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Voters Guide
2012 GENERAL ELECTION November 6, 2012
*UPDATED ONLINE EDITION* Early voting: October 22 – November 2
Election day: Polls open 7am to 7pm
Cast an informed vote in the General Election Candidates' answers on issues that affect you:
Immigration • Foreign Intervention • Energy • Education • Judicial Impartiality UPDATED ONLINE VOTERS GUIDE
Including Candidate Responses Received by 12 p.m,. Oct. 12, 2012
United States President.............................................2-3 U.S. Senator.............................................................. 3-4 Railroad Commissioner............................................ 5-5a Voting for Judges in Texas........................................6 Supreme Court..........................................................6-7a Court of Criminal Appeals........................................8 Courts of Appeals..................................................... 9-18 State Board of Education..........................................18-24
See www.VOTE411.org for subsequent responses, additional candidate information, and additional candidates in your area. VOTE411 is an online Voters Guide with an "On Your Ballot" feature allowing voters to enter an address and review races and ballot initiatives specific to that address. This updated online edition lists candidates in more than 50 contested races who are on the November 6, 2012, General Election ballot and provides their answers to questions posed by LWV-Texas. Page numbers are the same as in the printed Voters Guide; where pages have been added they are designated with a letter a. This Voters Guide is funded and published by the League of Women Voters of Texas Education Fund. For more than 90 years, helping voters cast an informed vote when they go to the polls has been the primary goal of the League of Women Voters. As an organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, the League believes that all of us are stakeholders in Making Democracy Work. Neither the League nor the Education Fund supports or opposes any political party or candidate. This Voters Guide lists candidates for President of the United States, as well as statewide and regional races in Texas, including U.S. Senator, Railroad Commissioner, Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, Courts of Appeals, and the State Board of Education. Invitations to respond to questions in VOTE411 were emailed to all candidates in contested races for whom we had an email address. Responses entered in VOTE411 by 12 p.m. October 12 are included in the Updated Online Voters Guide without editing or verification. Due to space restrictions, candidates were given strict character limits. Replies exceeding the character limit are indicated by slashes (///). Candidates were also asked to avoid references to their opponents. Candidates appearing with no photo failed to submit one.
This Voters Guide is organized by office, with candidates listed by party. Ballot order may vary from county to county. The names of unopposed candidates are also listed.
WHAT TO TAKE TO THE POLLS When you go to vote, take your registration certificate with you. If you do not provide a voter registration certificate, you may vote by providing some other form of identification. You will be allowed to vote if your name appears on the rolls in your county of residence. The following are acceptable forms of identification for the November 6, 2012, election: • • • • • • • • • • •
Driver's license Personal identification card issued by the Dept. of Public Safety Another form of identification containing your photograph Birth certificate United States citizenship papers United States passport Official mail addressed to you from a governmental entity Pay check that shows your name and address Current utility bill Bank statement Government check, or other government document that shows your name and address.
LWV-Texas Voters Guides are funded by the League of Women Voters of Texas Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) corporation that is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. LWV-TEF gratefully acknowledges major contributions in the past year from The Association of Texas Professional Educators, Brown Foundation, Harold Simmons Foundation, HEB, Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation, LWV Education Fund, O Live Fund, Elaine Bridges, Susybelle Gosslee, Edith Jones, Linda Krefting, Nancey Lobb, Carolie Mullan, Betty Sanders, Barbara Swartz, Patricia Vaughan, Linda Wassenich, and Nancy Wilson. Special thanks to Jacqueline Pike for the Spanish translation of the Voters Guide.
© 2012 League of Women Voters of Texas Education Fund
• All qualified presidential candidates were invited to provide biographical information and responses to six specific questions. Candidates were qualified if they met the following criteria: 1. The candidate must have made a public announcement of her/his intention to run for President; 2. The candidate must qualify for the ballot in enough states to win a majority of electoral votes; and, 3. The candidate must meet the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act's minimum contribution threshold requirements for qualifying for matching funds, based on the most recent data publicly available on the FEC website by the date of publication. • Responses were limited to a specific number of characters and were truncated thereafter. • If a candidate did not respond by the date of publication, "Candidate has not responded." is printed.
nited States President
Duties: The President is the head of state of the United States of America and is the Chief Executive Officer and is the Commander in Chief of all military forces. The powers of the President are described in the Constitution and federal law. The President appoints the members of the Cabinet, ambassadors to other nations and the United Nations, Supreme Court Justices and federal judges, subject to Senate approval. The President, along with the Cabinet and its agencies, is responsible for carrying out and enforcing the laws of the United States. The President may also recommend legislation to the United States Congress. How Elected: Every four years, political parties nominate candidates to run for President of the United States in a general election that is held on the first Tuesday, after the first Monday in November. The popular vote for President and Vice President within each state determines how the members of the Electoral College may vote. There are 538 members in the Electoral College, with 270 votes required to win the Presidency. See http://www.lwv.org/files/ElectingThePresident.pdf for more details. Term: Four years. Limit of two terms. Base Salary: $400,000 per year.
Question 1: Please identify your top three goals if elected. Question 4: Please explain why you do or do not support cutting Medicare Question 2: In this time of high unemployment, what are the most impor- and Social Security to address the federal deficit. tant things that should be done to improve our nation's economy? Question 5: Please explain why you do or do not support requiring timely Question 3: How can the federal government, in collaboration with other and full disclosure of all political expenditures in federal campaigns. levels of government, provide an equitable, quality public education for all Question 6: Please explain why you do or do not support the Environmenchildren pre-K through grade 12? tal Protection Agencies' efforts to enforce strong clean air and clean water standards in America. MITT ROMNEY (R) Personal Statement: I am running for president because I believe in America and know that our best days are still ahead. I will make it my priority to create 12 million new jobs and get our economy going again. Answer 1: The first priority of a Romney Administration will be to create 12 million new jobs and get our economy going again. We must get our fiscal house in order. President Obama has put our nation on an unsustainable course. As president, Mitt Romney will set the country on the path to a balanced budget. And he will ensure we have a military so strong that no adversary would want to test it. Answer 2: Mitt Romney will get America back to work by reforming our tax code so businesses can hire more workers, developing our domestic energy resources to create new jobs here at home, reversing burdensome job-destroying regulations—including Obamacare, and ensuring Americans receive education and training for today's jobs. His plan will also get spending under control to prevent a debt crisis. Answer 3: Mitt Romney believes that this important goal begins with providing parents with increased choice and information. He has put forth
a plan that would allow federal funding to follow low-income and special needs students to the school of their choice. This plan also would support high quality charter schools in scaling up and reward states that recruit and retain the best teachers. Answer 4: Entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare are large parts of the federal budget. Mitt Romney's plan to reform these programs will not only protect the benefits and services of current seniors and those nearing retirement, but will strengthen the programs so they are available for future generations. Answer 5: Mitt Romney understands that money can be a corrupting influence in politics. But layers of regulations have not taken money out of politics; they have instead created a system of PACs that are not accountable to the candidates they support. He believes the best solution is swift and full disclosure of all donations to candidates. This allows the American people to hold politicians accountable. Answer 6: Mitt Romney is proud of the environmental progress that we have made to improve our nation's air and water quality and supports continued progress. However, while our air and water laws have served us well over the years, he recognizes that they are significantly out of date and in need of reform.
Website: www.mittromney.com | Campaign Phone: (857)288-3500 | Address: Mitt Romney for President, PO Box 149756, Boston, MA, 02114
The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for office, or politial parties, and any use of the League of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or literature has not been authorized by the League. Copyright © 2012 by the League of Women Voters Education Fund
United States President, continued
BARACK OBAMA (D) Answer 1: As a nation, our challenges can by met by rebuilding the middle class and our economy on a stronger foundation. I have laid out a set of concrete goals on manufacturing, energy, education, national security, and the deficit that will create jobs, expand opportunity, and create an economy build to last. Answer 2: When I took office we were losing private sector jobs at a rate of nearly 800,000 a month. Now we have experienced 30 straight months of private-sector job growth, creating 4.6 million private sector jobs. I have proposed steps to create a million more jobs by preventing teacher layoffs, putting construction workers back to work, bringing jobs back from overseas, and helping small businesses grow. Answer 3: My administration spurred 46 states to raise standards for teaching and learning and strengthened Head Start. Millions of students are paying less for college because we cut student loan subsidies for banks and doubled scholarships. We will recruit 100,000 math and science teach-
ers, train 2 million workers for real jobs through community colleges, and cut the growth of tuition in half. Answer 4: Social Security and Medicare are sacred compacts with seniors who earned benefits after a lifetime of hard work. I added eight years to the solvency of Medicare without cutting benefits by cracking down on waste, fraud, and subsidies to insurance companies. I have proposed steps to strengthen Medicare and Social Security without slashing benefits or subjecting it to the whims of the stock market. Answer 5: Powerful special interests should not drown out the voices of the American people. We need to pass the bipartisan Disclose Act that would establish the toughest-ever disclosure requirements for election-related spending. I also support campaign finance reform, by constitutional amendment if necessary. Answer 6: Nothing is more important than ensuring the air we breathe and the water we drink is safe. We have broken decades of gridlock to double fuel mileage standards, effectively cutting your cost at the pump in half and reducing air pollution. And we've set standards for new mercury and other toxic air emissions from power plants and other sources that combined will save up to 21,600 lives a year.
Website: www.barackobama.com | Campaign Phone: (312)698-3670 | Address: Obama for America, PO Box 803638, Chicago, IL, 60680
GARY JOHNSON (L) Personal Statement: After having built a successful business, I entered public service by asking the people of New Mexico to give me an opportunity to bring common sense leadership to the Office of Governor. I pledged to reduce taxes, reduce the size of state governme (///) Answer 1: 1. Balance the Federal Budget. 2. Cut Federal spending by the amount necessary to eliminate deficit spending without raising taxes. 3. Remove the United States from unnecessary and costly foreign wars and interventions, including Afghanistan. Answer 2: The Federal Budget must be brought under control to eliminate the massive deficits that are threatening the economy and our security. Removing the burden of deficits and debt will restore confidence and free up capital to permit the economy to grow. I advocate a consumption tax which would allow us to eliminate taxes on income, capital gains and businesses – creating millions of new jobs. Answer 3: The Federal government cannot and should not try to provide public education. Decades of increasing federal interference in education has done little other than stifle innovation and competition in public educa-
tion. Education should be left to the states, which will permit the types of innovation and education choices that will allow us to regain its competitive advantage in global education. Answer 4: It is not possible to preserve health care programs for future generations, while bringing federal spending under control and not reducing Medicare. Not addressing Medicare and Medicaid spending will result in an insolvent system. Under a program of block grants, the states can fashion their own health care programs for those who need assistance, more effectively than the Federal government. Answer 5: Full and immediate disclosure and transparency for campaign contributions and expenditures is the only effective way to give the American public confidence in the system and allow them to make their own decisions regarding the propriety of how one candidate or another finances his or her campaigns. Answer 6: The Federal government's most fundamental role is to protect citizens. To the extent that fulfilling that role requires enforcement actions by the EPA, that enforcement should be reasonable, but adequate to protect us from harm. The EPA, however, should not be in the business of managing the environment through regulations that force decisions that should be left to the marketplace, such as energy (///)
Website: www.garyjohnson2012.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com | Campaign Phone: (801) 303-7922 | Address: 731 E South Temple Salt Lake City, UT 84102
This Voters Guide is available at www.lwvtexas.org. Up-to-date candidate information and races are available at VOTE411.org. The "On Your Ballot" feature of VOTE411.org lets you identify the races and ballot initiatives specific to your address. VOTING IN THE GENERAL ELECTION In the General Election in November, voters in Texas may vote for any candidate they wish, regardless of whether they voted in a party primary or participated in a party convention. All candidates from all parties are on the same ballot. KEY (R) - REPUBLICAN (D) - DEMOCRAT (L) - LIBERTARIAN (G) - GREEN (///) - OVER CHARACTER LIMIT
United States President, continued
JILL STEIN (G) Personal Statement: We can't afford four more years of Wall Street bailouts and an economy for the superrich. We must guarantee every individual a job at a living wage, quality health care, tuition-free education, Social Security and a healthy climate and environment. Answer 1: I stand for a Green New Deal that will deliver 1) A recession-proof economy that provides a job at a living wage for every American willing and able to work, 2) An economy based on clean, renewable energy, 3) Replacement of the predatory Wall Street banks with a public interest banking system, and 4) A real democracy in which politicians are accountable to voters not big money donors. Answer 2: My Green New Deal will create 25 million jobs through a nationally funded but locally controlled direct employment initiative. This will eliminate long term unemployment by letting workers simply go to the local employment office and get a job. It will deliver the most effective stimulus of all: millions of workers with paychecks. Answer 3: I will end Washington's attempts to promote high stakes testing, corporatization of public schools, and destructive union-busting schemes.
I will repeal the misguided No Child and Race to the Top laws and refocus on creating schools that prepare students for lifetime learning: full funding, small class sizes, teachers that are well trained, respected, and compensated, and parental involvement. Answer 4: Neither Medicare nor Social Security will be cut under the Green New Deal. I will guarantee health care for everyone under a Medicare for All reform that will save trillions by streamlining the massive, wasteful, health insurance bureaucracy and ending runaway medical inflation. I will make Social Security permanently solvent by lifting the income cap on the payroll taxes. Answer 5: I support full disclosure of donor identities. But we must do more to eliminate the poisonous impact of big money on our democracy. We must amend our Constitution to prevent corporations from stealing our democratic rights by claiming the same rights as real people. We also need to end the buying of elections by providing clean money funding for candidates that agree to spending limits. Answer 6: We cannot afford the health injuries, natural resource losses, and ecological disintegration that result from lax EPA enforcement. I will require EPA to address new threats to our air, land, water, and climate from hydrofracking, deepwater drilling and more. EPA must fully implement the ozone standards that were killed by the Obama Administration.
Website: www.jillstein.org/ | Email: email@example.com | Address: PO Box 260217 Madison, WI 53726-0217
Additional information on presidential candidates is available at www.VOTE411.org. The League of Women Voters does not support or oppose any candidate or political party.
nited States Senator
Six-year term. Must be at least 30 years old, a resident of the United States for at least nine years, and a resident of Texas. One of 100 members of the U.S. Senate which has specific powers to advise and consent to presidential appointments and treaties and to try impeachments. Powers the Senate shares with U.S. House of Representatives include the power to levy taxes, borrow money, regulate interstate commerce, and declare war. Current annual salary: $174,000
Immigration: What specific changes, if any, would you propose to the current immigration policy? Please explain. Foreign Intervention: Under what circumstances should the U.S. intervene militarily in a foreign conflict? Elections: The Supreme Court's Citizens United decision has changed the
role of money in politics. What changes, if any, do you support to regulation of campaign financing? Health Care: What changes, if any, should be made to the health care system in the U.S.? Gridlock: How will you avoid the gridlock that has crippled Congress?
NO REPLY RECEIVED: TED CRUZ (R) PAUL SADLER (D) Immigration: Continue our efforts to strengthen and support border security. Policies must be streamlined to effectively allow use of the system to legally apply for citizenship. A temporary work visa program and reasonable pathway to citizenship should be created for those without a criminal record and willing to learn English. We should pass the DREAM Act for innocent young students. Foreign Intervention: US interest in foreign conflict must be backed by a set of policies directed toward ensuring effective and legitimate intervention that is based on the sanctity of human rights while also respecting national sovereignty. Priority should be given to our national security, with a clear objective, sufficient force to achieve the objective, and a clear strategy to resolution. Elections: Citizens United is the most devastating decision to campaign finance reform and the influence of special interests in elections. Know-
ing the source is critical; transparency, disclosure, and disclaimer requirements are necessary to protect against undue influence. Unlimited use of corporate/individual money through Super PACs jeopardizes voter rights to informed decisions. Health Care: The Affordable Care Act, although not perfect, has important features that benefit us as consumers, patients and human beings. It contains measures to encourage and incentivize efficiencies within health care. To build upon this, we must continue to look for creative solutions to Medicare and Medicaid funding issues, improve access to quality care and further reduce costs. Gridlock: I will bring my proven record of problem solving to the Senate, working toward practical solutions, understanding that the best ideas can come from any person. Texans deserve a leader with political courage and integrity - I have demonstrated commitment to that idea. Being a legislator isn't about partisanship, it's about developing solutions to better the lives of Texans.
Education: Bachelor in Business Administration and Management, Baylor University, 1977; J.D. from Baylor Law School, 1979. | Experience: Served in the TX House of Representatives from 1991 – 2003; Chairman of Public Education Committee, 1995-2003; appointed to the Legislative Budget Board. Executive Director of the Wind Coalition, 2008-2012. | Web Site: sadlerforsenate.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
United States Senator, continued
JOHN JAY MYERS (L) Immigration: We have made it impossible for peaceful people to immigrate to this country legally. I believe in border security that stops the violent, but not an iron curtain of federal quotas that blocks people who want to work, shop, or travel. We also need to end the other programs that unfairly target immigrants, such as the drug war, the welfare state, and the war on terror. Foreign Intervention: Only when our own country is immediately threatened with attack, and only to the extent necessary to defeat that threat. Otherwise, honest trade and peace with all nations is the key to preserving our security. Our CIA and military interventions have only fueled terrorism and sponsored the worst of the worst such as Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden. War is a racket. Elections: As long as government has power to grant economic favors, monied interests will find a way to game the system. Reducing the power
of government is the first step to preventing corruption. A government that has no power to grant favors will not be bought. No amount of regulation will stop money from going to political cronies while government continues to dole out profits. Health Care: Government programs designed to help people have had the opposite effect. Pumping money into this industry artificially inflates demand and increases prices. It's time to phase out Medicare and Medicaid over the next 20 years before health resources become so scarce that they are affordable for no one. Malpractice issues should be handled by the courts and the people. Gridlock: Congress is not crippled. The fat cats still have their way while the people are divided over the scraps from their table. The incumbent parties still collude against us while perpetuating the fiction that we have a choice between two polar opposites. Unlike greed, freedom is nonpartisan, and I will support other Senators whenever they take freedom positions on issues.
Education: Southwest Missouri State University | Experience: Libertarian National Committee, Vice-Chair of Libertarian Party of Dallas County, Liberty Activist | Web Site: johnjaymyers.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
DAVID B. COLLINS (G) Immigration: Start by fixing the root of the problem, the dire poverty and economic instability of Mexico and Central America. If people can make a proper living in their home countries, they will not need to risk their lives migrating to the U.S. Assist sustainable agriculture and promote livingwage green jobs both here and there. Also, provide immigrants a path to citizenship. Foreign Intervention: None. U.S. intervention has a history of making things worse, whether immediately or long-term. We typically intervene because our business interests are threatened, which happens because these interests rip off host nations' economies and destroy their ecosystems. The United Nations should be sufficiently funded to fulfill its purpose and prevent foreign conflicts. Elections: The answer is easy, though the solution is difficult: Amend the Constitution, as proposed by movetoamend.org, to state that corporations
are not people and money is not speech. Greens also favor public funding of campaigns, which works in many other nations. The current private system awards power to the highest bidders. Health Care: Single payer national health care, already adopted in 24 other nations, produces measurably better health outcomes while spending far less in overhead. The Affordable Care Act makes some improvements, but an inadequate compromise that mostly benefits insurance companies by requiring people to purchase coverage. By international law, health care is a human right. Gridlock: Too many current Congressmembers act on behalf of their corporate patrons, who spend millions to keep government from doing anything to help the common people but reap billions in benefits via subsidies and tax loopholes. Switch to public financing, get the corporations' and the billionaires' "dark money" out of the game.
Education: BA in Classics from Rice University, 1984; cum laude from Cypress Creek High School, 1980. | Experience: Green Party organizer and member since 1996; first time as a candidate; veteran of five Texas ballot-access petition drives. | Web Site: texasgreencandidates.com/davidcollins.html | Email: email@example.com
REGISTER TO VOTE You must register to vote at least 30 days before the election date. The last day you can register to vote in the 2012 General Election is October 9.
www.VoteTexas.gov. The website also allows you to search to see if you are already registered.
To register to vote, you must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of the county, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. You must not have been declared mentally incapacitated by a court of law. If you have been convicted of a felony, you may register to vote only after you have completed the punishment phase of your conviction, including any terms of incarceration, parole, supervision, or period of probation ordered by the court.
After you apply, a voter registration certificate will be mailed to you within 30 days. This certificate includes your precinct for voting on Election Day as well as your congressional, state legislative, county, and local districts.
The registration will remain in effect until you move and a new certificate will be sent to you every two years without further application on your part. If you move, however, your registration certificate will not be forwarded to You can register in person at the voter registration office in your county, your new address. If you move within the same county, you must notify or fill out an application that can be mailed or returned in person to the your county clerk or election administrator in writing of your new address voter registrar in your county of residence. Application forms are available as soon as possible. Then a new certificate will be mailed to you. If you at many libraries, government offices and high schools. The application move to another county, you must re-register by applying to the election is available online at the Secretary of State's voter information website, office in your new county.
ailroad Commissioner
Six-year term (on a three-person commission). Must be at least 25 years old, a citizen of the United States, a resident and registered voter of Texas. Among duties: regulation of the oil and natural gas industry, including drilling production and environmental protection; natural gas utilities; 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; encourages the use of clean-burning propane and researches new technologies for its use. Current annual salary: $115,200 - $137,500
Energy: How would you balance the use of existing energy sources with the development of alternate energy sources in Texas? Urban Drilling: What are the main health and safety issues related to oil and gas drilling and transmission in urban areas, including fracking, and
how would you address them? Other Issues: Aside from the issues above, what are the two most serious issues the Railroad Commission will face during the next term, and how would you address them?
ity of life in urban production areas is of the utmost importance. I believe Energy: In Texas, we are extremely fortunate to have we need to increase the number of pipeline safety inspectors in the field. large energy reserves and resources. The solution to Amer- The Commission must provide good facts and information and be fair and ican energy security begins in Texas and the example we balanced when handling public concerns. set with pro-growth energy policies. This requires the vi- Other Issues: I believe the most important issue facing the Texas oil and sion, discipline and willingness to execute an "all of the gas industry is unnecessary and punitive federal regulations. I will work to above" strategy that begins with proven production of oil ensure the industry is healthy, prosperous and continues to be a job-creator. The biggest challenge facing the Railroad Commission is the need to eduand gas. Urban Drilling: The safety of the general public and qual- cate the public about the industry and the job of the Railroad Commission.
Education: I am a Plan II graduate, earning my B.A. and J.D. at the University of Texas at Austin. | Experience: Born and raised in the Permian Basin, I have worked with and represented most participants of the energy industry, from mineral and surface owners, oil and gas producers and pipeline companies. I am a small business owner and lifelong conservative. | Web Site: www.ChristiCraddick.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
would be huge fines for cementing without RR inspectors.Much more Energy: I endorse Wind and Solar energy sources. Cur- training of RRC personnel,more over sight of inspectors at well site.No rently they make up only a very small percentage of our well will be hydraulic fractured until proper cementing is completed and needs. WE MUST BECOME ENERGY bond log run to insure cement is 100% INDEPENDENT!Therefore we must DRILL,DRILL,and Other Issues: RRC must serve the people! Protect our water/environment, tap our own vast resources. The RR Comm.MUST OVER failing to inspect every casing string cementing.Oil field works 24hours, SEE AND PROTECT OUR WATER/ENVIRONMENT, 7 days. Over sight MUST MATCH AROUND THE CLOCK WORK OF BUT THEY ARE FAILING TO INSPECT ALL CEMENT- THE RIG. RIG OPERATORS PAY HUGE FINES FOR NOT HAVING ING JOBS BECAUSE THEY LACK EXPERIENCE RRC INSPECTORS ON SITE FOR CEMENTING OF EVERY CASING STRING!I would install new rules, so every well can be plugged properly AND PROPER MANAGEMENT OF PEOPLE Urban Drilling: Contamination of our drinking water-I would hire more paid by RR inspectors and work 3 shift(man power management-24 hours a day), there
Education: I am a native of Mills county, Texas, and a 1948 graduate of Goldthwaite High School, a 1954 graduate of the university of Texas Petroleum Engineering School and commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. | Experience: I am a registered Petroleum Engineer in the state of Texas.I have directed field research and management of Oil and Gas well services for the Dowell Division of the Dow Chemical Company(USA), and Dowell Schlumberger(Worldwide). Run own cementing Co. | Campaign Phone: (512) 564-1448 | Web Site: www.dalehenrytexas.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
and safety at risk. Fracking is one method that jeopardizes Texas drinking Energy: While continuing safe and current operations in Texas energy use water. Water is our most precious resource and we should treat it as one. I would like to explore and implement the most effective, safest, and bene- Don't mess with Texas ficial alternative energy sources available. I will look to filter the good from Other Issues: The most important issues are alternative energy and the bad with scientific data, corporate involvement, and public opinion. Texas 2013 Sunset review of the Railroad Commission. To continue to exist the commission needs to quickly intensify safety regulation and implementais one of the largest producers of energy and I look to keep it that way. Urban Drilling: I would address all health and safety issues as they should tion of clean, sustainable, alternative energy production. While invoking be addressed by the commission, very strictly! No amount of money or public opinion I will focus on these and many other issues when elected convenience is ever worth putting peoples, animals, or Texas lands health commissioner. Email: email@example.com
You may bring this Voters Guide into the voting booth.* *In 1995, the Texas law prohibiting use of printed materials, such as this Voters Guide, in the polling place was ruled unconstitutional (Texas Election Code, Section 61.011) © 2012 League of Women Voters of Texas Education Fund
Railroad Commissioner, continued
BARRY SMITHERMAN (R) - UNEXPIRED TERM Energy: Texas has an abundance of oil, natural gas, coal, wind, and sun. Renewable energy has a role to play, but that role should not be subsidized with taxpayer money. To secure energy independence, we must increase oil & gas production in Texas and throughout America. This will provide better jobs for Texans, greater national security for our country. Urban Drilling: As Chairman of the Railroad Commission, I will enforce the law against those who jeopardize our health and safety by violating the rules that are already on the books. Texas doesn't need more regulations;
instead, we must make sure everyone is complying with our existing laws. The RRC will continue to work with TCEQ, to help ensure environmental integrity. Other Issues: The most serious issue is keeping Obama out of Texas. Obama appointees at EPA and other agencies are trying to stop Texas from recovering our God-given oil, natural gas, and coal. The second issue is effectively enforcing existing laws and providing a stable regulatory environment so companies can create jobs in Texas.
Education: Please visit www.smithermantx.com for biographical information. | Web Site: www.smithermantx.com | Email: email@example.com
Urban Drilling: Ensuring adherence to safety policies, remediation and Energy: There is no question Texas must continue an aggressive program protection of population centers must continue to be the central focus of of identifying and exploiting traditional energy resources such as oil and the Commission. coal. Alternate energy resources are in the emerging state so private sector Other Issues: 1. The ongoing challenge will continue to be the balance energy companies should be encouraged to assist the development of al- of drilling vs. environmental impact. 2. Due diligence is the task of the the ternate energy resources as part of their medium term investment strategy. Commission and I will seek the best science on the important issues when making policy choices and recommendations. Education: 1. Brandeis University - Bachelor's Degree 2. UC Berkeley - Master's Degree; 3. JFK Harvard University - Certificate Community Building; 4. UT Austin - Graduate Studies | Experience: 1. Policy Analyst For 2 City Representatives - City of El Paso; 2. Chief of Staff - County of El Paso; 3. Teacher - El Paso Community College | Web Site: www.jaimeoperez.com | Email: email@example.com
This Voters Guide is available at www.lwvtexas.org. Up-to-date candidate information and races are available at VOTE411.org. The "On Your Ballot" feature of VOTE411.org lets you identify the races and ballot initiatives specific to your address. HELPFUL WEBSITES Secretary of State www.sos.state.tx.us www.VoteTexas.gov REPUBLICAN PARTY www.texasgop.org
League of Women Voters of Texas League of Women Voters (U.S.) www.lwvtexas.org www.lwv.org
DEMOCRATIC PARTY www.txdemocrats.org
LIBERTARIAN PARTY www.lptexas.org
GREEN PARTY http://web.txgreens.org
Although in some states judges are appointed, most judges in Texas are support or endorse their campaigns. elected. Voting decisions in judicial races are among the most important Texas Court System that a Texas voter makes. The Texas court system is made up of a statewide network of trial courts Why are judicial elections important? and appellate courts. In trial courts, judges and/or juries evaluate the facts Judges make decisions about fundamental issues that affect all of us — and the law and make a decision in a civil or criminal legal dispute. When family life, education, health care, housing, employment, finances, discrim- decisions in most trial courts are appealed, they are sent to an appellate ination, civil rights, public safety, and government actions. Those decisions court where judges consider what happened at the trial court, evaluate legal can have long-lasting impact on individuals, groups, and the public as a arguments, and then decide if a mistake was made. See http://www.courts. whole. It is critical that our judges make fair decisions based upon open- state.tx.us/pubs/court-overview.pdf for a chart of the Texas court structure. minded and unbiased consideration of the facts and the law in each case. The state's two highest courts, the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Judges must know the law and not be influenced by any external political Criminal Appeals, have both administrative and appellate responsibilities. and economic factors. Through their administrative powers they manage the entire system of jusWhat should voters look for when electing judges?
According to the American Bar Association, principles to consider in selection of judges include: • Judges should uphold the rule of law. • Judges should be independent and impartial • Judges should possess the appropriate temperament and character. • Judges should possess the appropriate capabilities and credentials. • Judges and the judiciary should have the confidence of the public. • The judicial system should be diverse and reflective of the society it serves. • Judges should be constrained to perform their duties in a manner that justifies public faith and confidence in the court. Unlike candidates for most political offices, judicial candidates cannot make promises about future decisions when certain issues or types of cases come up in their court. However, they can tell voters what improvements they would make to their court, what their qualifications are (education, experience, and personal traits) and which individuals and organizations
ustice - Texas Supreme Court
tice in both civil (including juvenile) and criminal cases.
The Supreme Court is the final court of appeals within Texas for both civil and juvenile cases. The Court adopts all rules related to civil trial practice, evidence, and appellate procedure. This court has one Chief Justice and eight other Justices and requires the agreement of five members for a decision on a case. The Court of Criminal Appeals hears criminal cases that are appealed from one of the 14 Courts of Appeals and death penalty cases that by law go straight to the Court of Criminal Appeals. It adopts evidence and appellate rules for criminal cases and judicial education regulations for Texas judges. This court has one Presiding Judge and eight other Judges. All members of each court are elected for six-year terms, with three elected every two years. Any vacancies are filled by gubernatorial appointment until the next general election, when the voters fill the vacancy for the unexpired term. Each term of either court begins and ends with the calendar year.
Six-year term. Must be at least 35 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a Texas resident. Must have been a practicing lawyer for at least 10 years or a lawyer and a judge of a court of record for at least 10 years. Serves as a member of the court of final appellate jurisdiction in civil matters in the state; has the power to issue writs of mandamus, and preside over proceedings for removal of judges; regulates and licenses lawyers; manages the Basic Civil Legal Services Program for the poor. Annual authorized salary: $152,500 (Chief Justice), $150,000 (Justice)
Impartiality: How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to raise funds for political campaigns? Public Protection: The Texas Supreme Court oversees and controls rules and standards for the legal profession. What changes to the attorney disci-
plinary rules are needed to provide better protection to the public? Access to Justice: How have you worked toward improving access to justice for all Texans and what role should the Texas Supreme Court play in ensuring access to justice?
nation of a process that started in 2003. While some reforms are open to debate, others – like forbidding sex with clients – seem like no-brainers. Everyone doubtless shares the same goal: smart changes that better protect lawyers and clients. The Court must chart a pa (///) Access to Justice: The Supreme Court plays an integral role, spurring lawyers, banks, the Legislature, the Attorney General, and other civic-minded Texans to help overwhelmed legal-aid providers. In 2011, Texas lawyers contributed almost $900,000 to Access to Justice with their bar dues, funding life-changing legal services – defending against wrongful foreclosures, securing FEMA payments f (///)
Impartiality: Former United States Chief Justice Roger Traynor was on target: "there is no unobjectionable way to decide who shall judge or to judge those who do." I've endured firsthand the drawbacks to our imperfect system – most acutely the unseemly and relentless fundraising – though I confess I haven't devised the perfect replacement. Former Chief Justice Tom Phillips appointed (///) Public Protection: Texas lawyers in 2011 rejected an overhaul of the Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct – the culmi-
Experience: I've served on the Supreme Court since 2005. Texas' then-living former chief justices cheered, saying, "Willett brings to the court one of the most varied and wide-ranging legal backgrounds in recent memory." Before judging, I advised everyday Texa (///) | Web Site: www.donwillett.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
The Voters Guide is protected by copyright. For permission to duplicate the Guide, please call the LWV-Texas office at 512-472-1100.
Justice - Texas Supreme Court, continued
RS ROBERTO KOELSCH (L) - PLACE 2 Impartiality: I'm spending less than $500.00. Public Protection: Punish people (attorneys) who don't show up!
Access to Justice: [Part of response omitted because it does not meet criteria.]. I have represented many people in Lago for free because they can't afford someone who knows the deadlines despite their intuitive sense of what's right & wrong. That's why we have Juries. Thank God. Roberto
Education: South Texas College of Law 1987 | Experience: I've been everywhere it seems like! Litigated all over the Texas triangle: DFW to San Antonio to Galveston. This is a huge State & there is only so much I can travel? Thanks. Roberto | Campaign Phone: (713) 882-7259 | Email: email@example.com
Access to Justice: John served 8 years on the bench and compiled an imImpartiality: In 1995, Devine was elected to the 190th pressive judicial record: -Devine's court ranked #1 in reducing the court's Civil District Court. Devine is known for his fair treatment case load -Devine's decisions were reversed in appeals court less than any of the parties and lawyers appearing in front of him and for other judge at the time -He has also been named the "Judge of the Year" by his fierce fidelity of both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions Police Organizations and awarded the title of "Texas Size Hero" by Focus on the Family magazine and statutes. Public Protection: No Response.
Education: -South Texas College of Law -Board of Civil District Judges Mass Torts Comm. -Board of Civil District Judges | Experience: -Dist Judge, 190th Dist Court, 1995 – 2002 -Special Judge, Harris Co. J.P. Courts, 2002 – 2011 -Harris County Juvenile Bd -Harris County Juvenile Justice School Bd -Texas Assn of State Judges -American Judges Association | Campaign Phone: (713) 429-4141 | Web Site: www.devineforsupremecourt.com | Email: email@example.com
Public Protection: The rules are generally adequate as written. We do Impartiality: I do not accept campaign donations. A review of Texas Su- need more attention paid to conflicts of interest for Judges. preme Court decisions over the past ten years would certainly indicate a Access to Justice: I previously managed a non profit legal aide office that reason for concern. The groups providing the funds seem to also be the provided legal assistance to low income Texans. I am currently active in groups benefiting from the Court's decisions. Maybe that is just a coinci- the Jefferson County Pro Bono program. dence? Education: The University of Texas, The University of Houston | Experience: Managing Attorney Waldman and Smallwood PC | Email: email@example.com
Access to Justice: By representing individuals against insurance comImpartiality: Reject contributions from PACs of any panies for over sixteen years. The Supreme must return to focusing on protecting individuals rather than protecting entities that may provide subkind. Public Protection: The present disciplinary rules are ap- sequent employment opportunities. propriate and provide protection to the public. Education: Baylor Law JD May 1992 Texas Christian University BS May 1989 | Experience: Actively practiced law since 1992. Run my own law firm since 1996. | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
NATHAN HECHT (R) - PLACE 6 Impartiality: Texans want to elect their judges, and campaigning is expensive, but from my first race for the Texas Supreme Court, I helped pioneer contribution limits that have since become law. I have tried to raise broad support from many people and avoid any appearance of impropriety. I am always mindful of my solemn oath to faithfully execute the duties of my office. Public Protection: Attorney ethics rules should be revised to prohibit unreasonable fees, better protect client confidentiality, prohibit
improper intimate relationships with clients, ensure lawyer loyalty, and provide for fair but strict discipline of violators. The Texas Supreme Court has supported rules revisions to provide high ethical standards for lawyers and protect the public. Access to Justice: The Texas Supreme Court is committed to improving access to justice for all Texans. I am responsible for overseeing the Court's efforts and have worked hard to obtain crucial financial support from the Legislature and Congress, and to encourage legal aid providers. Access to justice is not a partisan issue. At stake is nothing less than the integrity of the rule of law.
Education: J.D., SMU Law School cum laude; B.A., Yale University (Honors in Philosophy) | Experience: Justice, Texas Supreme Court (elected 1988, re-elected 1994, 2000, 2006); Justice, Fifth Court of Appeals, Dallas (1986-1988); Judge, 95th District Court, Dallas (1981-1986); attorney, Locke firm (1976-1981); Lieutenant, USNR, JAG Corps | Web Site: justicenathanhecht.com | Email: email@example.com
This Voters Guide is available at www.lwvtexas.org. Up-to-date candidate information and races are available at VOTE411.org. The "On Your Ballot" feature of VOTE411.org lets you identify the races and ballot initiatives specific to your address.
Justice - Texas Supreme Court, continued
ally harassed by lawyers. One was stalked, and propositioned. She filed a Impartiality: My campaign is 90% self-funded. Judges grievance but nothing was done by the State Bar despite at least 5 prior should not solicit money from lawyers and litigants with other serious sexual complaints against this attorney. Lawyers who take cases pending in their courts. As a briefing attorney for the sexual advantage of clients should be disciplined. Texas Supreme Court, I saw justice for sale. One Justice Access to Justice: I was director of the Family Law Project, providing told me, "The name of the game is you reward your friends indigent and low income Texans (who could not get help from Legal Aid) and you punish your enemies," and that was exactly how with trial attorneys in contested divorce & child custody battles for nominal or extremely reduced fees. I personally handled several of the trials and he voted. Justice should be for EVERYBODY. Public Protection: The Disciplinary Rules should be hearings. The Court should begin implementing the 2012 Solutions Task amended to cover sexual harassment. I represented women who were sexu- Force Recommendations.
Education: Baylor Law School, Top Graduate May 1984 Juris Doctor; Baylor University Summa Cum Laude 1982 B.A.; Winston Churchill High School, San Antonio 1978 Top 5% | Experience: Board Certified in Civil Trial Law; Texas Supreme Court Briefing Attorney/researched & wrote opinions 85, Recognized Nationally for Jury Verdict. Handled Employment, Rape, Deceptive Trade, Securities, Family Law, Worker's Comp. P.I, Toxic Tort, Wills | Web Site: www.michelepetty.com | Email: email@example.com
to seek a second opinion. The public should be provided with information Impartiality: Judges may raise funds for political cam- about alternative avenues other than attorney services when seeking serpaigns and should not be prohibited from doing so. How- vices pertaining to a legal or a financial matter. ever, the actual need to raise funds for judicial campaigns Access to Justice: I have actively represented individuals as an attorney. is questionable. I am not seeking any campaign contribu- By representing individuals, I do my part to improve access to the courts. tions and therefore, I hope that by not seeking any cam- Use of alternative dispute resolution programs should be encouraged and paign funds that my impartiality would not be questioned. streamlined. The Texas Supreme Court could make user-friendly forms Public Protection: No substantive changes in the disci- available online with instruction manuals for public use in the District and plinary rules are needed to provide better protections to County trial courts. the general public. People who need legal services should be encouraged
Education: Graduate of South Texas College of Law, 1992 | Experience: Criminal and civil defense lawyer for over 19 years. I have actively represented individuals in many civil and criminal matters. | Email: email@example.com
The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for office, or politial parties, and any use of the League of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or literature has not been authorized by the League.
udge, Presiding Judge Court of Criminal Appeals
Six-year term. Must be at least 35 years old, a U.S. citizen, and a Texas resident. Must have been a practicing lawyer for at least 10 years or a lawyer and a judge of a court of record for at least 10 years. Serves as a member of the court of final appellate jurisdiction in criminal matters, including death penalty cases, in the state; has the power to issue writs of habeas corpus for felons; administers publicly funded judicial and lawyer education. Annual authorized salary: $152,500 (Presiding Judge), $150,000 (Judge)
Impartiality: How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to raise funds for political campaigns? Criminal Justice: The Texas criminal justice system has undergone a number of reforms in indigent criminal defense. How is the system working now and what improvements are still needed?
Obligations: What are the most important obligations of a Court of Criminal Appeals judge and why?
for mentally disabled, and the Fair Defense Act reforms. The criminal jusImpartiality: Keith has and will continue to strictly com- tice system has improved, but lawmakers should do more to support rehaply with the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. While this bilitative approaches (like drug and veteran courts) which have shown to court does not decide financial matters like civil courts, be more cost effective. Keith will recuse himself under any circumstance where Obligations: The two fundamental duties of the court are to uphold the impartiality becomes an issue due to campaign contribu- constitution and see that justice is fair and equal for all Texans. The first tions. He will not participate in any case in which my im- is an oversight function ensuring equal, impartial treatment. The second – reaching a truly just outcome – is often harder, but is vital to the integrity partiality might reasonably be questionable. Criminal Justice: Keith was very involved in most of the of our system. DNA testing procedure, innocence clinics, life without parole, assistance
Education: Keith Hampton graduated from The University of Texas 1984 and graduated from St. Mary's School of Law 1989. Attended the Institute on World Legal Problems, Insbruck, Austria. He is Board Certified in Criminal Law. | Experience: Keith has defended the Texas Constitution for the last 20 years. Keith has been appointed by Gov. George Bush and Justice John Cornyn to judicial commissions. He was voted as the "Best Qualified" candidate in 2012 by attorneys and judges across Texas | Web Site: hamptonforjudge.com/ | Email: email@example.com
low, and indigent defense counsel (as well as hired counsel) too often apaImpartiality: The influence of money is not a serious is- thetically "phone it in." Texas courts need to be more willing to raise the sue in the criminal courts. A greater problem is some can- bar by calling ineffective lawyers ineffective. didates' innate biases in favor of the government and Obligations: A Court of Criminal Appeals judge's most important obligaagainst the people, against the U.S. Constitution, against tion is fidelity to the letter and the spirit of the U.S. and Texas Constitutions. Result must follow reason, not vice versa. Far too often the Court of the Texas Constitution, and against freedom. Criminal Justice: Texas courts at all levels are too lax in Criminal Appeals applies reason in the service of some desired result, to their judgments of the effectiveness of lawyers. As a result, the detriment of reason and of constitutions, and ultimately to the detriment the standards for effective representation are shockingly of liberty.
Education: BA Religious Studies, Rice University, 1992. JD, University of Houston Law Center, 1995. | Experience: Seventeen years as a solo and small-firm lawyer defending the U.S. Constitution, the Texas Constitution, and freedom across Texas and nationwide. | Web Site: BennettDissenting.com | Email: email@example.com
aspects is still needed. I, however, must refrain from specifically commentImpartiality: I honor my oath to impartially and fairly ing on aspects of the law that might come before me in the future in order follow the law. I have not taken any contributions from any to maintain my impartiality. Obligations: A Court of Criminal Appeals judge must apply the law as it party in any case. Criminal Justice: The criminal justice system continues is written. A judge must be impartial and even-handed so that everyone is to improve as light is shed on it. Improvements in various treated the same. Education: Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&I University and Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law | Experience: Assistant District Attorney at Harris County District Attorneys Office for 9 years; District Court Judge in Harris County for 3 1/2 years; Appellate Court Justice at First Court of Appeals for 9 years; Judge on Court of Criminal Appeals for 1 year. | Web Site: www.judgeelsaalcala.com | Email: email@example.com
fair advantage so long as the legal system is strained with heavy case loads. Impartiality: I believe the public expects a judge to have We should reform the drug laws with an emphasis on rehabilitation and no part of deciding a matter if lawyers or parties have made diversion of violators into social service programs. contributions to the election of that judge. Thus, I have Obligations: A judge should decide cases rapidly and in strict accord with elected to accept no contributions from anyone and I will precedent and existing laws (including the Texas Constitution). A judge must not impose personal values or prejudices and must assure that defense not seek a second term. Criminal Justice: Indigents will continue to be at an un- counsel for the accused is afforded maximum latitude to represent a client. Education: BA in political science from SMU; Juris Doctor from George Washington University and Science Masters from MIT. | Experience: I have over 33 years experience as an attorney and business manager. This includes a wide range of corporate and business matters that involve complex analysis of law and facts. As a U. S. Navy officer I served in the Vietnam War. | Email: email@example.com
ustice, Chief Justice - Court of Appeals
Six-year term. Must be at least 35 years old, a citizen of the United States, a resident of Texas and a district resident. 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. Each Court of Appeals has intermediate appellate jurisdiction in both civil and criminal cases appealed from district or county courts in its district. Current annual salary: $140,000 (Chief Justice), $137,500 (Justice)
Impartiality: How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to raise funds for political campaigns?
Accomplishment: Describe an accomplishment of which you are proud and how it would help make you a better Texas Court of Appeals justice.
THE 1ST COURT OF APPEALS SERVES THE FOLLOWING TEXAS COUNTIES: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Waller & Washington JANE BLAND (R) - 1ST COURT, PLACE 2 Impartiality: I follow the Code of Judicial Conduct. I hear cases without prejudice to any person who appears in the court. I do not make promises about decisions in court cases, except to work hard and to fairly apply the law to the best of my ability. I voluntarily comply with the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, which imposes limits on judicial
fundraising. Accomplishment: I work to improve court access for low-income Texans, write rules and questions for juries, and mentor law students. In 2010, Supreme Court Chief Justice Roberts presented me with the Rehnquist Award, given by the National Center for State Courts to the "state judge who exemplifies the highest level of judicial excellence, integrity, fairness, and professional ethics."
Education: Board Certified, Civil Appellate Law and Civil Trial Law; J.D., University of Texas School of Law, 1990, with high honors; B.B.A., Accounting/Honors Business, UT Austin, 1987, with highest honors. | Experience: Justice, First Court of Appeals, 2003-present; State District Judge, Harris County, 1997-2003; Baker Botts, L.L.P., 1991-1997 (general appellate and civil trial law practice); Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 1990-1991.
tisan agenda. There is only the law. Impartiality: I value the integrity of the bench. I have not Accomplishment: My greatest accomplishment is being the father of 3 accepted a political donation from anyone as of the date I wonderful children, with the help and dedication of my spectacular and completed this profile. However,in the event I do before adoring wife. I don't know how that will make me a better justice. I think a the election,it will be from supporters who support me pri- parent must be patient, understanding, objective, impartial, and sometimes marily because of my impartiality. There is no room on the stern. Will that make me a better justice? I hope so. One thing is certain bench for favoritism, partisan politics, or advancing a par- though--It can't hurt. Education: 1991 B.S. University of Houston 1995 J.D. South Texas College of Law | Experience: 1996-present Litigation attorney with an emphasis on personal injury and medical malpractice. Also handles commercial and business litigation. 2010-Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Specialization. | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
I disqualify myself when appropriate. Impartiality: I speak at and attend functions with various Accomplishment: My service as district judge for 6+ years & my award lawyer groups so I can understand different perspectives as Appellate Justice of the year for 2011 by the Association of Civil Trial and needs. As a result, I have enjoyed wide-spread support & Appellate Specialists. My community service. I was a board member from many lawyers representing a variety of interests. for Houston Habitat for Humanity for 6 yrs, including when we built 100 When both sides feel you have heard and understood their homes in 1 week. I became a board member of KSBJ radio station in 2005 position, they are less inclined to blame rulings on politics. & am its vice chairperson. Education: University of Texas at Austin, B.A., with high honors 1978; University of Texas at Austin Law School, J.D., with honors (top 5% of class) 1981 | Experience: Served as district court judge for 6+ years. Tried over 150 jury trials & over 200 non-jury trials. Appointed to court of appeals in November 2010. Have authored over 150 opinions. Over 20 yrs of trial & appellate experience in private practice. | Web Site: judgeharveybrown.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Accomplishment: Over a 26 year carreer it is difficult to pick just one Impartiality: Simple, my campaign is self funded. Con- accomplishment. I am proud of successfully representing my clients while sequently, I will not be influenced by contributors and will maintaining my integrity and honesty. I am proud of my 25 year marriage and raising 3 great kids. Finally, I am proud of mentoring cub and boy be able to resolve cases impartially. scouts on their journey through scouting. Education: Tulane University BA, 1982; Tulane Universtiy MBA, 1983; Tulane University JD, 1986 | Experience: As a business owner and successful attorney I have considered and helped dispose of hundreds of cases and resolved difficult issues. I am deeply committed to the rule of law and will interpret and apply the law fairly and impartially.
WHERE TO VOTE All registered voters may vote early by personal appearance at any early voting location in their county. Check with your local newspaper or the county clerk or election administrator for early voting times and locations. Early voting days for the November 6, 2012, General Election are October 22 – November 2.
going online with your county election administrator (the League provides county web links at www.lwvtexas.org). Voting places are also listed in most newspapers. If you report to the incorrect polling place, you will be redirected to the correct site or offered a provisional ballot. You can vote by provisional ballot, but if it is determined that you are not registered in Election Day you must vote in your precinct of residence (unless your area the precinct where you vote, your ballot will not be counted by Texas law. is participating in a countywide vote center trial). Your precinct is listed More information on provisional voting appears on the Texas Secretary of on your registration card, or you may find out where to vote by calling or State website www.VoteTexas.gov.
Justice - Court of Appeals, continued
port from both sides of the bar. Impartiality: I follow my oath of office and the Code of Accomplishment: I earned board certification, while an appellate judge, Judicial Conduct, which requires that judges "be faithful to in civil appellate law. Because civil appellate law is intellectually demandthe law," "not be swayed by partisan interest, public clam- ing, the board certification process is especially rigorous. As one of very or, or fear of criticism," and "accord" all "the right to be few Texas judges to set and reach this goal, this demonstrates my commitheard according to law." By correctly applying the law in ment to intellectual honesty and my duty to "maintain professional compeall cases, I have earned a reputation for fairness and sup- tence in the law." Education: J.D., The University of Houston Law Center, 1988; Associate Editor, Houston Law Review; Outstanding Law Review Candidate, 1987. B.A. in Gov't, University of Texas at Austin, 1982. | Experience: Justice, 1st Ct. of Appeals, since 2001; Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law, Tx. Bd. of Legal Specialization; 2009 Appellate Judge of the Year, Tx. Ass'n of Civil Trial & Appellate Specialists; 2011 "Houston's Best Appellate Judge," Houston Press | Web Site: www.justicejennings.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Accomplishment: I followed my mother's advice and became a wellImpartiality: I have no fear of political retribution for any rounded individual: educated in the arts & sciences, well-travelled,a school opinion I hand down. I follow the law whether I personally teacher,an experienced business owner and a lawyer. I am most proud of agree or not. Having had the experience of running for of- going to law school, as a wife and mother,late in life and learning more about "the ways of the world".This court hears criminal,family and civil fice, I know the necessary expenses. appeals and I am prepared for it. Education: Sophie Newcomb College of Tulane University, New Orleans, La., Thurgood Marshall School of Law, TSU, Houston, Tx.| Experience: 12 years practicing in the Harris County Juvenile and Family Courts; interning/working for a lawyer handling Social Security and Disability claims. | Web Site: www.NataliaForJustice.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
MICHAEL MASSENGALE (R) - 1ST COURT, PLACE 8 Impartiality: Electing judges is a tradition in Texas, and contested elections cost money. Nevertheless, campaign contributions have nothing to do with any of my judicial decisions. My website provides clear notice to supporters that my decisions as a judge will never be influenced in any way by the fact that somebody has supported my cam-
paign, or by the amount of anyone's contribution. Accomplishment: In 2010 I was appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to serve on its Permanent Judicial Commission for Children, Youth and Families. In this capacity I lead a project to improve training for attorneys in child-protection cases. My work as a commissioner has made me a better justice by improving my understanding of the many challenges facing our family and juvenile courts.
Education: The University of Texas School of Law, J.D. (with honors); Dartmouth College, A.B. (Government major); Member of The College of the State Bar of Texas; attended appellate judges seminar at New York University School of Law | Experience: 3 years' experience as Justice, First Court of Appeals (appointed 2009 and elected 2010); private law practice at Baker Botts L.L.P. (trial partner, 2007-09, and associate, 1999-2006); law clerk, United States 5th Circuit Court of Appeals (1997-99) | Web Site: www.michaelmassengale.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Accomplishment: When I was 3 I was a patient of Shriners Hospital for Impartiality: This is a serious issue. We need campaign Crippled Children. I never forgot the helping hand of Freemasons and as finance reform to rebuild the integrity of the judicial sys- such I became one in order to give back to others as so many have done tem. As such, I try to make a special point not to take con- in the past. We have forgotten the importance of helping each other which tributions from attorneys/firms who have cases pending has always been our nation's strength. Its time to elect good people to the before the Courts. While this is not a requirement...yet...it judiciary. is something would expect if not demand of our judiciary. Education: Louisiana State University (BS Science and Masters in Education) South Texas College of Law - JD Mediation Training Advanced Mediation Training | Experience: Work experience: Practicing lawyer, mediator,real estate agent, Municipal Judge for the City of Houston, former Civil Service Grievance Hearing Office for the City of Houston Other: Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar for Harris and Ft. Bend Counties | Web Site: www.copelandforjustice.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
firms and/or practicing attorneys. Impartiality: It is my personal believe that a judge shall Accomplishment: My accomplishment is my ongoing volunteer work remain impartial irrespective of the organizations and/or with immigration forums, helping new citizens register to vote, and speakindividuals contributing to my political campaign. In my ing to people on various legal topics. I feel judges and justices should give prior run for judicial office and with this current race, I back to their communities without being asked. My passion to help others make a point not to accept campaign donations from law will be an asset as I motivate other justices to help others. Education: South Texas College of Law-JD; Louisiana State University-Bachelor of Science-Biology | Experience: Professional: Currently practicing law with Cheng Copeland, PLLC in Houston. Legal practice areas include, but are not limited to asset protection and litigation shielding, business law, & criminal law. | Web Site: www.chengforjustice.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
You may bring this Voters Guide into the voting booth.* *In 1995, the Texas law prohibiting use of printed materials, such as this Voters Guide, in the polling place was ruled unconstitutional (Texas Election Code, Section 61.011) Š 2012 League of Women Voters of Texas Education Fund
Justice - Court of Appeals, continued
THE 3RD COURT OF APPEALS SERVES THE FOLLOWING TEXAS COUNTIES: Bastrop, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Coke, Comal, Concho, Fayette, Hays, Irion, Lampasas, Lee, Llano, McCulloch, Milam, Mills, Runnels, San Saba, Schleicher, Sterling, Tom Green, Travis & Williamson JEFF ROSE (R) - 3RD COURT, PLACE 2
on the Court but will not receive any favor. Impartiality: I take seriously my oath to uphold the law Accomplishment: I am proud of the legal accomplishments that led my and constitution - cases must be decided on the law, re- peers in the State Bar poll to select me "most qualified" to serve on your gardless of politics or the people involved. Judges must court. I've earned partnership in one of Texas' oldest law firms, Board Cerstrictly follow that oath, as our imperfect system requires tification in Civil Trial Law, service under Greg Abbott as Texas' Deputy us to fundraise and campaign for office - and supporters First Assistant Attorney General, and service as a State District and Appelmust realize that they are helping to keep our experience late Judge. Education: Undergraduate - Baylor University, BBA in Finance and Business Management; Law Degree - Vanderbilt University | Experience: Board Certified, Civil Trial law; Former Partner, Strasburger & Price law firm; Deputy First Assistant Attorney General, Office of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott; State District Judge, Travis County; Justice, Texas Third Court of Appeals | Web Site: www.KeepJudgeRose.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
tions from individuals and law firms. Impartiality: Impartiality is absolutely necessary to be- Accomplishment: I am proud to have spent my career as a lawyer and an ing a good judge. Unless Texans decide to adopt public fi- associate judge protecting the best interests of children and families. These nancing of judicial campaigns, elected judges and judicial are some of the most important cases, and I have seen the damage done to candidates have no choice but to solicit campaign contri- children when their cases drag on in the appellate courts. Of the six judges butions. I am in strict compliance with the Judicial Cam- on the Third Court of Appeals, I would be the only board certified family paign Fairness Act, which limits the amount of contribu- law expert. Education: Judge Hathcock graduated from Rice University in Houston in 1981 and the University of Texas School of Law in 1984. He is Board Certified in Family Law and taught at the University of Texas Law School for 11 years. | Experience: After several years in private practice, Judge Hathcock served on the bench for twelve years, first as an associate judge for the Child Protection Court of Central Texas, and then as an associate judge for the District Courts of Travis County. | Web Site: www.judgehathcock.com/ | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
and equally according to the facts. Impartiality: I will maintain impartiality by following Accomplishment: I am proud to have raised three children and to have my conservative judicial philosophy and respect for the maintained a strong marriage while owning and operating a business, my rule of law, and by practicing simple virtue. I appreciate law firm. This has give me a great deal of perspective on the practical efthe support donors have given my campaign. I will treat fects of the law on our lives, and has kept me grounded and centered. I will the donors the same as all parties arguing before me on the serve humbly within the proper role for a judge - a neutral arbiter who calls court, because the role of a judge is to apply the law fairly "balls and strikes." Web Site: www.scottkingfield.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
DIANE HENSON (D) - 3RD COURT, PLACE 3 Impartiality: By following the Canons of Judicial Conduct. I also comply with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. That Act provides strict limits on the amount lawyers and law firms may contribute and on the total amount of money that may be spent. These limits mean that no one firm or lawyer can make such large contributions as to expect favored status.
Accomplishment: During my career as a litigator, I worked on several cases dealing with children and their right to participate in scholastic and extracurricular activities. The Title IX cases I filed have literally opened the door for thousands of girls to play sports and compete for equitable scholarship dollars. Similarly, the cases I brought for disabled students are landmark cases.
Education: J.D. with Honors, Drake University Law School; B.S. with distinction (Economics), Iowa State University | Experience: Justice on 3rd Court of Appeals - 6 years (on 2,000 three-judge panels, author of 700 plus opinions) Private Practice - 24 years (1st female litigation partner at Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody) Federal Prosecutor, U.S. Dept. of Justice | Web Site: www.dianehensonfortexas.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Accomplishment: I was fortunate to start my legal career as a prosecuImpartiality: I maintain impartiality by consistently applying our laws, tor. As a result, I appeared before many judges on a daily basis for 7 years. as they are written, to the facts before me, without regard to the party, the This experience, I believe, made me a much more knowledgable and wellissue, or the lawyer before me. All judges should be firmly committed to rounded trial court judge. My 8 years of service as a trial court judge prothis delivery of unbiased justice. Throughout my 20 years as a judge, I vided an invaluable base of experience for then serving as a justice on the have demonstrated my unshakable commitment to the delivery of fair and Court of Appeals. impartial justice. Education: Bachelor of Science in Education from Southwestern University (1978); Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University School of Law (1983) | Experience: I am the senior member of the Third Court, having served on the Court since 2001. During that time, I have authored more than 1800 opinions, covering both civil and criminal cases. I also served as a trial court judge in Travis County from '91-'98. | Web Site: judgedavidpuryear.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
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continue to. Impartiality: Well, Texas law strictly limits judicial campaign contribu- Accomplishment: In 2001, the Texas Supreme Court appointed me to tions. Each justice must decide each appeal based on its own facts and the serve on an administrative court that decides lawyer ethics complaints. In applicable law, not on the justice's feelings for anyone involved in the case. my six years of service, including one as chair, I saw lawyers' work from For six years, I made decisions as a member of an administrative court clients' perspectives. Clients have a right to expect lawyers to do work based only on the facts of each case and the applicable law, and know I can promptly, explain things clearly, and charge a fair fee. Justices should do the same. Education: JD, Baylor University School of Law (1990); BA, General Business, Baylor University (1984) | Experience: Briefing Attorney, Third Court of Appeals (1990-91); Associate, McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore, LLP (1991-1996); Partner, McGinnis, Lochridge & Kilgore, LLP (1997-present); Board of Disciplinary Appeals, Member 2001-07; Chair, 2006-07. | Web Site: www.karenwatkinsforjustice.com | Email: email@example.com
website, www.bobpemberton.com. Impartiality: America's greatness rests upon the Rule of Accomplishment: My dedication and ability to serve you well is reflected Law, which requires that I faithfully and impartially apply in my 9-year record of hard work and productivity—averaging 100+ maour Constitution and laws without fear or favor. That cause jority opinions annually and leading all Texas appellate judges twice— is much greater than me or my self-interest. My longstand- while tackling the most complex, challenging caseload of any Texas court ing commitment and adherence to these principles is re- of appeals and the even more critical (and often more challenging) job of a flected in the broad, bipartisan support detailed on my husband and father. Education: Harvard Law School (JD, with honors, Law Review, 1992); Baylor University (BBA, with highest honors, graduated top of class, 1989); Temple High School (1985). | Experience: Justice, Third Ct. of Appeals, Place 6, since 2003. Private appellate and trial practice with Baker Botts and Akin Gump. Judicial clerk to Chief Justice Tom Phillips, Tx. Supreme Ct. Rules Atty, Tx. Supreme Ct. Deputy General Counsel to the Governor. | Web Site: www.bobpemberton.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
my duties. Impartiality: I have never run for public office before nor have I ever Accomplishment: Handling the worst sorts of criminal cases for 26 years, sought political office in any way. I believe that an experienced and inde- I am most proud of the DNA reviews I have handled since 2000: the rependent judiciary is vital to the survival of our democracy. These charac- investigation of the 1988 Pizza Hut murder and the 1983 Barton Creek rapteristics are the focal point of my candidacy. I have been highly respected ist cases. In 2000-01 I handled the exoneration hearings of the three men throughout my career for my integrity, fairness and pursuit of justice in all mistakenly convicted. In 2003 I obtained a conviction and life sentence for the Pizza Hut killer.
Education: 1979 B.A. Magna Cum Laude Economics University of Texas at Austin, 1983 J.D. University of Texas School of Law | Experience: Bar License 1983, Assistant DA 26 years, Chief Prosecutor Child Abuse Division, Criminal Court, Major Narcotics Prosecutor, 1st Community Prosecutor, Board Cert. Criminal Law, Admitted to Bar of US Supreme Court 2003, Criminal Defense Lawyer 2 yr | Web Site: www.bryancase.com | Email: email@example.com
THE 4TH COURT OF APPEALS SERVES THE FOLLOWING TEXAS COUNTIES: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Brooks, Dimmit, Duval, Edwards, Frio, Gillespie, Guadalupe, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, La Salle, Mason, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Menard, Real, Starr, Sutton, Uvalde, Val Verde, Webb, Wilson, Zapata & Zavala MARIALYN BARNARD (R) - 4TH COURT, PLACE 2
any campaign contributions. Impartiality: I strictly apply the law to all cases fairly and Accomplishment: Early in my legal career I was competitively selected to impartially regardless of who the parties are, who the at- work (law clerk and intern) for several judges (Republican and Democrattorneys are, and who has or has not contributed to my cam- ic, Federal and State). Those work and mentoring experiences have helped paign. I merely apply the law to each case regardless of me to develop 1) excellent judicial temperament, 2) heightened awareness whether I like the decision or not. I liken my role to an of clearly applying the law with impeccable integrity, and 3) sharpened umpire calling a ball a ball, a strike a strike regardless of research/ writing skills. Education: St. Mary's University School of Law, J.D.1992 University of Texas School of Law,summer & fall 1991 Texas A&M Univ.Commerce Masters in Public Admin. 12 hrs. Texas A&M Commerce, B.S.Poli.Sci. & English 1983 | Experience: Fourth Court of Appeals, Justice 2009-12 Private Practice Law Firm PHMY & solo 2006-08 CPS Energy Corporate Counsel 2001-05; KPMG, LLP – 1999-01 US Attorney's Office 1995-99;US Dist.Ct. Law Clerk 1994-95; Fourth Court of Appeals Law Clerk 1992-94 | Web Site: www.justicebarnard.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
before me. My donors' names are public. Impartiality: My duty is to resolve cases with honesty, Accomplishment: As 2006 Chair of the Tex. Bar Foundation we donated integrity and courage based on the application of law to the over $400,000 to educate the public and increase access to justice. Chief facts. I focus on that duty rather than donors. I campaign Justice Jefferson appointed me Chair of the Judicial Committee on Inforon my experience and record and avoid any appearance of mation Technology to increase transparency and access to all Texas courts having predetermined an issue. I do not accept or solicit resulting in the 4th Court, along with other Texas courts, becoming more contributions from parties that I know have cases pending efficient through e-Filing. Education: Austin College B.A., Baylor Law School J.D.; I was a notes & comments editor of the law review. In 1981, following a clerkship with the Texas Supreme Court, I studied jurisprudence at Durham University England on a Rotary International Fellowship. | Experience: I have 9 years of judicial experience; 7 on the 4th Court, 2 on the District Court, and was on the Tex. Supreme Court for 1 case. I practiced law 20 yrs. focusing on complex cases and appeals, and I also teach at St. Mary's Law School(1994-present). | Web Site: SimmonsforJustice.com | Email: email@example.com
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PATRICIA ALVAREZ (D) - 4TH COURT, PLACE 3 Impartiality: A Justice on the Fourth Court of Appeals must be above reproach, and avoid any conflict or conceived conflict of accepting contributions from attorneys and/or litigants who have cases before that Justice. To avoid the appearance of impropriety and maintain impartiality, monitoring and declining campaign contributions
from such attorneys or parties is essential. Accomplishment: I am Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, which is a mark of excellence and distinguishing accomplishment. I have extensive trial experience. I am rated by my peers as an "AV-Preeminent" attorney. I am a Member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and was named Super Lawyer by the Texas Monthly Magazine for the past nine years. I author articles.
Education: I obtained a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law in 1987. I attended the University of Texas at San Antonio for my undergratuate and gratuate studies. | Experience: I am a civil defense attorney with 25 years of trial experience. From 1987 to 1991, I worked in the areas of real estate and oil and gas litigation. Since 1992, I have specialized in transportation, products, and coverage litigation. | Campaign Phone: (956) 722-6601 | Web Site: www.alvarezforjustice.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
when necessary to avoid ethical conflicts. Impartiality: The fact a contributor has a case before me Accomplishment: My career as an attorney for over 35 years makes me a has not and will not affect my decisions. My decisions are better justice. I have served as a state prosecutor, federal prosecutor, Bexar based on the U.S. and Texas constitutions, rulings of the County Criminal District Attorney, and Justice on the Fourth Court of ApTexas Supreme Court and the Texas Court of Criminal Ap- peals. I have recognized expertise in criminal law as shown by my certifipeals, and our prior decisions from the Fourth Court of cations in Criminal Law and Criminal Appellate Law by the Texas Board Appeals. I have recused myself and will continue to do so of Legal Specialization. Education: St. Gerard Grade School (1966), St. Gerard High School (1970), Associate in Arts San Antonio College (1972), Bachelor of Arts University of Texas - Austin (1974), Doctor of Jurisprudence University of Texas Law School (1976) | Experience: Assistant Bexar County District Attorney 1977-1981, Assistant United States Attorney 1981-1984, Private Practice 1984-1990, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney 1991-1998, Private Practice 1999-2006, Justice Fourth Court of Appeals 2007-present | Web Site: www.hilbigforjustice.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Accomplishment: Throughout my legal career, I am proud to state that Impartiality: Raising funds is an unfortunate necessity in I have earned a highly regarded reputation amongst colleagues and civic our current system of electing justices. Regardless of leaders. I have handled high-stakes, complex cases on both sides of the amount, I will not allow any contribution to play a role in civil docket which have prepared me to serve on the appellate court. I am or influence my judicial opinions. I will afford every at- also a dedicated wife and mother who combines strong family values with torney and every party an equal and fair opportunity to be a fair and balanced legal mind. heard. Education: I received my J.D. from St. Mary's University School of Law in May, 1999, and B.A. in English from St. Mary's University in 1995. | Experience: I have been licensed to practice law in Texas for 12 years. I have practiced both as an insurance defense attorney and as a plaintiff's attorney handling numerous complex litigation cases in 7 out of the 32 counties, which the 4th Court represents. | Web Site: www.chapaforjustice.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
litigants with cases pending before me. Impartiality: Raising campaign funds is necessary to a Accomplishment: I have served in numerous legal and community leadsuccessful campaign. Attorneys are naturally the largest ership position.Through these experiences, I have learned and demonstratcontributors to judicial races, and their participation is vi- ed skills necessary to serving on an appellate court, including effective tal. Therefore, I accept contributions from attorneys; how- communication, well-reasoned problem-solving, consensus-building, and ever, I focus on the issues presented in an appeal rather compassionate but decisive issue resolution. than on the attorneys. I avoid accepting contributions from Education: St. Mary's University School of Law, J.D. 1980, University of Texas at Austin, B.S. 1972 | Experience: Justice on 4th Court of Appeals (for over 15 years), Practicing attorney and managing shareholder at Brock and Fuller, Staff Attorney at U.S. District and Magistrate Courts, Briefing Attorney at 4th Court of Appeals | Web Site: JudgeKarenAngelini.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
lyzed and well-reasoned written opinion. Impartiality: I strive to maintain the highest level of in- Accomplishment: I received two prestigious awards this year for my tegrity in all my actions. I decide legal disputes without work & leadership in improving access to justice--The State Bar of Texas regard to personal interest, outside influence, or campaign "Judge Merrill Hartman Pro Bono Judge Award," and the American Bar contributions. I make no campaign promises except that I Association "Harrison Tweed Award."Both awards commended my ongowill objectively evaluate the merits of each case and then ing efforts to ensure that low-income residents and veterans in our comrender a decision applying the rule of law in a well-ana- munity have equal access to legal representation.
Education: St. Mary's University School of Law, San Antonio, J.D. with distinction 1983;Trinity University, San Antonio, M.S. Health Care Administration 1977; Incarnate Word College, San Antonio, B.S. Nursing 1975; Pitts.Presbyterian Univ.School Nursing 1970. | Experience: I began as a registered nurse. After law school, I practiced trial and appellate law for seventeen years. I then became a district court trial judge in Bexar County where I served for over three years before joining he 4th Court of Appeals in 2003. | Web Site: justicespeedlin.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
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qualified candidate for the Court of Appeals. Impartiality: I'm committed to sustaining the principle of Accomplishment: I am the proud daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, married justice that requires decision-making not based on bias or to career law enforcement, and strengthened by my faith and family. In preference of one over another for improper reasons. Giv- almost 20 years of practice and public service, my proudest accomplishen the reality of campaign fundraising, I accept contribu- ments are experienced both in and out of the courtroom, where comprotions allowed under the law from those who express noth- mise is reached and a sense of real justice is accomplished for families. ing more than a desire to support a fair, impartial and
Education: J.D., Boston University School of Law B.A., Southern Methodist University Incarnate Word Academy High School | Experience: Law Clerk, U.S. Magistrate Briefing Attorney, 13th Court of Appeals Private Practice with experience in civil and criminal litigation | Web Site: www.Rebeca4Judge.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
This Voters Guide is available at www.lwvtexas.org. Up-to-date candidate information and races are available at VOTE411.org. The "On Your Ballot" feature of VOTE411.org lets you identify the races and ballot initiatives specific to your address. THERE IS A LOCAL LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS NEAR YOU! • • • • • • • • • •
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For local election coverage visit one of the local Leagues listed above for information in your area at www.lwvtexas.org/localleagues.php
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THE 5TH COURT OF APPEALS SERVES THE FOLLOWING TEXAS COUNTIES: Collin, Dallas, Grayson, Hunt, Kaufman & Rockwall DAVID EVANS (R) - 5TH COURT, PLACE 2
rectly to the case. Impartiality: I maintain impartiality by considering only Accomplishment: My 12-year record of judicial leadership and achievethe law applied to the facts. I do not consider contributions ments distinguish me from my opponent in this race: editor-in-chief of the when making any rulings. I make sure I would make the law review; 39 district judges elected me as Local Administrative District same ruling even if the parties and their lawyers were in Judge; 2005 Trial Judge of the Year; 2002 Outstanding Judicial Pro Bono the other's position in the case, so that my ruling does not Service Award; Instructor, Texas College for Judicial Studies, 2002, 2003, depend on who is the party but only on the law applied cor- 2005.
Education: • SMU SCHOOL OF LAW, J.D., 1984; Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Air Law & Commerce, 1983-1984 • UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT, B.A. cum laude, 1977, in Philosophy and Greek • DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, 1977-1981, Hebrew and Greek | Experience: I handled complex civil litigation, the type of appeals that the Court of Appeals spends most of its time deciding. As a judge for twelve years I presided over the full range of civil cases and served on the juvenile board. | Web Site: JudgeDavidEvans.com | Email: email@example.com
DAN WOOD (D) - 5TH COURT, PLACE 2 Impartiality: I pledge to not accept campaign contributions after elected. Contributions offered after an election, after the voters have chosen, can be interpreted as attempts to adversely affect impartiality. Being vetted and endorsed as qualified by the Dallas Bar's Committee for a Qualified Judiciary, shows a history of integrity and impartiality I
will bring to the Court. Accomplishment: Prevailing for clients on appeal to insure fairness and the rule of law in our criminal trial courts. Representing a wide spectrum of clients, including indigent defendants asserting their right of appeal, the research and presentation of many cases for these clients, has given me the broad base of experience to be a better Justice.
Education: Texas A&M University, Finance Major. Baylor Law School, J.D., '86 | Experience: 25 years, civil and criminal trials and appeals, State and Federal courts. Indigent defense volunteer attorney in U.S. District Courts, frequent argument in appeals courts. Former city councilman, small business owner, Kaufman Co. Bar President. | Web Site: www.danwoodcampaign.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
facts, without favor. Impartiality: Impartiality is a matter of integrity—of Accomplishment: My wife Marian & I raised 2 independent—minded what we value and respect. I'm a judge because I value—& children; they have the courage of their convictions, value helping others, take joy from—insuring our court system protects our per- & work to support themselves. I'm a better Justice because the process of sonal & economic rights. I promise those supporting my that accomplishment reimpressed on me that all of us are imperfect but campaign what I've always promised—to give each case valuable, & that our value comes from our Creator & not from what we do full consideration, & to decide it based on the law & the or think or own.
Education: Attended small country school (Olden) through 10th grade. Graduated from Eastland H.S. (near Abilene). Went to Tarleton State for 1 year; took summer classes at Cisco Jr. College. Graduated from Baylor University (1976) & Baylor School of Law (1978). | Experience: 5 years w/ trial & appellate firm (Odessa, TX); 4 years as Regional Director (Dallas), Federal Trade Commission during the Reagan Admin.; 9 years civil litigation w/ Locke Purnell Rain Harrell (Dallas); 16 years as Justice on the Court of Appeals. | Web Site: www.JusticeJimMoseley.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
ment to the oaths I have taken. Impartiality: Loyalty to the oaths I've taken to uphold Accomplishment: I am proud of my service as a JAG officer for the Air and defend the constitution of the United States and to sup- Force. It taught me to apply the rules to a situation and make a decision port the constitution of Texas holds a higher priority than based on the rules, even if the decision was unpopular with those affected gratitude to anyone who makes campaign contributions. or not what I might personally prefer. Our Air Force core values – integrity While I am grateful for contributions necessary to compete first, service before self, and excellence in all we do – will make me a betfor election, that appreciation cannot override my commit- ter justice. Education: Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Texas Tech School of Law, 1992; Bachelor of Arts degree from Lubbock Christian University, with highest honors, 1989; Trinity High School, HEB ISD, Euless, Texas, 1985 | Experience: 20-year Lawyer, having served as a criminal prosecutor, Air Force lawyer (JAG Officer), corporate lawyer, and a lawyer for individuals and business owners helping with a broad range of legal matters | Web Site: www.PennyForJustice.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
me. It is a matter of integrity. Impartiality: When I became a judge ten years ago, I Accomplishment: I am most proud of founding a mentoring program for took an oath. I swore to uphold the Constitutions and laws beginning lawyers, Transition to Law Practice. Over five years, hundreds of the United States and the State of Texas. I apply the law of lawyers have been educated about professionalism and core values. I as written in accordance with the meaning of its plain writ- also wrote a book on core values, Deeds, Not Words-Mentors as Guiding ten language. I do this regardless of whether litigants or Lights. Those efforts made it clear core values must be central to our lives. lawyers have contributed. That is what my oath means to That makes me a better judge. Education: Drake University, B.S. Business Administration, 1969 University of Missouri, School of Law, J.D. 1972 | Experience: Justice, 5th Dist.Court of Appeals,PL 11, 2002-present (elected 2004, re-elected 2006); member, Texas Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation, 2003-2009; Law practice Dallas, 1973-2002, Law Clerk Supreme Court of Missouri 1972-73 | Web Site: www.justicedouglaslang.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
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Accomplishment: I am proud that I am the first in my family to graduate Impartiality: One maintains impartiality by acting with from college. I am very blessed. I worked hard then; I work hard now; and integrity and honesty. Fund raising should not impact im- I will work hard as a Justice on the Court of Appeals. I believe that everypartiality and my interpretation of the laws will be the one has a right to be treated fairly and equally, and to have justice applied same whether an individual donates to my campaign or in accordance with the law. I will be a better justice because of my beliefs not. I believe that everyone should be treated equally and and experiences that justice should not be for sale. Education: Texas A & M, BA 1990; Texas Southern University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, JD 1995 | Experience: Office of Attorney General, State of Texas, 1996-1999; Law Office of Tonya J. Holt, 1999-2001; US Postal Service 2001-2004; The Holt Law Firm, 2004-2006; LSG Sky Chefs, 2006-2011 | Web Site: www.tonyaholtforjustice.com | Email: email@example.com
Accomplishment: I currently serve as Chair of the Appellate Judges LegImpartiality: I have taken an oath as an appellate court islative Committee, State Bar of Texas Judicial Section. In this role, I coorJustice to adhere to the rule of law. That oath requires my dinate with the Texas Legislature on issues of importance to the judiciary decision-making to be based solely on the merits of each and am at the forefront of policy development concerning the capacity of case. My commitment to Texans is that decisions I make as the judiciary to effectively render justice to those needing access to the a Justice will never be influenced, in any way, by the fact I courts. have received a campaign contribution. Education: I earned an undergraduate degree in 1975 and a Juris Doctor degree in 1977 from the University of Kansas. | Experience: As an incumbent Justice, I have authored opinions in over 350 cases and participated in the decision of over 900 cases. I have over 30 years experience in the practice of law, and am a Visiting Professor of Law at Southern Methodist University. | Web Site: www.JusticeBobFillmore.com | Email: email@example.com
Accomplishment: I represented a family wrongfully accused of Impartiality: I have agreed to abide by the voluntary lim- child abuse. The case started in the District Court, went to the Court of its of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. I will also not Appeals,then resolvedn in the Texas Supreme Court. This case helped me accept contributions from businesses, individuals, or law- undestand the cost and impact of litigation on a family and how important yers who frequently appear before the court or anyone who it is to preserve our right trial by jury. It set a precedent for individuals to "bundles" or gathers individual donations to avoid contri- recover against the state. bution limits. Education: B.A. Simon's Rock College, Great Barrington, Ma. J.D. South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas Basic Certificate in Law Enforcement; Career Prosecutor's Certificate, University of Houston Law School; Board Certified Family Law; Certified Mediator | Experience: 30 years trial experience representing individuals and small businesses in civil and criminal matters. I am a former prosecutor, Board Certified Family Law Specialist and a small business owner. Served 5 years on the State Bar Grievance Committee. | Web Site: praegerforjustice.com | Email: email@example.com
THE 6TH COURT OF APPEALS SERVES THE FOLLOWING TEXAS COUNTIES: Bowie, Camp, Cass, Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Marion, Morris, Panola, Red River, Rusk, Titus, Upshur & Wood BAILEY C. MOSELEY (R) - 6TH COURT, PLACE 2
Accomplishment: Another justice and I have presented a program we Impartiality: Unfailingly following and applying the law designed to many service clubs and colleges which explains the judicial safeguards impartiality. Although I am not influenced by process. We also have presented free continuing legal education programs campaign contributions, I must avoid even the appearance for attorneys throughout the judicial district so they can better represent of partiality. If, therefore, one could reasonably infer that a their clients in appeals. conflict of interests exists, I would recuse myself from the case. Education: Bachelor of Business Administration-- University of Texas, Austin Juris Doctor -- University of Houston | Experience: General practice of law for 42 years, including prosecution and private practice. Have served on the Court of Appeals almost six years, authoring over 650 written opinions. | Web Site: www.baileymoseley.com/ | Email: email@example.com
NO REPLY RECEIVED: FRANK L. SUPERCINSKI (D), 6TH COURT, PLACE 2 BALLOT BY MAIL Only specific reasons entitle a person to vote by mail (no longer called ab- and fax numbers are also available on the website. sentee voting). You may request a ballot by mail if you will be away from A ballot will be mailed to you, and you must return your completed ballot your county on Election Day and during early voting, are sick or disabled, to your county elections department by 7 p.m. on Election Day, November are 65 years of age or older on Election Day, or are confined to jail. 6. The ballot must be received, not just postmarked, by that date. If you are Request an Application for Ballot by Mail (ABBM) from the early voting mailing your ballot from outside the United States, the early voting clerk clerk in the county where you are registered, or download the form from must receive your ballot by the fifth day after Election Day. (You must mail www.VoteTexas.gov. The completed form must be received by mail or fax it no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day.) by October 30. Note: postmarks don't count. County elections addresses
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THE 8TH COURT OF APPEALS SERVES THE FOLLOWING TEXAS COUNTIES: Andrews, Brewster, Crane, Crockett, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Loving, Pecos, Presidio, Reagan, Reeves, Terrell, Upton, Ward & Winkler CHRIS ANTCLIFF (R) - 8TH COURT, PLACE 2
regard for who the parties or attorneys may be. Impartiality: The only way to educate voters about a can- Accomplishment: I am most proud of my experience as a briefing attordidate is through the media and that takes money. Attor- ney for a U.S. District Judge, as a lawyer, mediator, trial court judge and neys know the judges better than most people and are the appellate justice rather than any specific accomplishment. The diversity of most common campaign contributors. Those attorneys do my background helps make me a better appellate justice as does my experinot expect and do not receive special treatment from me. I ence serving on various State and local, legal and community boards and decide every case by applying the law to the facts without committees. Education: Austin High School, El Paso, Texas Bachelor of Arts, Texas Tech University JD, Texas Tech University | Experience: Former Judge of the 168th District Court. Former Judge of the 448th District Court. | Web Site: www.keepjusticeantcliff.com | Email: email@example.com
NO REPLY RECEIVED: YVONNE RODRIGUEZ (D), 8TH COURT, PLACE 2 THE 13TH COURT OF APPEALS SERVES THE FOLLOWING TEXAS COUNTIES: Aransas, Bee, Calhoun, Cameron, De Witt, Goliad, Gonzales, Hidalgo, Jackson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Lavaca, Live Oak, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Wharton & Willacy NO REPLY RECEIVED: TOM GREENWELL (R), 13TH COURT, PLACE 2 NORA LONGORIA (D) - 13TH COURT, PLACE 2
equal treatment in our courtrooms. Impartiality: Impartiality is the essential element of the Accomplishment: After representing people from all walks of life in our oath I will take as a Justice. I believe that contributors to courtrooms for over 20 years, I will bring the necessary combination of my campaign contribute because they believe me to be fair education, experience, wisdom, and integrity which led my fellow lawyers and impartial and expect nothing more and deserve noth- and judges of the 20 County area to select me as most qualified in the State ing less. I have always believed that every person deserves Bar Poll. Education: Juris Doctor The University of Texas Law School at Austin 1990 Bachelor of Arts Texas A&M University College Station 1986 Edinburg High School 1983 | Experience: Over 20 years I have worked hard as an attorney throughout South Texas earning the respect of my clients, peers and judges that I have appeared before. | Campaign Phone: (956) 631-9112 | Web Site: www.noralongoria.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Accomplishment: Unfortunately the bedrock of decision-making based Impartiality: I will not solicit nor accept any money for on law has given away to a legal standard called "abuse of discretion" that my election efforts. Although harsh in its description, par- is not based on law. For 7 1/2 years in the case of Barr vs. City of Sinton I ties who give money to judges who are then called upon to fought for a homeowner's right to worship God in his own home. The 13th decide cases involving those same parties reeks of influ- Court of Appeals made obvious errors and was ultimately reversed by the ence buying. No judge should ever decide a case where a Texas Supreme Court. party has paid money to that judge. Education: Undergraduate degree obtained from the Univerisity of Houston. Law degree from South Texas College of Law, Houston. | Experience: I am a lawyer with 29 years experience who has tried over 65 cases to a jury's verdict, I have represented clients in over 1,800 lawsuits, and I have written over 85 appellate briefs. | Email: email@example.com
received 417 out of a total of 647 votes. Impartiality: I have ruled for and against litigants whose Accomplishment: With nearly eighteen years as an appellate judge, I have attorneys have contributed to my campaigns over the years earned acclaim for my ability to dispose of cases promptly and efficiently. and have found that their only expectations of me are to My propensity for collaberating with other judges and their staffs to foster receive fair, well-balanced rulings. My reputation for hon- professionalism in the court facilitates the disposition of business promptly esty, integrity, and a balanced legal temperament is evi- and efficiently. As a result, litigants receive rulings in a timely manner. denced by the State Bar of Texas Judicial Poll wherein I Education: Bachelor of Science,Secondary Education, 1974, Texas A&I University, Kingsville, Texas Juris Doctor, Cum Laude Graduate, 1981, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University Graduate, Texas College of Judicial Studies, 2007 | Experience: Justice,Thirteenth Court of Appeals, 1995-present Judge, Title IV-D Court Master, 1992-1995 Municipal Court Judge, City of Corpus Christi, Texas, 1990-1992 Partner, Attorney At Law, Rodriguez & Rodriguez, 1981-1990 | Web Site: facebook.com/justicenelda | Email: email@example.com
The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for office, or politial parties, and any use of the League of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or literature has not been authorized by the League.
Justice - Court of Appeals, continued
Accomplishment: I am a husband and a father of four growing children. Impartiality: Let it be known that I am running to be- Handing on to them a safer, more just community is the reason I get up come a fair judge and not one who can be bought. If you and go to work in the mornings. In addition to our training and experience, can look your supporters in the eye and tell them that you judicial candidates must remember that our families, and all families in our would not think twice about voting against them, if the law community, are behind our efforts to help create and preserve a more just and facts of the case are against them, you can raise money society. with integrity. Education: J.D. with Honors, 1987, University of Texas Law School; B.A. with Highest Honors, 1984, University of Texas at Austin | Experience: Briefing and Staff Attorney for the 13th Court of Appeals for over twelve years. Appellate Prosecutor for the last twelve years. Former JAG Officer in the Texas Army National Guard. Published legal author. | Campaign Phone: (361) 813-5608 | Web Site: www.runningforjustice.com | Email: email@example.com
Accomplishment: I was voted Latina of the year by the National Hispanic Impartiality: Those who give to my campaign, do so because they know Bar Association. I was elected by my fellow judges as chair of the Texas I am the best qualified candidate. I do not allow any campaign contribution Center for the Judiciary. And I was appointed by the Texas Supreme Court to the Texas Access for Justice Commission. to affect any rulings of my court.
Education: University of Houston Law Center - JD University of Texas at Austin - BA | Experience: Law offices of Jaime Gonzalez Adams & Graham Law Firm | Web Site: www.justiceginabenavides.com | Email: email@example.com
This Voters Guide is available at www.lwvtexas.org. Up-to-date candidate information and races are available at VOTE411.org. The "On Your Ballot" feature of VOTE411.org lets you identify the races and ballot initiatives specific to your address. HELPFUL WEBSITES Secretary of State www.sos.state.tx.us www.VoteTexas.gov REPUBLICAN PARTY www.texasgop.org
League of Women Voters of Texas League of Women Voters (U.S.) www.lwvtexas.org www.lwv.org
DEMOCRATIC PARTY www.txdemocrats.org
LIBERTARIAN PARTY www.lptexas.org
GREEN PARTY http://web.txgreens.org
Justice - Court of Appeals, continued
THE 14TH COURT OF APPEALS SERVES THE FOLLOWING TEXAS COUNTIES: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Harris, Waller & Washington BRETT BUSBY (R) - 14TH COURT, PLACE 3 Impartiality: By ruling based on the law and the facts, not on the identity of the parties or their lawyers. Like everyone who comes before me, contributors get fair treatment, not favored treatment. I publicly report all contributions, and I have accepted the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act, which means that no one
can fund a substantial part of my campaign. Accomplishment: Before taking the bench, I represented people and companies as both plaintiffs and defendants. I often did free legal work, and I persuaded the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether a judge could throw out a case based on an issue that no party had raised. I learned that judges must apply the law fairly to the issues raised, not decide cases based on their own preferences.
Education: After graduating from high school in Austin, I earned my undergraduate degree from Duke University (summa cum laude) and my law degree with high honors from Columbia University, one of the top 5 law schools in the country. | Experience: I serve on this court and have specialized in appeals for 14 years, giving me the most relevant experience for the job. I am a former U.S. Supreme Court law clerk, former partner at Bracewell & Giuliani, and am Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law. | Web Site: www.BrettBusby.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
ally right and not yield to corruption. Impartiality: I have a strong belief that neither party af- Accomplishment: I am proud of graduating #1 in my law school class, filiation nor money should sway a judge's decision. The which demonstrates not only my intellectual ability, but also my tenacious law is established for the Courts of Appeals, and it should and industrious nature. I am determined to find solutions to problems. Bebe followed regardless of who the parties are or how much ing tenacious, inquisitive, and applying my intellect will help make me a money they contributed. My upbringing in a family with better justice. Clerking for a federal judge also gave me an understanding solid values instilled in me a conviction to do what is mor- of how courts function. Education: Graduated #1 in law school class, 1981, South Texas College of Law; B.A., Psychology, 1976, University of Colorado; B.A., Music, 1974, University of Houston. | Experience: Fed. Dist. Judge Carl Bue's Law Clerk 2 yrs; Bracewell & Patterson, Associate 2 yrs, Mandell & Wright, Partner 9 yrs; Popham Firm, Kansas City 5 yrs;solo practice 3 yrs; Tucker Vaughan, 2004-present. Many trials & appeals as lead atty-employment law. | Web Site: www.GardnerForJustice.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
ger it for a campaign check. Impartiality: First of all, it's a judge's job to be fair, and I Accomplishment: Twenty-five years ago, I became an Eagle Scout, and endeavor everyday to be scrupulously fair in the cases I it remains one of my proudest accomplishments. It has made me a better hear. Also, because I voluntarily comply with the Judicial appellate justice because it taught me that honor, integrity, citizenship, and Campaign Fairness Act, there are strict limits on the amount duty to God and country are high callings. I remain an active Scout leader of contributions I accept. The reputation I've developed for today because I believe the values Scouting offers are vital to the survival fairness is something I hold dear, and I would never endan- of our republic. Education: JD, magna cum laude, University of Houston Law Center, 1995; BA, English, University of Texas, 1992 | Experience: 2007-present, Justice, 14th Court of Appeals; 2001-07, Judge, 55th District Court; 1996-01, attorney, Baker Botts; 1996, Law Clerk for Justice Greg Abbott, Texas Supreme Court; 1995, Law Clerk for Justice Jack Hightower, Texas Supreme Court; | Web Site: www.justicejeffbrown.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
laws of Texas and the United States. Impartiality: Campaign fund raising by judges in Texas Accomplishment: Although I have many accomplishments as an experiis regulated by strict laws which limit the time period in enced judge for 14 years, a lector for my church for almost 20 years, helpwhich fund raising is allowed, the amount of funds which ing coach youth soccer, youth basketball and little league baseball, as well may be raised and who may contribute. All contributions as volunteering with schools, the greatest accomplishment is my family. are disclosed. Furthermore, all judges take an oath of of- My family gives me perspective on the practical effect and impact of court fice to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and decisions and rulings. Education: I received my law degree with honors, J.D. cum laude, from South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas in 1984. I received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston, Texas in 1980 | Experience: I have 14 years experience as a Texas District Court Judge presiding over thousands of varied and complex lawsuits. I worked with Harris County Judge Ed Emmett resolving judicial & legal issues for Harris County(2009-2010.) I am cerified in trial law | Web Site: judgejohndonovan.com | Email: email@example.com
This Voters Guide is available at www.lwvtexas.org. Up-to-date candidate information and races are available at VOTE411.org. The "On Your Ballot" feature of VOTE411.org lets you identify the races and ballot initiatives specific to your address.
Justice - Court of Appeals, continued
tate Board of Education
Four-year term. Must be at least 26 years old, a citizen of the United States, a resident of Texas for at least 12 months, a district resident for at least 12 months, and a registered Texas voter. Composed of 15 members elected from roughly equally populous districts, the Board adopts rules and establishes policies that govern a wide range of educational programs and services provided by Texas public schools. Among duties: establishes goals for the public school system; adopts and promotes four-year plans for meeting those goals; and oversees investment of the Permanent School Fund. Annual authorized salary: none
Curriculum: What criteria should be used in developing and approving curriculum standards for courses? Funding: What changes, if any, would you make to current investment policies for the Permanent School Fund and to distributions to fund public schools? Please explain.
Charter Schools: What changes, if any, would you support to ensure sufficient oversight of charter schools? Other Issues: What are the two most serious public education issues facing the State Board of Education during the next term, and how would you address them?
Other Issues: The curriculum is the center of focus and must continue to ensure that students are able to compete in the 21st century. Ensure that any changes address the needs of the children and place them first. The recent changes have been good for Texas children given the recent report of increased graduation rates and the recent increase in NAEP scores.
Curriculum: What is best for children. Funding: None. The fund continues to grow. Charter Schools: The SBOE does not have oversight over charter schools only their approval.
Education: Doctoral Candidate: University of Texas at El Paso; Doctoral Candidate: George Washington University, Washington, DC; M.S., Education Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA; B.S. Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL; National Dean's List | Experience: School Administrator at all level of education: High, Middle, Elementary and College; National Who's Who Among Teachers (4X); President's List, Dean's List, Student Advocate of the Year; Retired U.S. Navy 1979-1999 | Web Site: carloscharliegarza.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Charter Schools: Charter schools should be subject to the same laws and Curriculum: The criteria to develop and approve curricu- accountability as the public school districts; therefore, they should receive lum standards: Prepare students who can be critical think- the same oversight as public school districts. Oversight over all schools ers and be able to think clearly, make sound decisions, be must be reviewed to ensure an equitable education for all students. Other Issues: 1:Current curriculum focuses on testing-narrows the educaproductive in their community, and lead successful lives. Funding: Invest in areas that will ensure strong finan- tional program.Solution:Have curriculum that allows teachers flexibility in cial growth and continued support for education to provide their instructional program to develop well-balanced students.2:Number of equity for all students across the state. Every student that students who do not have a clear idea of their role in society.Solution:Add we educate is an asset to the state; therefore, all students character ed. & citizenship ed. which will contribute in the students overall development. should receive an equitable education.
Education: Doctorate in Educational Administration,12/2008, New Mexico St. University, Las Cruces,NM; Masters in Secondary Education,5/1980, Stephen F. Austin St. University,Nacogdoches, TX;7/1972, Bachelor of Business Administration, University of TX at El Paso | Experience: Thirty-five years in education as instructional aide, teacher, assistant principal, instructional supervisor, special projects assistant, and personnel director with Texas certifications as a teacher and administrator (Mid Management & Supervisor).
voters due to an administrative error. If your name is not on the rolls of Students may use either their parents' address or their college address for registered voters in your precinct, but you believe you are registered, the voter registration, whichever they consider to be their permanent address. election judge will attempt to determine if you are registered somewhere Students cannot be registered at both places. The general rule of thumb is in your county. If your registration cannot be found, you may cast a provithat wherever students claim residency is the place where they should be sional vote by filling out an affidavit and a paper ballot. This ballot is kept registered to vote. Students who will be away from their address on Elec- separate from the regular ballots, and the case will be reviewed by the provisional voting ballot board. The ballot will be counted only if the voter is tion Day and during early voting may request ballots by mail. determined to be a registered voter in that precinct. Provisional voters will PROVISIONAL VOTING receive a notice in the mail by the tenth day after the local canvass advising The federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) of 2002 provides for provi- them if their provisional ballots were counted and, if they were not counted, sional voting if a voter's name does not appear on the list of registered the reason why.
State Board of Education, continued
LAURIE TURNER (R) - DISTRICT 2 Curriculum: Board members should confer with their teachers that they represent; asking them for directions in determining changes/deletions/additions. Teachers are the experts; therefore SBOE members should create a committee from these expert teachers to draft and revise curriculum. The new curriculum should be approved by the Board without altering it. Funding: I would not change the current investment policies of the Permanent Fund. The Fund has gained a 9.99% interest return for the last 10 years. But what I would change is the spending of $90 mil-
lion dollars going to testing; redistributing the funds to schools and vocational education that would allow our students to have skills when they graduated. Charter Schools: As a SBOE member I support initiatives to impose rigorous criteria for academic performance practices, compliance with state quality standards, governance requirements, and financial accountability. Other Issues: 1:Schools have failed to recognize the needs of students who are not college-bound. My top priority is to build up vocational education with the introduction of Career-Technical Training; creating business and industry partnerships with school districts. 2:Schools today have lost focus on teaching the child while aimed completely upon testing.
Education: Bachelor of Science: Criminal Justice, Masters of Public Affairs: Public Policy, Doctoral candidate at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi: Education Law and Policy, Teacher Certification: 4-8 Social studies and Social Studies Composite 8-12. | Experience: Taught history in a public school for the last 8 years; history department chair for the last three years; served on a variety of committees: Campus Improvement Plan; sponsored Student Council; and Saftey 1st campaign to promote student wellness. | Web Site: www.lauriejturner.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
complicated. It has become like the IRS Tax Code and needs simplification. Curriculum: The curriculum standards should be assessed to be sure that Charter Schools: I believe there is adequate oversight presently. they address creativity, problem solving, and imagination. Otherwise the Other Issues: The first priority is for the elimination of the insane testing for student regurgitation, and allowing the teachers to teach students as curriculum will not have utility. Funding: Not having expertise in finance, I would make my judgements individuals with individual abilities and needs. Secondly the Board needs after consulting with experts in the field who hold differing views. As to to pressure the legislature with solutions to the budgetary shortfall for edudistribution of the funds I believe the methodology has simply become to cation. Education: University of texas, ICC Comm. Inspector #51589366-B2, ICC Coastal Const. Insp. #5189366-C1, TREC Professional Inspector #6800, TDI Res. Prop. Inspector #0070503599 | Experience: I grew up in a family of Educators that instilled in me the importance of education. From this background I have vigitantly kept a political interest in the Education processes at all Government levels. | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
able to excellent schools and educators. Curriculum: Curriculum standards should should be de- Charter Schools: Auditing of all schools receiving public funds should be signed to insure students graduating have the academic a routine practice. I would support a requirement that all schools support skills required to meet the entrance requirements of col- the Constitution of the United States and the State of Texas. leges and universities or to meet the needs of employers Other Issues: A student must feel safe and welcome before learning can take place. A zero tolerance for bullying is needed and this should include seeking qualified candidates. Funding: Investment policies should be reviewed on an protection for students whose faith teaches some behaviors are wrong. annual basis to ensure that changes in the economy are ad- Funding issues due to limited resources caused by a poor ecomony will dressed. Taxpayers deserve to get the best return for their remain an issue. Accountability and need must receive a high level of scruinvestments. I would oppose investing in any gambling operations such as tiny. casinos. Funding should follow the child and incentives should be avail-
Education: Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education with minors in mathematics and science. | Experience: 12 years teaching (9 in public school) experience preceded by 18 years US Army service and 4 years US Navy service. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards assessor 3 summer sessions. | Web Site: www.davidwilliamsdistrict3.com | Email: email@example.com
NO REPLY RECEIVED: MARISA B. PEREZ (D), DISTRICT 3 DOROTHY OLMOS (R) - DISTRICT 4 Curriculum: There should be an ad hoc research panal committee in place alongside a selected moderator/agency for outside input to be discussed and criteria to be reviewed to ensure that it has been read, evaluated carefully for a full understanding and a concensus is reached for ratification procedure to follow, then taken and properly addressed before the entire board for a final v (///) Funding: The permanent school fund must always be for educational purposes and be allocated strictly for the enhancement of funding public schools. The investment policies must be reviewed quarterly or even monthly to make sure that investments are not declining and the NO REPLY RECEIVED: LAWRENCE ALLEN JR. (D), DISTRICT 4
stability of the investments are maintained accordingly. Charter Schools: The Charter schools must have stringent oversight when awarded millions of dollars and the schools must be accountable for their actions taken in educating the students of Texas, therefore I strongly support any changes that would make each charter school accountable for their teaching practices as well as their accountability of the funds awarded. Other Issues: There are several things But I do believe that the most critical is the curriculum that has been in place since 1997, TEKS better known as the Type 1 Philosophy of Education. The newest enhancement for Type 1 is the STAAR. It is going back to the basics of teaching in the classroom vs. the stringent testing for test scores leaving the educator to concentrate strictly on re (///)
State Board of Education, continued
KEN MERCER (R) - DISTRICT 5 Curriculum: Standards must remain online for all Texans to review. Example: some "academic experts" tried to revise and rewrite American History to their anti-American, anti-military, and anti-free enterprise, far-left ideology. Thanks to online standards, hundreds of parents emailed and protested against those outrageous experts. The result - a true and accurate American History. Funding: New laws to protect this children's fund from future attempts of the Legislature to "raid" that endowment. The Founders of Texas wisely created this fund to provide free instructional materials for all students. In 2011, there was an attempt by certain elected officials to raid billions of dollars from the children. Such a raid is a bad precedent and
poor public policy. Charter Schools: First, revisit the "cap" on charter schools set by the legislature. Demand is huge - currently over 20,000 students waiting for a seat. Second, I asked the Commissioner of Education to help Texas build the best Charter School system in America. I want new rules to tighten the award process and procedures, and strengthen the audit and evaluation of existing Charter Boards. Other Issues: The nationalization of education. 1979: President Carter announced we had the greatest system of education in the world. Then he created the Department of Education to "streamline" the process. 2012: Three decades later - our scores and rankings plummeted. That DOE is pushing a national curriculum, standards, test and diploma. Federal intrusion is the most serious issue.
Education: M.B.A. - Management and Finance (St. Mary's University), B.B.A. - Business Data Systems (UT San Antonio), B.A. - UT Austin (Biology), A.S. San Antonio College, P.M.P. - Professional Project Manager. | Experience: SBOE Chair: School Initiatives (2011-present), Former Vice-Chair: Committee on Curriculum, Former Vice-Chair: School Planning and Initiatives, Former Chair: Teacher of the Year Committee, and Former State House Member: Committee on Higher Education. | Web Site: www.VoteKenMercer.com
REBECCA BELL-METEREAU (D) - DISTRICT 5 Curriculum: Clear, data-driven criteria should govern curriculum standards, selection of experts, and review committees. We need geographical and cultural diversity and a transparent, consistent process for public input that allows for effective participation. Board members should cooperate with legislators and TEA to establish goals, common ground, transparency, and accountability. Funding: We need ethical management of the permanent school fund, to insure funds go to public education. We must examine requirements for charter schools, home schools, and alternative teacher certification, using data, not emotion, to determine success. Vouchers tend to siphon support away from public schools and benefit wealthier families,
not economically disadvantaged ones. Charter Schools: The system for evaluation charter school needs to be consistent and comparable to evaluation for public schools, accounting for differences in income, requirements, and percentages of types of student population. Truly effective charter school innovations may offer models for best practices in public schools as well, if they are studied and blind tested for true efficacy. Other Issues: We must escape from excessive emphasis on high-stakes testing and then develop multiple measures for student success in a broader curriculum—including accurate science and social studies, sex education, technical, art, and physical education—not a narrower curriculum. We need to trust good teachers, high standards, student success, and policies of no bullying in school.
Education: BA, MA, PhD in English, Indiana University | Experience: Taught as Peace Corps, Fulbright Scholar, and at University of Nebraska, Professor at Texas State University 1981-present, worked with public schools, Texas State president on student dropout rates, Planning & Zoning, Blue Ribbon Bonds, San Marcos Tx | Web Site: voterebecca.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
MARK LOEWE (L) - DISTRICT 5 Curriculum: Criteria should include accuracy and importance of scientific and historical facts, promotion of students' abilities to gain knowledge and skills, successfully predict consequences of actions, and assess and communicate harms and benefits, and promotion of honesty, good citizenship, free enterprise, reason, science, useful arts, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Funding: I discovered errors of roughly $752 Million in values of two international investment funds listed in the Texas Permanent School Fund Schedule of Investments Held as of August 31, 2009 (Unaudited). The SBOE's failure to notice these enormous errors suggests dereliction of its duty to oversee PSF investments. I would lead the SBOE
to carefully oversee PSF investments. Charter Schools: Sufficient oversight requires vouchers to empower millions of parents to reject mediocre schools and choose safe schools that better serve their childrens' individual needs, abilities, and interests. When choosing schools (government, voucher, and other), parents may compare results of government achievement tests given at all schools that receive public education funds. Other Issues: Texas pays excessively high prices for mathematics and science textbooks. I wrote House Bill 2959 (2009) and would lead the SBOE to acquire low cost textbooks for children to keep permanently. I devised progressive vouchers to attract billions of additional private dollars per year into Texas K-12 education and to maximize public education funds available for any child.
Education: Ph. D. Physics, University of Texas at Austin, B. S. Physics and B. S. Chemistry, Magna Cum Laude, University of California at Irvine, Fulbright Kommission support for physics research in West Germany, Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Pi Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi. | Experience: I coauthored a quantum mechanics textbook, taught physics at UT and Texas State, discovered incorrect scores issued on TAKS math and science tests, helped to develop a tiny on-wheel pump to maintain proper tire pressure, and do microelectronics R&D. | Web Site: www.markloewe.org/
The League of Women Voters never supports or opposes candidates for office, or politial parties, and any use of the League of Women Voters name in campaign advertising or literature has not been authorized by the League.
State Board of Education, continued
DONNA BAHORICH (R) - DISTRICT 6 Curriculum: As the foundation for our textbooks and accountability, curriculum standards must be relevant, academically sound, rigorous and clear. The board's current process of revising standards is based on the invaluable input provided by teachers, professionals, parents and business leaders. The resulting standards best prepare our students for college and career opportunities. Funding: The corpus of the fund must be guarded and nourished to provide funding for public education now and for future generations. Management of the PSF and the size of the disbursements from the fund must always be guided by careful fiduciary action. With the coming move toward in-house management for cost savings, board oversight is
needed to ensure proper investment direction Charter Schools: Currently, once the board awards a charter, their job is done. However, with the growth of charters, I believe the board should have the authority to review charters once granted, if results indicate that the charter is not advancing the education of children appropriately. As charters grow, this is ever more important. Legislative authority for oversight should be given. Other Issues: The passage of SB 6 has moved positively toward increased local control. However, publishers now do not have to submit their products to the board for public scrutiny. We must work to ensure that error-free instructional materials go to our classrooms. The board must become part of a legislative, gubernatorial, higher education, & work force team for our children's future.
Education: B.S. Financial Management and M.A. Counseling | Experience: District Director and Communications Director for Senator Dan Patrick. 2010 Republican Primary Director for Harris County Republican Party. 2007 Volunteer of the Year for Senate District 7. Graduate of Leadership Houston-Class 27. | Campaign Phone: (832) 303-9091 | Web Site: www.Donna4Texas.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
TRACI JENSEN (D) - DISTRICT 6 Curriculum: Curriculum should be developed with the idea that students need to learn how to analyze, interpret, and synthesize information. Content should be accepted knowledge that is based upon research and facts. The board shouldn't be able to make major changes to the proposed curriculum created by the committee of educators and experts without their approval. Funding: I am concerned about the direction of the PSF. Recently we just learned about the 5 hedge fund manager's excessive fees. We should not move quickly but examine all options. The PSF should not be used to fund charter schools which has been an issue brought before the board. We must keep our focus on the 5 million children attending public
schools and their needs. Charter Schools: Charters must be held accountable when using tax payer money. Texas has seen cases of staggering mismanagement. Opening a charter doesn't require a background in education so it can become a forprofit endeavor. They are also only required to hire teachers with a high school diploma. I strongly support a change in the oversight system before programs are expanded. Other Issues: Textbook Adoptions & Health Education: Textbooks shouldn't be chosen according to personal ideology. A complete education using materials that assist in the development of critical thinking should be the goal. Abstinence-Only programs haven't worked. Texas is 4th in teen pregnancy rates. Students need more than a mantra of "Just say no" in order to make informed decisions.
Education: I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction. | Experience: I was a classroom teacher and education professor at University of Houston. I have worked in Cy-Fair, Alief, Aldine, Houston, Katy and Spring Branch schools. | Web Site: www.jensen4stateboard.com | Email: email@example.com
NO REPLY RECEIVED: GENE CLARK (L), DISTRICT 6; G C MOLISON (G), DISTRICT 6; DAVID BRADLEY (R), DISTRICT 7 MATTHEW PETRE (L) - DISTRICT 7 Curriculum: The number one criteria for curriculum should be scientific and historical facts. In the case that there are theories that are still up for some scientific debate (e.g. Climate Change or Evolution) the curriculum should focus on teaching children the thinking skills that give them the best tools to come to their own conclusions. Funding: The current policy for the Permanent School Fund is generally acceptable; however, I would work with other board members to find solutions to the current crisis regarding the retention of the highest quality teachers and would also work to increase funding of programs related to areas that have in the recent decades de-
clined; namely art, philosophy and personal economics. Charter Schools: I would support a statewide voucher program (probably a cost effective progressive voucher program like that supported by my colleague Mark Loewe from Austin.) Being the product of the public education system, I do not want to see it disappear nor in any way suffer from insufficient funding, but it is my belief that charter and private schools are the future of education. Other Issues: The current attempt and state and local levels to create not just an equal playing field for students, but also to force equal outcome on students, is the greatest impediment facing the U.S. and Texas public education system. Testing cannot be the primary indicator of success. Separation of church and state protects our children, but also our religious beliefs.
Education: Middle Tennessee State University - B.S. Computer Science Mississippi State University - Chemical Engineering North Mesquite High School - Mesquite Texas - 2nd in Class | Experience: I am an active participant in our political process. I have been active in the Libertarian Party for over 20 years. I believe it is time for change to liberty-mindedness on our state's school board of education. | Web Site: www.khou.com/video?id=148583935&sec=548367 | Email: email@example.com
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State Board of Education, continued
Charter Schools: I would support changes so that the SBOE could have Curriculum: The board's current detailed process to over- input and oversight after a charter school has opened its doors. Right now see the revision of the curriculum standards results in rig- our job is done once the charter is awarded. Most charter awardees do an orous, academically sound standards that prepare our stu- excellent job in organizing and running their charter school. However there dents for college or the workforce. Our schoolchildren are always charter schools that do poorly. SBOE oversight would result in must be taught about their country, their rich heritage, and more accountability. Other Issues: I'll continue to fight to keep academic rigor in the state curabout the sacrifices that our forefathers made for them. Funding: Serving as fiduciaries of the PSF is a great re- riculum standards. Due to SB6, districts can use state money to purchase sponsibility. We have done an excellent job in overseeing textbooks that the board has not approved. Who checks for errors? For investment policies, resulting in the current value of the fund being about academic rigor? For quality content? Our schoolchildren deserve the best $25 billion! We also wisely vote on the distribution rate. In July we voted instructional materials-- ones that have been vetted throught the board's on a 3.3 % rate which is expected to generate about $830 million per year. process.
Education: Texas Woman's University • Master of Science in Science Education, 1992: Biology/Education Baylor University • Bachelor of Science in Education,1982: Biology/English | Experience: Teacher, Garland I.S.D.: Garland High School (August 1982-May 1985) Teacher, Hurst-Euless-Bedford I.S.D.: L.D. Bell High School (August 1985-May 1991) Founder and Director of Wonders of the Woodlands Science Programs (1994-Present) • Chair, SBOE | Web Site: www.barbaracargill.com | Email: email@example.com
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State Board of Education, continued
DEXTER SMITH (D) - DISTRICT 8 Curriculum: The process of developing and approving standards should include the input from the stakeholders of the public education system. Teachers, parents, professional groups and the business community should be afforded an oppportunity to provide valuable insight on the direction of educational standards. They should also be based upon factual data void special interest groups. Funding: I believe there should be more transparency for the public on decisions made concerning the Permanent School Fund. This helps to ensure the public trust and the ethical standards of board members remain entact. I do believe the SBOE should provide strict guidence with
the distribution of money from the fund. Charter Schools: I support charter schools. I have been a part of a successful public charter for my entire career. I feel that good charter schools are an integral and viable part of our public education system. Charters are obligated to meet the same accountability standards of public schools unlike private institutions that create or adopt their own. Other Issues: 1.Develop a plan to ensure more consistency in alternative teacher certification programs in Texas. The SBOE should create a uniform alternative certification program that meets the Texas certification standards. 2.Develop a sensible alternative to the new STAARS and EOC examinations. The SBOE should advocate for an end to NCLB legislation and opt out of the test.
Education: BA University of Houston MA University of Phoenix Regional IV Principal Certification Program | Experience: 11 years Elementary Social Studies | Web Site: www.dextersmith4sboe.com | Email: email@example.com
THOMAS RATLIFF (R) - DISTRICT 9 Curriculum: The SBOE should work closely with academic experts, Texas college and universities, educators, parents, students, business men and women, and locally elected school board members to ensure a well-rounded curriculum to ensure career and college readiness. The SBOE should not attempt to do wholesale revisions to standards at the 11th hour like has happened in the past. Funding: I will continue to lead the effort to terminate expensive outside consultants and bring more management in-house. This is estimated to save over $10 million/year and increase the amount of money available to school districts across Texas. We have wasted over $70 mil-
lion over the past few years that could have been sent to classrooms, not consultants. Charter Schools: I would add more financial criteria to the application process. More charter schools fail due to financial reasons than any other reasons. I would also like to see more ability for the SBOE to revoke charters if their academic performance isn't up to standard. Other Issues: We continue to have difficulty raising the bar for "expert" reviewers for our standards. There is a faction on the SBOE that opposes more rigorous qualifications. In my opinion, this cheapens the process and brings politics into the standards setting process. We also need to get better clarification on the role we play in the standardized testing issue confronting us.
Education: Graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School, B.B.A from Texas Tech University, M.P.A from University of Texas at Austin | Experience: Elected in 2010 to State Board of Education and am currently serving my first term. Have been active parent volunteer in my children's public schools for the past 10 years. | Web Site: www.thomasratliff.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Charter Schools: Personal involvement from an SBOE representative. Curriculum: Common sense, without preference to any particular organi- Other Issues: 1. Implementation of standardized testing mandates, i.e., zation's beliefs or practices, should be primary. Personal investigation into StAAR, TAKS, TABS. I would advocate for suspension, which would allow the educator more time to teach, and would also save the school district what has or has not worked in previous district's curriculum is necessary. Funding: Without extended research as to the particulars, I cannot suggest wasted monies on same. 2. An environment that doesn't foster a desire to learn, and to teach. I would seek a way to stop ALL forms of bullying, by specific changes. any means necessary. Education: 2 years college, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas | Experience: General manager, medical clinic, Pittsburg, Texas; Operations, major chemical company, Beaumont, Texas; Manager, parts dept. auto dealership, Beaumont, Texas; varied other careers, each of which provided a good deal of life experience. | Email: email@example.com
TOM MAYNARD (R) - DISTRICT 10 Curriculum: Curriculum should be factual, accurate, free of political and social agendas and designed to prepare students for success in post-secondary education and careers and to be effective, responsible American citizens. It should be a continuum of coherent, age and grade appropriate steps resulting in preparedness for careers, post-secondary education and citizenship. Funding: The State Board of Education is the chief fiduciary for the Permanent School Fund, but the staff members who manage it are subordinates of the Commissioner of Education. We should create separate lines of governance between the board and fund management. I also believe there should be more public transparency in disclosing man-
agement fees and return on investment. Charter Schools: Open-enrollment charter schools should demonstrate improved performance amongst similar demographic groups in a community. This measure would not necessarily apply to charter schools serving special populations in child care organizations. All charter schools must meet audit standards for accounting practices and appropriate use of public funds. Other Issues: We must re-vitalize the workforce development piece of public education. Many students graduate with few or no marketable skills. We should facilitate industry partnerships and work to reduce unnecessary barriers in the certification process. We must set high standards, but restore local control and reduce unfunded mandates that contribute little to educating children.
Education: Bachelor of Science, Animal Production, Texas Tech University Texas Teacher Certification, Agricultural Education | Experience: Classroom Teacher, Career & Technical Education-Agricultural Science-13 years; School Board Trustee-6 years; Public School Parent-5 children; Executive Director, nation's largest state career & technical student organization-12 years; Business owner | Web Site: www.maynardfortexas.com | Email: email@example.com
State Board of Education, continued
GERALDINE "TINCY" MILLER (R) - DISTRICT 12 Curriculum: We must make certain that we maintain a strong emphasis on the basics in education. Our students must be proficient in reading, writing, and mathematics. We should emphasize phonics in our reading classes. Our students need to have an understanding of science and its applications. Additionally, we need to match up a portion of our curriculum to meet market demands. Funding: I would prohibit the use of the Permanent School Fund for anything other than its intended purpose, and that is to fund textbooks for the public school children of Texas. This fund was created to pay for the textbooks for the independent school districts. I would make certain that it is being well managed and garnering the best returns
possible for a fund of its size. Charter Schools: I support the expansion of charter schools and believe they are a necessary part of our public school program. I believe a five year review should be placed on charter schools giving them enough time to prove themselves. I also believe that the Texas Education Agency should be granted more authority to come in and shut down poorly performing charter schools. Other Issues: I believe the most serious education issue facing the SBOE is protecting the Permanent School Fund for its intended purpose and that is providing free textbooks to our public school children. Another serious issue is to make certain we develop criteria for our curriculum so our students are prepared for the 21st century workforce.
Education: Southern Methodist University - Bachelor of Science, Texas A&M Commerce - Masters Specializing in Reading | Experience: Former Member of the State Board of Education, Former Chairman of State Board of Education, Trained and taught in the Reading Laboratory at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital under Dr. Lucius Waites | Web Site: www.TincyMiller.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
LOIS PARROTT (D) - DISTRICT 12 Curriculum: Curriculum standards should be fact based. They should be determined after gathering input from teachers, educators, parents, scholars, local school board members and local school district employees. Decisions should be based upon evidence, facts, unbiased materials and information. Funding: The fund should stay in tact as an endowment fund and not be released from the auspices of the Texas State Board of Education.
Charter Schools: Each charter school should have to comply with the same budget reporting system as each public school has to comply with and have a transparent budget. They also need to have the same requirements as public schools have on serving special needs children. Public schools do not turn children away. Other Issues: More funding needs to go to the classrooms. Also, a reduction in unnecessary student testing would allow students more time for classroom instruction and more funding could go to our schools. The legislature should restore funds which have been cut.
Education: Ph.D.TX A&M Commerce Education interdisciplinary minor Masters degree Education major interdisciplinary minor | Experience: Elected Dallas County School Board two years Elected Dallas Independent School District Board of Education ten years President of Dallas Independent School District Board of Education two years Treasurer, Richland College Faculty Ass. 3 yea | Web Site: loisparrott.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
S.T. RUSSELL (R) - DISTRICT 13 Curriculum: The criteria currently being used is not the problem. Teachers being monitored to ensure that the curriculum standards are being fully taught is the problem. It does not make any sense to develop and approve more curriculum standards, when the current ones are not being properly implemented because teachers know that their administration is not verifying compliance. Funding: I would make no changes to current investment policies for the PSF. It is making money. I would change distributions funding by adding a textbook amendment. I see too many students walking home without
books. I would propose a change in which schools must use the PSF (the children's textbook fund) to make sure every student has a book to take home. Charter Schools: I believe that all public schools (charter and ISDs) should be reviewed for education compliance every four years. Other Issues: One issue is getting teachers to teach 'inside the box.' Teachers must be monitored by administration to ensure they are using the book. Also, I'd propose teacher incentive pay based on students' performances. Another issue is allowing parents to 'see' inside the classroom. I'd propose that parent portals be implemented in all schools.
Education: Psychology Major | Experience: Frustrations from constituents and the news about the sorry state of Texas education | Web Site: strussell.com | Email: email@example.com
MAVIS BEST KNIGHT (D) - DISTRICT 13 Curriculum: Curriculum standards should reflect what students need to know/do based on current research in the field of study. Other criteria: understandable, manageable, measureable, age/grade appropriate, vertical/horizontal alignment, promotes integration/interdisciplinary approaches, and K-12 articulation. Curriculum standards should be devoid of any political biases. Funding: Investment policies of the Permanent School Fund are sound, followed, and consistently reviewed. Adjustments are made to asset allocations as needed to protect the fund, minimize losses and enhance gains. Steps are being taken to minimize management ex-
penses by bringing select investment tools in house. Distributions from the fund are adequate based upon required formulas. (///) Charter Schools: By statue, the Commissioner of Education has oversight over the operations of charter schools. I would support a shorter timeframe for closures and appeals. The Charter School Division also needs staffing levels restored to better assist charter schools. Other Issues: There are two ongoing issues: 1. The alignment of curriculum with instructional materials with statewide tests and teacher certification. The cycles are out of sync. Presently, we are trying to match effective curriculum implementation dates with availability of instructional materials. Continued monitoring and tweaking of the cycles are needed as well as continued dialogu (///)
Education: B.A., M.A. Psychology North Carolina Central University | Experience: Ten year member Texas State Board of Education, Local, State, tional PTA service, Non-profit Board service. | Email: email@example.com
State Board of Education, continued
MARTY ROWLEY (R) - DISTRICT 15 Curriculum: A back-to-the-basics approach to education is foundational for any suitable curriculum. It should describe what students should know and be able to do at every grade level. Standards must be detailed, but should not contain so much content so as to detract from a teacher's ability to teach. The standards should be of sufficient rigor so as to meet national competition. Funding: Revenues generated from the PSF should be prioritized to fund new instructional materials for Texas schoolchildren. This would include both traditional textbooks and electronic delivery options. When the SBOE passes new education standards and the legislature fails to provide funding for new materials, school districts are left with an
unfunded mandate, which I oppose. Charter Schools: There needs to be a healthy balance between oversight and maintaining the freedom of charter schools to be innovative and cost effective. Too much governmental intrusion hinders their ability to produce results at a lower cost to taxpayers. There may be limited instances where oversight is needed, but such action must be carefully measured. Other Issues: The first issue is empowering our teachers by creating an effective accountability system that ensures essential standards of knowledge and skills are being taught, but not so as to stifle individual learning. Secondly, schools need more freedom to offer career and technical training, thereby meeting Texas' workforce needs and creating better lives for graduates.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration; Eastern New Mexico University; 1979. J.D. degree; Texas Tech School of Law; 1982 | Experience: Certified Professional Mediator; Former Board Certified Attorney; Former Pastor 8000 member church; Current Pres. Maverick Boys & Girls Club; Former Pres. CareNet Pregnancy Center and Chair of Governmental Affairs of Amarillo Chamber of Commerce | Web Site: martyrowley.org | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Charter Schools: Over half of Texas charter schools have underperformed Curriculum: Texas should adopt the Common Core State and failed to meet state standards, yet their charters have not been revoked Standards and Next Generation Science Standards so ac- for political reasons. Many charters are overtly religious which violates curate comparisons in student academic achievement are the law. The failing charter schools should have their charters revoked and possible. If not, Texas standards should be developed by given to other private schools who agree to meet state curriculum standards educators and curriculum experts without the political, and obey the law. ideological, and religious censorship from State Board Other Issues: The most serious public education problems are the fault members which has so frequently been the case in the past. of the Texas Legislature, which refuses to fund schools properly, increased Funding: The Permanent School Fund has been adminis- classroom size by laying off teachers, mandated testing to document failtered by a small group of financial specialists in the TEA under the super- ure, wants to raid teachers' retirement funds, is privatizing education by vision of the Commissioner of Education. They use several financial con- creating online schools, and plans to create voucher schools. SBOE memsultants and investment banks for advice. The PSF performance has been bers should resist these. excellent and its investment policies do not need to be changed.
Education: B.S., M.S. in Geology, Northern Illinois University, 1971, 1973; Ph.D. in Geology, Rice University, 1983. | Experience: College and university science teaching professor, 23 years; High school science teacher, 2 years; Petroleum and environmental industry scientist, 17 years. | Campaign Phone: (432) 352-2265 | Web Site: schafersman.com | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
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League of Women Voters Guide
Published on Oct 16, 2012
League of Women Voters Guide