VOTE411 Voter Guide

I spent 28 years serving as a U.S. Secret Service Agent. Tasked with protecting the President and other top U.S. officials as they traveled domestically and abroad, I led response teams and worked closely with other law enforcement agencies including the FBI, ATF and CIA. This hands-on experience, combined with my degree in criminal justice provided me an understanding of law from the inside out. Eight months ago, I was selected from a pool of 13 applicants to fill the unexpired term of the previous judge. Since then, I have earned a reputation for fairness, justice and commonsense, principles I adhere. I know my decisions affect my neighbors and fellow citizens, so I take my judicial responsibility seriously.

I have already completed two sessions at the Texas Justice Court Training Center and will continue to pursue additional training and education to knowledgeably direct my court. I will consider each case on its individual merits. I will work with involved parties to reach a fair agreement amenable to both parties. If a violation is egregious and the defendant is non-repentant, I will not hesitate to impose the highest penalties available to ensure that our community is protected as the law intends and allows. Finally, I will continue to strengthen the working relationship between my court, law enforcement in this and surrounding counties, the County Commissioners and any other governing bodies to facilitate.

Providing impartial, equal access to justice is the job description for a judge. By taking the oath of office, I have pledged to do that. To carry out my pledge, I will weigh each case on nothing but its merits. In addition, I will create a network of resources that visitors in my court can draw upon if they find themselves in situations where they are lacking necessary advice, representation or other support.

I retired after serving 20+ years in the volunteer fire service, and I continue to maintain my State firefighter and EMT certifications. My childhood instilled upon me strong moral principles, the importance of fairness, honesty, integrity and hard work. Those principles along with helping people from all walks of life through some of their toughest days on fire and EMS calls have molded me into the compassionate and caring person I am today.

I will be a hands-on Justice of the Peace. Committed to the training hours, I’m excited to learn all that the job entails. I will strive for excellence in myself and my staff. Delivering the best possible outcome within the confines of the law in everything that comes before my office.

I plan to handle this position with courage, integrity and compassion. I will be fair and impartial in all cases that are brought before me and my court. I will pay close attention and handle all cases with patience, humility, respect, and open-mindedness. I will handle all legal proceedings and apply the rules of the law without any biases.

I have over 20 years law enforcement experience in the State of Texas, with the majority of that time being a Criminal Investigator. I started my career as a patrolman in Columbus Texas in 1987. I believe my law enforcement background helps me with the duties as a JP by giving me a good understanding of the rule of law. I also believe that someone that has been raised in this County, and particularly has spent many years in this precinct, has the advantage of knowing a vast majority of the constituents personally, and knows family situations that can have a bearing on judicial matters, as long as any decisions made by me are within the letter of the law. People of Colorado County deserve to have a person in office that is "home grown"

I will administer justice fairly, based the severity of the case, whether civil or criminal.

Any person who enters my court room in a criminal matter will be considered innocent until proven guilty. I intend to hear both sides of any civil case, and base any decision I make on not only fact, but will consider extenuating circumstances that may have an impact on a ruling.