DENTON - COUNTY JUDGE
What is a County Judge? Depending on the size of the county, the county judge has a wide range of judicial and administrative duties and is the presiding officer of the commissioners court. County Judge Qualifications The County Judge must meet the following qualifications at the time of appointment or election: U.S. Citizen Resident of Texas for at least 12 consecutive months Resident of the county for at least six consecutive months Registered to vote in the county At least 18 years of age Not have been finally convicted of a felony from which they have not been pardoned or otherwise released from the resulting disabilities Not have been determined by a court with probate jurisdiction to be totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote Candidates for this office generally must meet the above qualifications at the time of filing. For more information, Secretary of State Elections Division website. Legal source: Government Code, Section 74.025 (effective Sept. 1, 1987) Vernon’s Ann. Texas Const. Art. 5, §15; V.T.C.A., Election Code §141.001 See also: https://www.txcourts.gov/about-texas-courts/trial-courts/
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NICK PAPPAS
(Dem)
BUDGET: What areas of the budget would you like to see increased or decreased during the next term and please explain why and the impacts to your jurisdiction?
HOMELESSNESS: What changes, if any, would you like to see the county implement to help the homeless and those in danger of becoming homeless?
VOTING CENTERS: Do you support or oppose voting centers? Please explain your position.
IMPARTIALITY: How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to raise funds for partisan political campaigns?
Campaign Phone
682-235-9406
Education
GED w/ college credits
Occupation
RETIRED
I will support increasing funding in areas that directly protect residents and reduce long term costs, including emergency preparedness, public health, mental health services, courts, and core county infrastructure. Investments in mental and public health reduce pressure on law enforcement, jails, and emergency rooms while improving overall community stability. I will also prioritize transparency and performance based budgeting so residents can clearly see how funds are used and what outcomes they produce. I will review existing contracts and administrative structures to identify duplication or underperforming programs and redirect those funds toward services with measurable public benefit. The impact would be a more resilient county budget that prioritizes prevention, efficiency, and services that residents rely on every day.
The county must approach homelessness as a housing and public health issue rather than a criminal one. I will use a strategy that prioritizes prevention through eviction assistance, emergency rental aid, and legal support to help people stay housed. For those already experiencing homelessness, the county should focus on coordinated outreach, access to mental health and substance use treatment, and housing first approaches that move people into stable housing as quickly as possible. Strong partnerships with cities, nonprofits, and service providers are essential to avoid duplication and gaps in care. These changes would reduce chronic homelessness, improve public safety, and lower long term costs for the county.
I support voting centers because they expand access and improve efficiency when implemented correctly. Voting centers allow voters to cast a ballot at any location in the county, which reduces confusion, accommodates work schedules, and improves access for students, seniors, and voters with disabilities. I also support expanding voting centers by using familiar public spaces such as high schools and colleges in addition to libraries and other community facilities while ensuring coverage across all parts of the county. When voting centers supplement rather than eliminate local access, they increase participation, maintain security, and strengthen voter confidence.
Impartiality is a core responsibility of the County Judge and a legal obligation. I maintain impartiality by strictly separating campaign activity from official duties and by following all ethics and transparency laws. Decisions are made based on statute, evidence, and the public interest, not political considerations or financial support. My policies and plans are designed to benefit all residents of Denton County, not any particular group or interest. I will govern based on what serves the county as a whole and will not cater to a chosen few. Once elected, every resident is treated equally and fairly. Maintaining public trust requires consistency, accountability, and a clear commitment to impartial governance.
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