I have been asked several times to write about my choices for the local and statewide judicial races. Stan Stanart, the Harris County Clerk, recently told me of his sample ballot that allows voters to enter their name and address on his website and produce a personalized sample ballot; so, I decided to give it a try. Stan and his team have developed a program that allows each voter to create their own unique slate to post and send to friends. Think of it as Stan’s way of overcoming the slate machines. And, when you think about it, Stan has revolutionized the way we can share our selections. Running the election operations in the largest county in Texas always makes Stan and his guys the smartest guys in the room. They do a great job.
You will notice I left many unopposed judicial races blank. I do this to send a message. The message is clear for the Criminal District Judges – I am tired of you supporting Judge Susan Brown as the Chief Administrative Judge of the Criminal Courts – think Goforth, the runaway grand jury, Constable Victor Trevino, judicial bypasses, and Devon Anderson. I have intentionally left them blank, which will show up as an under vote. This sends a message. I, of course, skipped Devon Anderson.
You will notice that I voted for Stacey Bond. She got my vote for standing against prosecutorial misconduct in her court. I also voted for Rick Green over Paul Green for Place 5 on the Texas Supreme Court. I do like what has happened at the Texas Supreme Court, especially concerning the City of Houston cases like HERO. I previously wrote about Jim Leitner for Harris County Attorney. It makes no sense for his opponent, a five-year lawyer, to represent Harris County in all civil litigation and advise Commissioners Court. Jim is the only choice.
Create your own ballot, print my ballot, or use something else entirely. Most importantly, VOTE! Study the candidates and, if you do not know them or the issue, do not feel compelled to vote in that race.
Don,
Rick Green? Wow. That dude shouldn’t be allowed to watch Supreme Court proceedings much less rule on them.
No presidential choice? What about county chair?
DJ
David, I wanted to see what happens tonight on the Presidential, I am expecting Trump to dominate. As, far as Rick Green goes we are definitely a divided household. I didn’t vote for John Divine either but appreciate the court has moved for the better. I am wanting it to change even more and think Rick can help. I am very happy with the HERO and ReNew Houston decisions. I leave the party chair decisions for you! Actually, I was specifically asked about the judicial races. I endorsed Jim Leitner and had to add him.
I hope you change your mind about Green. What an awful choice. Have you read his lawsuit against former chief justice Tom Phillips and several media outlets? That guy is dangerous. Listen to the other half of your household!
David, so your are saying he will be kind of like the Donald Trump of the Texas Supreme Court, minus the fighting;-) I am going on faith having just watched Risen.
At a Westside Command HPD Police Interaction Plan (PIP) this week, the monthly speaker was from HPD’s Mental Health Unit. One of the responsibilities of the unit is to protect the elderly from predators and scam artists who commit devastating crimes against seniors.
The officer/presenter went on to say that the District Attorney’s office has been extremely responsive in serving the elderly victims providing remedies, prosecuting the perpetrators and helping them get on with their lives. The officer went on to say the DA, Devon Anderson was very attentive to this issue and her appointed lead prosecutor on crimes against the elderly, Mary McFaden was especially effective in her tireless pursuit of justice for the aged.
With Your (Don’s) ballot choices out, I wanted to see who you picked in the race for the 339th Judicial District. While Antonio Benavides appears to be a reasonable candidate, Mary McFaden’s 14 years in the DA’s office and how HPD officers described her service made your choice somewhat of a surprise. Not that I know either candidate other than what I read and hear but was your selection of Antonio based on McFaden’s association with the DA’s office or with Devon Anderson herself ? I have read your “Skip Devon” Post and your similar article in the Linkletter.
I am undecided on a number of races and would like to hear on how you chose on that Judicial race.
Jack,
Mary McFaden is very liberal and I have met her once. My wife worked with her for 12 years. Many were surprised to see her run as a Republican and has lived a different lifestyle than she portrays now. I do appreciate the way you framed your question but Mary’s lifestyle choices are well known to Devon. You may want to to ask yourself why Devon promotes her and if she is so good why is she leaving the DA’s office. She was not known as a trial lawyer at the office. I would have expected her to run against Sarah Davis and she checks off the same boxes as Ann Johnson did as a democratic candidate. Let me know if that does not spell it out well enough for you.
Don
Don,
I do not want to make any assumptions about what you mean by her lifestyle.
I see she is endorsed by a good majority of the Republican slates and I also see that she is married with a young child. Is she compelled to resign from the DA’s office if she runs for an elected position ?
In any event it sounds at a minimum the County would lose a well organized and effective prosecutor of those who prey on the elderly. Would you like to see leave the DA’s office ?
Jack
Jack,
What I am saying is that if Annise Parker were on a team, Mary would play on that team. It is hard to hide your lifestyle for a long period of time, Mary did not even try. Does that help you?
Devon is gone.
What about:
1. President? I vote Ted Cruz. He is the most effective and reliable conservative in the race, and the only one who has beaten Trump before.
2. Republican County Chairman? I vote Paul Simpson. He has revitalized, energized and opened up our party, to the point where we are out-organizing the Dems.
You were right before about Devon Anderson, and I am sorry that she does not have a primary opponent. I am writing you in, if I can.
Don, I appreciate your support. Thank you.
You will make a great Judge Leif!
Kudos to my friends at the County Clerk’s office for making it possible to create our own customized ballot. What a great idea. Way to go Stan.
I have no idea of who to vote for in the railroad commission race. Other than Gary Gates, who appears to be trying to buy the position, all of the other names are unfamiliar.
Could you tell us why you made the choice you did? I know you are in the oil business, so you are undoubtedly familiar with him.
Doug, there are few people I respect more than the leadership of the IPAA. This is the governing board of Independent Petroleum Association of America. The leadership from this organization is supporting Doug Jeffrey. The industry looks for knowledgeable folks who can lead the regulatory body that governs oil exploration and production in our state. Doug wears both hats as a land and mineral interest owner and also on the production side. It is important to know both sides to run the Railroad Commission. Think permitting requirements for oil well exploration vs land owner interest, often in conflict. I am supporting him for these reasons, balance and knowledge.