What are the three main reasons you are running for this office? Do you see any potential conflicts of interest?
Public service has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I volunteered as a Police Explorer for the Precinct Three Constable's Office when I was fifteen years old. I would spend many weekends riding with different deputies, learning how to be a police officer. I participated in a Police Explorer program until I was old enough to attend the Police Academy. Immediately after graduating in 2004, I was hired by the Precinct Three Constable and was assigned to Patrol. I served as a full-time law enforcement officer for Montgomery County until I began working for the Precinct Three Commissioner's Office in 2013. I believe commitment is a quality that a Justice of the Peace should have. I believe that my work history with the community, Montgomery County, prove that I am committed.
I believe education is another quality that a Justice of the Peace candidate should have. I have obtained the highest level of certification that a Texas Peace Officer can achieve. This is awarded by the state after a Peace Officer meets their educational and experience requirements. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tarleton University. I feel my course of study is germane to the office I am seeking. I completed professional coursework through Sam Houston State University to obtain my credentials as a Certified Public Manager; a nationally recognized program for managers and leaders in government.
Work ethic is a quality I believe is important for all elected officials and government employees. Hard work is necessary in order to keep up with the demands of the County. Dedicated employees play an essential role in not increasing the size of our government. I feel we need to work hard and work smart. I plan to continually look for ways to improve efficiency and output without adding more employees or seeking an increase in the budget.
Do you think judges should be elected by the people, or appointed by a commission?
I believe any person in a powerful position, such as Judge, should be elected. Individual accountability is imperative to such positions, and why I feel he or she should be elected, rather than appointed.
What differentiates you from your opponents?
I do not personally know the other candidates, or their campaign positions, well enough to outline how I might differentiate myself. I only know my qualifications and what I bring to the table as a candidate. I certainly respect all candidates seeking elected office as it is a difficult undertaking. It is my opinion, that after I speak with the voters, outline my background, and display how hard I am willing to work in order to win this election, I will gain the voters' support.
Please describe the changes you will make to improve the efficiency of your court, yet remain thoughful about rulings/orders - that allows all parties to be heard and their arguments considered. Please specifically address how many days a year your court will be “in session.”
I have spoken with multiple JPs in Montgomery County regarding assistance in clearing a docket on occasion if requested to do so, and the response was positive. The Precinct Three Justice of the Peace handles the most court cases by far in comparison to the other J.P.'s in Montgomery County. In order to keep the backlog of cases down to a minimum, I would seek out assistance from the other J.P.'s when necessary. I would hear cases five days a week if necessary to keep up with the volume.
Are the United States and Texas constitutions living documents? Please answer in the context of Progressivism versus Originalism.
The United States and Texas Constitutions are not a “living documents” in my opinion. As the late Supreme Court Justice Scalia put it, the Constitution is not a living organism, it’s a legal document, and it says what it says and doesn’t say what it doesn’t say”. Liberals try to convince people that they are "living documents" because they claim our society has changed and that the government's interpretation should change accordingly. This idea is false. The Constitutions of the United States and Texas do not include a footnote that states it is an ever-changing document. I consider myself an originalist. We must focus on our foundational principles outlined in The Constitution and rule of law, not our changing political and social cultures.
Please describe what you believe are the most significant issues in this race, why and what you'll do to address them?
My most crucial issues in the race are simple:
• Committing to a work ethic that will keep up with the demands of the most active Court in the County.
• Partner with other JP courts to reduce backlogged dockets when needed; and look to improve efficiencies, thereby reducing staff and not growing the budget.
• Providing a fair and impartial court where people can come and settle disputes in a courteous, timely and respectful manner.
What Texas State court decision do you think has most impacted society? How and Why?
Texas v. Johnson – This is a flag burning case. Texas had an anti-flag burning law. Johnson burned a flag and was convicted. Upon appeal, Johnson argued that the flag desecration statute violated the First Amendment. The State of Texas argued that it had an interest in preserving the flag as a symbol of national unity. The Supreme Court ended up striking down the Texas statute in a 5-4 decision. The decision expanded “speech” past the spoken and written word. The dissent argued that Johnson could express his views and convey his dissatisfaction through his words and other in other ways but that Texas should have the ability to legislate against conduct regarded as evil and profoundly offensive to the majority of people.
As a judge, what do you believe the goals of the criminal justice system should be?
Provide impartial justice.
