government originate in the House. Members duties include initiation of proposals for constitutional amendments, serving as an advocate for citizens in their home district and bringing any charges of impeachment for trial in the Senate. They are elected for a two-year term CASEY MCKINNEY RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 126 JOE A. MONTEMAYOR RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 127 ALMA A. ALLEN RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 131 SILVIA MINTZ RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 132 KRISTI THIBAUT RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 133 ELLEN COHEN RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 134 SCOTT HOCHBERG RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 137 KENDRA YARBROUGH CAMARENA RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 138 SYLVESTER TURNER RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 139 ARMANDO LUCIO WALLE RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 140 SENFRONIA THOMPSON RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 141 HAROLD V. DUTTON JR. RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 142 ANA E. HERNANDEZ RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 143 RICK MOLINA RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 144 CAROL ALVARADO RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 145 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide REGISTER! DECIDE! VOTE! It counts!

7 CHIEF th STATE REPRESENTATIVE continued / Democratic Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) BORRIS L. MILES I have a degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University. I am a former law enforcement officer, and for 14 years have owned and operated the Borris Miles Independent Insurance Agency. From 2007 to 2009, I served the people of District 146 as State Representative. AL EDWARDS I my BA from Texas Southern University. I am a certified Corrective Therapy and a Real Estate Broker, along with an Honorary Doctoral Degree from the University of Belize and a Doctorate of Divinity from World Bible Christian University. Considering the current state of reduced tax income, is the current tax policy sufficient to finance state government needs, such as public education, public safety, health care and bridge and road maintenance? If not, what measures would you support to pay for these services? The new business margins tax is not sufficient to meet state government needs. The 81st Texas Legislature would not have been able to balance the state budget, as constitutionally required, without approximately $15 billion in federal stimulus money. A similar deficit is projected for the next session, and we must look at all funding options to meet our state s needs. The current tax policy is not sufficient to finance state government needs. I would advocate sin taxes to subsides for the difference; have a in-depth study done for possible solutions; and welcome reasonable suggestions from constituents. GARNET F. COLEMAN RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 147 JESSICA CRISTINA FARRAR RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 148 HUBERT VO RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 149 BRAD NEAL RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 150 What measures, if any, should the state government take to stimulate job growth? Texas remains a very attractive place for businesses to create jobs. Much of the nation s job growth in the last few years has been in our state. However, unemployment in Texas today is 8.3%, and many are out of work. State government must ensure that Texans are educated, so they have the knowledge and skills needed to get good jobs. The state government should help lower education tuition; offer technological and job training course; required big business to take economic responsibility for their wastefulness; eliminate wasteful government spending; make it easier for unions to organize; and offer incentives and tax breaks for small businesses. We should do everything in our power to bring jobs back to America. COURT OF APPEALS / Democratic Party CHIEF JUSTICE, 1ST COURT OF APPEALS MORRIS OVERSTREET RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CHIEF JUSTICE, 1ST COURT OF APPEALS 1ST COURT OF APPEALS JUSTICE MICHAEL GOMEZ RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR JUSTICE, 1ST COURT OF APPEALS, PLACE 4 ROBERT RAY RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR JUSTICE, 1ST COURT OF APPEALS, PLACE 8 (UNEXPIRED TERM) 14TH COURT OF APPEALS JUSTICE NORMA VENSO RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR JUSTICE, 14TH COURT OF APPEALS, PLACE 2 WALLY KRONZER RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR JUSTICE, 14TH COURT OF APPEALS, PLACE 5 (UNEXPIRED TERM) TIM RILEY RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR JUSTICE, 14TH COURT OF APPEALS, PLACE 9 (UNEXPIRED TERM) DISTRICT JUDGE / Democratic Party JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 55TH-113TH DION RAMOS RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 55th JUDICIAL DISTRICT If elected, what two issues do you feel will need the most attention and resources during your term of office? Please explain. Dealing with the state s budget crisis will be the top priority next session. We are likely facing a $15 billion deficit, without additional stimulus funds to bridge the gap. Balancing the budget without gutting basic services will be a major challenge. Additionally, revitalization of neighborhoods in District 146 is an ongoing challenge that will require considerable attention and resources. The two issues that I feel needs the most attention and resources during my term of office are education and the increase of jobs. District Courts are the state trial courts of general jurisdiction. Twenty-two criminal courts have jurisdiction over felonies punishable by death or by incarceration in state prison or death, and over misdemeanors involving official conduct. An additional three courts deal exclusively with juveniles accused of crimes. Twenty-five civil courts have jurisdiction over civil actions, which include disputes over personal or real property, civil rights, contractual matters or other business dealings, and personal injuries. In addition, there are nine specialized civil courts dedicated solely to family matters such as divorce and child custody. 4-year term. 113 th Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JEROME FJELD I am qualified by my life experience and education. I proudly served my country in the U.S. Navy earning the Navy Achievement Medal as well as other accolades. I worked my way through law school and appreciate what working men and women go through in the justice system. I worked (///). CHRISTINA BRYAN I graduated from Harvard Law School with honors, from University of Texas with Highest Honors, and worked for a federal appellate judge. I ve practiced law in Harris County for 18 years, representing plaintiffs and defendants, individuals and large and small companies and have trial and appellate experience. Me gradué de la Escuela de Derechos de Harvard con Honores; de la Universidad de Texas con los Honores más altos, y trabaje para un juez federal de las corte de apelación. He ejercido la práctica de leyes en el Condado de Harris por más de 18 anos, representando todos tipos de clientes, los individuos y empresas grandes y pequeñas. Tengo experiencia con juicios y con las apelaciones What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? Protracted litigation is the most critical administration of justice facing the courts. While everyone deserves their day in court, often the cost and expense of litigation does not make it feasible for legitimate cases to be heard. I word work with attorneys and litigations to make sure the cost of litigation is decreased and justice is not delayed. In the civil courts, I believe the costs of litigation for all parties are one of the most critical issues facing the courts and citizens. I would focus on increasing efficiency and reducing costs for all parties. In the criminal justice system, I believe a criminal defendant s access to good qualified legal representation is a critical issue. En los juicios civiles, creo que los costos de litigar para todos es uno de los temas más graves enfrentando las cortes tanto como los ciudadanos. Me enfocaría en aumentar la eficiencia y en bajar los costos para todos. En el sistema criminal de justicia, creo que el acceso de un acusado a representación adecuada es un tema central de nuestro sistema de justicia. What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? Judges are very important to the democratic process. There should be a system implemented that takes the money and politics out of the judicial selection process. There should also be more stringent qualification standards and stricter limits on campaign financing for judicial races. I think a non-partisan election system would reduce the importance of party affiliation in elections, but would not always ensure an independent judiciary. Elections keep judges accountable to the voters, but in any elected system, it is up to the citizens to elect judges of good moral character who they can trust to remain independent and not be improperly influenced. Creo que un sistema de elegir jueces no basado en afiliación política disminuiría la importancia de partidos pero no aseguraría absolutamente un judicial independiente. Elecciones mantienen a los jueces más sujetos a los votantes, pero en cualquier sistema, los votantes deben de elegir jueces de buen carácter y juicio, quienes se pueden confiar ser independientes. League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 7

8 DISTRICT JUDGE continued / Democratic Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) CHUCK SILVERMAN As an Eagle Scout, successful lawyer, small business owner, committed husband and father I have the demeanor, skill, work ethic, impartiality, courtroom experience and legal knowledge required for the position. I earned my B.A., M.B.A. and J.D. from Tulane University. I ve represented parties in federal and state courts since What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 157TH Frivolous lawsuits, the cost of litigation and judicial impartiality. I will actively manage my docket and promote mediation to reduce litigation and costs. Also, courts must be balanced and independent. Judges must not pander to politicians or special interests. Parties must receive a fair trial from an impartial judge. I will apply the law fairly. What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? We need to reform the campaign finance laws to reduce the perceived influence of large contributions from lawyers and corporations to the judges before whom they appear. To accomplish this I would like to see public financing of judicial campaigns. The administration of justice must be fair and impartial and not subject to special interests. 157 th 180 th SHAWN THIERRY For over thirteen years, I have protected the rights of citizens and businesses. I am a graduate of Howard University, and obtained my Juris Doctorate from the Thurgood Marshall School Of Law. Both my legal and diverse life experiences make me uniquely qualified for the position of civil district judge. Por más de trece años, yo he protegido los derechos de los ciudadanos y de los negocios. Yo me gradué de la Universidad de Howard, y obtuve mi Doctorado en la Jurisprudencia de la Escuela De la Leys Thurgood Marshall. Mis experiencias legales y diversas me hacen extraordinariamente califiqada para la posición de juez civil de distrito. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) LORI GOOCH I am a 2001 Howard Law Graduate and 1998 Spelman College and Georgia Tech graduate. I am a former Harris County Assistant District Attorney with 8 years of criminal law experience. 5 years as an ADA and 3 years as a criminal defense attorney, I have handled cases from Murder (///) DARRELL JORDAN Education: BA, History University of Missouri, JD, Thurgood Marshall School of Law. I am a JAG officer in the Army Reserves. In this role I serve as the Recorder (Prosecutor) during Separation Hearings. I practice criminal defense law exclusively. Last year I handled over 100 cases. A critical issue that currently prevents justice from being served is the failure to move the case docket and/or make rulings timely. Some judges allow motions to remain unaddressed for months. This creates an administrative backlog which delays those needing legal relief. I will read pleadings timely, and also help the attorneys obtain and submit forms more easily. Un asunto crítico que previene actualmente la justicia es el fracaso de mover el registro del caso y/o resoluciones rapidamente por la corte. Algunos jueces permiten que casos se queden sin resolucion por meses. Esto crea un atasco administrativo que demora esos en necesidad de alivio legal. Leeré casos y resoluciones de una maner oportuna, y también ayudaré a abogados obtener y someter formas más fácilmente. JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 180TH 185TH What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? The most critical administration of justice facing the courts is the number of indigent defendants and number of attorney s to defend them. I am in support of a public defender office for Harris County in addition to the appointment of attorney s for indigent defense. I believe that hybrid system would help alleviate the problems of case-load for attorneys that represent (///) Repeat drug offenders. Currently many courts place low level users in jail for 60 days. This does not address their problem with addiction. Many return to jail within a year. I would use the tools provided by the probation department and outside agencies to treat their addiction. This would cut cost and make Harris County safer. What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? Elections are the best way to select judges to ensure an independent judiciary. I believe that these elections should not along partisan lines, but like the mayoral elections for the City of Houston, with the candidates with the most votes having a run-off election. Partisan politics in judicial races only push political agendas and not necessarily the best independent candidate (///). I believe electing judges is the best way to ensure an independent judiciary. Elections place the power in the hands of the people. If the people feel that a judge has lost his or her independence, they have the power to remove the judge with their vote. I believe that judges are public servants. Therefore, they should be elected by the voting citizens who live in the county in which a judge intends to serve. Democracy is best served when a majority of the people selects their local judiciary. Through the voting process, all voices are heard. Creo que jueces son funcionarios publicos. Por lo tanto, ellos deben ser elegidos por los ciudadanos que viven en el condado en el que un juez piensa servir. La democracia es servida mejor cuando una mayoría de las personas selecciona su magistratura local. Por medio del proceso electoral, todas voces son oídas. How would you select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in your court? Currently in Harris County, there is a system called the Fair Defense Act Management System to select attorneys to represent indigent defendants. This system allows attorney s to review their availability and request cases based on their schedule. The system then selects names of attorneys at random who have requested work for that week. That is they way that I would (///) Attorneys would be selected using a random selection process. Any attorney that has exceeded the case load limits developed by the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals would be removed from the pool of attorneys. 182 nd th BRANDON DUDLEY RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 182nd JUDICIAL DISTRICT MICHAEL GOMEZ RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 183rd JUDICIAL DISTRICT JAY W. BURNETT RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 184th JUDICIAL DISTRICT VIVIAN KING RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 185th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JUDICIAL DISTRICT 189TH What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? URSULA A. HALL My legal knowledge, judicial demeanor and temperament, and history of public service qualify me: Associate Municipal Judge, Houston, 2005-Present; sole practitioner, thirteen years (criminal defense, personal injury; state, federal courts); Wellesley College B.A.; South Texas College of Law J.D.; University of Texas School of Law. The most critical administration of justice issue is fairness (which includes issues of access to justice; expedition and timeliness; independence and accountability; equality, fairness and integrity; and public trust and confidence). This is best addressed by electing qualified judges who are also humble, fair, courageous, hard working and whose integrity has earned the public s trust as I have. Judicial independence would improve with a merit selection system that includes: a bipartisan selection entity to recommend appointments; senate confirmation of all appointments; and subsequent yes-no retention elections. However, neither a merit selection-retention system (which may hamper diversity and opportunity fairness) nor elections (which require private funding) would ensure an independent judiciary th 8 ANDY PEREIRA BA Spanish/Economics/Ibero-American Studies Univ. Wisconsin; JD South Texas College of Law, Order of the Lytae, American Jurisprudence Award legal research/writing; intern, Texas SC Justice Lloyd Doggett; 1995-present, Litigation Attorney--mass tort/product liability/consumer/ aviation. Licensed in Texas, Florida, numerous US District & appellate courts. Diversity of the jury pool. An ideal jury closely mirrors the community in which it sits and embodies all of its collective values. Diversity in education, profession, socioeconomics, race, age, gender, disability, and sexual orientation/identity among jurors ensures justice for all litigants. I will advocate for increased juror compensation and try cases efficiently to expand opportunities to serve. Un jurado diverso. Un jurado que refleja la comunidad y un jurado que refleja los valores colectivos de la comunidad es el mejor tipo de jurado. Diversidad de educacion, profesion, nivel socioeconomico, raza, edad etc. asegura justicia por los litigantes. Si soy elegido quiero aumentar el sueldo del jurado para aumentar las oportunidades para servir. League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide While no method is problem free, I believe in the democratic process and the rights of the voters to determine who serves in government. Therefore I feel the electoral process is the best option and ensures the greatest independence. Ningun metodo es sin problemas, pero yo creo en la democracia y el derecho de los votantes en determinar quien debe servir en el gobierno. Creo que el proceso electoral es el mejor metodo para seleccionar jueces y asegura independencia. JUDICIAL DISTRICT 189TH CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

9 DISTRICT JUDGE continued / Democratic Party JUDICIAL DISTRICT 189TH 234TH Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? 189 th continued JUDICIAL DISTRICT 189TH CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE LARRY HINOJOSA Graduated from University of Houston College of Law in 1981; I am an attorney/mediator; I have practiced civil law for 28 years as a trial lawyer, appellate lawyer and mediator. Successfully argued before the Supreme Court of Texas. Mediated over 500 cases. Teach at all three law schools in Houston. The time and expense of litigation have made it difficult for some individuals to seek redress in court. Money is a definite advantage. A judge has the responsibility to make sure the litigants are on a level playing field. I would work to be as efficient and organized as possible to keep cases before me on track towards quick resolution. There should be an appointment process for judges. This would insure competent and experienced individuals would be on the bench. Under our elected system, anyone can run for judge, including individuals with little or no experience. Experience and qualifications mean nothing when running for judge in Harris County. It is not what you know but who you know. JIM P. WROTENBERY 26 years of State and Federal Civil litigation/appellate experience. 150 cases to verdict and 100 published decisions in Texas. AV rated, highest peer rating. Honors graduate of Rice and UT-Austin Law. Certified mediator and arbitrator. Above all, a judge must be fair, impartial, ethical and consistent. Hard working, experienced and prepared. A judge should never forget what it is like to stand in the shoes of those on the other side of the bench. A judge must know and understand the law, rules of procedure and evidence. A judge must be efficient, decisive and timely. First, statutory minimum requirements should be strengthened to set much higher standards for judicial candidates to run for certain types of benches. Then, non-partisan elections. Alternatively, non-partisan appointment followed by retention elections. However, I believe that citizens should elect judges. Strict controls on campaign finance. 190 th OLAN BOUDREAUX Graduated first in law school class; highest grade on Texas Bar Exam. 25 years experience in civil litigation; board certified in two trial practice areas. Elected to the American Board of Trial Advocates, recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers and Top Lawyers in Houston. I believe the parties have to be concerned about the cost of litigation. I would take a proactive approach to streamline the process to get cases resolved quickly and efficiently. The parties have a right to have their cases tried fairly and impartially without unnecessary burdens and costs. For more, see www. olanboudreaux.com. I believe judges should be answerable to the people they serve. Therefore, I favor election of judges. While there may be ways to improve the current system, I would not favor any method that takes away the right of the citizens to choose those who serve in these important positions. 208 th 232 nd LORETTA JOHNSON MULDROW RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 208th JUDICIAL DISTRICT KATHY CHENG RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 209th JUDICIAL DISTRICT HARRIS WOOD RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 228th JUDICIAL DISTRICT GARLAND MACK MCINNIS RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 230th JUDICIAL DISTRICT GREG GLASS RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 232nd JUDICIAL DISTRICT NILE COPELAND I hold a B.S. in Biology, M.ED in Education Administration, and a J.D. I am an attorney, certified mediator, Civil Service Grievance Examiner and a licensed Real Estate agent. My experience in business, law and conflict resolution gives me a well rounded perspective for the bench. Judiciary Integrity! Judges need to uphold and raise the current bar for professionalism, integrity and courtesy. Citizens should expect and demand nothing less. I will work hard to rebuild the community s trust and expect a high degree of decorum of those in the courts. After all, we are one of the oldest, noblest professions and we should act accordingly. Judges should be elected by voters, not appointed. Judicial races should be non-partisan and term-limited. These races are a prime example of where we need a healthy dose of campaign finance reform State funding of these campaigns will eliminate the appearance and practice of partisanship and undue influence by disallowing contributions from interested parties or with pending cases. 234 th JIM PEACOCK Born and raised in Houston. Graduated from Rice University and Texas Tech University School of Law. Attorney for 28 years. Represented both plaintiffs and defendants. Successfully tried nearly 200 juries to verdict in extremely diverse and complex areas of law. I am stable, hard working, honest, compassionate, intelligent and fair. The trend away from open and equal access to the courts must stop. I will do everything I can to insure all litigants have an equal opportunity to a fair trial. This requires efficient, but also compassionate operation of the court. I would use mediation extensively, but not at the expense of a litigants right to litigate. Full voir dire. Public elections, however I disagree with partisan elections like our present system. What political party you are a member of, has nothing to do with being a competent judge. An appointment system would destroy independence of the judiciary and separate it from the trust of the people. We need non-partisan election of judges. TANNER GARTH South Texas College of Law, cum laude, 1987; Law Review; Order of the Lytae and Barristers. Principal Garth Law Firm. Handled and actually tried many cases from injury and death to contract disputes, mass tort cases and environmental contamination suits. Experience on both sides of the docket for balanced perspective. Universidad de derecho de South Texas, cum laude, 1987; Revisión de la Ley; Orden del Lytae y Abogados. Bufete de Abogados Garth. Dirigí y he llevado muchos casos de lesión y muertes con conflictos de contrato, casos civiles y casos de contaminación del medio ambiente. Experiencia en ambos partidos para una perspectiva equilibrada. Our courthouses must be open to all without regard to their race, creed or sexuality. There should be a fair reflection of county demographics in our jury pools. Courtesy and respect should be shown to all lawyers, parties, witnesses, and court personnel. Motions should be ruled upon promptly. Lawyers must be allowed to present their cases fully and completely. Nuestras cortes de justicia deben estar abiertas a todos sin consideración alguna de su raza, credo o sexualidad. Debe haber una reflexión justa demográfica en nuestra selección de jurados en el condado. La cortesía y el respecto debe ser demostrado a todo abogado, partido, testigos y personal de la corte. Las mociones se deben gobernar puntualmente. Se debe permitir que los abogados presenten sus casos completamente y en totalidad. Extensive, actual 1st-chair trial experience in the type of court the candidate is seeking should be required and verified. Ten years in practice and 10 trials completed through verdict should be the minimum required to seek office. Candidates should be appointed by applicable bar associations, elected by a non-partisan election with strict limits on contributions or public funding of campaigns. Selección extensiva, experiencia directa en el tipo de corte que el candidato está buscando debe ser requerido y verídico. Diez años en la práctica y 10 casos juzgados terminados con un veredicto final debe ser lo mínimo requerido para buscar una posición judicial. Los candidatos deben ser designados por las asociaciones de abogados, elegidos por una elección independiente con límites terminantes de contribuciones o financiamiento público de campañas. League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 9

10 245 th DISTRICT JUDGES continued / Democratic Party JUDICIAL DISTRICT 245TH 247TH Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) RAYMOND L. (RAY) FISHER I am a graduate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law. I am running for the 245th Family District Court. I have over 34 years of experience in Private Practice pertaining to Family Law. I have served as an Associate Juvenile Court Judge and as an Associate Municipal Court Judge. I (///) JANIECE HORN With a B.A. and law degree from the University of Illinois, I moved to Texas as quickly as I could. Licensed here in 1980, and Board Certified as a Family Law Specialist since 1991, I ve tried cases, handled appeals, substituted as associate judge, and mediated nearly 3,000 family law matters.. What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? I am running for the 245th Family District Court Because I believe in the Power of the Judiciary. I believe there should be a Judge on this bench who knows the law and who will apply the law fairly and impartially. Too many cases, too much paper; too little attention to critical community issues. I would join the FOCAS monitoring program to increase efficiency in child support collections. I would explore additional venues for mediating CPS cases to reduce that docket. I would encourage e-filing and other methods of reducing paper. I would offer a fair, open forum to all litigants. What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? Judges should be selected based on their Credentials and commitment to serving the citizens of Harris County who appear in Court. I will treat everyone with the respect they deserve from a public servant. I will be fair, honest, courteous and respectful. I will always apply the law above divisive politics because Justice knows no political party. Although problematic, I think the present partisan system for election of judges may be the best method, but prohibitions or limits on contributions from lawyers practicing before a judge make sense. Non-partisan elections would be very expensive. If judges were appointed, there would be contention about who was doing the appointing and why and the length of the term. 246 th 247 th SHERRI COTHRUN RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 246th JUDICIAL DISTRICT MARY KAY GREEN J.D. University of Houston. Lawyer, 22 years litigation experience primarily in family law, handling adoptions, child custody, child support, child and adult protection, divorces and CPS cases. Member Family Law Section, Texas and Houston Bar, regular attendance at Advanced Family Law seminars, court master, volunteer through La Rosa and HBA. CLINTON ( CHIP ) WELLS I graduated from UT in 1974 and South Texas College of Law in I have been a Texas Trial Lawyer for over 32 years. I have tried well over 100 jury trials all over this State in matters involving family law, personal injuries and to some extent criminal defense. In the family courts, dismissal of cases, without a sufficiently compelling reason, forcing reinstatement or re-filing, wastes the resources of the parties, creates ill will in the community and contributes to the size of the dockets. I would not dismiss cases without a sufficiently compelling reason. Encourage creation of more statutory family courts in Harris County by legislature. We must move the tremendous caseload through the courts as quickly and efficiently as possible. At the same time lawyers and their clients should be able to establish an appropriate pace to resolve their family related issues. Moving the court=s docket should not be at the expense of the best interests of the litigants and interested parties. Voters electing judges directly. The appointment and retention by voters method raises questions of who appoints the committee who would make the recommendations. If the governor, it is likely to reflect one side no matter who is in office. Any group or interest could dominate the selection committee or be reflected in the appointments. Voters should make that choice. Election of judges in the present format is best short of a fully developed process to do otherwise. Non-partisan elections without proper screening could be disastrous. Selections made by appointed committees gives no protection against special interests. The question must be carefully studied and cannot be based upon proposed legislation from the political party in power. JUDICIAL DISTRICT 248TH Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? How would you select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in your court? 248 th JIM SULLIVAN I graduated from South Texas College of Law and Baylor University. I have been a trial lawyer in criminal and juvenile courts for over 15 years. I am Christian. I primarily represent the poor. I speak Spanish. I am board certified in juvenile law by Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Me gradué de South Texas College of Law y de la Universidad de Baylor. Como abogado he litigado tanto en los tribunals penales como en los tribunals para menores por más de quince años. Soy cristiano y represento mayormente a los pobres. Hablo español y estoy certificado por la Junta de Especialización Legal de Texas en Derecho para el Menor. The most critical issue facing the courts is dealing with the overwhelming number of defendants and the struggle to achieve justice without overburdening taxpayers with endless tax hikes to build more jails and prisons. I will use more community supervision and restitution options for non-violent defendants, so they can remain productive citizens while still answering for their offenses. El problema más critico que enfrentan los tribunals es lidiar con el agobiante número de acusados y la lucha por hacer justicia sin agobiar a los contribuyentes con interminable alzas en impuestos para construír más cárceles y prisiones. Usaré más supervisión comunitaria y opciones de restitución para ofensores no-violentos para que puedan seguir siendo ciudadanos productivos pero al mismo tiempo respondan por sus ofensas. Our current system of electing judges ensures that they are not beholden to the politics of the sitting governor. However, I believe that the elections should be non-partisan. Judges should not be elected because of what people believe they will do based on their political affiliation. Political beliefs have no place in a courtroom. Nuestro sistema actual para elegir jueces asegura que estos no esten comprometidos con la política del gobernador vigente. Sin embargo, creo que las elecciones deberían ser no afiliadas. Los jueces no deberían ser electos por lo que la gente cree que harán basados en su afilición política. Las creencias políticas no tienen lugar en un tribunal. I will select attorneys based on their demonstrated levels of experience in defense work as required by the Fair Defense Act. This system prevents inexperienced attorneys from handling complex cases. I will further narrow the pool of appointed attorneys by refusing to appoint any attorney whose performance I know falls below professional standards. Seleccionaré abogados basándome en los niveles de experiencia que hayan demostrado como defensores, tal como lo require el Fair Defense Act. Este sistema evita que abogados sin experiencia manejen casos complejos. Más aún, reduciré el grupo de abogados de oficio al rehusarme a asignar a cualquier abogado cuyo desempeño sea por debajo de los estándares profesionales. JUDICIAL DISTRICT 248TH CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE INVESTIGUE DÓNDE VOTA SU PRECINTO EL DÍA DE LAS ELECCIONES: Llame al ó al or 10 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

11 DISTRICT JUDGE continued / Democratic Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 248TH 269TH What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? How would you select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in your court? 248 th continued JUDICIAL DISTRICT 248TH CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE TRENT GAITHER Twenty three years as a trial lawyer, trained by Racehorse Haynes and Mike Ramsey. Former briefing attorney for Texas Supreme Court. Recognized nationally ( AV professional rating) and locally as a Top Houston Lawyer for both Criminal Defense and as Lawyer for the People. Law degree from the University of Houston. Veintitrés años como abogado, especialmente presentando casos legales en frente del juicio jurado, educado directamente de los legendarios abogados Racehorse Haynes y Mike Ramsey. Abogado anterior para el Tribunal Supremo de Tejas. Reconocido nacionalmente (máximo grado posible, AV profesional del sistema Americano) y localmente grado de superior de Abogado Primero de Houston (Top Houston Lawyer) para la defensa criminal y igual clasificacion del grupo reconocido abogado para la gente. Graduado en estudios de la ley, la Universidad de Houston. The public has lost faith in our criminal justice system because of crime lab scandals, jail conditions, and the perception of inadequate representation for the indigent. That confidence can be restored by making the crime lab independent, efficient use of bonding, probation, and treatment programs, and implementing the public defender program so that it is efficient and productive. El público ha perdido la fe en nuestro sistema criminal de la justicia debido a escándalos del laboratorio del crimen, condiciones de la cárcel, y la opinión que los indijentes accusados reciben la representación inadecuada. La confianza puede ser restaurada haciendo el laboratorio del crimen independiente; adoptando mas eficiente, programas bajo fianza para los acusados, personas bajo de la libertad condicional, y personas en programas del tratamiento. También de poner una programa público del defensor en que sea eficiente y productivo. Bipartisan elections because the focus should be on the background and qualifications of the candidates, not preconceived notions of a party label or affiliation. Judges should be selected based on their individual ability to apply the law fairly and objectively and to serve as stewards of the justice system, free from political agendas. Elecciones bipartidarios porque el enfoque debe estar en el experiencia y las calificaciones de los candidatos sin nociones o preconcebidas de una etiqueta del partido o la afiliación. La seleccion de los jueces debe ser basada en su capacidad individual de aplicar la ley objetivamente y servir como administradores del sistema de la justicia, libres de agendas políticas. With or without a public defenders office, appointments will be necessary. I would appoint lawyers based upon: (1) my personal observation of their integrity, legal ability and diligence; (2) their standing and reputation among peers; (3) compatibility with the case and client; and (4) past performance as evaluated by the clients, a customer satisfaction survey if you will. Con o sin una oficina pública de los defensores, las citas de abogados asignados por la corte serán necesarias. Designaría a abogados basados sobre: (1) mi observación personal de su integridad, capacidad legal y diligencia; (2) su situación y reputación entre pares; (3) compatibilidad con el caso y el cliente; y (4) la manera en que trabajan con sus clientes, según lo evaluado por los clientes, como una encuesta sobre la satisfacción de cliente. 257 th- 269 th SANDRA PEAKE RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 257th JUDICIAL DISTRICT TOM BERG RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 262nd JUDICIAL DISTRICT ALVIN NUNNERY RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 263rd JUDICIAL DISTRICT KATIE KENNEDY RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 269th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) BOB THOMAS I have been a civil attorney in Harris County for two decades, and I retired from the Houston Police Department with twenty years of service. My 40 years of work experience, as a twelve year mediator and as a thirteen year hearing examiner equips me to judge fairly. JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 270TH 280TH What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? I believe the role of a Judge is to apply not make the law, by listening, understanding and acting as a neutral referee. My commitment to the citizens is to serve the 270th court wisely and with impartiality, to treat every litigant with respect, and to operate my courtroom with efficiency as a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? The current method of selecting judges has been in force for more than 40 years. The State Bar and the Texas Supreme Court have not been able to create a better method of selecting judges after more than ten years of consideration. 270 th CHARLES SPAIN Sharpstown H.S., Rice University, Baylor Law School. I have served the Texas judiciary as a staff attorney for twenty years, reviewing trial records and drafting over 800 opinions for the courts. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the judicial process. Learn more: SpainForJudge.com. La escuela Secundaria de Sharptown, la Universidad de Rice, la escuela de Derecho de la Universidad de Baylor. He servido como abogado para la judicatura de Texas por veinte años. Las responsabilidades consisten en revisar los expedientes de los procedimientos judiciales y componer la primera forma por más de 800 fallos. Esta experiencia me ha dado una comprensión profunda de los procedimientos judiciales. Se puede aprender más en: SpainForJudge.com. I believe the constitutional right to trial by jury is under attack. The use of binding arbitration in consumer transactions and other tort reform measures are conditioning the public into effectively abrogating that right. While the courts cannot change these statutes, they can help draw attention to the problem and encourage the legislature to protect this fundamental right. Creo yo que el proceso de derecho constitucional con jurado está siendo atacado. El uso de arbitramiento vinculante relacionado con las transacciones del consumidor y otros actos con el fín de reformar los remedios civiles, han acondicionado al público y esto a su vez se refleja en que no se tiene ese derecho. Aunque las cortes no pueden cambiar los estatutos escrítos por la asamblea legislativa, las cortes de todas formas pueden llamar la atención al problema y fomentar en la asamblea un interés para conservar ese derecho. There is no perfect way to select judges. But requiring judges to campaign helps keep them connected with the public. While working for the Texas Supreme Court, I asked Justice Kilgarlin about this. He believed meeting with voters was a humbling experience that made him a better person and judge, and far outweighed the negative aspects of campaigning. I agree. No hay una manera perfecta de seleccionar a los jueces. Se requiere que los jueces hagan campañas para que les ayuden en comunicarse directamente con la comunidad. Cuando yo trabajaba para la Corte Suprema de Texas, conversaba sobre esto con el Juez Kilgarlin. El a su vez creía que al comunicarse con la comunidad, era una experiencia de humildad que se sentía ser una persona mejor y un mejor juez. Esta experiencia tenía más valor que en vez de hacer campañas. Yo estoy de acuerdo con este punto de vísta. LEE ARELLANO Board Certified, Civil Trial Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization, 1991; BBA, University of Houston, 1975, cum laude; JD, South Texas College of Law, 1981; Fellow, College of the State Bar of Texas; Lawyer; 29 year civil practitioner; State and Federal Court mediator, 20 years. Court integrity. From a judge refusing to keep a court open to accept an afterhours petition to stay an execution to judges' sex scandals, the public views this branch of government, as the others, with a jaundice eye. Term limits of all elected officials would help limit the corruption that develops in elected officials who remain too long in office. Everything is political. Whether judges are appointed or elected, politics in the judiciary is rampant. Elected judges should serve one 6-8 year term and be forced to retire. Similar time limits should apply to appointed judges. This policy would reduce the number of elections and relieve judges from perpetually having to raise money from those who appear before them. 280 th KATHY VOSSLER RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 280th JUDICIAL DISTRICT League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 11

12 DISTRICT JUDGE continued / Democratic Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 281ST 295TH What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? JULIET KATHY STIPECHE I am a Latina litigator. I attended Rice, graduating magna cum laude with three majors. My law degree is from UT Law. I have practiced exclusively in complex civil litigation for over a decade. I have tried cases, published opinions and worked on hundreds of cases from inception to appeal. Novel ideas to promote efficiency are desperately needed. For instance, the Harris County District Clerk s office has used technology to allow unprecedented access to court records via electronic means. Courts can continue this trend by ensuring timely on-line access to relevant case information. Mediation should be used to move cases to resolution, and judges should work diligently to reduce backlog. Lady justice wears a blindfold. Judges must be fair, independent and impartial. Politicized elections and campaign finance issues have the potential of wearing away the independence of the judiciary. A merit selection with a retention election may be best to ensure independence. A judge would be appointed and after serving a term would face the voters in an up-ordown vote. 281 st Soy una litigante latina. Asistí a Rice, graduándome con honores magna cum laude con tres especializaciones. Mi licenciatura en Derecho es de la escuela de Derecho de UT. He ejercido derecho exclusivamente en litigación civil compleja por más de una década. He procesado juicios, publicado opiniones y trabajado en cientos de juicios de inicio a apelación. DONNA ROTH I am a 1987 cum laude graduate and a 22 year civil trial litigator. I represent the people of Harris County. I represent abused women, pro bono, in obtaining protective orders or custody of their children. I serve as judge at the law school for students participating in mock trial. Soy graduada cum laude de 1987 y litigador de juicios civiles por 22 años. Represento a la gente del Condado de Harris. Represento a las mujeres maltratadas, con trabajo pro bono, en la obtención de órdenes de protección o custodia de sus hijos. Sirvo como juez en la escuela de derecho de estudiantes que participan en juicios simulacros. Ideas novedosas para promover la eficiencia son necesitadas urgentemente. Por ejemplo, la oficina del Secretario de Distrito del Condado de Harris ha usado tecnología para permitir acceso sin precedentes a archivos del juzgado vía medios electrónicos. Los juzgados pueden continuar asegurando acceso en línea sin demoras a información relevante a juicios. La mediación debería ser usada para llevar juicios a una resolución, y los jueces deberían de esforzarse diligentemente para reducir el trabajo atrasado. The most critical issue is balancing the administration of justice and fairness to the litigants before the court with the expediency of moving the court docket. The balance is achieved through a full days work/five days a week, mediation, encouraging parties to talk, ruling fairly and promptly and having an efficient hard working staff. Lo más crítico es el equilibro en la administración de justicia y la equidad a los litigantes que viene ante las cortes con la conveniencia de mover los expedientes de corte. El equilibrio se consigue a través de días enteros y semanas completas de trabajo, mediación, alentado a los dos partidos a hablar, hacer un veredicto justo y rápido junto con un personal eficiente y capacitado para el trabajo. Doña Justicia tiene los ojos vendados. Los jueces deben ser imparciales, independientes y justos. Elecciones politizadas y asuntos financieros de campañas tienen el potencial de perjudicar la independencia de la judicatura. Una selección de meritos con una elección de retención podría ser lo mejor para asegurar independencia. Un juez seria nombrado y después de servir un mandato estaría en las manos de los electores en un voto de sí o no. I believe that judges should be elected by the people and then subject to a retention process every four years. The retention process should include a board made up of lay persons and lawyers. The public should comment and participate. The judge s record thoroughly reviewed. Lawyers should testify in a matter where they should not have to fear retaliation. Preguntas para jueces de tribunales civiles del distrito, tribunales de familia, cortes civiles y cortes de sucesiones del condado Creo que los jueces deben ser elegidos por la comunidad y ser sometidos a un proceso de retención cada cuatro años. El proceso de retención debe incluir un consejo compuesto de personas laicas y abogados. El público debe opinar y participar. El registro del juez revisado minuciosamente. Los abogados deben testificar sin temor que tendrán algún tipo de desquite o represalia 295 th PAUL SIMON I graduated college and law school near the top of each class and have handled a wide variety of cases, just like this Court hears. I have an excellent reputation as a skilled lawyer, and to prove it, I was endorsed by the Coalition of Harris County Democratic Elected Officials. Me gradué con muy buenas notas de licenciado y obtuve mi doctorado en leyes; tengo experiencia en varias clases de litigios como los que esta corte usualmente trata. Tengo excelente reputación en mi profesión como abogado, tanto que he sido reconocido por la liga de oficiales electos del condado de Harris por el patido demócrata. The length of time it takes to go to trial. Unlike TV, it takes about two years to go to trial. Today, most courts order parties to mediation just before trial. I would encourage parties to mediate earlier. This would help the parties who settled their disputes; it would unclog dockets; and it would get the other cases tried quicker. El tiempo que toma para ir a juicio. A diferencia de lo que se ve en television, toma aproximadamente dos años para ir a juicio. En la actualidad, la mayoría de las cortes ordenan a los disputantes que entren en algún acuerdo antes de entrar a litigar. Yo recomendaría a los disputantes que traten antes de mediar. Ello ayudaría a ambos partidos a resolver sus disputas y por lo tanto descongestionaría el número de expedientes y llevaría otros casos a corte más rápido. Elections are the best way to ensure a fair, diverse and independent judiciary because, with the help of groups like the LWV, voters can learn about the candidates and make their voices heard. Appointing judges, by contrast, increases the chance that the judiciary is dominated by one party or another and increases the risk of influence by special interests. Elecciones es la mejor manera de lograr un sistema judidial que sea justo, equitativo e independiente. Con la participación de grupos como la Liga Femenil de Votantes, los electores pueden informarse sobre los candidatos y hace que sus voces se escuchen. La asignación de jueces por nombramiento aumenta la posibilidad de que el sistema judicial sea dominado por un partido u otro; como también aumenta el riesgo de ser influenciado por intereses con agenda especial. REGINALD MCKAMIE J.D., University of Houston Law Center; Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Attorney; M.B.A., University of Southern California; Certified Public Accountant, 23 years private practice trial attorney; business experience, Human Resources and Finance at an oil and gas company, Retired Navy Captain. The most critical issue is the selection of fair and impartial jurors. I would address it by giving attorneys a full opportunity to listen to jurors in the voire dire (selection of jurors) process. Election by the people. FAMILY DISTRICT JUDGE / Democratic Party These courts in this division handle family matters: adoptions, birth records, child welfare and custody, child support, and marriage annulments and divorce. Judges are elected for four-year terms. JUDICIAL DISTRICT 308TH 308 th JULIA MALDONADO I received a Bachelor in Business Administration Accounting from the University of Houston-Downtown (1995), a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Thurgood Marshall School Of Law (1998). Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas for 11plus years, employed as attorney/mediator through my own firm, the J. Maldonado Law Firm, P.C. There are many critical administration of justice issue facing the courts today, particularly the unfair and unbiased rulings being handed by the current judiciary. I would apply the law to the facts of the case. I come with no predisposition. I will ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination regardless of which attorney is representing the litigant. Judges should be elected by the people as provided by the Constitution of the State of Texas. To ensure an independent judiciary, candidates should run non-partisan and should not receive contributions from attorneys practicing in said courts. Candidates for the judiciary should only be endorsed by organizations with a legitimate purpose and not set-up to evade the right to vote. JUDICIAL DISTRICT 308TH CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE Your vote is your voice. Be Heard 12 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

13 308 th continued FAMILY DISTRICT JUDGE continued / Democratic Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JUDICIAL DISTRICT 308TH CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE PORFIRIO POPPI DIAZ South Texas College of Law, 1979, University Of Houston, 1974, Economics, Texas A&M University, History, Solo Practice of law from 1970 to to 2005, Gulf Coast Legal Foundation to present, solo private practice. I have handled Family Law, Criminal Law, Worker s Compensation and Appellate cases. BRUCE KESSLER I graduated from Rice University and the University of Houston Law Center. I am a family law attorney and mediator. I am Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I am a former Family Court Associate Judge and a visiting Family Court special master. JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 308TH 311TH What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? Courts should function with the idea of dispensing justice without bias toward the litigants and their attorneys. Outward appearances and mannerisms should not be used or tolerated against any litigant. Further, the cost of litigation should be reduced when appropriate to do so. Under certain circumstances the children caught in the litigation may require counseling. Having one s day in court takes too long and costs too much. Parties should know they will be heard, they will be respected and that their time is valuable. I have formulated specific plans to make the court more accessible, to reduce the costs and time involved and to ensure that everyone is given the attention required by their case. What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? The Missouri Plan. If the judges are elected, then those judges should face retention elections in order to keep their bench. Elections are the best way to ensure an independent judiciary but they need to be de-politicized as political party affiliation appears inconsistent with the concept of an unbiased and independent judiciary. Judicial races should be nonpartisan or, alternatively, should be exempt from straight ticket voting so that voters will focus more on a candidate s qualifications rather than political affiliation. 309 th BILL RICE RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 309th JUDICIAL DISTRICT TAMMY CRAFT DEMMING I attended Texas A&M University, University of Houston- Downtown, and South Texas College of Law. My degrees include a B.S. in Criminal Justice, a J.D, and a Certificate of Mediation. Today, my practice focuses solely on civil, criminal, and family law issues. As a child I witnessed family members be murdered (///) One of the most critical issues facing the administration of justice that I see is in criminal courts. There are alleged offenders that must wait months sometimes years for a trial. However, a judge that is accused of a misdemeanor offense of official oppression can receive a speedy trial. Harris County literally has thousands of inmates accused of more serious (///). A judge whose campaign is not 100% funded by attorneys and organizations with an agenda would ensure a more independent judiciary. 310 th JUDY DOUGHERTY Practiced Family Law for 30 years with Dougherty and Dougherty. Taught mediation and dispute resolution at UH Law Center, have a BA and MSW from UT, a JD from UH. Built my career on service, integrity, respect and real solutions for families in need. He practicado la ley de Familia por 30 años en la firma Dougherty & Dougherty. Enseñé Mediación y Resolución de Conflictos en la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Houston. Tengo grado en Artes (BA) y Maestría en Trabajo Social (MSW) de la Universidad de Texas, y Doctorado en Jurisprudencia (JD) de la Universidad de Houston. He construido mi carrera sirviendo con integridad, respeto, y con soluciones reales para las familias necesitadas. Delays in family court hearings are partially due to overwhelming case loads. The delays are expensive for families and cause prolonged emotional turmoil. Currently, there are over twice as many civil courts as family courts and their caseloads are much smaller. A pilot program could be jointly developed to utilize civil judges as resources for overflow hearings. Las demoras de las cortes de familia son debidas en parte a la gran cantidad de casos. Las demoras son costosos para los litigantes, y causan un prolongado precio emocional. Actualmente, hay más del doble de cortes civiles que cortes de familia y la cantidad de casos es menor. Un programa piloto podría desarrollarse conjuntamente para utilizar jueces civiles que ayuden a agilizar los juicios. There are too many candidates for most voters to make informed decisions about qualifications of all of them. An independent, bipartisan organization that reviews candidate experience, temperament, and legal qualifications might be a reasonable solution with retention elections implemented to eliminate judges who do not meet the necessary expectations of their judicial role. Hay muchos candidatos para los votantes determinar cuales son los candidatos mejores calificados. Una organización independiente bipartidista que revise la experiencia de los candidatos, temperamento, y calificaciones legales, podría ser una solución razonable, con elecciones de retención implementadas para eliminar jueces que no llenan los requisitos esperados para el trabajo judicial. DAMIANN CURVEY BANIEH I am a family law attorney whose experience as an Adoption Recruiter with DePelchin and a teacher in Aldine ISD have provided me with real world opportunities to help repair families in crisis. I am a graduate of UT Austin and received my law degree from Texas Southern University. Equal access to the courts seems to be the biggest problem in our courts. Non-English speaking pro-se litigants are limited in their ability to represent themselves in Family Court. I pledge to make courts more accessible by utilizing community resources to ensure interpreters are available for non-english speaking pro-se litigants who wish to represent themselves in court. Partisan elections are the only way to ensure an independent judiciary. Judicial candidates do not have the independent ability to draw voter interest in their races, which is why political parties are necessary. If non-partisan elections were held, only wealthy people who could afford expensive campaigns would be able to run for office. This would not ensure an independent judiciary. 311 th DEBORAH WRIGHT I have practiced exclusively in the area of Family Law for more than 30 years. Board Certified in Family Law in 1987, and trained in Family Law Mediation and Collaborative Law, I have served as Associate Judge in the 310th Family District Court and the 257th Family District Court. Overcrowding in the Family Law courts, both in the halls and on the daily docket, makes it difficult to conduct hearings and final trials on a timely basis. I will encourage resolution of cases through mediation and collaborative law, work to revive plans for a new Family Law Center, and support legal services and counseling for low income families. The broad discretion afforded to Family Court judges must be exercised carefully and without regard to any personal agenda shaped by political affiliation or beliefs. Non-partisan elections are the only way to insure an independent judiciary, and the election of judges in each county and/or judicial district should be independent from other state wide elections. STEVE HERSKOWITZ I earned my BBA and JD from UT. I m a 20-year lawyer, former CPA and recognized expert in family conflict. As an attorney/mediator for the Harris County Domestic Relations Office for ten years, I ve mediated over 2,000 family cases exactly like those I ll handle as a judge. The greatest challenge facing our family courts is keeping pace with the changing face of American families. We re diverse culturally, ethnically, economically, and ever evolving socially. Nuclear families are no longer the rule. Judges should be knowledgeable of these societal differences and how they impact family values, then take them into account when deciding cases. Partisan elections give voters some idea of the values and beliefs of the candidates based on party affiliation, but too often party affiliation is the sole basis for their vote. A better method would be to choose judges in non-partisan elections. This approach should motivate more voters to educate themselves on the qualifications of the individual candidates. JUDICIAL DISTRICT 311TH CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 13

14 311 th continued 312 th FAMILY DISTRICT JUDGE continued / Democratic Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JUDICIAL DISTRICT 311TH CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE BRAD MORRIS Rice University 1972; South Texas College of Law 1976; Licensed 1977; 33 years civil transaction and litigation experience: 17 years private practice civil litigation and transactions; 3 ½ years Family Court Associate Judge; 11 years practice focusing on family law litigation and mediation; Board Certified, Family Law 1998; Credentialed Distinguished Mediator. JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 311TH 312TH What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? For family courts it is handling the volume of cases in manner that permits individual attention each case deserves; the cases are many, the courts are few; families need and deserve a ruling that considers the uniqueness of each family; also the explosion in the number of cases attributable to children born to children that are not equipped for parenthood. ROBERT HINOJOSA RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 312th JUDICIAL DISTRICT What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? A system that combines some form of local selection sponsored by the legal community to insure sufficient experience combined with elections not to exceed a specified maximum term of years for judicial services to insure turnover of office holders would be preferable. JUDICIAL DISTRICT 313TH Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? How would you select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in your court? J. ANTHONY REFERENTE I attended Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and the University of Houston Law Center. As a prosecutor for the Harris County Attorney s Office and as a defense attorney for the last 9 years, in 13 years, I ve tried over 500 cases and 13 jury trials. Estudié la prepararoria en Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, la universidad en Georgetown University en Washington D.C., y en la Facultad de Derecho de la Universidad de Houston. He ejercido en Derecho para el Menor durante 13 años, al principio como abogado acusador para Harris County Attorney s Office, y en los ûltimos 9 años como abogado defensor. He enjuiciado más de 500 casos y 13 juicios por jurado. The courts need greater transparency and accountability in order to ensure that they remain independent, impartial and maintain the highest level of integrity. As a judge, I would never engage in discriminatory practices, consistently rule fairly and ethically, and apply the law on an independent, individualized case by case basis. I will always stand for integrity and justice. Creo que los tribunales necesitan mayor transparencia y responsabilidad para asegurarse que permanezcan independientes, imparciales y mantengan el más alto nivel de integridad. Como juez, no incurriría en ninguna práctica discriminatoria, formularía decisions justa y éticamente y aplicaría la ley de manera individual segûn se requiera caso por caso. Defenderé siempre la integridad y la justicia. An independent judiciary is best ensured through the election process. Elections guarantee that the people, over whose cases the judges preside, maintain the power to qualify the effectiveness of the judiciary. The people, through guidance provided by groups such as the League of Women Voters, should determine who decides some of the most important issues in their lives. Pienso que el proceso de elección de jueces asegura un poder judicial independiente. Este proceso garantiza que la gente, cuyos casos preside el juez, mantengan la abilidad para calificar la efectividad del poder judicial. La genta, con la ayuda de grupos tales como la League of Women Voters, deberían determinar quien decide algunos de los problemas más importantes en sus vidas. In the Juvenile Courts, the Fair Defense Management Act System manages the appointment of attorneys to juvenile defendants based on a rotation system. Attorneys must apply for and qualify to be added to the System. I would strictly adhere to that system. For CPS cases, I would ensure that indigent clients receive representation fairly based on needs. En los Tribunales para Menores, el Fair Defense Act Management System manda la asignación de abogados para menores de edad acusados de conducta delincuente se base en un sistema rotatorio. Los abogados deben solicitar y calificar para ser incluídos en la lista. Yo me adheriría estricamente a ese sistema. Para los casos de CPS, me aseguraría que los clients indigentes reciban una representación justa basada en sus necesidades 313 th MARC ISENBERG I am an attorney who graduated from the University of Houston Law School in I then worked for legal aid for 5 years. I am the only candidate board certified in juvenile law, having tried every case from trespass to capital murder in juvenile court. Yo soy un abogado graduado de la escuela de leyes de la Universidad de Houston en Después, di cinco anos de servicio a Legal Aid. Soy el único candidato que esta certificado en leyes juveniles y he representado a jóvenes en todo tipo de casos. Juveniles facing criminal charges need attorneys who are the best qualified to handle their cases. The court must be streamlined to allow parents to return to work and juveniles to return to school as soon as possible. Jóvenes delincuentes enfrentando cargos criminales necesitan ser representados por abogados quienes so los más calificados. La Corte debe ser simplificada para permitir que padres regresen a sus trabajos y que los jóvenes regresen a sus estudios lo más pronto posible. It is unlikely that either major party will change the law to eliminate partisan election for judges. Therefore it is critical for organizations such as yours to educate voters on the competency of any candidates seeking election as judges. Es improbable que ningún partido político cambie la ley para eliminar elecciones partidarios para jueces. Entonces es crítico que organizaciones como la suya eduque a votantes sobre las calificaciones de candidatos para juez. I would appoint only the best qualified attorneys to represent juveniles according to the seriousness of the allegations against them. The Texas Fair Defense Act was passed to assist in this process but I have found judges in the juvenile courts ignoring the requirements of this law. Juveniles need the best qualified attorneys to represent them. Designaría solamente los abogados mas calificados para representar a jóvenes según la seriedad de las alegaciones contra ellos. El Acto de Defensa Justa de Texas fue creada para asistir en este proceso pero creo que jueces en las cortes juveniles ignoran los requisitos de esta ley. Jóvenes necesitan abogados más calificados quien los represente. NATALIE OAKES I am a parent of a teenage boy; I understand kids. I am a former schoolteacher; I understand the educational system. I've spent my entire legal career working in Juvenile Courts handling felonies, misdemeanors and cases for abused and neglected children (CPS cases); I understand the law. I want to focus on effective rehabilitation programs and fairness to achieve optimum results. Even with no support at home, juveniles can be guided to see their potential and contemplate their future. Juvenile Probation will track the success of these programs. Resources will be used on rehabilitative measures to prevent them entering the adult system at later date. Judges can continue to be elected, serving with term limits so as not to become entrenched in their power. When a Democrat or Republican is selected as judge, due to the party affiliation, the public has a good idea where this person stands on certain issues. The public should have a choice of which judges are affecting their lives. Lawyers certified to practice in Juvenile Courts are currently chosen on a rotation basis with a choice of 5 eligible lawyers for each appointment. The Court chooses one of those lawyers. Only lawyers qualified for that charged offense can be selected (Misdemeanor, 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree felony). When a court uses this rotation properly, the appointment system should work. Candidate replies are published without editing or verification. Each candidate is solely responsible for the content of the material submitted. 14 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

15 FAMILY DISTRICT JUDGE continued / Democratic Party JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 314TH 315TH Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? How would you select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in your court? JOHN STEPHEN LILES Graduate UT, South Texas College of Law; 27 years criminal and juvenile courts protecting children, preserving family, preparing juveniles as contributing members of society, promoting job training and after school activities through partnership and mentoring with the city, business community, neighborhood and community groups, school districts and churches. Recidivism of juvenile respondents due to untreated mental heath issues which can be addressed by increasing the participation of private sector mental health professionals. In addition, we need more job training programs to enhance respondents self-esteem and allow them to become contributing members of society by soliciting job internships and training from the private and corporate sectors. Publicly funded, non-partisan judicial elections drawing from candidates screened by a state bar of Texas qualifications committee. Preferably through a public defender system; however, until such system is in place, I would appoint language appropriate attorneys based on their certification, experience and ability, but never based on their political contributions, if any, to my campaign. 314 th DAVID LONGORIA BBA, Texas A&I, 1970; Juris Doctor, UofH, I am an Associate Judge with over 16 years of full-time judicial experience including 11+ years in Juvenile Court and currently 5+ years in Child Support Court. Please visit my website for more detail: davidlongoria.org BBA Texas A&I, 1970; Doctor en Jurisprudencia, U de H, 1972 Yo soy un Juez Asociado con más de 16 años de tiempo completo con experiencia Judicial incluyendo más de 11 años en los Tribunales Juveniles y actualmente más de 5 años en los Tribunales de Manutención de Menores. Para más detalles por favor visite mi página en la red (Website): davidlongoria.org Competency and advocacy of participants in and outside of the courtroom including lawyers, caseworkers and probation officers. I would work to make all participants in my court more accountable by requiring the highest standards of ethics, and attempt to remedy any deficiencies in their legal training by teaching and encouraging them to achieve a higher level of performance. Competencia y defensa de participantes dentro y fuera del Salón del Tribunal incluyendo abogados, asistente social y oficiales de probatoria. Yo trabajaré para que todos los participantes de mi Tribunal sean más responsables exigiéndoles los más altos niveles de ética e intentar remediar cualquier deficiencia dentro de su entrenamiento legal enseñándoles y alentarlos a alcanzar un nivel más alto de funcionamiento. I believe judges should either be elected in a non-partisan election, or be appointed by a Judicial Commission comprised of lawyers and lay persons, and then stand for retention elections every four years. These methods, although not perfect, could help minimize politics, emphasize qualifications, and help towards establishment of an independent judiciary. Yo creo que los Jueces deberían ser electos en elecciones apolíticas (non-partisan), o que sean nombrados por una comisión Judicial compuesta de abogados y personas seglares y luego quedarse e ir a elección cada cuatro años. Estos métodos, a pesar de que no son perfectos, pueden ayudar a minimizar políticas, enfatizar calificaciones y ayudar hacia el establecimiento de un sistema Judicial independiente. I would select only attorneys who have the required amount of legal training including drug, alcohol, and mental health components; meet with their clients sufficiently in advance of hearings; and truly perform well in court. I would limit the number of cases they are handling in my court so they can devote the appropriate time each case deserves. Yo seleccionaría solamente abogados que tengan la cantidad requerida de entrenamiento legal incluyendo drogas, alcohol y componentes de salud mental; que se reunan con sus clientes con suficiente antelación a las audiencias que actúen verdaderamente bien en el Tribunal. Yo les limitaría el número de casos que ellos estén manejando en mi Tribunal para que puedan dedicar el tiempo apropiado que cada caso merece. 315 th BILL THURSLAND BA Georgetown University 1976; JD, South Texas College of Law; 1981; 28 years of trial experience. Specialized in handling CPS cases representing both children and parents at the trial and appellate level. I am qualified to represent juveniles in all levels of delinquency cases, including capital murders and appeals. 28 años de experiencia en juicios. Especializado en el manejo de casos de CPS en los cual se representa a ambos los niños y los padres al nivel del juicio y la apelación. Estoy calificado para representar a los menores en todos los niveles de casos de delincuencia, incluidos los homicidios y las apelaciones. The most critical issue is restoring people's faith in the justice system. The integrity of the judiciary was tarnished by a local judge's recent conviction on an official suppression charge. Particularly, in the juvenile courts, where the majority of the litigants are indigent, justice must be administered indiscriminately and compassionately because every decision has a profound effect on children's lives. La cuestión más importante es restablecer la fe del pueblo en el sistema de justicia. La integridad del poder judicial se vio empañada por la reciente condena a un juez local en la supresión de un cargo oficial. En particular, en los tribunales de menores, donde la mayoría de los litigantes están en la indigencia, la justicia debe ser administrada de manera indiscriminada y con compasión, porque cada decisión tiene un profundo efecto en la vida de los niños. The current method of selecting judges in partisan elections is flawed. In order to run a viable campaign judges must solicit contributions which often come from attorneys who practice before them. This gives the appearance of impropriety. I support a system where judges are first elected in non-partisan elections and then stand for re-election in retention elections. El método actual de escoger jueces en las elecciones partidarias es errónea. Con el fin de ejecutar una campaña viable jueces tienen que solicitar contribuciones, que a menudo provienen de los abogados que se presentan ante ellos. Esto da la apariencia de impropiedad. Yo apoyo un sistema donde los jueces son elegidos por primera vez en las elecciones no partidistas y luego presentarse a la reelección en las elecciones de retención. I support the establishment a public defender's office which removes the responsibility of selecting attorneys from the judge. Under the current system, I will strictly adhere to the requirements of the Fair Defense Act and appoint only experienced and competent counsel to represent indigent juveniles. I will also appoint spanish speaking attorneys to spanish speaking families. Yo apoyo la creación una oficina de defensor público, que elimina la responsabilidad de seleccionar los abogados de la juez. Bajo el sistema actual, adherire estrictamente a los requisitos de la Ley de Defensa Justa y nombrar solamente abogados experimentados y competentes para representar a los menores indigentes. También voy a nombrar a los abogados que hablan español para representar a las familias que hablan español. KEITH BRANCH I have a Bachelor s degree in Sociology, Master s Degree in Social Work and Doctorate of Jurisprudence. I am licensed by the State Bar of Texas, United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and certified by the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission. Since 1990 I practice civil, criminal and (///). Why there are myriad of important issues the most expense issue to taxpayers is court efficiency particularly docket resets. For instance each time a youth in detention case is reset it cost the taxpayers in access of $ per day until the case is deposed of. I plan to reduce the practice of automatic resets and to personally handle all (///). Judges should be elected by single member districts similar to Justice of Peace Courts. Through single member districts the judges would be representative of the people that they serve and not concentrate from one particular section of the county. Judges should non-partisan. First of all I support a Public Defender System however in lieu of a PDS I would select attorneys using the following criteria: Attorneys would be required to undergo an extensive training; Rank attorneys by levels based on their experiences and certifications; Attorney must successfully pass an annual performance appraisal. Appoint attorneys for Juvenile and CPS earlier in the process. COUNTY JUDGE / Democratic Party This judge resides over commissioners court, which has budgetary and administrative authority over county government operations. This office is responsible for calling elections, posting election notices and for receiving and canvassing the election returns. The county judge may perform marriages. This office is also head of civil defense and disaster relief, and county welfare. The County judge is elected for a four-year term. COUNTY Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) GORDON QUAN Gordon Quan was raised in Houston and is a graduate of H.I.S.D, UT (BA), UH (M.Ed) and the South Texas College of Law(J.D). He served on Houston City Council ( ) and was voted Council Member of the Year by HPOU, Friend of the Homeless, Bridge Builder. Gordon has consistently (///) What are three important issues facing the county at this time? How would you address them? Economic development: We need to recruit more large companies and make helping small and medium sized businesses a priority. More small and medium sized businesses will provide the rapid job growth Harris county needs. Justice System: We need to stop the revolving door system at county jails, and work on removing the homeless and mentality ill from the criminal justice (///) QUESTIONS TO Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) AHMAD HASSAN I have a Juris Doctorate in law, a Bachelor of Science in human resources management and have an undergraduate degree in engineering. I am a natural and responsible leader. Furthermore, I am a people s person, with a talent that allows me to arbitrate and mediate between various situations. Please see (///) What are three important issues facing the county at this time? How would you address them? Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Economic growth and fiscal responsibility. Improved quality of life. Addressing property taxes (Formal and informal review, should be the same day). League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 15

16 COUNTY COURT AT LAW JUDGE / Democratic Party Has jurisdiction over all civil causes and proceedings, original and appellate prescribed by law for county courts. Each judge is elected for a four-year term. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? ERICA M. GRAHAM I graduated cum laude from Tulane Law School. I have practiced civil litigation in Houston for over 12 years. I have represented clients in both state and federal courts in counties throughout Texas in litigation involving toxic tort, environmental, employment, personal injury, oil and gas and general commercial claims. Docket overcrowding and backlog, which I would strive to alleviate by: 1) creating a submission docket, which allows motions to be decided upon the papers submitted, unless a hearing is requested; 2) utilizing pre-trial diversion methods early in the life of matters; and 3) giving serious consideration to and granting viable motions for summary judgment in appropriate cases. I believe that holding public elections is the most appropriate mechanism for selecting an independent judiciary, because the citizens of the community have the opportunity to be involved in the selection process and are ultimately the ones who decide which Judges will preside over the cases that directly affect their lives. COURT 1 STEVE REILLEY Law and undergraduate degrees from the University of Texas. Mediator certification from University of Houston. Lead counsel representing Plaintiffs and Defendants in nearly 2,000 cases. Jury trial experience in federal and state court. Volunteer lawyer for those in need, including Hurricane Ike victims. Licenciatura en leyes de la Universidad de Tejas. Certificación de Mediador de la Universidad de Houston. Abogado principal representando demandantes y demandados en casi 2,000 demandas. Experiencia en juicios de jurados en cortes federales y estatales. Voluntario como abogado para aquellos con necesidad, incluyendo victimas del Huracán Ike. We must restore trust in our courts, which are tarnished by scandal and concern that those who contribute the most to judicial campaigns have an unfair advantage in court. We need experienced and unbiased judges, who acknowledge this problem. We must bring transparency to the courts all contributions, appointments, and court orders should be published on the internet. Debemos restablecer confianza en nuestras cortes, cuales están empañadas por escándalo y preocupación que los que contribuyen más a las campañas judiciales tienen una ventaja injusta en las cortes. Necesitamos jueces imparciales y con experiencia, que reconozcan estos problemas. Debemos traer transparencia a las cortes - toda contribución, nombramiento, y mandato judicial debe ser publicado en el internet. The judicial selection process should be considered and controlled by Texas voters not by judges. As long as we have an elected judiciary, we must restore trust in our courts by bringing transparency to process all contributions, appointments, and court orders should be readily available for public scrutiny allowing the voters to make a more informed decision. El proceso de selección judicial debe ser considerado y controlado por todos los votantes de Tejas. - no por los jueces. Siempre en cuando tengamos una judicatura elegida, debemos restablecer confianza en nuestras cortes trayendo transparencia para procesar - toda contribución, nombramiento, y mandato judicial debe estar fácilmente disponible para inspección pública permitiendo que a los votantes hagan una decisión más informada. CHERYL ELLIOTT THORNTON I have my BA from Trinity University, MA from St. Mary s University and JD from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. I have been a practicing attorney for over 23 years, serving as Administrative Law Judge and Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas and General Counsel for a university. The most critical area is fairness within the courts. In order to address this issue, I would issue summary judgment motions only when warranted, and allow both parties the opportunity to be heard. Further, I would not formulate opinions based upon the color of one s skin, one s gender or one s economic circumstance. Currently, we have the system of electing judges because the system of appointing judges disproportionately discriminated against ethnic minorities and women. Until such history is corrected, the election of judges, as hard as that process is, is the best system in place. COURT 2 DAMIAN E. LACROIX I received a JD from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 2000 and a BBA in Finance from Texas A&M University in I am a litigation Attorney. My practice focuses on commercial and civil litigation and business and real estate transactions. I represent both plaintiffs and defendants. Recibi un doctorado de los juris de Southern Methodist University School of Law en 2000 y un bachiller en finanzas de Texas A&M University en Soy un abogado de litigacion. Mi experiencia enfoque en litigacion comercial y civil, y en tramitaciones comerciales y de bienes raices. Crowded dockets. There are only four County Civil Courts in Harris County. A case can linger for two years before going to trial. This increases the cost to the parties and overburdens the courts. In this regard, it is my goal to resolve all cases within eighteen months by way of mediation or trial. Listas de causas pendientes llenas. Hay solo 4 cortes civiles del condado en el Condado Harris. Un caso puede tardar dos anos antes de llegar al corte. Asi aumenta el costo para los participantes y sobrecarga los cortes. Por eso, es mi meta de resolver todos los casos entre 18 meses por medio de mediacion o jucio del corte. Elections. The right of the people to elect their judges based on each candidate s qualifications, experience and temperament better ensures an independent judiciary. Elecciones. El derecho del pueblo de eligir sus juezes basado en las calificaciones, la experiencia, y el temperamento de cada uno, asegura mejor una judicatura independiente. 4 COURT 3 DAMON CRENSHAW For 24 years I have practiced civil trial law representing plaintiffs and defendants, giving me a balanced and fair perspective. I have had over 1000 cases and over 50 trials. Certified mediator. JD South Texas College of Law; BBA, Accounting, Texas A&M University. DamonCrenshawForJudge.com He practicado las leyes civiles por 24 años, y he representado a demandantes y demandados. He manejado más de 1000 casos y más de 50 juicios. Soy mediador, también tengo un doctorado en leyes de South Texas College of Law y un título de contador de la Universidad de Texas A&M. DamonCrenshawForJudge.com JAVIER VALENZUELA I graduated from TCU and South Texas College of Law. I am a civil litigator of nearly 10 years with trial experience. I am a certified civil and family mediator. I have a general law practice and I am committed and dedicated to creating a positive professional environment in court. Me recibí de TCU y de la Escuela de Leyes de South Texas College. Tengo cerca de 10 años de experiencia en litigio civil. Tengo certificaciones como mediador civil y de lo familiar. También cuento con experiencia de leyes en general y me he propuesto y comprometido a crear un ambiente positivo y profesional en la corte. BRUCE MOSIER RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COURT AT LAW 4 The courthouse must be open and fair to all, regardless of personal traits or community status. All staff, lawyers, and parties should know this is the people s court. I will be fair to all, honest and hard-working. Appointment of special commissioners should reflect county diversity. Court administration and rulings will be impartial and efficient. Las cortes deben de estar disponibles y ser justas para todos. Las cortes le pertenecen a la comunidad. Yo trabajaré duro y seré justo y honesto. Para las disputas de valores de propiedad, Yo asignare a las personas que reflejen la diversidad de la comunidad. Las decisiones legales serán eficientes, imparciales y justas. The most critical issue involves the human factor. Judges must be consistent in their administration of justice. They must make the choice to consider each case conscientiously without ideological predisposition. I will make the choice everyday to listen to the litigants and base decisions on facts and law rendering swift, just and impartial judgments. I am committed to this proposition. La cuestión más importante es el factor humano. Los jueces deben demostrar un modo consistente al administrar la ley. Deben elegir el considerar cada caso conscientemente y sin predisposiciones ideológicas. Yo tomare la decisión de escuchar a los litigantes diariamente y basar mis decisiones en los hechos y la ley de representación de una manera pronta, justa e imparcial. Estoy comprometido a esta propuesta. Each method of judicial selection has benefits and flaws. I prefer non-partisan election of judges. Citizens, rather than political insiders, would choose the judges. Candidates would be compelled to reach out to voters rather than political insiders. Elections would not be overly influenced by straight party voters who have no interest or knowledge of judicial candidates. Todos los métodos de como seleccionar a los jueces tienen ventajas y desventajas. Yo prefiero que las elecciones sean sin ninguna afiliación a partidos políticos. Si fuera de esta manera, los candidatos tendrían que buscar el apoyo de los votantes y no de los políticos. Las elecciones no serian tan influenciadas por los votantes que votan por un partido o por el otro sin conocimiento de las calificaciones de While there are pros and cons with any method of selecting judges, Texas has opted to elect our judges. I feel that if the public has enough information about us as candidates and our individual judicial philosophies then they will make wise choices. For more information about my candidacy please visit Aun cuando hay pros y contras con cualquier método de selección de jueces, Texas ha optado por el método de elecciones. En mi opinión, si el publico tiene suficiente información sobre nosotros los candidatos y nuestras filosofías judiciales, entonces la elección de la población será optima. Para información de cómo contactarme favor de dirigirse a 16 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

17 COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW JUDGE / Democratic Party Has jurisdiction over all criminal causes and proceedings, original and appellate prescribed by law for county courts. Each judge is elected for a four-year term. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? How would you select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in your court? BEVERLY D. MELONTREE Education: Tyler Junior College, A.A. (Cum Laude), 1980 East Texas State University, B.S., 1983 University of Houston, J.D., 1990 Occupation: Travis County and District Attorney s Office, Austin, Texas ( ); Director of the Oil Spill Division (Environmental Law criminal prosecution) at the Texas General Land Office ( ); Linebarger, Heard, Goggan, Blair, Pena (///) I feel that the bond schedule, mandatory interlock devices and pre-trial services are the most critical. First time offenders should be entitled to a personal bond on minor crimes and more serious crimes committed should have a reasonable bond. At all times, the victim s and defendant s welfare should be taken into consideration. Also, repeat offender s bonds should be reasonable so (///) A bipartisan election system ensures an independent judiciary. It gives the judge the opportunity to rule on his or her beliefs by following the law and the evidence presented and not in compliance with his or her party affiliation. I will use the court system s wheel. I will control that process and not the court coordinator. Favoritism is very apparent amongst certain attorneys and coordinators. This favoritism at times is not beneficial to the defendant. I will select competent attorneys that appear on the wheel for the month. Also, I will be fair and give each and every attorney (///) COURT 1 ANTHONY LIMITONE I obtained a Master s Degree in Criminal Justice. I obtained a law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, ranked fifth in my class. Initially, I worked as a Senior Trial Attorney for the U.S.E.E.O.C. I have been practicing law for 26 years; 20+ of which are primarily criminal law. The congested court dockets delay administration of justice. Reducing the docket by limiting the time and number of resets of cases and creating ancillary courts exclusively handling the large volume of DWI cases will ensure a more efficient and fair processing of defendants and protection of victim rights. I believe that nonpartisan election of judges would ensure a more diverse field of judicial candidates and minimize partisan politics and promote independent interpretation of the law. I would follow the computerized rotation system established from a public appointment list of qualified attorneys. If a defendant had special needs, e.g.,mental llness or unusual language or cultural needs, I would appoint attorneys who are trained or familiar with the issues so as to properly manage and facilitate the accused s progression through the criminal justice system. LOUIS MCWHERTER I have a Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University and a Juris Doctorate from Texas Southern University, Thrurgill Marshall School of Law. I have been a practicing attorney for 34 years from 1976 until the present. I have represent over a thousand clients, and have tried all classes of (///). One is the most critical issues facing the courts throughout the country is citizen interest and participation. I believe that our schools should emphasize the need the importance of citizen participation in the jury system as well voting in national and local elections. Of course we need to take an interest in the election of good judges. I think the present system works when our citizenry take an interest in our judiciary. There has been a lot of talk about a blue ribbon panel selection of judges, but such a system probably would name qualified candidates, but may omit a true cross section of our society. I would select attorney that would well represent their client rather than one that might try to enter into a quick deal that may circumvent the rights of the accused. COURT 2 MILES J. LEBLANC I am a Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School graduate. I served as an Assistant District Attorney for over six years in Taylor County, Texas, where I prosecuted felony offenses ranging from DWI to murder. As a prosecutor, I handled over 1000 criminal matters and tried almost 60 cases. MARY CONNEALY ACOSTA I have a BBA, MBA and J.D. I worked my way through school and raised my child as a single parent. I have been practicing criminal law since I was licensed in I work in both state and federal court. I support the creation of a Harris County Public Defender s Office. There is a wide degree of variability in competence and experience among court appointed attorneys. The administration of the criminal justice system in Harris County would be more efficient and equitable if there were a Public Defender s Office to provide indigent defendants with effective counsel. Dockets are really large at this time. I would be available to have afternoon dockets. I would also be willing to come to court earlier to start court at an earlier time to get more case heard. I support the creation of an independent and bi-partisan judicial commission that would screen and appoint judicial candidates for appointment to a court for an initial four year term. Appointed judges would earn reappointment for subsequent terms by winning retention elections in which voters would mark yes or no on a ballot as to whether the judge should be retained. Judges should not be selected based on their political party but their qualifications. I would require that any attorney seeking court appointments in my court to provide me with a resume detailing his/her criminal law experience and to schedule an interview. I would appoint only attorneys who I deem to be competent. It is my duty as a judge to ensure that defendants with appointed counsel are well represented. The county has a screening process for attorneys to be appointed to represent indigent defendants. From the list of attorneys selected I would choose the most qualified from the list. COURT 3 JUDITH SNIVELY I have a B.A. from Ohio State University and law degree from South Texas College of Law. I have practiced law since 1987 and have handled over 3,000 criminal cases as a defense attorney in the Harris County Criminal Courts. I speak Spanish which is an invaluable asset. Soy diplomada de Ohio State University y he recibido la liceciatura en derecho de South Texas College of Law. He practicado como abogada desde He manejado más de 3000 casos criminales como defensora en los tribunales penales del condado de Harris. Hablo español, lo cual es de incalculable valor. We need to implement a system whereby more pretrial bonds are issued. We have overcrowded jails. In proper situations we should take the burden from the tax payers and release more individuals pending resolution of their cases. I would strive to get these individuals back to their families and jobs. Deberíamos implementar un sistema donde se otorguen más fianzas previas al juicio. Nuestras cárceles están con su capacidad excedida. En casos apropiados, deberíamos reducir la carga del costo al contribuyente y dejar en libertad a más individuos con casos pendientes. Me esforzaría por conseguir que estos individuos puedan volver a sus familias y trabajos. The voters should continue to elect their judges so that we maintain our democracy. A possible improvement could be the nonpartisan election of the judiciary much like the system used presently to elect municipal officials in Houston. Los votantes deberían continuar eligiendo a sus jueces para mantener nuestra democracia. Una posible mejora sería la elección de jueces sin afiliación a partidos políticos, como lo es en el sistema de elección de cargos municipales en Houston. Until such time as we have a Public Defender s Office I would use the method set up by the Texas Fair Defense Act passed in 2001 by the Texas Legislature. In order to be selected for the program a defense attorney must apply and meet certain criteria to be qualified and eligible to represent indigent defendants. Hasta que tengamos una Oficina de Defensoria Pública, yo usaría el método establecido por la Ley de Defensa Justa de Texas aprobada en el 2001 por la legislatura de Texas. Para poder ser seleccionado a participar en el sistema, todo abogado defensor debe aplicar y cumplir con ciertos criterios para ser calificado y apto para defender a acusados indigentes. LLOYD WAYNE OLIVER NO RESPONSE RECEIVED 4-8 ALFRED G. AL LEAL RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 4 ALFRED BUD VALDEZ RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 5 DENISE SPENCER RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 6 SHELIA ACOSTA RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 7 EUGENE NEWSOM RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 8 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 17

18 COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW JUDGE continued / Democratic Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? How would you select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in your court? JUANITA JACKSON BARNER B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Alabama, J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law Over 11 years legal experience Former Texas Assistant Attorney General Handled over 850 criminal cases. Practice dedicated exclusively to criminal law. Certified for court appointments in all Harris County courts The most critical administrative judicial issue facing Harris County courts is the overcrowding of our county jails with non-violent defendants. I will address overcrowding by assuring that qualified defendants accused of minor offenses receive personal bonds and that non-violent mentally ill defendants are evaluated timely to receive the help that they need instead of languishing in our county jail. I believe to better ensure an independent judiciary, our judicial elections should be non-partisan, similar to our city elections. An innovative, beneficial idea would be to have each candidate evaluated by an independent board which would determine if they meet minimum qualifications. The qualified candidates would then run for election without any political party affiliation. Although my selection of court appointed attorneys will be somewhat limited by the Fair Defense Act, I will require each attorney accepting appointments in Court #9 to thoroughly represent their client. Each will be required to determine the defendant s mental health status, their qualification for personal bond and community supervision and to thoroughly investigate the facts. COURT 9 SILVIA PUBCHARA-MUNOZ 24 years exclusively practicing criminal law, first as Ft. Bend assistant district attorney and later as a criminal defense lawyer. Handled thousands of cases and over 60 jury trials in State and Federal Courts. BA University of Houston, Law Degree, South Texas College of Law, SilviaForJudge.com Por 24 años he practicado solamente las leyes penales. Primero como Fiscal en Fort Bend County y luego como abogada criminalista. He manejado miles de casos criminales y he tenido más de 60 juicios por jurado. Obtuve mi título en Ciencias Políticas en la Universidad de Houston y mi Doctorado en Leyes en South Texas College of Law Currently in misdemeanor courts the main issues are proper representation of indigent defendants and adjustment of bail system. Personal recognizance bonds should be used when appropriate. These changes would help prevent innocent people from pleading guilty just to get out of jail. I would not assign too many cases to court appointed lawyers. El principal problema de las cortes que manejan los casos de crimines menores como en esta corte, es la representación legal adecuada de los acusados indigentes. Las fianzas dadas por la corte deben ser usadas cuando el caso lo amerita. Estos cambios ayudarían a que las personas inocentes se declaren culpables solo por salir de la cárcel. No le daré a un abogado de oficio demasiados caso para que puedan representar al acusado propiamente There are good and bad points to the different systems. I prefer non-partisan election of judges. I would prefer higher levels of relevant experience before a lawyer can run for judge. Now, 5 year lawyers who have never done criminal defense work can run for criminal benches. Under the present system I would select the most qualified lawyers. I will not accept contributions from lawyers I appoint in my court. I favor a properly funded public defenders office. COURT 10 GRANT U. HARDEWAY, SR. I have a B.B.A concentration in Accounting School of Business, TSU 1969; Thurgood Marshall School of Law, I am a Lawyer who has been licensed in excess of 36 years. I have had the privilege of representing the citizens of this and other counties within the state of Texas (///) LORI CHAMBERS GRAY I receive the doctor of jurisprudence degree from South Texas College of Law. Over the past 20 years I have handled many criminal cases. I have defended people from all walks of life and desire to serve all people in the spirit of justice with compassion. It is my belief that the most critical issue to the administration of justice is the lack of proper usage of a courtroom. When elected the courtroom will be utilized from 9am 5pm Monday through Friday in order to decrease the backload of cases, thereby better serving the administration of justice as well as the citizens of Harris County. A critical issue facing the courts is the mentally ill and homeless that enters the revolving door of the Harris County courts. I would implement a computer program to identify and track these individuals and provided services to them. Over time this would save the taxpayers of Harris County. It is my fervent belief that judges should be elected by district, i.e. if you live in a district such as Independent Heights, Woodland Heights, Studewood Heights and little adjacent districts thereto, then you would have a candidate from that area running to represent that district court and the people that constitute that district like the state of Louisiana. Which (///) Incorporating peer review with community input would be helpful and add oversite. The more the public knows about the judiciary the more they would become involved. The public is smart. We can do a better job of letting them know about the inner workings of the courts. We must be accountable to the public and not special interest. I truly believe in order to circumvent lawyers feeling obligated to the court we should enact the public defender system. This would keep total independence between parties, that is the district attorney, defense attorney and the court. The fair defense management system is a good start. I would personally invite the attorney s working in my court to a monthly afternoon brown bag lunch to discuss our respective concerns and goals. Currently there is no such dialog between the attorneys and the court. I believe communication is the key and would be very helpful. 11 MARK DIAZ RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 11 COURT 12 CHERYL HARRIS DIGGS I am a graduate of Georgetown University (5/1992) and the University of Houston Law Center (12/1997). I have been licensed since 5/1/1998. I handle criminal cases in state and federal court. I speak Spanish. I was a bilingual pretrial officer for Harris County Pretrial Services from 1992 to Graduo de la Universidad de Georgetown mayo 1992 y la Universidad de Houston Facultad de Derechos diciembre Recibio mi licencia 1 de mayo Soy abogada de ley criminal en las cortes estatales y federales. Yo hablo espanol. Trabajaba para el Condado de Harris desde 1992 a Docket management. Ensuring that every defendant gets their ay in court is more important than the number of pending cases on the docket. Defense attorneys, prosecutors and defendants are pressured to resolve cases quickly. It takes time to investigate cases. I will not force quick pleas or quick trials in my court. Gestion de los casos. Es mas importante para los acusados a recibir justicia. Abogados defensores, la fiscalia, y los acusados son presionados a terminan los casos rapidamente. Ellos necesitan tiempo para investigar los datos de los casos. Yo no voy a fuerzar declaraciones de cupable rapidos y no voy a fuerzar juicios con jurados rapidos en mi corte. I believe that electing judges ensures an independent judiciary. Non-partisan elections could ensure even more judicial independence. Limiting attorney campaign contributions in courts where attorneys regularly practice would impact judicial independence. Appointing judges sets a scenario where appointees would feel obligated to be loyal to the governing body s political party. Yo creo que elecciones de los jueces asegura poder judicial independiente. Elecciones sin los partidos politicas pueden asegurar mas poder judicial independiente. Un sistema de jueces designados pueden crear un sistema donde los designados van a ser fiel al partido politica que esta en el poder. I would refer to the approved list of attorneys eligible for appointments provided by the administrative office of the Harris County Courts. Once a public defender s office is established, then I would use public defenders if their services are available for use by the county criminal courts. I would also use third year law students in clinical programs. Yo voy a usar el guia de los abogados aprobados a recibir cases designados del Condado de Harris. Cuando el oficina del defensor publico se abra, yo voy a usar los defensores publicos si los jueces en las cortes criminals del condado pueden usarlos. Tambien, yo voy a usar los estudiantes en el tercer ano del studio de los derechos. ROBERT 'BOB' CARDENAS Educated at UT-Austin, Michigan Law School. Native Houstonian, bi-lingual, experienced trial attorney. I have worked as a prosecutor and public defender. I am a mediator and arbitrator. I have practiced in over twenty-five counties throughout the state and know what makes a good court and judge. Probation. Probationers are currently being given probationary conditions on a an assembly line basis, as though one size fits all. I would screen all individuals seeking probation. I would tailor their probation conditions to meet their needs. I would review their progress every two months. I want them to succeed. I want probationers to leave my court knowing they ve changed. The Missouri plan, where attorneys chose judges and only had them face periodic recall elections, is entirely too secretive. Voters should choose their judges. The problem is money. The source of each campaign contribution should be posted on the internet. I want to know each donors employment and have candidates post their donations weekly. I would interview them. I would ask them about their experience. Specifically, I would be looking for attorneys who were combining their criminal law experience with their knowledge in areas such as mental health, immigration law or substance abuse. I would pay attention to their enthusiasm and make sure that the attorneys chosen had a genuine interest in the welfare (///). 18 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

19 COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW JUDGE continued / Democratic Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? How would you select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in your court? COURT 13 JOHN O SULLIVAN BA: JD: Practicing attorney for the past 25 years in the Criminal and Civil Courts. I have handled thousands of cases and have an in depth knowledge of the Substantive Laws: the Penal Code and Codes of Procedure and Rules of Evidence. DENNIS SLATE I have a BS from Texas A&M and a law degree from University of Houston. I have practiced criminal law since I am currently an Associate Judge for the cities of Houston and Pearland. You can read about my qualifications and judicial philosophy at Clogged dockets: the arbitrary application of the laws: the disparate dispensation of justice among the courts and slow elevators in the Justice Center. I would adhere to the principles laid down by the Constitution, the objectives of the Penal Code, the Rules of Criminal Procedure and Evidence. This would promote judicial economy and fairness to defendants and victims. Indigent defense. We need to have a public defender s office in Harris County; set up in the model of the Federal Public Defender. The judges, citizens, and the County Commissioners need to push for this reform. We can use the tax dollars paid to appointed attorneys to fund the PD s office, to ensure better representation and services to the indigent. The election process as we have today. I believe voting for judges is better than appointing judges. Citizens need to have a voice in who makes the types of decisions judges make. I believe that if the party identifier was removed from the races, which would then eliminate the ability to vote a straight ticket, that people would study the ballot more closely before placing their votes. The current protocol assures a fair and qualified pool of attorneys. These attorneys are screened and tested to determine a level of competency. They have to maintain mandatory annual continuing legal education in criminal law. The judge selects attorneys from a computer generated array. (I oppose the creation of a public defender office.) I would personally interview any attorney interested in indigent appointments in my court. I would ensure they were capable and experienced for the type and nature of the cases I may appoint them. I would maintain a list of the qualified lawyers and monitor their cases. I would require these lawyers to maintain their continuing education requirements in criminal law LEE HARPER WILSON RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 14 TONI MARTINEZ INGVERSON RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 15 HARRIS COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE / Democratic Party This court has jurisdiction over the probation of wills, appointment of guardians, and the settlement partition and distribution of estates. Probate Courts Nos. 3 and 4 share processing of the mental illness dockets with staff support by Court No. 3. Each judge is elected for a four-year term. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? 1 KATHY STONE RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COURT NO. 1 COURT. NO. 2 JOELLEN SNOW Law Degree: UT School of Law, 1978; Master of Public Affairs: LBJ School at UT, 1979; attorney in private practice in Houston, 30 years, exclusively in probate, guardianship, and estate planning for the past 20 years; Associate Municipal Court Judge, City of Houston, for the past 27 years. Titulo de Derecho: UT School of Law, 1978; Titulo de Maestría en Asuntos Públicos: LBJ School at UT, 1979; Abogado con Bufete Particular en Houston, 30 años, exclusivamente en asuntos testamentarios, de guardián, y planeamiento de herencia por los últimos 20 años ; Juez Asociado de Tribunal Municipal, Ciudad de Houston, por los últimos 27 años. MICHAEL J. SKADDEN International probate and corporate lawyer in practice since Fluent in Spanish and French; offices in Houston and Madrid. Courses taught on probate and other matters. MA, Rice (1977), PhD, Texas (1984), JD, Texas (1986). Extensive pro-bono civil rights work. Very active in Democratic politics: legislative candidate in Abogado empresarial y de sucesiones de derecho privado desde Español y francés corriente;despachos en Houston y Madrid. He enseñado numerosos cursos sobre el derecho de sucesiones y otros temas. MA, Rice (1977), PhD, Texas (1984), JD, Texas (1986). He hecho mucho trabajo gratis en pro de los derechos civiles. Muy activo en el partido Demócrata: candidato legislativo en Impropriety when judges favor attorneys and parties who are major campaign contributors. The probate courts should establish a uniform system for appointment of attorneys, maintain the maximum fee schedule, and limit total fees. Judges should be required to recuse themselves in cases where a participant is a major contributor. Campaign contribution limits should be made mandatory. Impropiedad cuando jueces favorecen a abogados y a partes quienes son contribuyentes notables a campañas. Los Tribunales Testamentarios deben establecer un sistema de una forma única para el nombramiento de abogados y mantener el límite máximo de la lista de honorarios y poner un límite al total de los honorarios. Se debe requerir a los jueces a recusarse en tales casos cuando un participante es un contribuyente notable. Limites a contribuciones a campañas deben ser mandatorios. First, reform to make the probate courts more user friendly and cheaper for those who resolve their estates by streamlining procedures. Second, the filing system must be computerized. Third, the courts must be welcoming to all persons, regardless of class, race or gender, and strictly impartial. See www. michaelskadden.com and Primero, reformas para que el tribunal sea de uso más fácil para el ciudadano y mas económico para los que tienen que resolver sus sucesiones. Segundo, los archivos han de ser informatizados. Tercero, los tribunales tienen que estar abiertos a todos, sea cual sea su clase, raza o género, y absolutamente imparciales. Vea y It is nearly impossible for voters to cast educated votes in all 65 contested judicial races on the Harris County ballot. I favor selection of judges by a bipartisan diverse commission with retention elections allowing voters to terminate them if necessary. This system would produce more consistently qualified judges and eliminate the influence of campaign contributors. Es casi imposible que los votantes votan de una manera informada en cada una de las 65 carreras judiciales con contendientes que aparecerán en la balota del Condado de Harris. Yo prefiero una selección de jueces por una comisión diversa y bipartidista con elecciones de retención que permiten a los votantes de terminarlas si sea necesario. Este sistema produciría jueces calificados con más consistencia y además eliminaría la influencia de de los contribuyentes de campañas. It would be best for the governor to appoint judges, subject to approval of the State Senate and to voter recall by referendum. The current elective system leads to the suspicion of corruption and influence by contributions to judicial elections, and voters generally don t know the candidates. The most popular lawyer will not necessarily make the best judge. Sería mejor que los nombrara el gobernador, sujeto a la aprobación del senado del estado y a la posibilidad de destitución por referendum popular. El actual sistema de elecciones lleva a sospechas de corrupción y influencias por las donaciones a las campañas judiciales, y los votantes generalmente no conocen a los candidatos. El abogado mas popular no es necesariamente el mejor juez. YOU MAY TAKE THE VOTERS GUIDE INTO THE VOTING BOOTH! Since 1995, there s no law prohibiting printed materials in the polling place. League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 19

20 COURT. NO. 3 HARRIS COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE / Democratic Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) PRISCILLA WALTERS I m a native Texan with a Nursing degree from TWU and a law degree from the University of Houston. I ve been a civil trial lawyer for 19 years. I can do a better job for this community as Probate Judge. I will provide fair, common sense, financially efficient service. Favor describer su educacion, su ocupacion y capacitacion de experience que lo qualifique para esta posicion. Soy nativa de Texas con una Licenciatura en Enfermeria de TWU y una Licenciatura de Leyes de la Universidad de Houston. He sido abogada civil por 19 anos. Yo puedo major ayudar a la comunidad como Juez de Sucesiones. Seria yo justa y mi servicio seria eficiente financialmente. MARY GALLIGAN A graduate of the University of Houston Law School, Mary Galligan is a board certified attorney who has been practicing in probate courts for over 22 years. Mary is a founder of law firm, Galligan & Manning, and an adjunct professor at South Texas College of Law. Graduada de la Universidad de Houston Escuela de Leyes, Mary Galligan es una abogada certificada por la comision que ha estado practicando en cortes de legalizacion por más de 22 años. Mary is fundadora de la agencia de abogados, Galligan & Manning, y profesora adjunta en South Texas College of Law. What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? The Courts are too expensive and the judges play favorites. In Probate Court 3, I would start a pro bono program for those who cannot afford a lawyer. I would also start an Ombudsperson program so that there is system to address public complaints and suggestions for the Court. Las cortes hoy en dia cuestan demasiado y los jueces hacen muchos favores. En el Juzgado Testmentario Numero 3 yo empezaria un programa realizado gratuitamente para las personas que no tienen suficientes fondos. Tambien empezaria un programa de defensor del pueblo para tener un sistema para dirigir quejas y sugencias para la corte. Campaign contributions to judges by attorneys who appear before them create the impression that justice is for sale. I have taken a pledge not to accept campaign contributions from attorneys who regularly practice in probate court. If elected, I will continue this pledge for future elections. Las contribuciones de campaña a los jueces de parte de abogadas que aparecen en frente de sus cortes da una impresión que justicia está a la vente. Me compromitdo a no acceptar contribuciones de campaña departe de abogados que regularmente practican en cortes de legalizacion. Si elegida, continauare con esta promesa en futuras eleciones. What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? Public election of Judges ensures the most independent judiciary. In Texas, appointed Judges serve in the Federal Courts for life. If they are not doing a good job, there is no way to fire them. If an elected Judge is performing poorly or unfairly, the people can vote them out of office. La eleccion publica de los jueces seria lo que mas daria aseguranza de un juzgado independiente. En Tejas, los jueces son designados por vida. Si estos jueces no estan haciendo su trabajo bien no hay ningun metodo de despedirlos. Si este juez fuera seleccionado por la gente, la gente misma podria votarlos fuera del juzgado. The two most important goals in judicial selection are independence and accountability. Independence could be achieved through the creation of a commission which selects candidates eligible for appointment by the governor. Accountability could be achieved by requiring that the commission be elected, then after a term of years, the public would vote on whether to retain the judges or not. Los dos objetivos más importante para la selecion judicial es la independencia y reponsabilidad. Independencia puede ser alcanzada por la creación de una comisión que selecciona candidatos que luego pueden ser designados por el gobernador. Responsabilidad puede ser alcanzada si la comisión es elegida, y despues de un período de años, el público vota si conserver o no los jueces. 4 CNTY TAMMY MANNING RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COURT NO. 4 DISTRICT CLERK / Democratic Party LOREN JACKSON RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK COUNTY CLERK / Democratic Party This department keeps the public records of the county, including those filed by the general public with the County Clerk and all records of actions of Commissioners Court, the probate courts, the county court and county civil courts-at-law. The clerk handles all special and general elections called by the county and provides for assignment of voting equipment and supplies to polling places. This office also trains and coordinates election officials and tabulates election returns. The County Clerk is elected for a four-year term. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you think are the primary challenges of this position and how will you address them? How would you improve the Harris County voting process to optimize convenience and surety? COUNTY ANN HARRIS BENNETT 14 ½ years Court Coordinator State Civil District Court 12 years legal secretary in defense and plaintiff law firms 12 ½ years genealogy research The National Center for State Courts Texas Center for the Judiciary Sam Houston State University Harris County Resources and Risk Management SUE SMITH SCHECHTER I am uniquely qualified for the office based on my educational and professional background of a BBA from University of North Texas, J. D. from South Texas College of Law, being a former State Representative and Chair of Democratic Party and a lifetime community volunteer. Moving the County Clerk s Office into the 21st century. I will bring modern digital technology needed to manage an organized, productive, efficient, technically functional user and customer friendly Harris County Clerk s Office. As a user and a former elections officer, I know the problems in the various departments in the office, such as the real property records, probate court filings and the election system, that need to be fixed and will work diligently and quickly to correct them by bringing efficiency, accessibility and accountability to the office. I would like to see more days of early voting, computerized internet voting, computerized kiosh voting places, progressive digital storage capacity and security that would assure that every legal vote is counted. First, I would make sure Harris County is proactively preparing for the next generation of voting machines by having a bi-partisan commission review our present system and recommend improvements for the next generation of machines. I would appoint an IT committee to review ballot security measures and recommend safeguards. Voting locations should be reviewed for accessibility and visibility. COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR (Unexpired Term) / Democratic Party CNTY CNTY DIANE TRAUTMAN RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR COUNTY TREASURER / Democratic Party BILLY BRISCOE RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COUNTY TREASURER 20 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

21 COUNTY SCHOOL TRUSTEE / Democratic Party This office serves as a member of the School Board, which is the governing body of the County Department of Education. The Board appoints the county school superintendent and arbitrates controversies between independent school districts within the county. Members serve without pay and are elected to six-year terms. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What impact can a County School Trustee have on public education? QUESTIONS TO Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What impact can a County School Trustee have on public education? POS. 1, PCT. 2 MIKE ROSE Graduate of Indiana University. Professional in the Oil Industry Fabrication. Carried a major in education but chose not complete and education degree. Worked as a substitute teacher. Fiscal management and responsibility to customers by owning my own business. Provide the responsible guidance to our school districts to generate proper common sense education for our children our future. VICTOR LOMBRANA NO RESPONSE RECEIVED 2 COUNTY COMMISSIONER / Democratic Party SYLVIA R. GARCIA RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT 2 JUSTICE OF THE PEACE / Democratic Party Have jurisdiction over criminal misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only, e.g. assault, bail jumping, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, bad check writing, public intoxication, theft. Hears civil cases involving up to $10,000. Handles miscellaneous complaints, performs marriages, issues commitment papers for the mentally ill, issues search and arrest warrants. Judges are elected for a four-year term. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What is the most critical issue facing the Justice of the Peace courts and how would you address it? QUESTIONS TO Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What is the most critical issue facing the Justice of the Peace courts and how would you address it? PRECINCT 3, PLACE 2 1, 2 6, 2 2, 2 7, 2 DAVID M. PATRONELLA RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR PRECINCT 1, PLACE 2 GEORGE E. RISNER RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR PRECINCT 2, PLACE 2 DENISE GRAVES I received my J.D. from South Texas College of Law and my B.S. from Sam Houston State University in Criminology & Corrections. I have been a licensed attorney for 21 years. My practice includes, but not limited to, family, criminal, juvenile, probate, civil, and bankruptcy. RAYMOND SANCHEZ JR I have a Bachelor of Science in the concentration of Criminal Justice. I have been employed for the past 9 years with Judge Mike Parrott as his Court Coordinator. I have experience and understanding of the following dockets: Civil, Evictions, Motion Hearings, Jury, Judge Trial, Truancy, Seizure and Mental Health. I believe the most critical issues facing the JP Courts are juvenile matters. I would evaluate the program(s) currently set up to help them and it would be my goal to implement new programs that would be beneficial for the children as well as the community. In order to accomplish this task, it would be imperative to strengthen the relationship (///) In today s world, we are facing a serious dilemma regarding juvenile delinquency and a drastic increase in truancy in the school districts. Once elected as Justice of the Peace, I will work closely with the school districts to bring new programs that will help in assisting the students in their every day lives. ARMANDO V. RODRIGUEZ RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR PRECINCT 6, PLACE 2 ZINETTA A. BURNEY RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR PRECINCT 7, PLACE 2 DANE LISTI Graduating with a Bachelor s Degree in Business Law and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence, I have the necessary legal and administrative skills to address the requirements of The Justice of the Peace Court. I have been a Certified Mediator since 1990, which makes me aware of the benefits of conflict resolution (///) DON COFFEY University of Houston School of Law, Juris Doctor University of Houston, B.S., Political Science and Sociology (Magna cum Laude) I am an attorney. I have practiced in JP courts for years and have worked in education for 26 years as a college Regent and public school volunteer. At this time, it appears that the juvenile truancy docket is the biggest concern of the community. My philosophy is to do what it takes to make sure that the youth get their education. I do understand that the family dynamic is important when addressing these issues and would like to create programs that would require family participation. I believe (///) Justice of the Peace Court 3-2 deals with 200 to 300 children each week. Better solutions need to be found in dealing with truancy and finding more effective ways to correct behavioral issues of the children. Community service opportunities need to be developed that focus on educational improvement and making the children productive successful citizens. DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR / Democratic Party GERALD GERRY BIRNBERG RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR REGISTER! DECIDE! VOTE! It counts! League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 21

22 The races are listed by political party. Republican Party candidates begin on this page (22). Democratic Party candidates begin on page 3. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE / Republican Party Member of U.S. Congress. Serves in the House of Represetatives. The House originates revenue bills and, by tradition, appropriation bills. The House brings charges of impeachment for trial in the Senate. Both the House and the Senate count electoral votes following a presidential election and, if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, the House chooses the President from among the top three candidates. The member is elected for a two-year term. Rank-and-file member salary $174,000. Speaker of the House salary $223,500. Majority and Minority Leaders salary $193,400. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What reasonable measures can be taken to reduce the risk of terrorism? What are your recommendations for reducing harmful emissions into the air? What specific legislation would you support? What measures, if any, should the federal government take to stimulate job growth? 2-7 TED POE RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR DISTRICT 2 JOHN CULBERSON RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR DISTRICT 7 STEVE MUELLER American Legion Boys State 1979; BS Industrial Engineering Texas A&M Magna Cum Laude ; Certified Project Management Professional; Business Analyst & Project Manager; Father of 7 children; BSA Troop Scoutmaster 3 yrs; Experienced writing precise procedures and leading diverse teams to achieve positive improvements. To begin with, the use of non-discriminating, random, full searches at airports is a violation of our Constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment. We need to quit using the shotgun approach and zero-in on the probable suspects. Secondly, we must control our borders! First, carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring gas that is vital to the cycle of life between plants and animals. It is not a pollutant to be regulated. The theory of global warming is a smoke screen for more government. The earth s temperature will fluctuate regardless of government regulations. Since the environment crosses State boundaries, it is a federal issue. If we follow Warren Harding s successful formula used in an earlier US depression, we should slash federal spending and cut taxes. For a fuller discussion, search the web for the article Warren Harding and the Forgotten Depression of 1920 by Thomas E. Woods, Jr. and read it. It is enlightening! Learn more at: DISTRICT 9 DAVE BANNEN B.S. Electrical Engineering, Masters in Business Administration Qualifications: Strong Business background, Common sense; Proven leadership and communication skills; and a pro business philosophy. Manufacturer s Representative for almost 20 years, working with some of the largest companies in the world, including Hewlett Packard, Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, and hundreds of other companies. B.S. Ingeniería Eléctrica. Maestria en Administrasiόn de Empresas. Calificaciones: Fuerte historial de la empresa, sentido comύn, demostrado liderazgo y habilidades de comunicaciόn; y pro filisofiá empresarial. Representante de Fabricantes por casi veinte ańos, trabajando con algunas de las empresas más grandes del mundo incluyendo Hewlett- Packard, Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, y cientos de otras companias. Simple Profile for terrorist. Israel s system works; they don t look for weapons, they look for terrorist. We know the last 36 terrorist came from the same region, are of a specific age range, religion, etc. We had a shoe bomber - The TSA reacts to having Americans screen their shoes. Reacting to the latest terrorist strategy will never defeat terrorism. Facil- Perfil de terroristas. El sistema de Israel funciona; no busca armas, buscan terroristas. Sabemos que los ύltimos treinta y seis terroristas provenian de la misma regiόn, son del mismo rango de edad, religiόn, etc. Teniamos un shoe bomber el TSA reacciona por haber los Americanos chequiado sus zapatos. Reaccionando a la ύltima estrategia terrorista nunca derrotar al terrorismo. Define Harmful emissions. I do not accept the premise that this is an important issue. The recent Copenhagen summit on Global Warming has proven the movement to be fraudulent. I will not support legislation that penalizes American Industry as the Cap & Trade bill currently does. Cap and Trade will kill the US economy costing America ~10 Million jobs. Definir las emisiones peligrosas. No puedo aceptar la premisa que esta es una cuestion importante. La cumbre reciente de Copenhagen sobre Global Warming ha demostrado que el movimiento es fraudulento. No voy a apoyar legislaciόn que peneliza la industria norteamericana como el Cap y Trade legislacion lo hace actualmente. Cap y Trade va a matar la economiá, costando America. First: Cut taxes for business. Second: Stop the stimulus II spending. Stimulus I has not worked. I will promote the long term incentives businesses need to grow in Harris County. Additionally I ll push to open up US Oil and Natural gas resources to American industry. I will get the Federal Government out of the way of American business. En primer lugar, reducir los impuestos para los negocios. Segundo, descontinuer usando los fondos de Stimulus II. Stimulus I no ha funcionado. Voy a promover los incentivos a largo plazo a empresas que necesitan para crecer en Harris County. Además, voy a empujar a abrir US Oil and Natural gas recursos a la industria Americana. Voy a conseguir que el gobierno federal salga del camino de los negocios Americanos. DISTRICT 10 MICHAEL MCCAUL Third term representing TX10. B.A. in Business and History, Trinity University. J.D., St. Mary s School of Law. Senior Executive Fellows Program of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Fmr Chief of Counterterrorism, US Attorney s Office. Federal prosecutor at DOJ. Ranking member, Homeland Security Intelligence Subcommittee; Foreign Affairs Committee, Science Committee. RICK MARTIN I m a physician and an attorney. I owned a small business as a partner in a 20+ person anesthesia group. My career, in medicine and law, has been devoted to people and helping them with their problems. These are the skills and experiences that I will devote to representing you. Focus military efforts on Afghanistan and Tribal Areas of Pakistan where al Qaeda and the Taliban have been allowed to reconstitute and continue to plot against the U.S. Address gaps in our intelligence community including visa revocation policies. Cease repatriation of terror detainees to countries that sponsor terrorism. Continue securing borders, critical infrastructure including ports, financial and energy centers. We need to stand firm as a country against terrorism, including isolation of, and imposing sanctions on, nations that sponsor terror. The intelligence failures that led to the attempted airline bombing on Christmas day must be corrected, and the persons responsible for these failures must be held accountable. We must intelligently use technology to secure our airports, borders, and ports. Sponsored the American Energy Act, an all of the above strategy which balances environmentally responsible drilling for oil and natural gas in areas that are currently off limits with the need to develop alternative energy such as wind, solar, hybrid, nuclear and green technology. I would support policies promoting energy conservation and the use of cleaner energy sources wind, solar, and natural gas to help reduce harmful emissions. Legislation employing market based incentives, such as emission permits that can be traded, combined with sensible emission reduction standards can reduce harmful emissions at a lower total cost than reduction standards alone. Easing the tax burden on small businesses will give them financial flexibility to expand and hire more employees. Reform the tax code making it simpler, more pro-growth, and more competitive. Lower corporate tax rate, 2nd highest in the world at 35%, to 25% to stop driving American businesses overseas. Suspend capital gains taxes through 2010 then cut the current rate. To stimulate job growth the federal government should encourage job creation by the private sector. Reducing taxes on small business will allow them to invest in, and grow their businesses to create jobs. Government regulations should be sensible and necessary. JOE PETRONIS I graduated from Baylor University with a BBA in Economics and from Vanderbilt University with an MBA in Finance. Currently, as a Program Manager at Dell Inc., I ensure customers receive their products efficiently. I have never run for public office before and believe that outside views are critically important. The Federal government needs to control and maintain the US border. Without secure borders, we are leaving ourselves extremely vulnerable. The Federal government must also protect our ports. With so many containers and air freight coming into the US, we must make sure that terrorists do not start using them as weapons. It is not the job of the federal government to reduce harmful emissions. The private sector and the public would set the standard for reducing harmful emissions. I would support legislation that would enact stronger private property rights. If someone or their property is infringed due to harmful emissions, they should seek recourse. We do not need additional Federal regulations. The Federal government should drastically reduce spending and enact fair trade with other countries. By reducing spending, we could eliminate the corporate tax and reduce personal taxes. Without these burdens, corporations would be better able to compete with overseas countries and hire more domestically. Without cutting spending, we will be pushing our children and grandchildren into debt for our excesses. 22 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

23 DISTRICT U.S. REPRESENTATIVE continued / Republican Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) BRENDA PAGE JD + BA. Known for integrity and successful, efficient solutions. First career: financial industry, VP for multi-national corporation. Managed multi-million dollar transactions; worked within a balanced budget; led teams. Second career: attorney, where approximately 50% of work is pro bono (free) services. JOHN FAULK Earned an MBA and a BBA from the University of Houston and completed the Wharton Executive Management Academy. I am a retired accountant, proficient in reading and understanding financial statements. As a business owner, I understand government cannot fix anything but continues to tell us how to run our businesses. What reasonable measures can be taken to reduce the risk of terrorism? Enforce existing immigration laws and enhance border security. Provide appropriate funding to national defense teams (military, CIA). Strengthen and increase covert retaliation. Prosecute terrorists in military tribunals, not civil courts. The security of our country is dependent on border enforcement porous borders allow terrorists enter our country very easily. Aliens must register so we know who and where they are. We must employ highly educated, well-trained agents who will actively profile passengers. We must protect our hard assets such as the Texas Medical Center and the Port of Houston. TEX CHRISTOPHER NO RESPONSE RECEIVED PETE OLSON RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR DISTRICT 22 What are your recommendations for reducing harmful emissions into the air? What specific legislation would you support? Support legislation that stimulates or creates alternate power sources. Increase rail and other mass transportation services. Support use of energy efficient construction (residential and commercial) through tax credits and other incentives. Provide greater incentives to industry to produce, and to consumers to purchase fuel efficient automobiles. Provide greater incentives for reducing harmful emissions. Utilize nuclear power. I support legislation to restrict government regulation of any gas produced by the human body i.e. carbon dioxide, ammonia, or methane under the disguise of protecting the environment. Climate change is the result of solar activity not human activity. The State of Texas should be the primary enforcer of harmful emissions not the Federal government. What measures, if any, should the federal government take to stimulate job growth? Support free market systems. Reduce corporate payroll tax. Spin-off public entities (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, USPS, etc) to the private sector. Provide appropriate support to infrastructure needs (roads, bridges, etc) to provide better ways and means of moving goods across the country. Reduce corporate funding requirements for unemployment compensation. Cut taxes! Elimination of Capital Gain Taxes and Death Taxes will stimulate economic growth and jobs. A 17% tax on everyone s income with one standard deduction plus a personal exemption for parents and children will stimulate new jobs. A stable economy based on sound proven economic principles that supports a strong dollar will create new jobs. Big Government kills jobs. ROY MORALES I am a retired Lt Colonel with a B.A. (summa cum laude), a B.S. in Computer Science and a M.S. from the Air Force Institute of Technology. I m certified to manage billion dollar DoD projects. I am trained in strategic national planning. I m also a Harris County School Trustee. My anti-terrorism experience as a former Lt Colonel and Assistant Director for the Houston Emergency Center, gives me the in-depth knowledge needed to combat terrorism. We need a new strategic plan to protect our port, critical infrastructure, schools and neighborhoods. We need to improve our early warning capability, increase the number of Homeland security exercises and improve our technology. I will not support any energy tax bill like Cap and Trade that will hurt our economy, businesses and work force. I will promote alternative energy sources like natural gas, wind, solar and nuclear. I will promote technologies that work with fossil fuel engines to produce fewer emissions. I will promote incentives to companies that offer flex time and telecommuting. We should cut taxes, remove regulations that hurt businesses and reduce the deficit. We need to provide incentives to businesses to keep their factories in the U.S. We need to fight against Anti-Worker bills like Cap and Tax. We need to renew our commitment to our Space Program so that future generations can discover the riches of the universe. TOM STEVENS Finished high school 4 years in the army. 7 years in a steel mill up north. Move to Houston. I bought a washateria, got my insurance license an also have a door company for the last 25 years. This kind of experience qualifies me to be president at least congressman. Bomb all source of terrorism if anything moves after that, then bomb it again. Also get rid of all Muslims in this country. Just get them out of here or require them to convert to Christianity, under our terms. Anyone who believes there are moderate Muslims is intentionally blinded to the truth. Every body wants clean air. Does that mean we have bad air now. I have breathed this air for all my lift. I m doing ok. I would support legislation that dealt with a specific harm in the air, but no to regulation agency making law. That is not the right way In short it takes a combination of freedom, good judical system & a small low taxing government. This is stupid, judgies in states are electied. Judges at federal should be subject to recall. Freedom; people must feel safe if they are to risk adventure into prosperity tax, people must be able to keep the harvest of their efforts DISTRICT 29 FRANK 'MAZZ' MAZZAPICA Master s degree in psychology. Ten Year career in the US Air Force Adjunct professor for Lamar University. One of the founders of High Point High School for Harris County Dept. of Education. Senior pastor of New Covenant Church members, 15 employees, 40 interns and million dollar budget. Reform airport TSA security system; replace them with a private company to insure better quality. More educated employees, increase the technical equipment to a higher standard. Increase military personnel at the US Mexico border withdrawing troops stationed in NATO. Increase the military budget. Provide Incentives to companies with tax cuts that takes measures in improving Green Technology. Expand Nuclear Power, Natural Gas and Wind technology. I will vote no to cap and trade because this will move jobs away from our country. First I would submit that we freeze spending, cut taxes on individuals and corporations and cut capital gains tax. I would also encourage offshore drilling, ANWAR, Florida, California etc and subsidize research and development with new refineries. ERIC STORY I meet the Constitutional qualifications. I have worked in the Oil and Gas Industry since graduation, working my way from the bottom up to Divisional Management. I believe the US Constitution breathes life into our Nation. I was asked by the citizens to run once again. Eliminate the PC gestures that place us at risk. Secure all points of entry into the US. Train our security forces in the same manner the IDF is trained. When a flag is raised as it should have been at Fort Hood and on Christmas Day, act on it rather than ignore it. Based on the US Constitution, this is a state level issue. I do believe that states should regulate in a manner that would at the very least eliminate the carcenagens from the emissions. In District there are a higher than average number of cancer cases close to the plants. The Federal Government should get out of the way and let the free market take over. GEORGE A. YOUNG I enlisted in the US Army in I was trained to maintain and protect the CH-47 Chinook Helicopter. I was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, 159th Aviation Battalion, Phu Bai, Vietnam. ( ). Upon my return I started College. I got my BS in Political Science at American University, (///) The first step would be to stop the current administration from constantly showing weakness. Teariest seem to feed on weakness. Thereafter I do not think it is a good idea to abuse US Citizens but protect presumed rights of terrorist. Profile those who do not have constitutional rights. React with extreme prejudice immediately in response to any terrorist act. For (///) Make reasonable changes to reduce harmful emissions over time. Cap and Trade is not the answer because it will have no effect on reducing emissions. Cap and Trace is Obama s way of redistributing money. Cap and Trade is nothing short of theft. I do support the legislation which would regulate the release of harmful emissions without Cap and Trade. This (///) End the current stimulus program. Stop the nonstop spending of money by the Federal Government. Cut taxes to individuals and business so that they can get back to work. End the constant redistribution of wealth. Stop borrowing for China. It is that simple. Candidate replies are published without editing or verification. Each candidate is solely responsible for the content of the material submitted. League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 23

24 GOVERNOR / Republican Party Four-year term. Must be at least 30 years old, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Texas for the five years immediately preceding the election. Among duties: executes all laws and conducts all business with other states and the federal government; fills appointive offices; fills vacancies in state or district elected offices by appointment; calls special sessions of the legislature and sets their agenda; approves or disapproves every bill passed by the legislature. Annual authorized salary: $115,345 What training and experiences qualify you for this office? (50 words) What policies do you support to create jobs and assist those who are unemployed? (75 words) What do you see as the state government s role in increasing the use of alternative fuels and energy conservation among Texas residents? (75 words) Aside from the issues above, what do you consider the two most serious and pressing issues facing Texas during the next four years and how would you address them? (75 words) RICK PERRY NO RESPONSE RECEIVED STATE DEBRA MEDINA My experience in maintaining a balanced budget, of ensuring the safety of my family, of being involved in my community, and working as a nurse have groomed me for the position of governor. I m not a career politician; I am a Texan, ready and willing to help Texas. Mi experiencia en mantener un presupuesto balanceado, de mantener la seguridad de mi familia, de estar involucrada con mi comunidad y de mi trabajo como enfermera, me han preparado para el puesto de gobernador. No soy un político de carrera. Soy una Texana, lista y dispuesta para ayudar a Texas. Free markets have proven that capitalism, when allowed, will seek out and supply the most ingenious ideas and products. Get the EPA out of Texas and allow Texans to nourish energy. Texans are so resourceful; they will not miss the opportunity to capitalize on alternative fuels and energy conservation. We have just scratched the surface on wind and solar energy, without ridiculous mandates, energy will flourish in Texas. Los mercados libres han demostrado que el capitalismo, cuando puede, buscará y proveerá las ideas y productos más ingeniosos. Saquemos al EPA de Texas y permitamos que los Texanos suministren energía. Los Texanos tienen muchos recursos; ellos no desaprovecharan la oportunidad de capitalizar en combustibles alternos y conservación de energía. Apenas hemos abundado en materia de viento y energía solar y sin disposiciones ridículas, la energía prosperará en Texas. By growing the government sector, people will not be able to get on their feet. We need to limit the size of government, therefore reducing the tax burden on our small business. When business is allowed to grow, jobs are created and American ingenuity runs rampant. Small business breeds jobs and jobs breed prosperity. Al permitir que el sector de gobierno siga creciendo, la gente no podrá seguir adelante. Necesitamos limitar el tamaño de gobierno, por lo tanto, al reducir la carga fiscal en nuestras pequeñas empresas. Cuando a los negocios se les permite crecer, nuevos empleos son creados y la ingeniosidad Americana se desenfrena efusivamente. Las pequeñas empresas generan empleos y los empleos generan prosperidad. Illegal immigration and the Texas economy. Securing our borders is an issue that must be addressed. I will utilize all means necessary to secure our borders and stop illegal immigration. Regarding the economy, we must get Washington D.C. out of Texas. Mandates and regulatory laws are stifling prosperity in Texas. By exerting our sovereignty and cutting out special interests, Texas can become more prosperous and our economy can soar. Inmigración ilegal y la economía de Texas. La seguridad de nuestras fronteras es un problema que debe agendarse. Utilizaré todos los medios necesarios para asegurar nuestras fronteras y detener la inmigración ilegal. En relación a la economía, necesitamos sacar a Washington, D.C. de Texas. Las disposiciones y regulaciones legales están sofocando la prosperidad en Texas. Al ejercer nuestra soberanía y al recortar los intereses particulares, Texas podría prosperar aún más y nuestra economía podría levantarse. KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON NO RESPONSE RECEIVED LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR / Republican Party DAVID DEWHURST RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ATTORNEY GENERAL / Republican Party GREG ABBOTT RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS / Republican Party SUSAN COMBS RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMISSIONER OF THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE / Republican Party JERRY PATTERSON RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COMMISSIONER OF THE GENERAL LAND OFFICE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE / Republican Party TODD STAPLES RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE RAILROAD COMMISSIONER / Republican Party Six-year term (on a three-person commission). Must be a Texas resident and qualified voter, not less than 25 years old, and must have no interest in any railroad. Among duties: regulation of the oil and gas industry, including drilling production and environmental protection; natural gas utility companies; natural gas and hazardous liquids pipeline safety; surface mining of coal, uranium, and iron ore gravel, including land reclamation; transportation and storage of liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas, and liquefied natural gas; railroad safety; and encourages the use of clean-burning propane and researches new technologies for its use. Annual authorized salary: $125,000 What training and experiences qualify you for this position? (50 word limit) What measures do you support to assure the safety of people and the environment when granting permits for oil and gas drilling in urban and rural areas? (75 word limit) How do you propose to balance energy production with the protection of the environment and the need for energy in the future? (75 word limit) Aside from the issues above, what are the two most serious and pressing issues the Railroad Commission will face during the next six years and how would you address them? (75 word limit) STATE DAVID PORTER As a CPA with over 25 years of experience in oil and gas tax accounting I have a unique understanding of what it takes to explore for energy and bring it to market. For the foreseeable future, the majority of our energy needs will come from oil and gas. Texas needs Railroad Commissioners that will stand up to the national administration that is trying to destroy the industry through its tax policy, Cap and Trade and other regulations. If we want to retain our status as a first world nation, we need adequate supplies of energy. Alternative energy is good but is not enough for the near future. I have a personal interest in this area since I now live on a property that has 2 producing oil wells (in which I own no interest) and a pipeline running through it. I will strongly support regulations that protect the life and safety of the individuals that live near, as well as those working on drilling, new wells. I believe we must make these regulations as cost efficient as possible without reducing their effectiveness. The Commission needs to retain the confidence of the people of Texas that it is protecting our natural resources while providing responsible regulation of oil and gas industry. The industry needs to have confidence that the decisions of the Railroad Commission are based on the merits of the case and not on politics. RAILROAD COMMISSIONER CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 24 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

25 STATE continued RAILROAD COMMISSIONER / Republican Party What training and experiences qualify you for this position? (50 word limit) RAILROAD COMMISSIONER CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE VICTOR G. CARRILLO B.S. (Geology), Hardin-Simmons; M.S. (Geology), Baylor; J.D. (Law) (energy/environmental), University of Houston. Worked six years as Petroleum Geophysicist for Amoco (Houston). Texas licensed attorney & geoscientist. Former attorney for General Land Office & City of Abilene. Elected: Abilene City Council; Taylor County Judge; Commissioner, Texas Railroad Commission. - Licenciado en Geologia, La Universidad de Hardin-Simmons, Abilene, TX, Maestria en Geologia, La Universidad de Baylor, Waco, TX, Licenciado en Leyes (en energía y el ambiente), Universidad de Houston, Houston, TX, 1994 Trabajé seis años como Geofisico del Petroleo (Petroleum Geophysicist) para Amoco (Houston). Abogado (///) What measures do you support to assure the safety of people and the environment when granting permits for oil and gas drilling in urban and rural areas? (75 word limit) Responsible energy production and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. Texas must produce as many of our own natural resources as possible in a safe and environmentally responsible way. Texas must remain the premier energy producing state in the nation, producing more natural gas than any other country other than the U.S. and Russia and producing more renewable wind power than any other state. We must continue to plug abandoned wells and protect our groundwater. La produccion de energia en una manera responsable y la proteccion del ambiente no son mutualmente exclusivas. El estado de Texas tiene que producir tantos de nuestros recursos naturales posibles en una manera segura y en una manera responsalbe al ambiente. Nuestro estado tiene que seguir siendo el estado principal que produce energia en la nacion, produciendo mas gas natural que ninguno otro país aparte de los Estados Unidos y Rusia y produciendo mas energía How do you propose to balance energy production with the protection of the environment and the need for energy in the future? (75 word limit) I support ongoing regulation of gas drilling and pipeline safety (integrity testing, Call Before You Dig) rules with more boots on the ground inspectors. While I remain concerned about potential negative impacts from concentrated urban drilling in the Barnett, I remain committed to relying on non-biased, sciencebased data analysis to lead us to reasonable, practical solutions not reactionary calls for a year-long drilling moratorium that would be a drastic overreaction to this issue. Yo apoyo los reglamentos que están en pie ahora de la perforación para petroleo y para la seguridad de la líneas de las tuberias (la integridad de pruebas, Llame Antes de Perforár ) reglas con mas inspectores presentes. Mientras sigo interesado del potencial negativo de la concentracion perforacion (escabar) en el urbano en Barnett (cerca de Fort Worth), siguo comprometido dependiendo de analisis sin propension, con analisis de base científica para guiarnos a soluciones practicas y (///) SUPREME COURT JUSTICE / Republican Party Aside from the issues above, what are the two most serious and pressing issues the Railroad Commission will face during the next six years and how would you address them? (75 word limit) I ll continue to be a good steward of taxpayers dollars and work with the legislature to ensure we have manpower to do the job and find ways to tighten our belt just like every Texas family must do in times of economic uncertainty. The Railroad Commission is unquestionably the worst-named state agency since we have nothing to do with railroads. We must change our name to something that reflects our mission: Texas Energy Commission. Yo seguire siendo un buen mayordomo del dinero de nuestra gente que paga impuestos, y trabajaré con el cuerpo legislativo para asegurar que tengamos recursos humanos para hacer el trabajo y encontrar maneras para apretarnos el cinto igualmente como cada familia en Texas en tiempos de inseguridad económica. La Comision Railroad es Sin cuestion la agencia con el peor nombre siendo que no tenemos nada que ver con los ferrocarriles. Tenemos que cambiar nuestro nombre (///) Six-year term. Must be at least 35 years old, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Texas. Must have been a practicing lawyer or a lawyer and a judge of a court of record for a total of 10 years or more. Serves as a member of the court of highest appellate jurisdiction in civil matters in the state; has the power to issue writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, and others; presides over proceedings for involuntary retirements or removal of judges. Annual authorized salary: $152,500 (Chief Justice) $150,000 (Justice) What training and experiences qualify you for this position? (50 word limit) What is the effect of the increasing amount of money required to run for judicial office? (75 word limit) What method of selection of judges is most likely to result in a qualified, diverse, and independent judiciary? (75 word limit) Will you recuse yourself from cases in which the participating lawyers, their firms, or parties to the suit before the court have contributed substantial financial support to your election? Please explain your answer. (75 word limit) REBECCA SIMMONS NO RESPONSE RECEIVED JIM MOSELEY Baylor Law graduate. Licensed to practice law over 31 years. Served over 13 years as Justice on the (Dallas) Court of Appeals. Written over 1,000 appellate opinions (per Westlaw; over 1,600 per Office of Court Administration). Served as Regional Director of FTC during Reagan administration. The current system, though not perfect, most likely provides those combination of results. Most Texans want to control the state s power over their lives by keeping their right to elect judges. Elections give voters a say in the qualifications and diversity of the bench, and insure judicial independence from other branches of government. I will continue to work to improve the system we have, not do away with Texans constitutional right to elect judges. The effect is it increases the amount of time needed to campaign and raise money, and reduces the number of potential candidates who can effectively seek office. Substantial financial support is not a welldefined term; promising to recuse based on that standard would undercut the uniform application of existing law. I will continue to follow Texas laws and rules relating to the recusal of judges. I will work to make sure those laws and rules are clear, understandable, and maintain the public s confidence in the Texas judicial system. I will continue to apply the law fairly and without bias. PLACE 3 DEBRA LEHRMANN I have served as a judge in Tarrant County for over 22 years almost double the amount of judicial experience of any other candidate in this race. The author of two legal treatises and numerous articles, I have been recognized by the Texas Bar Foundation for my legal scholarship. I (///) RICK STRANGE I graduated with honors from UT School of Law in I was in private practice for 20 years, handled complex oil and gas and commercial matters, and became board certified in oil and gas, and civil trial law. I have served as an appellate court Justice since I believe that our current method of electing judges is more likely to result in a qualified judiciary than the appointment of judges. Many of the judicial vacancies in our state are currently filled by appointment, within a system that provides no transparency 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. Our judicial selection method is the prerogative of the voters and as a judge I serve at their pleasure. No judicial selection system is perfect, but we have utilized the current system for over 100 years and are well familiar with its strengths and weaknesses. I respect the judgment of the voters that this system works best for us. Because judicial elections are down-ballot races that generally involve candidates with little name recognition, they are very expensive. The expense involved in seeking judicial office deters some qualified candidates from running for these positions. Moreover, these elections are sometimes determined by factors that have nothing to do with qualifications, such as ability to raise money or ability to selffund a campaign. Fundraising for any political campaign is a challenge. When races become more expensive, fewer people will be willing or able to run and otherwise qualified candidates will be excluded. Moreover, the more expensive the race the greater the potential concern that political contributions are impacting judicial decisions. However, when we curtail judicial campaign fundraising or expenditures, we decrease the information candidates can disseminate and we make it more difficult for voters to make informed decisions. 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 this position, I will recuse myself from any case when required to do so by the Code of Judicial Conduct or any other rule of law. I will follow the same practice that I have consistently utilized as a Justice on the 11th Court of Appeals. I comply with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act and do not accept contributions in excess of those limits. When required by Texas law or to avoid the appearance of impropriety, I will promptly recuse myself and will fairly consider any recusal request if a party is concerned by any political contribution. RICK GREEN NO RESPONSE RECEIVED SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, PLACE 3 CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 25

26 PLACE 3 continued SUPREME COURT JUSTICE continued / Republican Party What training and experiences qualify you for this position? (50 word limit) SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, PLACE 3 CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE JEFF BROWN I ve been a judge eight years two on the appellate court, six on a district court. After graduating law school with honors, I was a briefing attorney for Greg Abbott on the Texas Supreme Court. Former Chief Justice Tom Phillips has endorsed me because of my work ethic and philosophy. He sido Juez por ocho anos -- dos en el tribunal de apelación y seis en tribunal de distrito. Después de graduarme con honores en derecho, yo fui abogado para Greg Abbott en la Corte Suprema de Texas. Tom Phillips me respalda por mi ética de trabajo y filosofía juridica. What is the effect of the increasing amount of money required to run for judicial office? (75 word limit) Currently in Texas, some judges first reach the bench by appointment and some by election, but all must stand for election to retain their seats. For the most part, this has resulted in a qualified, diverse, and independent judiciary that is accountable to the electorate. But there s always room for improvement, and I am open to alternatives to the current system, provided they result in a qualified judiciary that is still accountable to the people. Actualmente en Texas, algunos jueces primero llegan al Tribunal por nombramiento y algunos por elección, pero todos deben presentarse a las elecciones para conservar sus puestos. En su mayor parte, esto ha dado lugar a una magistratura calificada, diversa e independiente que es responsable ante el electorado. Pero siempre hay margen de mejora, y estoy abierto a las alternativas al sistema actual, siempre cuando resulten en magistratura cualificada que sigue siendo responsable ante el publico. What method of selection of judges is most likely to result in a qualified, diverse, and independent judiciary? (75 word limit) Because judges are elected, judicial candidates must raise campaign funds. Rising campaign costs mean candidates must spend more time seeking money and less time actually visiting with voters. Before the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, huge, unseemly contributions tarnished the Supreme Court s image. The Act has done much to blunt money s influence. I m interested in further reforms to make contributions more transparent and to give Texans more faith in the fairness and incorruptibility of their judiciary. Debido a que son elegidos, los jueces deben recaudar fondos de campaña. El aumento de gastos significa que candidatos dedican más tiempo buscando dinero y menos tiempo al votante. Antes de ciertas reformas, las contribuciones empañaron la imagen de la Corte. La Ley ha hecho mucho para paliar la influencia del dinero. Estoy interesado en reformas que resulten en contribuciones más transparentes y en más fe en la imparcialidad y la incorruptibilidad de los jueces. Will you recuse yourself from cases in which the participating lawyers, their firms, or parties to the suit before the court have contributed substantial financial support to your election? Please explain your answer. (75 word limit) If elected to the Texas Supreme Court, I will adhere to the practice I ve followed in my first eight years as a judge, which is to voluntarily recuse myself whenever I worry the perception of the court s fairness would be at issue. I m proud to have consistently received high marks in bar polls for my fairness and impartiality, and I would do nothing to injure my hard-won reputation for integrity. Si soy elegido a la Corte Suprema de Texas, voy a seguir con la práctica que he seguido en mis primeros ocho años como juez, que es voluntariamente negarme a oir un caso cuando me preocupa la percepción de la imparcialidad de la corte. Estoy orgulloso de haber recibido altas calificaciones en encuestas de la barra de abogados por mi rectitud y imparcialidad, y yo no haría nada para perjudicar mi reputación de integridad. 5 PAUL GREEN RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, PLACE 5 ROSE VELA As an attorney I was a full time appellate practitioner for ten years. I was then elected to the state trial bench where I presided over thousands of complex civil, criminal (including capital murder) and family law matters for eight years. Currently, I am an appellate justice on the Thirteenth (///) While not a perfect system, the election of judges is the only way individuals in our society have a say in who presides over cases in their community. Allowing a single person the power to appoint judges creates the appearance of impropriety and impression that the judge will be beholden to those in power. The increasing amount of money required to fun for judicial office creates the appearance that those who have given to a particular judge s campaign will receive favorable rulings in that judge s court. This appearance damages the credibility of the judicial system. Unless the Legislature adopts a system whereby public funds are available to finance judicial elections, we must rely on a judge s honesty and integrity in avoiding any appearance of impropriety. EVA GUZMAN PLACE 9 JUDGE, COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS / Republican Party 2-6 LAWRENCE LARRY MEYERS RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR JUDGE, COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, PLACE 2 CHERYL JOHNSON RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR JUDGE, COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, PLACE 5 MICHAEL E. KEASLER RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR JUDGE, COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, PLACE 6 STATE SENATOR / Republican Party 7-17 DAN PATRICK RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 7 MICHAEL MAULDIN RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 13 BILL WALKER RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 15 JOAN HUFFMAN RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

27 126 STATE REPRESENTATIVE / Republican Party Member of the House of Representatives must be 21 years of age and a legal resident of the state for at least two years and resident of the district from which they are elected at least one year. All bills for revenue and appropriation of funds for operation of state government originate in the House. Members duties include initiation of proposals for constitutional amendments, serving as an advocate for citizens in their home district and bringing any charges of impeachment for trial in the Senate. They are elected for a two-year term. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) Considering the current state of reduced tax income, is the current tax policy sufficient to finance state government needs, such as public education, public safety, health care and bridge and road maintenance? If not, what measures would you support to pay for these services? PATRICIA HARLESS RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 126 SUSAN CURLING I have a B.A. in Government, an MD, and an MDA. I have 20 years in experience for legislative advocacy on medical and healthcare issues. The current tax policy is sufficient. We must look at cutting waste and inefficient programs rather than raising taxes and fees. What measures, if any, should the state government take to stimulate job growth? The state should reduce the tax burden on small business if we want to stimulate growth. That means overhauling the margins tax for small business and cutting property taxes. If elected, what two issues do you feel will need the most attention and resources during your term of office? Please explain. The two issues that require our attention are property taxes and border security. We have to reduce the burden on homeowners in our state, and it is absolutely necessary to protect our border if the federal government will not MARTIN BASALDUA I m a family physician, business owner, and co-founder and former chief of staff of Kingwood Medical Center. Appointed Vice-Chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board by Gov. Bush, to the Joint Committee for Higher Education by Gov. Perry, and elected to the North Montgomery Community College District Board. DAN HUBERTY I have my BBA from Cleveland State University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. I am a VP at Clean Energy, and have had a 20 year career as an executive in business. I am the President of Humble ISD and serve on several local associations and charities. ADDIE WISEMAN Wiseman served a majority of District 127 as their Houston City Council Member, 3 full terms. Wiseman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Houston. Professionally, Wiseman, a state licensed residential and commercial real estate agent, and member: Houston Association of Realtors, (///) The best method of taxation is to replace all state taxes with a consumption tax. Agencies should be required to annually start with a base funding level of $0 and justify any funding they wish to receive. We must also ensure that funds are used as intended. This means ending practices such as siphoning highway funds for other uses. The business margins tax was a bad idea from the outset, the property tax system is broken, and the public education finance system is fatally flawed. The labyrinth of dedicated funds and diversion of taxes and fees make matters worse. We should consider a consumption tax as a way to broadly and more fairly distribute the tax burden. Wiseman understands that wasteful spending patterns must be eliminated so that projects of immediate need are addressed and receive first priority. And at all times during our infrastructure advances, the property rights of Texans must be valued and respected. WAYNE SMITH RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 128 In order to stimulate job growth, the government must establish a feeling of confidence within the business community. This includes creating a predictable and commonsense regulatory and tax policy that encourages investment in business and does not penalize success. We must abolish the margins tax and ensure that any new healthcare plan does not unfairly penalize employers. By limiting business taxes and regulation, we can create jobs, lower the long-term cost of energy and improve the environment by focusing on utilizing Texas own oil and gas resources, thereby enhancing national security by reducing our dependence on foreign supplies. We have undeveloped natural gas deposits that can deliver clean, affordable and reliable energy to the nation. As she did on Houston City Council, Addie Wiseman will fight for the taxpayer always demanding openness, fiscal restraint and working toward a smarter, more efficient government by focusing on 3 Rs: Reduce the burden on property owners, Rein in spending, and Respect our rights. Many of our problems in Texas stem from illegal immigration. It burdens the state and the taxpayers, costing us billions in unpaid healthcare bills annually. We must also ensure that Texas is the best state in which to do business. Lower taxes and less regulation will result in higher employment and more people able to afford the healthcare they need. Education is our future. We must find a viable long-term solution to funding our public schools. The solution must eliminate unfunded mandates and strengthen local control. The costs of illegal immigrants are bankrupting state and local governments. In addition to border enforcement, reforms must include strict anti-sanctuary city policies, and laws to sanction employers that knowingly hire illegal immigrants. Wiseman recognizes that state government can and must do a better job in helping lower the property tax burden so that Texans can rightfully keep more of their hard-earned money. Wiseman will fight to eliminate wasteful spending and ensure that state spending becomes more transparent so that her constituents can see how there tax dollars are being spent. JOHN E. DAVIS NO RESPONSE RECEIVED 129 MARY HULS I have 25+ years as a Grants Administrator at 3 major universities. I have the wisdom of raising a family which includes the public education system, medical issues, tax burdens, and home ownership. I understand what common, everyday Americans deal with as they struggle to meet personal budgets and responsibilities. I will investigate ways to relieve the burdens of property and small business owners for financing State Government. A consumptionbased tax would lessen the burden on a few to support State Infrastructure and Programs. I support reform whereas every Texan shares the burden proportionately. Only when all feel the weight can they then judge the need. I believe that the best way for government to stimulate job growth is to get out of the way. The state must be diligent in protecting State Sovereignty by nullifying over-reaching Federal regulations and by reducing the taxes on businesses and property owners. These measures will allow businesses to expand and increase employment. Texas must secure our southern border. We must increase Border agents with the authority necessary to detain and deport those crossing into Texas illegally. We must have an accounting of the costs to citizens. Texas Legislators must assert the 10th Amendment and protect our State Sovereignty. A union of strong states will reverse the usurpation of the Federal Government ALLEN FLETCHER RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 130 BILL CALLEGARI RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 132 JIM MURPHY RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 133 BONNIE PARKER I am a lifelong Republican and a graduate for the University of Houston (BA). I proudly taught in public and private schools for 26 years and founded a nonprofit dedicated to supporting economic development in Uganda. I served on the recycling committee of the City of Bellaire. I am pro-life. SARAH DAVIS I hold a BA in Economics from Baylor University, and a JD from University of Houston Law Center. I am partner at Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith LLP, and have extensive experience defending businesses and individuals against plaintiff s personal injury suits. I believe in limited government and the free market. The last thing that Texas needs is more government and higher taxes. The Legislature needs to focus on the essential function of the state (safety, infrastructure and education). The private market is responsible for our prosperity and opportunity. The state needs to do less so individuals have more opportunity to thrive. Fiscal responsibility and transparency need to be at the forefront of state spending. We need to ensure that tax dollars are being spent wisely and that funds raised through specific taxes are being used for there declared purposes. Wasteful spending patterns need to be eliminated to ensure that projects with immediate needs are addressed and receive priority. Successful economic growth comes only from private individuals. The most effective way to create jobs is to reduce government spending and its involvement in the private sector. Reducing taxes will help stimulate job growth in Texas. By lessening the tax burden on small businesses we can attract new businesses to Texas, thus creating new jobs, additional tax revenue and strengthen the State s economic stability. While temporary exemptions to the business-margins tax have been made, long term solutions still need to be addressed. The state needs to continue to maintain high expectations in education, especially among the most economically disadvantaged and special learners, to insure that our citizens have the skills necessary to succeed. Recent reforms need to be continued and innovative teaching should be encouraged. We also need to implement free market reforms to our health insurance law similar to those suggested (///). Cut government spending: We must audit the state budget, cut wasteful programs which drain tax dollars, and work to return hard earned tax dollars back to the tax payer. Stimulate the economy: As we face these tough economic times we must work to attract businesses to Texas so that job growth can be created. League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 27

28 STATE REPRESENTATIVE continued / Republican Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) Considering the current state of reduced tax income, is the current tax policy sufficient to finance state government needs, such as public education, public safety, health care and bridge and road maintenance? If not, what measures would you support to pay for these services? What measures, if any, should the state government take to stimulate job growth? If elected, what two issues do you feel will need the most attention and resources during your term of office? Please explain GARY ELKINS RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 135 BEVERLY WOOLLEY RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 136 SYLVIA SPIVEY RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 137 DWAYNE BOHAC RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 138 MICHAEL BUNCH RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 141 GILBERT PENA RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 143 KEN LEGLER RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 144 HOWARD H. GANO JR. I graduated from the University of Texas with a BBA in May of I have been a practicing CPA for 35 years. I believe that my experience as a CPA and working with businessmen in Texas will help create a business environment in Texas second to none for the purpose of attracting new business and jobs. I will not increase taxes. More than likely I would try to reduce taxes and limit the ability to raise taxes more than a set or reasonable rate similar the cost of living index. Reduced taxes on the economy should be a stimulant to business thereby increasing the state revenue collected. The most important agenda is to eliminate the new franchise tax on businesses, which is effectively an income tax. Texas should be the number one state for having the lowest taxes for business. More business would relocate to Texas plus the savings to business would make Texas the state with the lowest unemployment. Also creating jobs reduces the cost of (///). As mentioned in my answers to the previous questions, reducing taxes especially the new franchise tax and creating jobs. My other issue is to address the insurance industry as it affects the homeowner. This is two sided as I want to correct the flaws in the warranties that home builders give to home owners. Builders should be required to carry (///) FERNANDO HERRERA I m a Deputy Chief in the Houston Fire Department (29 years), and have a degree in Fire Science. As a former small business owner I employed 14 Houstonians for 14 years. My experience in both private industry and local government provide a unique perspective to decision making. JACK O'CONNOR I attended Santa Monica College and Queens College, City University of New York (History and Economics BA Program). I am a business consultant and have spent my entire adult life in the business world, creating jobs, balancing budgets and managing people. Learn more at BRYAN LE I graduated with BA in Political Science from University of Texas at Dallas in December I have been involved with school sponsored programs to DC to observe and participate in political forums. DIANNE WILLIAMS M. Ed. Texas A&M, 1974/ B.S. U of H, 1969 Retired Educator of 31 years including teaching, counseling, meeting facilitation, creating and delivering in-services, consulting. Trained mediator for community, family and Child Protective Services As of this writing, reduced tax receipts exist, but before raising taxes I recommend investigating current programs, projects, and departments to ensure operational efficiency and determine whether or not the original objectives are being achieved and netting the desired results. The current tax policy is sufficient. What our state government needs is to practice fiscal accountability and we need to move to a practice of zero-based budgeting, this way each and every state expense is accounted for and justified. Learn more about these practices at Yes, I believe our current taxation is adequate to fund those programs mentioned above! In addition, I will look into reduce or cut off those programs that yield ineffective. I will work to reduce state budget deficit and find ways to create tax cut incentive to small businesses and possibly freeze or rebate property taxes for lower income families! It has to be for now. We must not increase budgets and raise taxes. People need what they make to meet the needs of their families. The state should stay within the bounds of their budgets, also. Any additional taxes should come from User Taxes. DEBBIE RIDDLE RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN DISTRICT 150 State government should consider tax breaks for Micro Businesses. Micro Businesses would include those that have a gross income of less than $80,000. This philosophy believes it is far better to have Texans providing for themselves versus relying on the State for support. Texas must keep its High Tech leadership and bring back heavy and light manufacturing. We should reduce the red tape and regulations that slow down business openings and relocations. We should increase the small business tax exemption. We should also eliminate the business franchise tax. I understand and support these measures. To stimulate job growth I will design a tax cut program to encourage businesses to hire more people. In a long term plan, state government may sponsor bond issues to provide low interest loans to businesses that have employment growth potential, and give special attention to those in clean tech manufacturing, servicing to the Veterans, and housing sector! By keeping taxes low people will be better able to meet their budgets and businesses will be able to create more jobs. Texas must keep its budget balanced and spending low. This is not the time for new government programs that have to be funded and maintained. A priority issue will be property tax reform- -not simply a tax cap or maximum rate of rise. I believe homeowners should eventually own their home versus perpetually rent it property tax. A second issue is to ensure fiscal responsibility prior to simply refunding existing programs and/or departments. Jobs and Tax Relief. I have spent most of my adult life creating jobs and other opportunities. The Government does not create enterprise and business expansion, the private sector does. By providing tax relief, we empower people to live freely and live the American dream. Again, you can learn more about me at I will focus on education programs that reward quality teachers and prevent student dropout and job training for high school dropouts. Secondly, I believe we need safer southern borders and strictly enforcing laws on illegal aliens, no social assistance program to them, and no legalization to illegal aliens and their children. Education: Upon graduation, students must be prepared for the world of work, vocational training or college. We need an educated, well prepared work force to support our economy. Texas Economy: Our economy is equipped to survive this time of economic stress. Responsible spending, low taxes, a balanced budget and a business friendly environment will keep Texas strong. COURT OF APPEALS / Republican Party Six-year term. Must be at least 35 years old, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Texas. Must have been a practicing lawyer or a lawyer and a judge of a court of record for at total of 10 years or more. Among duties shared with other judges: serves as a member of the court of highest appellate jurisdiction in criminal matters in the state; has the power to issue writs of habeas corpus and others. Annual authorized salary: $152,500 (Presiding Justice) $150,000 (Justice) CHIEF JUSTICE, 1ST COURT OF APPEALS SHERRY RADACK RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CHIEF JUSTICE, 1 st COURT OF APPEALS 28 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

29 COURT OF APPEALS continued / Republican Party 1ST COURT OF APPEALS JUSTICE What training and experiences qualify you for this position? (50 word limit) DON SELF NO RESPONSE RECEIVED What is the effect of the increasing amount of money required to run for judicial office? (75 word limit) What method of selection of judges is most likely to result in a qualified, diverse, and independent judiciary? (75 word limit) Will you recuse yourself from cases in which the participating lawyers, their firms, or parties to the suit before the court have contributed substantial financial support to your election? Please explain your answer (75 word limit) PLACE 4 EVELYN KEYES Justice, First Court of Appeals 2002-present; 400+ civil, criminal, family, probate opinions; 14 years experience complex civil litigation as Special Assistant Attorney General, litigation partner, associate; UH Law Center 87 cum laude; Chief Articles Editor, Law Review; strong commitment to state and local legal organizations, community organizations, continuing legal education. Appointment of district judges in largest counties and of justices of intermediate courts of appeals, Texas Supreme Court, and Court of Criminal Appeals, with a check on the appointment process, e g., appoint/elect/retain or appoint/approval by senate/retain. Such a system would ensure the quality of judicial candidates while providing for the people s initial approval of judicial appointments and of judges ongoing performance. It can entice special interests to provide substantial backing to advance candidates they believe will support their agenda on the bench. Campaign fairness rules are an antidote to undue influence, but in large voting districts, where the candidates for judicial office and their qualifications are generally unknown, the ability of special interests to influence election outcomes is enhanced. No. All contributions received by my campaign are subject to Texas Ethics Commission guidelines and are reported to the Texas Ethics Commission. My support comes from a wide variety of firms and individuals. PLACE 8 GAEL HARRISON My twenty years as a lawyer have been devoted to appeals. I have handled over 200 appellate cases and am board certified in civil appellate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I offer big-city, big-case experience, but I live in the country and work for small-town people, too. Mis veinte años como abogado se ha dedicado a las apelaciones. He manejado más de 200 casos de apelación y estoy certificado en el derecho de apelación civil por el Consejo de Especialización Legal de Texas. Ofrezco un rango de experiencia desde la gran ciudad Big City hasta el pueblo (///) MICHAEL MASSENGALE I am the current judge in this position. I m a former Baker Botts partner and for two years I worked at federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. I graduated from UT Law School with honors, and I ve frequently presented and organized continuing legal education. I am an Eagle Scout. The system we use. It is the only system that achieves the diversity in philosophy, race, experience, and expertise that we have in the Texas judiciary. In any other system, only the rich and powerful get to choose who decides the cases of ordinary people. People are smart enough to decide for themselves, and they should have a chance to do so. El sistema que utilizamos. Es el único sistema que logra la diversidad en la filosofía, la raza, la experiencia y conocimientos que tenemos en el sistema judicial de Texas. En cualquier otro sistema, sólo los ricos y poderosos pueden escoger el que decide los casos de la gente común. La gente es lo suficientemente inteligente para decidir por sí mismos, y deben tener la oportunidad de hacerlo. The governor is best situated to appoint qualified, diverse, and independent judges. The governor is responsible for many types of appointments, and has capable staff dedicated to inviting applications from qualified candidates, interviewing those candidates and researching their backgrounds, and soliciting community input about the appropriate choice. The sheer number of judicial races makes it difficult for voters to obtain that same level of information about the various candidates and their qualifications and independence. Whenever vast amounts of money are required for a victory in politics, those who lack wealth and power face an uphill battle in any political race. Judicial races are no exception. Cada vez que grandes cantidades de dinero son necesarios para una victoria en la política, los que faltan de la riqueza y el poder encuentran una batalla cuesta arriba en una carrera política. Las carreras judicial no son la excepción. The money required for a judicial election campaign is an unfortunate side effect of our system of contested races for judicial office. The needs for fundraising and campaigning threaten to distract officeholders from focusing their efforts on performing their jobs. Another unfortunate factor is the negative appearance possibly resulting from the fact that lawyers and litigants appearing frequently in the courts may be the parties with the greatest interest in contributing to judicial campaigns. Yes. I will recuse myself from the cases in which the participating lawyers, their firms, or parties to the suit before the court have contributed $1,000 or more to my campaign. I have already received such donations, and the donors are aware of my policy. They understand that I will follow this policy, as long as the law and the chief of my court allow me to do so. Sí. Voy a removerme a los casos en que los abogados que participan, a su empresa, o partes de la demanda ante el Tribunal de Justicia han contribuido $1,000 o más para mi campaña. Ya he recibido este tipo de donaciones, y los donantes son conscientes de mi política. Ellos entienden que voy a seguir esta política, mientras la ley y el jefe de mi corte me permite hacerlo. My decisions as a judge will never be influenced by campaign contributions, or the fact that a person may not have contributed to my campaign. I carefully follow all Texas laws governing disqualification and recusal of judges. I also voluntarily comply with the fundraising limitations of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. These safeguards ensure that no lawyer, firm, or litigant contributes so significantly as to require my recusal or create appearances of impropriety. 14TH COURT OF APPEALS JUSTICE PLACE 2 SHARON MCCALLY I am a forty-nine year old wife; mother; and Harris County judge. A judge for five years, I deliver balanced justice and tangible, taxpayer savings. After twenty years in law (state; federal; trials; appeals; civil; criminal) and seven years in business (construction), I have the best skills for this job. Tengo cuarenta y nueve años; soy casada y tengo una hija. Me desempeño como jueza del Condado de Harris desde hace cinco años, impartiendo una justicia equilibrada y tangible y asegurando el ahorro de los contribuyentes. Con veinte años en la práctica del derecho (estatal; federal; juicios ordinarios; apelaciones en los fueros civil y penal) y siete años en la industria de la construcción, me encuentro en las mejores condiciones para ocupar el cargo. Non-partisan, merit-retention elections might be effective to achieve judges of qualification, independence, and diversity, but only if coupled with non-partisan, pool-funded, public education about candidates. The partisan elections we have will never guarantee a qualified or independent judiciary, though diversity may result. The federal appointment system is not likely to sponsor diversity. More important, neither system is designed to foster both (a) public confidence in impartiality and (b) accountability. Realizar elecciones sin sesgos partidarios de las que surjan contrataciones basadas en los méritos de cada candidato podría resultar eficaz para hallar jueces con antecedentes, independencia y diversidad, pero ello sólo funcionaría si se implementara alguna forma de información sobre los candidatos independientemente de los partidos políticos y mediante fondos no condicionantes. Las elecciones partidarias que tenemos nunca garantizarán un sistema judicial independiente y calificado, aun si la diversidad pudiera estar asegurada. El sistema federal (///) The ultimate effect of expensive judicial campaigns is a further erosion of public trust in the judiciary because the practical effect is that those campaign dollars are derived from the lawyers who practice in those courts. As outlined in response to Question 2, until judicial campaigns are equally funded through a non-partisan pool of funds, citizens appearing in those courts unfortunately, but reasonably, worry about the judge s politics and funding. El efecto último de las onerosas campañas judiciales es una mayor erosión de la confianza pública en el sistema judicial porque el efecto práctico es que esos dólares usados para la campaña provienen de los propios jueces que litigan en esas cortes. Tal como se afirma en la respuesta a la Pregunta 2, hasta que las campañas judiciales reciban una misma cantidad de dinero a través de fondos recolectados sin conexión partidaria, los ciudadanos que (///) Yes, I will recuse myself from cases in which the participating lawyers, their firms, or parties to the suit before the Court have contributed substantial and disproportionate support to my election campaign because it is constitutionally required by the United States Supreme Court. I will also recuse myself in strict compliance with the broader standards of Texas law, while upholding and supporting each citizen s Constitutional right to participate in the electorate process without penalty. Sí, yo me excusaré en los casos en que que los abogados participantes, los estudios jurídicos a los que pertenecen o las partes del juicio en trámite ante la Corte hayan realizado un aporte financiero sustancial y desproporcionado para apoyar la campaña para mi elección, tal como lo requiere constitucionalmente la Corte Suprema de Estados Unidos. También me excusaré en estricto cumplimiento de las normas más amplias de la legislación de Texas al mismo tiempo (///) LESLIE BROCK YATES I was elected to the Fourteenth Court of Appeals in I have authored over 1,000 opinions and participated in more than 6,000 cases. Prior to being elected, I was an Assistant District Attorney where I handled both trials and appeals. I was also an attorney with Union Pacific Railroad. I do not like the current system of electing judges in partisan elections. Too many good judges have been lost in partisan sweeps. However it is not the role of a judge to make new law. I hope the voters will encourage the legislature to devise a system that keeps good judges and allows for removal of bad ones. During my tenure as an attorney and as an appellate court justice, I have not been aware of any instance in which contributions to judicial campaigns have influenced decision making; but I am aware of the potential perception of influence by the public. Such perception weakens the respect for the judiciary and, ultimately, for the rule of law. As a result, I limit the size and amount of contributions I receive. Judges are called upon to put aside their personal biases and make decisions based upon the law, not prejudice and favoritism. Judges have a variety of associations with a great many lawyers who practice before them. Judges need not concern themselves with whether they rule in favor of, or against, any lawyer only whether the ruling is firmly grounded in the law and legal precedent. 5-9 MARTHA HILL JAMISON RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR JUSTICE, 14TH COURT OF APPEALS, PLACE 5 (UNEXPIRED TERM) TRACY ELIZABETH CHRISTOPHER RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR JUSTICE, 14TH COURT OF APPEALS, PLACE 9 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 29

30 DISTRICT JUDGE / Republican Party District Courts are the state trial courts of general jurisdiction. Twenty-two criminal courts have jurisdiction over felonies punishable by death or by incarceration in state prison or death, and over misdemeanors involving official conduct. An additional three courts deal exclusively with juveniles accused of crimes. Twenty-five civil courts have jurisdiction over civil actions, which include disputes over personal or real property, civil rights, contractual matters or other business dealings, and personal injuries. In addition, there are nine specialized civil courts dedicated solely to family matters such as divorce and child custody. 4-year term. 55 th 157 th JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 55TH 157TH JEFF SHADWICK RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 55th JUDICIAL DISTRICT JOHN DONOVAN RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 113th JUDICIAL DISTRICT RANDY WILSON RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 157th JUDICIAL DISTRICT JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 180TH 270TH Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? How would you select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in your court? DANNY DEXTER Graduate, St. Thomas High School; University of Texas, Undergraduate degree, Business Management and Master s in Professional Accounting; Graduate, South Texas College of Law; Successful private sector career; Extensive felony and misdemeanor trial work as local prosecutor; Runs a private law practice; Has done defense work in federal whitecollar cases. Making sure that with the volume of cases handled by district courts that everyone crime victims and defendants get their say and that the law is followed and the community is safe. Our taxpayer-supported courts must also run efficiently. The people are the best check on an independent judiciary. They have that power in Texas and it should never be taken from them. Attorneys wishing to represent the indigent will be selected based on qualifications, standards and work ethic. There can be no shortcuts in making sure the poor get a quality defense when they stand accused. Our entire system breaks down when that rule is not observed. 180 th EMILY MUNOZ I have dedicated my entire career to criminal justice. I earned my law degree from St. Mary s University. I am a former Briefing Attorney for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, a former Harris County prosecutor, and am now in private practice. I am Board Certified in Criminal Law. It is important that our Courts are equipped to deal with people with mental illness and look for ways to link offenders with mental illness to community-based services to break their continued cycling through the criminal justice, mental health, and substance abuse treatment systems and to reduce the number of people with mental illness in jails. Partisan primaries, as we have now, are the best way for selecting our judiciary. It allows primary voters the opportunity to select a candidate based on their values. I would continue to use the Harris County indigent defense plan and choose an attorney from the graduated lists of qualified attorneys for assignment. Our current system of selecting attorneys assures that a qualified attorney is appointed and takes into account the individual qualifications of the attorney with respect to the nature of the case. MARC BROWN J. D. University of Houston, B. A. University of Texas, 1984: 22 year career prosecutor Harris County District Attorney s Office; Division Chief, Harris County District Attorney s Office;Over 100 Felony Jury trials; Past Instructor Texas Center for the Judiciary; 2003 TNOA Texas Prosecutor of the Year. The backlog of In-Custody cases is the biggest issue facing all of our criminal courts. I would work to fast track the in-custody cases to more quickly dispose of those cases. This would help alleviate jail overcrowding and ultimately save taxpayers money. I believe that the election of Judges best insures an independent judiciary. I believe that the people should be able to choose their Judges. I do wish the judicial races attracted more attention so voters would be more informed. I would use the Wheel system that is currently in place in the majority of the Harris County courts. This system allows for the appointment of attorneys for indigent defendants from a large pool of highly qualified professionals. 182 nd th JEANNINE BARR RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 182nd JUDICIAL DISTRICT VANESSA VELASQUEZ RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 183rd JUDICIAL DISTRICT JAN KROCKER RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 184th JUDICIAL DISTRICT SUSAN BROWN RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 185th JUDICIAL DISTRICT BILL BURKE RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 189th JUDICIAL DISTRICT PATRICIA J. KERRIGAN RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 190th JUDICIAL DISTRICT DENISE COLLINS RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 208th JUDICIAL DISTRICT MIKE MCSPADDEN RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 209th JUDICIAL DISTRICT MARC CARTER RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 228th JUDICIAL DISTRICT BELINDA HILL RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 230th JUDICIAL DISTRICT MARY LOU KEEL RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 232nd JUDICIAL DISTRICT REECE RONDON RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 234th JUDICIAL DISTRICT ROY L. MOORE RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 245th JUDICIAL DISTRICT JIM YORK RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 246th JUDICIAL DISTRICT BONNIE CRANE HELLUMS RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 247th JUDICIAL DISTRICT JOAN CAMPBELL RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 248th JUDICIAL DISTRICT JUDY WARNE RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 257th JUDICIAL DISTRICT DENISE BRADLEY RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 262nd JUDICIAL DISTRICT JIM WALLACE RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 263rd JUDICIAL DISTRICT DAN HINDE RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 269th JUDICIAL DISTRICT BRENT GAMBLE RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 270th JUDICIAL DISTRICT 30 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

31 DISTRICT JUDGE continued / Republican Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 280TH 295TH What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? ANGELINA GOODEN 20-year Family Law Practitioner, with BA, MA and JD. Served as Special Master, Mediator, Amicus, Ad Litem and Domestic Violence Lecturer. Contract Attorney for Aid To Victims Of Domestic Abuse for 11 years. I have represented hundreds of litigants in domestic violence cases in Harris County Family Courts. With the Harris County Family Courts handling 50,000 cases in a year, providing timely justice has been a challenge, especially in domestic violence cases. The new domestic violence court was created to provide expedited hearings in family law cases involving protective orders. My extensive experience litigating domestic violence cases will ensure this Court s purpose is achieved. Election of Judges by the general population is the best way to ensure an independent judiciary. Additionally, Judicial candidates running without party affiliation can refine our current method of electing judges. 280 th LYNN BRADSHAW-HULL I have litigated, trained and presided in domestic violence matters. Throughout 14 years as trial judge, I maintained favorable judicial service evaluations; received specialist certifications in Civil Jurisdiction and General Jurisdiction; selected Judge of the Year ; and received State Bar of Texas Presidential Commendations for (///). He litigado, entrenado y presidido en asuntos de violencia doméstica. A lo largo de 14 años como juez de juicios, he mantenido evaluaciones del servicio judicial favorables; recibió certificaciones de especialidad en la Jurisdicción Civil y Jurisdicción General; he sido seleccionada Juez del Año; y recibió Encomiendas Presidenciales por Liderazgo Judicial del de la Barra de Abogados del Estado de Tejas (State Bar of Texas). The 280th is the first domestic violence court in Texas. The Legislature anticipates annual filings. Safeguarding these emergency proceedings and court administration is crucial. For 14 years, I presided fairly in disposing of 60,000+ cases, including 500+ jury trials. I served 9 years as administrative judge of the County Civil Courts. I will deliver responsive, consistent and impartial justice. La Corte 280 es el primer tribunal de violencia doméstica en Texas. La legislatura anticipa más de 3000 solicitudes anuales. El salvaguardar estos procedimientos de emergencias y la administración judicial es crucial. Durante 14 años, yo presidí imparcialmente en la disposición de más de 60,000 casos, incluyendo más de 500 juicios con jurado. Yo serví 9 años como juez administrativa de los tribunales civiles del condado. Yo deliberare justicia en una manera sensible, coherente e imparcial. Texans deserve the right to elect an independent judiciary. Currently, primaries occur three months after the filing deadline, and general elections are held eight months later. Therefore, Judges spend a full year campaigning. Nevertheless, most voters don t know their judges. In order to avoid expensive, unseemly and time consuming campaigns, Judicial elections should be held three months after the primaries. Los Tejanos merecen el derecho de elegir a un poder judicial independiente. En la actualidad, las primarias ocurren tres meses después de la fecha límite de presentación y las elecciones generales toman lugar ocho meses más tarde. Por lo tanto, los jueces se pasan un año completo de campaña. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los votantes no conocen a sus jueces. A fin de evitar campañas costosas, impropias y que consumen tiempo, las elecciones judiciales deberían celebrarse tres meses después de las primarias. 281 st th SYLVIA MATTHEWS RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 281st JUDICIAL DISTRICT CAROLINE E. BAKER RUNNING UNOPPOSED IN 295th JUDICIAL DISTRICT FAMILY DISTRICT JUDGE / Republican Party These courts in this division handle family matters: adoptions, birth records, child welfare and custody, child support, and marriage annulments and divorce. Judges are elected for four-year terms. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JUDICIAL DISTRICT 308TH What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? RICK RAMOS I graduated from TSU Law School in 2000, magna cum laude. I am a Family Law attorney. I clerked in this Court; was named Texas Monthly Magazine Super Lawyer; courtappointed by all Family Courts; tried complex property and custody cases; Family Law Mediator; and taught at National Trial Institute. Family Law Courts are extremely overcrowded with thousands of filings per month. As Judge, I would implement a 5 to10 minute status hearing on each case prior to lengthy hearings and trials to set time restrictions and deadlines in the case so that these cases will not remain on the docket for years without any activity. The best method for selecting judges is through an election. Ideally, judges should have their own election cycle separate from the executive branch and legislative branch elections. Furthermore, judges should run for office on their experience, qualifications, and belief system; and not on their party affiliation which often results in a lesser qualified candidate being elected. ALICE J. O'NEILL University of St. Thomas, Political Science; Texas A&M University, Counseling Psychology M.E.d; University of St. Thomas, MBA; South Texas College of Law, J.D. I was a psychologist for seventeen years prior to law school and am now going on my seventeenth year as a lawyer/mediator specializing in both civil and (///). The dockets in the family law Courts are voluminous and cases need to be worked in a manner that will efficiently process these cases in a timely manner from start to finish. Judges are elected per the laws of the State of Texas and am in favor of this process to ensure an independent judiciary. 308 th JAMES LOMBARDINO I received my BBA from UH and law degree from South Texas College of Law. I have practiced Family Law for the past 25 years. I am a former Assistant District Attorney who has tried hundreds of cases and been named a top Family Law lawyer by H Texas Magazine. The most critical administration of justice issue facing the Family Law courts is the cost of litigation. To help reduce these costs, all court-appointed amicus attorneys and mediators should be required to charge a reduced rate that is based not only on the complexity of the legal issues but also the ability of the parties to pay. For the Texas Supreme Court, the best method of selecting judges for an independent judiciary is to have them confirmed by the Senate after they are appointed by the Governor and then for them to stand for retention elections. For the remaining Texas judgeships, judges should be elected locally by the people in the districts where the judges preside. WILLIAM 'SUMPTER' FRAZIER Received JD from South Texas College of Law, practicing Family Law and Litigation in Harris County for 37 years. I have worked for the County Attorney s Office for seven years, and served as Division Chief for Child Protective Division for three years, overseeing 1,300 cases of child abuse each year. The increase in the number of Family Law and Child Abuse cases over the past several years. These cases must be heard in a timely and expedient manner. Even though the family may be separated, the children s interest must be protected by a knowledgeable, informed and objective judge. The present system for the election of judges has worked well in the past, however; the voters do not know the candidates or their qualifications. The appointment of judges by governors or judicial committees would make the process political and controlled by politicians. Some combination of the above might be appropriate with a clearing house for candidates; then a general (///). League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 31

32 FAMILY DISTRICT JUDGE continued / Republican Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 309TH 311TH What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? CLINT LAWSON My family law practice is focused on clients and mediation. I hold both MBA and JD degrees. I am Family Law Board Certified. I am a director of the HBA Family Law Section and Gulf Coast Family Law Specialists. I am married and a stepfather of six children. The inability of a party to resolve their case in a reasonable time period erodes the confidence of the public in the judicial system. Scheduling delays often compound the stress of a family law proceeding. Given limited judicial resources, greater use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods to resolve family disputes in an amicable manner will be given top priority. I am a strong proponent of the voters choosing their judiciary and this tradition should be maintained. Improvements in the present system might include the nonpartisan election of judges and a prohibition against candidates accepting contributions from attorneys. In this manner, individual perceptions regarding the impartiality of the judiciary might improve as the role of politics is lessened. MECA WALKER I am one of two judges in the 309th Family District Court. I was appointed to the bench in 2007 to assist the presiding judge in hearing a docket which consists of approximately 30 cases per day. I graduated from Cy-Fair High School, Clark Atlanta University and Howard University Law School. The most critical issue is a high docket load. I preside over approximately 75 cases every week and we still are not able to hear all of the cases as quickly as we would like. To address this issue, I fully support the recent creation of a Domestic Violence court which now reduces the family court docket. Some method that did not require judges to raise funds would probably be the best way to ensure an independent judiciary. 309 th DANIEL J. LEMKUIL I am Board Certified in Family Law, hold an MBA, and have over 5 years of judicial experience in a family court. I frequently speak at continuing education courses for attorneys and judges around the state. My practice is primarily family law, at both the trial and appellate levels. Many contested cases take years to get to trial and have a final resolution, and many courts make unnecessary appointments (amicus attorneys, experts, mediators, etc.). These issues increase the parties financial costs by thousands of dollars. I would run a more efficient court, allow cases to proceed with fewer delays, and avoid unnecessary appointments. Elections. The people should select those people they want to serve as judges, and the people should decide when a judge is no longer effective and should be replaced. Judges should be hired and fired directly by the people. SHERI Y. DEAN University of Texas, BBA, 1976; South Texas College of Law, JD, I managed my family s business until I established a Family Law firm in I have practiced Family Law for 18 years, in all nine Harris County Family Courts. Please See Failure of the Courts to follow the Law and Constitution. I will strictly construe the law and uphold the Constitution. I will use my experience to make competent law-based decisions to protect each person s rights and liberties that can affect a family for years. I will listen to each person s story, before making a decision, to avoid injustice. Judges should be elected as they are now, by the public. It allows the voters, not a Governor or President, to hold them accountable. We have three branches of the government and each is to act independently of the other. Appointment of Judges can destroy the check and balance of government that we currently have in place. 310 th LISA MILLARD My experience as judge of this court for over 15 years is clearly my best qualification. I have presided over more than 20,000 cases in this time. While my education and work experience helped me, the last 15 years make me uniquely qualified among the candidate. The family is a critical cornerstone of our society. When a marriage is to be dissolved it is critical to ensure that each and every party has an opportunity to be heard and have their concerns addressed in a fair and equitable manner. When children are involved, lives hang in the balance. With overcrowded courts, time is the limiting factor. While I see flaws in the current system that allows partisan sweeps, I trust the voters. Independence is best maintained by public direct election. KAY POLK NO RESPONSE RECEIVED DONNA DETAMORE 26 years of Judicial experience Special Master/Associate Judge by appointments. Board Certified Family Law Specialist 26 years. BV rated Martindale-Hubbell. Past President Gulfcoast Family Law Specialist. Mediator/Attorney. Barrister Family Inns of Court. Speaker Family Law and Mediation. Cancer Counselor. Escalating court dockets due to delays caused by unnecessary court ordered procedures, resulting in added expense to the parties. Rendering judgments in a timely, cost efficient manner, protecting the rights and property of the parties. Putting family and children first. I would remain a strict constructionist, fair and decisive, not legislating from the bench. Partisan Elections, that are held separately from non-judicial race elections. The judiciary should be accountable to the public, while affording the public a better vehicle to investigate and become familiar with the candidates. 311 th LORRAINE CERVANTES Practicing attorney for almost 20 years. I have been practicing Family Law almost exclusively for the last 15 years. Certified Family Law Mediator; Volunteer team member in the Harris County s first Family Intervention Drug Court since inception. Education: Milby High School; University of Houston (Central); Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Justice requires Judges to be completely fair and unbiased to all parties and to apply the law; parties given their day in court; put the children s best interest first. I pledge to be guided by the principles of fairness and equal treatment for all. I still believe that the election process by our citizens is still the best way to ensure that the judiciary remain balanced and independent. 32 DENISE PRATT Family law attorney 18 years. Trained by HPD Domestic Violence Unit, Suicide Hotline, Charter Lakeside Rehab. Texas Board of Social Worker Examiners. Volunteer for Aid to Victim s of Domestic Violence, Women s Shelters. Foster/kinship parent through CPS. Sponsor parent for boys/girls home. More at deniseprattforjudge.com. In the family courts, having strict constructionist judges with integrity, compassion, and the judicial temperament necessary to deal with issues facing today s families. Address it by staying educated on dynamics of family and cultural issues, following the law, and giving back to the community in a way that helps strengthen the family. Examples at deniseprattforjudge.com League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide State trial judges should be elected by the people over whom they preside and by the people who make the laws the judges are charged with following. JUDICIAL DISTRICT 311TH CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

33 FAMILY DISTRICT JUDGE continued / Republican Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 311TH (continued) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? JUDICIAL DISTRICT 311TH CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE 311 th continued ANTHONY MAGDALENO I graduated from South Texas College of Law in 1987 and have been a family law attorney for approximately 22 years. I have been a substitute Associate Judge in the 311th Court at the invitation of the retiring incumbent and am appointed by him to represent children in custody matters. JOEL A. GRANDSTAFF B.S. and M.S. from Indiana University, J.D. from University of Toledo. Board Certified, Family Law. Taught school fourteen years: elementary, middle and high school. Coached high school wrestling fourteen years and middle school track four years. Nineteen years experience as an attorney-mediator. Served as Amicus and Guardian ad litem. Giving litigants a hearing as quickly as possible to address their immediate concerns. This is difficult since there are only 9 family law courts and 1 protective order court to serve all of Harris County. Since it is expensive to create more courts, I would utilize more of the civil courts to hear simple matters that litigants have already settled. The main issue my clients, particularly men, are concerned about is fairness. People want to know that they will get a fair hearing on custody cases regardless of whether they re mom or dad. My position has been, and will always be, that decisions concerning custody issues shall only be made on the facts of the case. Election by the voters with no candidate having any listed party affiliation. This would require candidates to rely on their professional merits and not political associations to get elected. Likewise, this would require voters to closely study each candidate. This would prevent the election of judges who have no experience in the matters their particular courts would be hearing. Judge selection should be nonpartisan. I have looked at several alternatives and all are fraught with their own unique set of problems. The most reasonable method seems to be a nonpartisan election. To be elected, a judge would need the support from both parties. 312 th DAVID FARR RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR FAMILY DISTRICT JUDGE IN 312th JUDICIAL DISTRICT Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 313TH 315TH What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? How would you select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in your court? 313 th FRED WILSON BBA, Texas A&M University, J.D., St. Mary s University, I was a Briefing Attorney the 4th Court of Appeals and then became an Assistant District Attorney for Harris County. In the Juvenile Division I served as a Concurrent Chief. Presently, I am in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 company. GLENN DEVLIN U.S. Air Force, Honorable Discharge University of North Dakota, BA Political Science South Texas College of Law, graduated years experience in juvenile courts. Currently sit as a visiting associate judge in the 313th District Court which has enabled me to gain judicial experience as well. For the Juvenile Courts, the integrity of the system must be clearly visible. The citizens of Harris County deserve to know that their Juvenile Courts provide open and fair representation. The Juvenile Courts offer an opportunity to mentor and direct the life of a child and the 313th District Court demands a judge who recognizes this responsibility. Juvenile and cps recidivism. Implementing programs designed to attack the problem of recidivism such as my proposed Leadership Friday Program, expansion of the mentor program with church and civic organizations in the community. Also, implementing an Adopt a Family Program where parents who find themselves in the cps system are taught the needed skills to parent, nurture and guide their (///). Partisan elections obviously inject political ideology into the selection of judges who are supposed to follow the law regardless of party affiliation. An informed electorate, however, can select a quality judiciary. Judges could be appointed, but the Supreme Court and the Legislatures have not agreed to this process. Therefore, electing judges is the system that we have. It would be helpful to elect judges not by party affiliation but by qualification. I would select attorneys based upon their ability to adequately represent an indigent child (as this is a juvenile court). I would select attorneys in a manner independent of party affiliation and avoiding any conduct that calls the integrity of the court into question. In selecting an attorney to represent a child, I would look for opportunities to create a (///). Those with the most experience together with the necessary qualifications handling cases that are in my court will certainly be needed and sought. A proven track record of defending the client, representing the child (or parents) in cps matters, and adherence to the law will be evaluated for selection. Acquiring 15 CLE hours annually will be necessary as well. 314 th th JOHN F. PHILLIPS RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR FAMILY DISTRICT JUDGE IN 314TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT MICHAEL MIKE SCHNEIDER RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR FAMILY DISTRICT JUDGE IN 315TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COUNTY JUDGE / Republican Party ED EMMETT RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COUNTY JUDGE COUNTY COURT AT LAW JUDGE / Republican Party 1-4 R. JACK CAGLE RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COURT AT LAW 1 JACQUELINE LUCCI SMITH RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COURT AT LAW 2 LINDA STOREY RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COURT AT LAW 3 ROBERTA LLOYD RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COURT AT LAW 4 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 33

34 COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW JUDGE / Republican Party Has jurisdiction over all criminal causes and proceedings, original and appellate prescribed by law for county courts. Each judge is elected for a four-year term. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? How would you select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in your court? PEYTON PEEBLES Undergraduate science degree (University of Florida); law degree (University of Houston). Assistant District Attorney (8 years); private practice (2 years). Misdemeanor and felony trials, appellate litigation throughout Texas, argued twice before the Texas Supreme Court s criminal branch, briefed two cases in the United States Supreme Court. Judicial economy. Court appointed defense lawyers should be better vetted to ensure we are using skilled lawyers who actively work on their cases and do not draw them out unnecessarily. Prosecutors have a large caseload and tasks frequently fall through the cracks. Judges must actively discuss individual cases with both to ensure the justice system is moving smoothly. General election through non-partisan races. We should expect our judges to be impartial and rule based on a strict interpretation of the law. The judge s personal opinions should not come into play except in the situations where we grant judges discretion (sentencing options, etc.). This separates a judicial position from a legislative position. Harris County already requires lawyers to pass minimum training in order to accept court appointments. The training is, however, minimum. Judges must also rely on an attorney s reputation in the community and then continuously critique an attorney s performance to ensure they are giving an accused Constitutionally sound representation. Attorneys must also account for their services. COURT 1 PAULA GOODHART B.A. from U.T. J.D. from U.of H. Practiced criminal law for 16 years 14 as prosecutor and 2 in private practice Tried over 100 jury trials Handled thousands of criminal cases PaulaGoodhart.com Parties to a criminal matter having to wait unreasonable amounts of time for a resolution of the matter. The parties defendants and victims alike should receive justice as efficiently and as swiftly as their case permits. This could be accomplished by tighter docket controls and shorter trial settings. Judges should be elected by an informed and educated electorate whose priority it is to elect the most qualified and fair candidate. Judges should not be appointed by partisan politicians except in extenuating circumstances. I would follow the Fair Defense Act and appoint only attorneys who have proven trial courtroom experience and ethical standards above reproach. I will appoint attorneys who are committed to protecting their client s rights diligently. MIKE WILKINSON U.T.: B.B.A.,J.D. Currently, Senior District Judge, Harris County. 20 years as Criminal District Judge. Have presided over felony and misdemeanor courts. Founding and Presiding Judge, Harris County Drug Court No.1. Tried many hundreds of cases. Former 6½ year prosecutor; 7½ year defense attorney. Fellow: Houston/Texas Bar Foundations. In this court, with original jurisdiction over misdemeanor offenses and over 80,000 misdemeanor cases filed annually in Harris County, budget constraints require a judicious utilization of resources. Additional emphasis must be placed on drug and alcohol treatment, meaningful community service, and full restitution. Trial cases should be disposed of in 60 days. I favor a so-called Modified Missouri Plan, with initial appointment of judges, followed by non-partisan retention elections. It appears Texas will not be adopting that method any time soon. At a minimum, I feel we should unhitch Democrat and Republican designations in judicial races, or at the very least, permit no straight ticket voting in judicial races. Only those experienced, tested, and certified to represent indigent defendants under the current guidelines are appointed. Qualified ongoing contract attorneys provide excellent representation and familiarity with the court and should be utilized in conjunction with those appointed on a daily or weekly basis. 2 BILL HARMON RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 2 CARY HART I graduated from STCL in 1997 and went to work for the DA s Office. I spent ten years as an ADA and left in June 2008, am in private practice and a prosecutor for the City of Humble. I have tried over fifty jury trials, from traffic tickets to murders. The ever increasing case load in each court. As a judge you can make sure both sides are getting done what needs to be done between settings. When cases begin to lag on the docket, get them set for trial in a timely manner and get them tried when set as opposed to resetting them, unless for a legitimate reason. Appointed or elected, judges should be chosen on a non-partisan basis. A combination of the two would create an independent judiciary. I would use the Fair Defense Act Management System to appoint attorneys to indigent defendants. If after selecting an attorney from the FDAMS to represent indigent defendants I found they were not competent to represent defendant or did not act in the best interest of their client I would not continue to appoint them in my court. JOSEPH LICATA I received my J.D. from South Texas College of Law in I have 31 years dedicated to the practice of criminal law as a former prosecutor and defense counsel. I offer exceptional ability at managing heavy caseloads, skilled interpretation of the law, fluency in Spanish, steadfast dependability and uncompromising (///). The critical issue facing our courts is the heavy caseloads that exist. Years of experience in handling thousands of criminal cases resulted in my developing an exceptional ability to handle heavy caseloads. I will initiate administrative guidelines in County Court No. 3 to manage and expedite the volumes of cases without sacrificing fairness to all parties. Ideally, judges would be elected on a nonpartisan basis. As Texas elects judges on a partisan basis, it is incumbent on the voters to examine the qualifications and experience of candidates. Without exception, a judicial candidate for a criminal bench should have extensive experience in criminal law. Regardless of party affiliation, inadequate experience fosters a burden on our judicial system. The following criteria would have to be met by any attorney seeking to represent indigent defendants: 1. have a minimum of 5 years criminal law experience; 2. have had a minimum of 5 jury trials and 5 bench trials; and maintain a minimum of 20 hours per year of C.L.E. in criminal law. COURT 3 34 NATALIE FLEMING Graduate of the University of St. Thomas (BA, 1985) and South Texas College of Law (JD, 1988). Worked as an assistant Harris County District Attorney for 5.5 years and have been a Visiting Judge in the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law for approximately 15 years. Fluent in Spanish. Graduada de la Universidad de Santo Tomás (BA, 1985), y South Texas College of Law (JD, 1988). Trabajé como Asistenta de Fiscal del Condado de Harris por cinco y medio años y he sido Juez Visitante para las Cortes Criminales del Condado de Harris por quince años. Habló Español. SHAROLYN WOOD Senior Judge; Mediator; District Judge,1985 to 2008; Municipal Court Judge, ; Teaching: law students, judges, court reporters, paralegals, and attorneys; Multiple Judicial Education Programs, 1985 to Rice University: Economics, UT Law School Licensed attorney, Judge, Full-time working attorney and judge for 36 years. Repeat offenders cause our crime rate to remain high and slow down the administration of justice in our courts. More emphasis needs to be placed upon ensuring that young offenders appreciate the seriousness of the situation presented to them so that they do not want to experience it again. Los delincuentes repetidos hacen que nuestro índice de criménes se mantenga alto y producen una demora en la administracíon de justicia de nuestros tribunales. Es necesario un mayor énfasis para asegurar que los acusados puedan apreciar lo serio de su situación para que ellos no quieran repetir esa experiencia otra vez. Eliminating delay--the timely disposition of all criminal and civil matters coming before the court at the least expense to the parties. As a district judge, I created a docket system as a full-time working judge which reduced the time to trial from 5+ years to 18 months. Both the election and appointment method can result in unqualified judges. However, at least with an election process, bad judges can be voted out of office. If we are to do away with the electoral process for selecting judges, I feel that an appointment process with non-partisan retention elections would be an effective system. El método de elección y de designación pueden producir jueces no capacitados. Sin embargo, al menos en el proceso de elección, jueces malos podrian ser eliminados de sus cargos. Si nosotros eliminamos del proceso electoral la selección de jueces, yo considero que el proceso de designación de jueces sin consideración política, resultaría en un sistema más efectivo. The Texas system of electing of judges to a term in office can be improved. Legislative action to remove partisan elections is unlikely. One simple improvement would be to eliminate straight party voting so that voters vote for each individual judge. This is an improvement we can implement in the current partisan system. League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide The only effective way to select attorneys for indigent defendants is based upon qualifications. I will only appoint attorneys that I feel have the ability to represent indigents competently to make sure their Constitutional rights to counsel and a fair trial are protected. La única forma efectiva para seleccionar abogados para defender los acusados indigentes está basada en su capacitación legal y su experiencia en el proceso criminal. Yo solo designaré abogados que yo considere tengan la aptitud de representar aquellos acusados indigentes competitivamente para asegurar que sus derechos constitucionales para su protección legal y su derecho para un juicio justo sean protegidos. Attorneys appointed by the judge to represent indigent defendants should be well-prepared when the case is called to trial. Harris County has many well-qualified defense attorneys. Rewarding those who are prepared will help reduce the number of defendants jailed awaiting trial. I do not favor creating another government bureaucracy to have a public defender office.

35 COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW JUDGE continued / Republican Party Has jurisdiction over all criminal causes and proceedings, original and appellate prescribed by law for county courts. Each judge is elected for a four-year term. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? How would you select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in your court? JACKIE GIFFORD I have a law degree from South Texas College of Law and I am licensed in 3 states. Texas,New York, and New Jersey. I have been practicing law for over 20 years. I practice criminal law in court everyday, I know the courts and the system. I have been (///) The most critical administration of justice facing the courts is the young offender and jail overcrowding. The courts need to have more rehabilitation programs for these first time offenders. The programs need to address the lack of family structure. Jail overcrowding is the result of the lack of alternative programs available Most young offenders go to jail. I would (///) I believe that both appointing and election of judges can create problems. I do not know which is best. I am a native Texan and have lived where elections determine the judiciary in Texas. I lived in the east where the judiciary were appointed. I believe both methods can create good and bad judges. I would select attorneys to represent indigent defendants in court by following the law that has been given to the courts today which is random selection in most instances. Where I have the choice I would pick ethical and knowledgeable attorneys, which I believe most of the attorneys practicing in the courts are. Since I work in the courts myself (///) COURT 13 COURT 5-12 COURT 4 JOHN CLINTON Thirty years, Houston Police Department; Twenty-three of those as decorated Detective Sergeant, Robbery Division; Graduate, University of Houston, Criminal Justice degree; Graduate, Thurgood Marshall School of Law; Runs private law firm; Has helped prosecutors prepare countless cases; Extensive trial experience. Worked as special master in family courts. JANICE LAW 30 years criminal trial practice. Approximately 16 years as judge. Currently: visiting judge. Former: Judge, county criminal court; Associate Judge COH Municipal Court; state and federal prosecutor; indigent defense; Assistant COH attorney; staff attorney for federal judges SD Texas. Authored five books. Author website DON SMYTH Don is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UT/Austin with a BA in Economics and a University of Texas School of Law JD degree. Don served as an attorney for TDC for over 3 years and an Assistant District Attorney for over 32 years. RACHEL ANN PALMER Undergraduate degree, Government, University of Texas; Graduate, South Texas College of Law; Additional legal study, University of Notre Dame and Leiden University, Netherlands. Currently, Deputy Chief, Misdemeanor Division, Harris County District Attorney s Office. Supervises prosecutors in all misdemeanor courts. Extensive felony and misdemeanor trial experience. The most critical issues are the ones our justice system always faces making sure people get a fair hearing, that crime victims have a voice and that our courts enforce the law and protect families. Judges must also be a stable force for fairness. The shadowed confluence of campaign contributions to judges from attorneys who practice in the judge s court; and judicial appointments of attorneys for indigent defendants. I endeavor not to accept campaign contributions from attorneys who do or may practice in my court. See political website: There are too many cases and too few courts to handle the increasing caseload with the attention such cases deserve. Don would seek input from all attorneys handling the cases and the court staff on how to handle the caseload more efficiently and effectively while achieving the goal of justice for the victim and the accused. Work harder and smarter. Caseloads in misdemeanor courts have exploded. This calls for an understanding of current issues facing today s misdemeanor system. Judges must address increased caseloads with a mix of fairness, efficiency and energy. Cases must be managed in a way that does not delay justice for crime victims or defendants. In Texas, we elect judges. That s the way it should always be. Partisan elections, despite problems. Appointing judges moves selection further from public scrutiny. Texas citizens should continue via elective process, to choose openly which candidates they will invest with judicial power. While electoral choices are sometimes uninformed, the alternative of appointing judges is a secretive, behind-closed -doors process. MARGARET STEWART HARRIS RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 5 LARRY STANDLEY RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 6 PAM DERBYSHIRE RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 7 JAY KARAHAN RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 8 ANALIA WILKERSON RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 9 SHERMAN A. ROSS RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 10 DIANE BULL RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 11 ROBIN BROWN RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 12 Don feels the best way to ensure an independent judiciary would be to have judges elected in non-partisan elections with term limits. This however would require an interested and independent press and media to inform the public of the qualifications and competence of candidates and sitting judges. An interested and informed electorate is the key to an independent judiciary. Our current system of electing judges, though flawed, is probably the best. In the end, the justice system belongs to the community. People must feel they have a stake in how courthouse business is conducted. The selection of judges must never fall to courthouse elites. The people must have a voice in the selection of judges. MIKE FIELDS RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 14 JEAN SPRADLING HUGHES RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR CRIMINAL COURT AT LAW 15 Attorneys representing defendants who cannot afford lawyers should be selected with the same care used by those who have money. Judges in those cases should take great care because the taxpayers are paying the bills and everyone deserves the best representation. All standards and qualifications should always be enforced. Current method random selection from judge-compiled attorney list. Attorneys must meet minimum standards. Issue a theme of my 2006 nonfiction book Yield: A Judge s Fir$t-Year Diary. The $ is not a typo. Yield was a 2007 finalist for Texas Book Award (then called Violet Crown); Honorable Mention, national Police-Writer competition. See Don would develop a list of qualified attorneys interested in representing indigent defendants. After determining that there is probable cause to continue holding the defendant for the charged offense, Don would instruct the court coordinator to appoint an attorney with sufficient experience from the list on a rotating basis to handle the case. Thereafter, Don would only confirm the appointment. They must first meet all state and local standards for indigent defense work. They must also show the same dedication and zeal as opposing counsel and above all else demonstrate they will defend clients to the best of their ability. Our system fails when the accused do not receive the best representation possible. Your vote is your voice. Be Heard League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 35

36 COUNTY PROBATE JUDGE / Republican Party This court has jurisdiction over the probation of wills, appointment of guardians, and the settlement partition and distribution of estates. Probate Courts Nos. 3 and 4 share processing of the mental illness dockets with staff support by Court No. 3. Each judge is elected for a four-year term. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you see as the most critical administration of justice issue facing the courts? How would you address it? What method of selecting judges do you feel best ensures an independent judiciary? CHARLES COUSSONS NO RESPONSE RECEIVED COURT NO. 1 LOYD WRIGHT B.B.A. / M.B.A. University of Texas, J.D. University of Houston Only candidate with 25+ years experience as a probate, estate and guardianship attorney. Six years as member and chairman of State Bar Grievance Committee. Only candidate in the race who has never voted in the Democratic Primary. Lifelong conservative Republican. Justice takes too long and is too expensive. Greater use of Alternative Dispute Resolution would minimize litigation delays and expense. I also support incentives for plaintiffs not to bring frivolous lawsuits and for defendants to settle valid claims. Probate procedures should be streamlined to minimize expenses in small estates. Incentivize lawyers to provide volunteer services through CLE credits. I support the right of citizens to elect judges. Electing judges maintains the accountability that does not exist in the federal system. I support removing judicial races from straight lever party voting so that voters would have to cast votes in each judicial race. Too often experienced judges are defeated because of straight lever voters focused on legislative races. 2-4 MIKE WOOD RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COURT NO. 2 RORY ROBERT OLSEN RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COURT NO. 3 CHRISTINE RIDDLE BUTTS RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COURT NO. 4 DISTRICT CLERK / Republican Party Duties include custodial care and safekeeping of all court records for the district courts and county criminal courts and accounting for all money paid in as deposits on civil cases waiting disposition and all monies awarded to minors in court actions that are paid into the registry of the court. The department accounts for and processes child support payments and also coordinates the jury system for the courts. The District Clerk is elected for a four-year term. COUNTY QUESTIONS TO Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) PAUL DWIGHT BBA Finance/Economics Independent Insurance Adjuster For 25 years I made major contributions to the modernization of the Theater Industry with AMC Entertainment as National Training Director, Managing Director, International Development Manager. Excelled in leadership, teamwork, and management training and development at the regional, national, and international levels. What are the most critical issues facing this office? Please discuss. Technology Innovations Technological capabilities must improve to keep ahead of population growth. Requires a tech savvy leader to seek out best solutions utilizing in-house staff and third party vendors. Cost Control Technological advances deliver savings in payroll, document storage. Savings from cross department cooperation by eliminating redundant activities. Jury Duty Recognize employers that fully compensate employees for jury duty. QUESTIONS TO Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) CHRIS DANIEL As your Proven Elected Conservative, with a background in Engineering and Patent Law, educated at the University of Texas and South Texas College of Law, I have cut taxes and managed a budget in excess of $250 Million as an unpaid elected Trustee for Lone Star College System. What are the most critical issues facing this office? Please discuss. As your District Clerk, I will improve the online legal filing system to be compatible with other counties and the Federal Filing System, improve child support disbursements by putting the process online, improve the jury duty experience by addressing parking and juror compensation and I will also cut overall waste. COUNTY CLERK / Republican Party This department keeps the public records of the county, including those filed by the general public with the County Clerk and all records of actions of Commissioners Court, the probate courts, the county court and county civil courts-at-law. The clerk handles all special and general elections called by the county and provides for assignment of voting equipment and supplies to polling places. This office also trains and coordinates election officials and tabulates election returns. The County Clerk is elected for a four-year term. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) What do you think are the primary challenges of this position and how will you address them? How would you improve the Harris County voting process to optimize convenience and surety? COUNTY STAN STANART I am qualified because I have over 25 Years of Professional Experience as an Engineer and Technical Manager. Having a B.S. in Electronics Engineering I have brought technology to many organizations including Compaq and the International Space Station. I have the management skills to deliver excellence within a limited budget. KEVIN MAUZY I graduated from the University of Houston and began my employment with the Harris County Clerk s Office. I have served as Assistant Director and Director of the Information and Public Service Department, Director of the Commissioners Court Department, Administrator of Courts and Human Resources, and currently Chief Deputy. Current reductions in budget will be a challenge. I will implement technology to increasing efficiency and save taxpayer dollars. We need to drop microfilming and upgrade our County Courts to a paperless system similar to what the District Clerk s Office has done. I will be a watch dog for the taxpayer, ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely and conservatively. This office files thousands of documents per day and must make them accessible to the public within a few days, as well as maintaining a records library containing millions of records dating to The challenge is to see there is no delay in having recorded documents available to those who access them regularly without any delay, particularly in these (///). I will use creative technology to enhance the training of election workers. I will work with other entities (ISDs, Cities, etc.) for joint elections. Voters should only have to go to one location to vote on Election Day. I will protect and enhancing the integrity of our elections and lobby the legislature to require a picture ID to vote. We already have a number of safeguards in place, both statutorily-mandated and policies instituted by the County Clerk, to protect the security and accuracy of the ballot. I would continue and expand our voter outreach program and work with our county commissioners to relocate or open additional early voting locations in underserved areas of the county. 36 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

37 COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR-COLLECTOR (Unexpired Term) / Republican Party The Tax Assessor-Collector is responsible for collection of property taxes, the hotel-motel tax, and contracts with other taxing jurisdictions to collect their taxes. Other responsibilities include issuing licenses and titles for motor vehicles, voter registration and mapping of voter precinct boundaries. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) DON SUMNERS A UT Austin accounting graduate, I began my career working for a big four public accounting firm, and obtained my CPA. I ended my business career as a small business owner. My public service began as County Treasurer and I served the last ten years in Tax Office leadership positions. What do you think are the primary challenges of this position and how will you address them? The primary challenges of the position begin with providing good service to Tax Office customers under strict budget constraints caused by declining tax revenues. The second challenge involves being an effective advocate for the taxpayers to prevent tax rate increases in these tough economic times. Following that is keeping pressure on HCAD to make their appraisal process fair and equal. How would you improve the Harris County voting process to optimize convenience and surety? The voter registration and provisional voter verification processes, although accomplished with a high degree of accuracy, can always be improved. Insufficient transparency and accountability caused by occasional timeliness problems and inadequate real time tracking and reporting played a part in recent accusations of wrongdoing. Instituting more open voter registration processes will help dispel such suspicions and politicizing of the process. COUNTY CNTY CNTY LEO VASQUEZ Yale University, B.A. in Economics; Columbia University Graduate School of Business, M.B.A. with concentration in Finance. Over 20 years experience in private sector including management, operations, mergers & acquisitions, corporate finance and consulting. Service leading governmental, nonprofit and political boards and organizations. See: www. LeoVasquezForHarrisCounty.com Licenciatura en Economía de Yale University; Maestría en Administración de Empresas de Columbia University con especialización en finanzas. Más de 20 años de experiencia en el sector privado con trabajos que incluye: administración, operaciones, fusiones de empresas, y finanzas consultaría empresarial. También he prestado mis servicios a oficinas de gobierno, organizaciones políticas y no lucrativas en las que he sido parte de su consejo. Doing more with less, and doing it better, is the challenge. I am devoted to limited, smaller government. However, processing needs of the Tax Office grow each year as Harris County grows. So we must be more efficient and work smarter. The additional challenge is to watchdog the taxing jurisdictions to ensure controls are maintained on tax rates. Haciendo mas cosas con menos y haciéndolas mejor es el reto principal. Soy firme creyente en que el gobierno sea pequeño y limitado, pero las necesidades le la oficina de impuestos crece cada año debido al crecimiento del Condado de Harris. Tenemos que ser más eficientes y trabajar más inteligentemente. Otro reto que tenemos es asegurarnos que los controles establecidos para determinar las tasas de impuestos se llevan a cabo debidamente COUNTY TREASURER / Republican Party ORLANDO SANCHEZ RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR HARRIS COUNTY TREASURER COUNTY SCHOOL TRUSTEE / Republican Party MARVIN MORRIS RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COUNTY SCHOOL TRUSTEE, POSITION 1, PRECINCT 2 ANGIE CHESNUT RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COUNTY SCHOOL TRUSTEE, POSITION 2, PRECINCT 4 I will continue to work diligently to heighten awareness of the process, especially as it relates to registration. We need to work together to increase participation and fight apathy. We must maximize technology ensuring accuracy and integrity of the voter roll and election process. I will work to ensure the highest ethical standards imbue throughout every level of the process. Seguiré trabajando con esmero enfocándome en crear mas conciencia en el proceso especialmente en el registro de votantes. Tenemos que trabajar en equipo para incrementar la participación y tenemos que luchar contra la apatía actual. Tenemos que maximizar la tecnología para asegurar la integridad y la precisión del votante y del proceso electoral. Trabajare para asegurar que los Trabajare para que en cualquier nivel del proceso electoral se apliquen los mas altos estándares éticos. COUNTY COMMISSIONER / Republican Party This office is a member of Commissioners Court, which supervises and controls the courthouses and jails. They appoint and employ personnel, fill vacancies in elective and appointive positions, determine county tax rates, adopt budget, call bond elections, set voting precinct boundaries, let contracts, build and maintain roads, bridges, libraries and parks, and appoint members to numerous boards and commissions. Within each member s precinct, a Commissioner is directly responsible for administration, parks, road and bridge programs. This office is elected for a four-year term. 4, 2 2, 2 4 PRECINCT 2 Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) DOROTHY OLMOS As a Native Houstonian from Precinct 2, Community Activist, Mother, Grandmother and Businesswoman, I will utilize my knowledge gained through my two Degrees from the University of Houston in Theatre and Industrial Studies, along with my lifetime of business expertise and activism to make Precinct 2 more livable and prosperous. What is the most critical issue facing the Justice of the Peace courts and how would you address it? As your Reagan Conservative Precinct 2 County Commissioner, I will diligently work to find real life solutions to the tough issues including Transportation and METRO, the Redevelopment and widening of the Port of Houston and other areas affected by Hurricane Ike, and I will work especially hard to protect property owners from Imminent Domain takings. [email protected] JERRY EVERSOLE RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER, PRECINCT 4 JUSTICE OF THE PEACE / Republican Party Have jurisdiction over criminal misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only, e.g. assault, bail jumping, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, bad check writing, public intoxication, theft. Hears civil cases involving up to $10,000. Handles miscellaneous complaints, performs marriages, issues commitment papers for the mentally ill, issues search and arrest warrants. Judges are elected for a four-year term. PHILLIP WEBB RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR PRECINCT 2, PLACE 2 QUESTIONS TO TOM LAWRENCE RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR PRECINCT 4, PLACE 2 Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JACK MORMAN Graduate of Deer Park High. Received my undergrad and law degree from Baylor. Upon graduation, I entered into private practice, practicing in the area of civil litigation and have been litigating cases and fighting for clients for seven years. I currently practice in the firm of Michael Fleming & Associates. What is the most critical issue facing the Justice of the Peace courts and how would you address it? Taxes. We should fight to reduce property taxes by demonstrating fiscal responsibility and accountability. Crime. We need to ensure that our law enforcement have the necessary resources to effectively and efficiently fight crime. Infrastructure. We must rearrange spending priorities to ensure that our highways and roads are sufficiently improved in order to keep up with a growing population. League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 37

38 PRECINCT 5, PLACE 2 8, 2 JUSTICE OF THE PEACE continued / Republican Party Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JEFF WILLIAMS Doctor of Jurisprudence, So. TX College of Law, Practicing attorney 28 yrs. Like a Judge, almost daily people come to me asking for help with legal problems. I have experience, knowledge and training to recognize and cut to the legal issues and make a decision according to the law. GEORGE HUNTOON US Marine Corps , Graduate Texas Tech University, Real Estate Broker, President of an 865 Home HOA with a $600,000+ yearly budget, Vice President of a Municipal Utility District with direct responsibility for the management and repayment of over $13,000,000 in bonds. Strong Charity and Community Involvement. What is the most critical issue facing the Justice of the Peace courts and how would you address it? Swift impartial justice. JP 5 is arguably the busiest court in Texas, with 100,000 new cases annually. The docket slows if one without legal training is elected and learns on the job. Fairness and impartiality are at risk if a new judge rules by their feelings instead of the Law. This court must have a legally trained and experienced Judge. The massive case load this court endures. Several hour waits in line to speak to a court clerk. Implement better coordination and communication procedures for the tax payer when they are dealing with the court. Accomplished by using already proven methods that are in use in other courts and the creation of new methods and procedures. LOUIE DITTA RUNNING UNOPPOSED FOR PRECINCT 8, PLACE 2 Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) VIRGINIA S. PITTMAN I have worked in Judge Yeoman s Court for eight years. I have firsthand knowledge of the procedures, policies and laws in this court. I know what it takes to make this court better, not only for the various Harris County Agencies it interacts with, but the community. He trabajado en el Tribunal del juez Yeoman durante ocho años. Primera mano tengo conocimiento de los procedimientos, las políticas y leyes en este Tribunal. Sé lo que se necesita para hacer que este Tribunal mejor, no sólo por los diversos organismos de condado de Harris interactúa con, sino por la Comunidad. ED SEALE I attended Houston Community College and graduated from the University of Houston. I work as an Account Executive for Houston Community Newspapers. I have served in senior management of two Fortune 100 corporations and executive level management in two midsize corporations. Please learn more at What is the most critical issue facing the Justice of the Peace courts and how would you address it? Expedite the process of court so that the public is not in the building too long. Multi-cultural staff to be more useful to the diverse community. Dockets need to be revamped; speedy trials are a right to the citizens, not waiting for over a year to resolve your issues. Ensure we continue to serve the public with respect and integrity. Acelerar el proceso de corte para que el público no está en el edificio demasiado largo. Personal multicultural para ser más útil a la comunidad diversa. Dockets necesita ser renovado; ensayos rápidos son un derecho a los ciudadanos, no esperando más de un año para resolver sus problemas. Asegúrese de que seguimos servir al público con respeto e integridad. The JP Courts are the citizens courts where all Americans can go to get a fair hearing in a timely manner to seek justice. We need to ensure that the courts continue to move expeditiously so that those of us who use and pay for the courts, are able to receive the services the courts provide. PARTY CHAIR ED HUBBARD REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIR / Republican Party The County Chairman serves as the head of the County Executive Committee, which is comprised of Precinct Chairs who are elected from voting precincts within the County. Statutory responsibilities include presiding over the quarterly meetings of the CEC, appointing Party officers, and running the Primary Election every two years. Additionally, the Chairman hires and manages the staff, is the Party s spokesman, raises money to fund the organization and generally is charged with helping to elect Republican candidates in elections. Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) I am a practicing lawyer. My political experiences as a former victorious candidate in a contested 10-county primary, and as a campaign volunteer, together with my business experiences running a firm, creating and implementing litigation and risk-management systems, and working with non-profit entities, prepares me for this job. DON LARGE I have been a Republican precinct chair for ten years and have run for state representative in 2004 and Harris County Attorney in I earned a JD degree from the University of Houston Law Center in 2000 and a BA in Sociology from UH in What goals do you have for your party in Harris County? I want to re-focus the efforts of the HCRP toward winning elections and supporting our Republican officials. To do so, we must address virtually every aspect of the organization of the HCRP, including: Unity; Growth; Modernization; Financial Management; and Communication. To provide our precinct chairs and candidates the tools, the training, and the resources to get out our message and elect Republicans in general elections; to provide a robust coordinated campaign for all of our Republican nominees; to grow the Republican party throughout Harris County by having the party involved at the community level across every community in Harris County. QUESTIONS TO Please describe your education, your occupation, and the training and experience that qualify you for this position. (50 word limit) JARED WOODFILL A partner in Woodfill & PresslerLLP, a law firm. The firm has offices in Houston, Texas, and Warsaw Poland. A graduate of Clear Lake High School, University of Texas at Austin and a magna cum laude graduate of Saint. Mary s University School of law. He is married to the former (///). PAUL SIMPSON B.A. and B.S., Rice University; J.D. cum laude U.H.; licensed engineer; practicing attorney. Lifelong conservative Republican grassroots activist: Republican Precinct Chair since 1990; former Senate District Chair, Legal Counsel, and Treasurer, Harris County Republican Party; former Chair, Louisiana Teen-Age Republicans and Rice Young Republicans; Campaign Organizer, National Conservative Victory Fund. What goals do you have for your party in Harris County? To build upon the success of the past eight years. To grow the Republican Party into communities that have not traditionally voted Republican, ie, Hispanic African American and Asian. To encourage Tea Party Patriots and other conservatives to join together and fight for conservative principles. The local GOP suffered massive losses in 2008 after years of Democratic inroads. My work with Tea Party confirmed the GOP must regain voters trust for not just traditional values but also fiscal responsibility, limited government, and the Constitution. We will empower the grassroots; make Party finances transparent; expand the GOP across Harris County REPUBLICAN PRIMARY BALLOT PROPOSITIONS BALLOT PROPOSITION 1: PHOTO ID q FOR q AGAINST The Texas legislature should make it a priority to protect the integrity of our election process by enacting legislation that requires voters to provide valid photo identification in order to cast a ballot in any and all elections conducted in the State of Texas. BALLOT PROPOSITION 2: CONTROLLING GOVERNMENT GROWTH q FOR q AGAINST Every government body in Texas should be required to limit any annual increase in its budget and spending to the combined increase of population and inflation unless it first gets voter approval to exceed the allowed annual growth or in the case of an official emergency. BALLOT PROPOSITION 3: CUTTING FEDERAL INCOME TAXES q FOR q AGAINST In addition to aggressively eliminating irresponsible federal spending, Congress should empower American citizens to stimulate the economy by Congress cutting federal income taxes for all federal taxpayers, rather than spending hundreds of billions of dollars on so-called federal economic stimulus. BALLOT PROPOSITION 4: PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GOD q FOR q AGAINST The use of the word God, prayers, and the Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as be permitted on government buildings and property. BALLOT PROPOSITION 5: SONOGRAMS q FOR q AGAINST The Texas Legislature should enact legislation requiring a sonogram to be performed and shown to each mother about to undergo a medically unnecessary, elective abortion. 38 League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide

39 USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS / WEB SITES League of Women Voters Houston Area / League of Women Voters of Texas / Harris County Democratic Party / Texas Democratic Party / Harris County Republican Party / Texas Republican Party / Harris County Green Party / Texas Green Party / Harris County Libertarian Party / Texas Libertarian Party / U. S. House of Representatives / Official Portal of State of Texas / Texas Legislature Online / N.A. Texas Secretary of State / Harris County / Harris County Clerk s Voter/Election Information / Harris County Voter Registrar / The League of Women Voters The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization founded in 1920, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information call the League of Women Voters Houston Area at or visit our Web site, Or complete the application form below to join us and receive our newsletter; Voters Guide; the Voters Key, a handy directory of elected officials and useful voter information and much more! MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Name Address City State Zip Phone: Home Work Cell Fax One Year Individual Membership $65.00 One Year Household $97.50 (Two members who share the same address) Student Membership (With ID) $25.00 Donation $ Mail check and application to: League of Women Voters of the Houston Area, 4001 N. Shepherd Dr., Ste. #213, Houston, TX League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 39

40 March 2, 2010 Democratic Party & Republican Party Primary Elections E A R LY V O T I N G S C H E D U L E EARLY VOTING HOURS FEB 16th - 19th: 8 am to 4:30 pm FEB 20th: 7 am to 7 pm FEB 21st: 1 pm to 6 pm FEB 22nd FEB 26th: 7 am to 7 pm HWY NE Houston: Northeast Multi-Service Center, 9720 Spaulding, Galena Park: Galena Park Branch Library, 1500 Keene Street, Galena Park, Hobby Area: I.B.E.W. Hall #66, 4345 Allen Genoa Road, Pasadena, Sunnyside: Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 4605 Wilmington, * S. Houston: Townwood Park, 3403 Simsbrook, SW Houston: Bayland Park Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet (near Hillcroft), Near West Side: Tracy Gee Community Center, 3599 Westcenter Drive, (One block East of Sam Houston Tollway) 16 Spring Branch: Trini Mendenhall Sosa Com. Center, 1414 Wirt Road, Acres Home: Acres Home Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery Road, North: Hardy Senior Center West Hardy Road, * Main Office: Harris County Administration Building, 1001 Preston, 1st Floor, Moody Park: Moody Park Recreation Center, 3725 Fulton, Kashmere: Kashmere Multi-Service Center 4802 Lockwood Dr., Downtown E: Ripley House, 4410 Navigation Blvd., SE Houston: H.C.C.S. Southeast College, Learning Hub, 6815 Rustic, Palm Center: Justice of the Peace/Constable Entry, 5300 Griggs Road, Astrodome: Neartown: INSIDE LOOP 610 Fiesta Mart, Inc., 8130 Kirby Drive, Metropolitan Mutli-Service Center, 1475 W. Gray, OUTSIDE LOOP I * * * HWY Humble: Kingwood: Wallisville: Baytown: BW US I I BW BW 8 US 59 I-610 Octavia Fields Branch Library, 1503 South Houston Ave., Humble, Humble ISD Instructional Support Ctr., 4810 Magnolia Cove, Kingwood, North Channel Branch Library, Wallisville Road, Baytown Community Center, 2407 Market Street, Baytown, Pasadena: Harris County Courthouse Annex #25, 7330 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Clear Lake: Alief: Freeman Branch Library, Diana Lane, Clear Lake, Henington-Alief Regional Library, 7979 South Kirkwood, West Houston: Lac Hong Center, 6628 Wilcrest Dr., Far W. Houston: Nottingham Park, Kimberley Lane, Far West/Katy: Franz Road Storefront, Franz Road, Katy, Bear Creek: Bear Creek Park Community Center, 3055 Bear Creek Dr. at Patterson Rd., Jersey Village: City of Jersey Village-City Hall, Lakeview Dr., Jersey Village, Tomball: Tomball Public Works Building, 501 B James St., Tomball, Cypress Creek: Champion Forest Baptist Church, Multi-Purpose Bldg Stuebner-Airline Dr., Far North: OUTSIDE BELTWAY 8 Ponderosa Fire Station No.1, Rolling Creek Drive, I Cypress: Bush Park: Cypress Top Park, Hempstead Highway, Cypress, Glen Cheek Education Bldg Westheimer Parkway, Lone Star University Pk, Visitors Cntr, College: State Hwy 249, Crosby: I Any eligible voter may vote at any one of the early voting polling locations. For more information: (713) OUTSIDE BELTWAY 8 cont * * Crosby ISD Administration Building 706 Runneburg Road, Crosby, Indicates changed location

41 The League of Women Voters appreciates the companies that make the Voters Guide possible. LOCAL BUSINESSES SUPPORT VOTERS GUIDE DISTRIBUTION TO SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES Area schools and libraries will receive free Voters Guides thanks to the generosity of several companies. The companies shown below made this happen. On behalf of the libraries and schools and our organization, the League of Women Voters Houston Area sincerely thanks you. LEAGUE S EDUCATION FUNDS ARE ESSENTIAL TO VOTERS GUIDE The Education Funds of the League of Women Voters of the Houston Area and the League of Women Voters of Texas provide funding for this Voters Guide. These Education Funds are supported by individuals, businesses and foundations. Major contributors in to the LWV-HA and LWV-TX Education Funds are gratefully acknowledged and named below. American Express Andrews Kurth LLP Breakfast Klub Center Point Energy Anne Clutterbuck Costello Construction Fulbright & Jaworski LLP Adrian Garcia EDUCATION FUND, League of Women Voters of the Houston Area Peggy Hamric Hershey Foundation Blaine and Judy Hollinger Pam Holm Houston Contractors Association Houston Endowment, Inc LAN El Franco Lee EDUCATION FUND, League of Women Voters of Texas Sue Lovell LWV Board LWV Presidents Melissa Noriega Annise Parker Marty Stein Andrea and Bill White Harold Simmons Foundation Hatton W. Sumners Foundation Texas Bar Foundation Randalls/Tom Thumb/Safeway HEB Texas Classroom Teachers Association Texas Counseling Association Ruth Bowers Ruthann Geer Susybelle Gosslee Diane Sheridan Patricia Vaughan Linda Wassenich Nancy Wilson League of Women Voters Houston Primary Election 2010 Voters Guide 41