Dr. John Cooper

Joshua Kowert

Address: Sherbrooke Court, Sherman 

Date of birth: Feb. 26, 1981

Education? BA international economics and finance, Austin College; MA international economics, American University

Married? Number of children? Yes, no children

How long have you lived in district? Eight years

Occupation and employer? Associate Economics professor Collin County College

Civic involvement? Member First United Methodist Church, member of The Federalist Society, member of Grayson Young Republicans, publisher of The Conservative Economist

Previous public officers sought or held? Candidate for U.S. House 2008

Why should voters cast ballots for you? Our Congress has lost touch with the voices of the American people. This election determines more than the next two years of this country; it will determine the direction this country heads for the next 20 or 30 years. 

The battles being fought in Washington today are the fights of my generation, of our children and our grandchildren: whether we will have a free market or socialistic ideals; whether we want a small efficient government or an all- encompassing big brother; whether we are going to win the war on terrorism or worry about being politically correct. Today’s issues not only take a passion and determination to achieve a solution, but our legislators also need the knowledge and skills to develop solutions that will not only rescue us from our problems today, but ensure that they do not reoccur in the near future. 

My background as an economics professor and author gives me the skills and abilities to deal with today’s economic issues. My experiences fighting for individuals’ fourth and fifth amendment rights down in Austin and working with lawmakers in Washington have reinforced my belief that one person can make a difference in our Legislative branch. 

Finally, if I am elected, I promise that I will work every day to ensure that the government of the people and by the people begins working FOR the people once again.

Explain your campaign philosophy. This campaign is focused on what is truly important to the voters: facts, issues and principles. In today’s political climate in DC, finger pointing is not going to solve any of our problems and put this country back on the right track. 

We need leaders who will stand up, use their knowledge, skills, and experience to provide solutions and leadership not blame and excuses. That is why we focus on what why the voters should elect me as the next representative of the Texas 4th Congressional District rather than why others may not be as qualified.

Jerry Ray (Tea) Hall

Address: P.O. Box 1014, Rockwall, TX 75087

Date of birth: Aug. 9, 1951

Education? Certified mediator  – training at Harvard and Pepperdine universities

Married? Number of children? Yes, two children

How long have you lived in district? 14 years

Occupation and employer? Mediator

Civic involvement? American Cancer Association, Heart Association, Arthritis Foundation, local church, Boy Scouts

Previous public officers sought or held? None

Why should voters cast ballots for you? Because I am the most qualified candidate because of my business knowledge and established connections in Washington and Texas.

Explain your campaign philosophy. To help improve the lives of the constituents in District 4, bringing jobs, helping to reduce the taxes, helping to improve education.

Ralph M. Hall

Address: 1500 Sunset Hill Dr., Rockwall

Date of birth:  May 3, 1923

Education? University of Texas, Southern Methodist University School of Law

Married? Number of children? I lost my wife, Mary Ellen in 2008 after 64 years of marriage. Three sons, three daughters-in-law and five wonderful grandchildren.

How long have you lived in district? 86 years

Occupation and employer? U.S. Congressman

Civic involvement? Kiwanis, Lions Club

Previous public officers sought or held? Rockwall County Judge, Texas State Senator, U.S. Congressman

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I will continue to fight the Obama-Pelosi-Reid policies that are sending our government into fiscal disaster.  I voted “no” to both bailouts of Wall Street, “no” to a bad healthcare bill, “no” to higher taxes and “no” to bigger government.

Explain your campaign philosophy.  I have always fought a clean and honest campaign. I run on my voting record and my conservative principles.  I support small business and use radio, television, billboards, mass mailings, and print media. My favorite way to campaign is one handshake at a time.

Justice Supreme Court, Place 3
Information was not received from candidates Debra Lehmann and Rebecca Simmons.

Jim Moseley

Address: 110 Mason Court, Coppell, Texas  75019

Date of birth:   Feb 15, 1954

Education? Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas; Cisco Junior College, Cisco, Texas; Baylor University, Waco, Texas (B.A. 1976); Baylor University School of Law, Waco, Texas (J.D. 1978)

Married?  Yes, 26 years to former Marian Bentley, of Burkburnett, Texas Number of children? –Two, daughter Becky – University of Chicago School of Law, and son, Jimmy – Junior at Texas A & M

How long have you lived in district? In Dallas since June 1983; in Coppell since August 1989

Occupation and employer? Justice on Fifth District Court of Appeals, Dallas, Texas; employed by the State of Texas and Dallas County

Civic involvement? Dallas Bar Association – Publications Committee – write annual column in Dallas Bar newsletter on Legal Writing; Dallas Bar Foundation – life member; Baylor Law Review Alumni Association; American Law Institute –elected member; The Voice of Hope (ministry to West Dallas) past vice-chair and member of the board of directors of Pine Cove Camps, Inc. – past member Outside Advisory Councip; Univeristy of Texas Journalism Department – past member Professional Advisory Council; Northlake Church, Coppell - past board of elders, Coppell Baseball Assocation

Previous public officers sought or held? 1982 – chairman, Ector County Republican Party, Odessa; 1983-87 – Regional Director, Federal Trade Commission, Dallas; 1996-present – Justice, Fifth District Court of Appeals, Dallas; 1996-97 – Member State Republican Executive Committee (SD9)

Why should voters cast ballots for you? The experience most applicable to the Texas Supreme Court is appellate judicial experience. Whether you measure that experience by years or by opinions written, I have more applellate judiial experience than the other five candidates in this race – combined! I've served over 13 years on the Dallas Court of Appeals. During that time I have written over 1,000 appellate judicial opinions (per Westlaw.) I was the highest-rated appellate justice on last year's Dallas Bar Association judicial evaluation poll, with approximately 88% of respondents saying I've done an excellent or good job. That percentage is significant, given the fact that approximately half of the attorneys appearing in my court are unsuccessful in their appeal. I've event sat on the Supreme Court in place of a recused justice, and ultimately wrote the curt's plurality opinion in that case.

In addition, I had significant legal experience before I was appointed to the court in appeals in 1996 by then-Governor Bush. I've been a lawyer since 1978. I practiced law in west Texas (Odessa) and in Dallas. In between, I served four years as regional director of the Federal Trade Commission during the Reagan administration. I am a past-chair of the State Bar's Antitrust & Business Litigation Section. I am a founding member fo the Dallas Chapter of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal organization that believes that the role of the courts is to rule based on what the law is, not what it thinks it ought to be. 

Explain your campaign philosophy. I am a conservative, judicial restraint judge.  I believe the role of the judiciary is to rule based on the law as it is (not what the judge might want it to be), the facts, and the arguments presented by the parties.  I have broad support from lawyers on all sides of the docket, and broad support across the state. There are no perfect systems for selecting judges, and I believe there are some things we can do to improve the system we have.  However, I support Texans’ constitutional right to select judges through election. 

Rick Green

Address: P.O. Box 900, Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Date of birth: March 23, 1971

Education? Graduated from Wylie High School in 1989 as an honor graduate after participating and being awarded for all-state competition in both mock trial and baseball. Received B.B.A. degree in finance from Angelo State University, received law degree from University of Texas Law School.

Married? Number of children? Married to Kara Green for 15 years. Have four children.

How long have you lived in district? Was raised in Wylie  and have lived in Dripping Springs for the last 13 years. This is a statewide race, so all Republican voters in Texas can vote in this race.

Occupation and employer? Attorney, author and speaker for WallBuilders and David Barton

Civic involvement? President of Torch of Freedom Foundation, an organization dedicated to educating our nation’s future leaders about America’s heritage and giving them the skills and tools to make an impact on our public policy processes by training them in the most elite political youth program in the nation called Patriot Academy.

Previous public officers sought or held? Served as a Texas State Representative from 1999-2003

Why should voters cast ballots for you? As a candidate for the Texas Supreme Court, I bring a unique set of experiences and perspective to this campaign and, Lord willing, to the court. The most unique thing about my candidacy is that you don’t have to wonder where I stand. During my tenure as a state representative, I was one of the top five conservatives in the Texas House. I have a very clear, consistent, proven conservative record. I have been with David Barton and WallBuilders for nearly a decade, teaching and speaking on the Constitution, about the original intent of the Founding Fathers, the Godly heritage of our nation, and the principles that made America the most successful nation in history. That is why conservative leaders all across the state have endorsed our campaign, including Chuck Norris.

Explain your campaign philosophy. Our campaign philosophy is to reach the conservative grassroots and to energize and inspire them to stay involved in the process. You can contact our campaign at www.RickGreen2010.com

Jeff Brown

Address: My home address is 5250 Kingfisher, Houston, Texas 77035.  My campaign address is 2726 Bissonnet, Suite 240-14, Houston, Texas 77005.

Date of birth:  March 27, 1970

Education?  Bishop Lynch High School, Dallas, Texas, Class of 1988; B.A., English major, history minor, University of Texas at Austin, 1992; J.D., magna cum laude University of Houston Law Center, 1995

Married? Number of children? I’ve been happily married to Susannah Scheps Brown, a middle-school reading and English teacher, for 17 years.  We have three children.

How long have you lived in district? The election I’m running in is statewide.  I’ve lived in Texas my entire life.  I’ve never lived anywhere else.

Occupation and employer? Since 2007 I’ve been a justice on the 14th Court of Appeals.  My employer is the State of Texas (i.e., the taxpayers).

Civic involvement? I have been heavily involved in my community for many years.  

The endeavors I’ve been involved with include Cub Scout Pack 455, Boy Scout Troop 222, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Bellaire

Show & Rodeo, Bellaire United Methodist Church, Operation Compassion (aide to Hurricane Katrina evacuees), the Christian Community Service Center, LifeHouse of Houston, the Houston Independent School District's VIPS ("Volunteers in Public Schools") Program, the Houston Bar Association, and service on the boards of directors of the UH Law Alumni Association, the Houston Law Review, and the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society.

Previous public offices sought or held?  From 2001-2007, I was judge of the 55th District Court in Harris County.

Why should voters cast ballots for you? Because of all the candidates in this race, I have the best combination of relevant experience.  I will bring a conservative judicial philosophy to the Texas Supreme Court; I believe judges are to interpret rather than expand the law in accordance with their own personal and political preferences, and they are certainly not to legislate from the bench.  Because of my experience, work ethic, and philosophy, I have received many endorsements, including former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court Tom Phillips, former Texas Supreme Court Justice Raul Gonzalez, three former presidents of the State Bar of Texas, CLEAT (the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas), and the Texas Municipal Police Association.

Explain your campaign philosophy. I have a balanced campaign philosophy.  I've been traveling the state to visit with voters, I've mounted an aggressive email and internet campaign, and I plan to run ads on radio.  I believe it is very important to reach as many voters as possible.

Rick Strange

Address: Home address – 4124 Fox Hollow Ct., Midland TX 79707. Campaign – 3525 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas TX 75219

Date of birth: Dec. 4, 1959

Education? College – BBA in accounting, cum laude, Hardin Simmons University 1982; JD, with honors, University of Texas 1985.

Married? Number of children? Yes. Carole and I have been married for 26 years. We have two children. Katie, 23, a kindergarten teacher in Denton and Susan, 20, a junior pre-med major at Hardin Simmons University.

How long have you lived in district? All of my life.

Occupation and employer? Justice, 11th Court of Appeals.

Civic involvement? Trustee Hardin Simmons University, Sunday school teacher First Baptist Church Midland, member Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, director Texas Center for the Judiciary, member State Bar’s Legal Services to Low Income Texans Committee, member State Bar’s Oil Gas and Mineral Law Counsel, member Judicial Section’s Legislative Committee

Previous public officers sought or held? I served for five years as Midland County Republican Party chair.

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I have the practical energy experience and expertise currently missing on the court. The energy industry is an important component of our state’s economy, and the court regularly decides major cases involving energy and property issues. Despite this, the court has not had a justice with practical energy experience in several years. I am board certified in oil, gas and mineral law, and in civil trial law, and as a lawyer I regularly handled complex oil and gas and commercial disputes. 

Explain your campaign philosophy. I am a judicial conservative. I believe that judges should apply the law, should avoid activism, and should be fair and consistent in their rulings.

Justice Supreme Court, Place 9
Information was not received from candidate Eva Guzman.

Rose Vela

Address: 901 Leopard, 10th Floor, Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Date of birth: Nov. 5, 1964

Education: South San Antonio High School, undergraduate at Southwest Texas State University in Engish, with a minor in political sscience, law degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law

Married: Married for 20 years 

How long have you lived in district? Born and raised in Texas

Occupation and employer: Justice on the 13th Court of Appeals, state of Texas

Civic involvement: Former director, Food Bank of Corpus Christi, former chair, Corpus Christi Crime Control and Prevention District, former director, Nueces County Appraisal District, former director, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Previous offices sought or held? 148th District Court Judge, 13th Court of Appeals Justice (currently held)

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I want to make sure the law works for the people of Texas, and my comprehensive legal training and experience makes me the best choice for Place 9. As a district judge, I handed down tough sentences including the death penalty and life in prison to convicted felons. I also handled complex civil matters and had the privilege of helping create new families by presiding over adoptions in what I see as one of the most important roles of the judiciary in promoting family life. As the first Republican ever elected to the 13th Court of Appeals, I helped reduce the backlog of cases, because I am a firm believer that Texans should have a quick and fair resolution to both their criminal and civil cases. I can provide the kind of no-nonsense conservative leadership that is needed on the Texas Supreme Court.

Explain your campaign philosophy. Because a Supreme Court justice represents the entire state, I have spent my campaign traveling across Texas at the grassroots level. My desire has been to meet as many hard-working citizens as possible in order to hear their concerns. Throughout my travels, the most prevalent concern has been that citizens are tired of activist judges who legislate from the bench. For more than a decade, I have a strong record of enforcing a strict constructionist philosophy as both a district judge and an appellate justice. As a Supreme Court justice, I will continue to issue opinions based solely on what the law is and not what I believe it should be.

District Judge 219th Judicial District
Information was not received from candidate Wendy McMillon.

Scott J. Becker

Address: 2610 Greenway Drive, McKinney, TX. 75070

Date of birth: March 22. 1972

Education: 1994-BA-history (University of Texas); 1997-JD (Southern Methodist University)

Married? Yes; Number of children? Two

How long have you lived in district? Lived in Collin County for 5 1/2 years

Occupation and employer? Assistant district attorney for the Collin County District Attorney’s Office

Civic involvement? Member First Baptist Church of Allen (2008); McKinney Sunrise Rotary (2009); Collin County Conservative Republicans (2009); Plano Republican Women’s Club (associate member 2009); First Baptist Church of Allen (2008); Collin County Republican Men’s Club (ssecretary 2007); Conner Harrington Republican Women (associate member 2006); Golden Corridor Republican Women (associate member 2006); Collin County Bench Bar Foundation (AV chairman 2005-2006); Collin County Bar Association (2005); Collin County Young Lawyers Association; Collin County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Academy (December 2007); Collin County election judge (2006); master of deremonies Collin County Victim Awareness Week (2006); Whiterock Marathon Relay (2006)

Previous public offices sought or held? None.

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I have a broad background of experience in each of the areas of law over which this court has jurisdiction. I am the only candidate to have been the lead prosecutor on a murder case where we obtained a guilty conviction. I am the only candidate in this race who has protected our children by prosecuting those who abuse them. I have learned we need to help protect children by protecting families and honoring the rights of the parents who love them. I am trusted by groups and leaders all across our community as evidenced by my endorsements from every major law enforcement association in the county, the Texas Home School Coalition, Family Focus, Commissioner Joe Jaynes, and the mayor of Anna, Darren R. Driskell. With over 170 jury trials, I have the experience for this bench, and you can trust that I will apply the law fairly and consistently.

Explain your campaign philosophy. I believe my campaign should serve as a preview of what I will bring to the bench. From my campaign you can learn I will be focused. I was the first candidate to enter this race almost one year ago. We have been undeterred in our determination to serve the people of Collin County as the next judge of the 219th. You can also learn how hard I will work. For almost a year now, our campaign has been tirelessly attending events, walking neighborhoods, making calls, putting up signs, and trying to meet as many voters as possible. I will take that same work ethic to the bench.

As a judge I will look for opportunities to encourage people to come to the courtroom and observe the process. Our courts are public forums and will function better when citizens are informed about how the courts work. There is no better way to learn about our courts than to observe them firsthand and ask questions about anything they may not understand.

Angela Tucker

Address: 1515 Heritage Dr., Ste 104, McKinney, Texas 75069

Date of birth: March 31, 1971

Education? Southern Methodist University School of Law Juris Doctorate, May 1996; The University of Texas at Austin Bachelor of Arts – government, December 1992

Married? Number of children? Spouse – James Tucker; Children – Erica Tucker (10); Marshall Tucker (2)

How long have you lived in district? I have lived in Collin County 12 years.

Occupation and employer? attorney/partner – Daniel Tucker & Harrison PLLC 

Civic involvement? McKinney First Baptist Church – director of youth ushers & greeters; member of the Leadership Council; volunteer – MISD Community in Schools program – speaker & mentor; Volunteer – Wilmeth Elementary School- classroom & PTO; Golden Corridor Republican Women – board member; Outreach Committee; 2009 TFRW delegate; Collin County Bar Association; Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association; Collin County African American Republican Club – secretary; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.(National Public Service Organization) – Collin County Alumnae Chapter 

Previous public officers sought or held? None.

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I believe the citizens of Collin County deserve a well-qualified Judge with experience in all areas handled by this court. It is important to maintain the integrity and strength of the judiciary in this county. To maintain high legal standards, it is imperative that we elect judges with a strong work ethic, high moral standards, and diverse experience.

The 219th District Court is a court of general jurisdiction handling civil, criminal and family law matters. The District Court Judges also serve as members of the Collin County Juvenile Board and have additional administrative duties related to managing staff and a court budget.

I am the only candidate in my race that has experience in all three areas of law.

I am the only candidate in my race that has had a family law practice. 

I am the only candidate in my race that has handled Child Protective Services cases (as an attorney for the state; attorney for parents; and attorney for children.)

I am the only candidate in my race that has tried death penalty cases.

I am the only candidate in my race that has been approved to represent indigent persons charged with capital murder/death penalty. 

I am the only candidate in my race that has practiced juvenile law (as both an attorney for the state and for juvenile respondents.)

I am the only candidate in my race that has managed a business for almost 10 years.

Explain your campaign philosophy. I believe that elected officials are servant leaders that should be held accountable by the citizens they serve. I have given back to the community all of my adult life. I’m seeking this position to continue my civic duty to the community in a public office that I am most qualified to serve. 

My campaign is based on my qualifications, experience and strong work ethic. The 219th District Court receives a higher percentage of criminal filings than the other district courts, thus criminal law experience is very important. Of the civil filings in the court, the bulk of those are family law cases. I am the only candidate in my race that has practiced law in every court in the county from the JP level up to district court. I am the only candidate in my race that has tried every level criminal case from the lowest Class C traffic ticket to capital murder/death penalty cases. I have argued before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in Dallas and interned with the Supreme Court of Texas in Austin. In the area of family law, I am the only candidate in my race that has had a family law practice. Additionally, I am the only candidate in my race that has handled Child Protective Services cases as an attorney for the state, attorney for the parent, and for the child(ren). Thus, my campaign philosophy has been to focus on experience and qualifications. Once those factors are evaluated, I am the clear choice.

District Judge 296th Judicial District

John R. Roach Jr.
no photo

Address: Plano, TX

Date of Birth: March 29, 1970

Education: United States Marine Corps 1988-1996
Univeristy of Texas at Austin, BA in goverment 1994
St. Mary’s University School of Law, JD 1997

Married? Number of children? Married to Laura B Roach. We have three boys: John (9), Jacob (6) & Jack (5)

How long have you lived in district? 38 year resident of Collin County

Occupation and employer? State District Judge, 296th District Court State of Texas

Civic involvement: Former president of the Rape Crisis Center of Collin County (now known as The Turning Point), served on the Plano Education Foundation Board of Directors, Collin County Bond Committee and Junior League Family Violence Committee. My wife, Laura, and I were selected as One of the 21 Leaders Leading Collin County into the 21st Century by “Inside Collin County Business.” I  was chosen one of the Top 8 County Leaders of 2008 by “Plano Profile Magazine.”  

Previous public officers sought or held: Plano City Council 1997-2001

Why should voters cast ballots for you? Experience. I have a proven record as both a judge and a conservative. I have extensive judicial experience having disposed of over 6400 cases in the last three years, which is more than any other district judge in Collin County. While disposing of a lot of cases, I am purposeful about my judicial decisions and follow the law in accordance with the Constitution. 

My non-judicial legal experience has provided me a solid background for interpreting the law. I have tried cases in over 54 Texas counties, three out of four federal district courts, and have represented a client before the Texas Supreme Court. I managed one of the largest law firms in Collin County. Overall, my legal and judicial experience is why I would humbly ask for your vote.

Explain your campaign philosophy. My campaign philosophy is to eduate people about the judicial process so they have a better understanding of what kind of judge they are electing, explaining why judicial experience is so critical when electing a judge. I also believe it is important to have a county-wide significant base to have an effective campaign. I am truly blessed to have a wonderful wife and understanding children who believe in their father. They understand our short-term sacrifices of the campaign result in the long-term benefit of public service.

I have also been so blessed with supporters from all over the county. We have put out road signs, walked neighborhoods, attended forums and have been there whenever we need something. Thank you to my family, supporters and the voters of Collin County!

Keith Gore

Address: 2301 Virginia Parkway, McKinney, Texas 75071

Date of birth:  Sept. 17, 1972

Education?  Originally from Hattiesburg, Miss., I graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1991. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree summa cum laude from Texas Christian University in May 1994. I earned my law degree (Juris Doctor) from the University of Mississippi in May 1997.

Married? Number of children?  I am married to Katherine McCraw Gore and we have three children, John (8), Adeline (6) and Sawyer (3).  

How long have you lived in district?  I have lived in Collin County since January 2000.  My wife’s family settled in Collin County in the 1880s.

Occupation and employer?  I am a self-employed lawyer practicing in Collin County.  My office is in McKinney.

Civic involvement?  I served as foreman of the Collin County Grand Jury in 2008. I served on the board of directors of Avenues Counseling Center from 2006-2008. I coached little league soccer through First Baptist Church of McKinney’s Upward Bound program.

Previous public officers sought or held?  I served as the Municipal Court Judge for the city of Trenton, Texas from 2002-2005. I have never run for public office.

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I humbly but confidently ask for your vote because I sincerely believe that my education, experience and desire to serve the citizens of Collin County can greatly improve the 296th District Court.  My opponent and I both sought several key endorsements in this race. After extensive interviews and questionnaires, I am honored to report that I won the endorsements of the Collin County Conservative Republicans and the Coalition for Better Government. The McKinney Police Association, Prosper Police Association and the Texas Home School Coalition PAC have also endorsed me in my campaign to bring change and improvement to the 296th District Court.  

If elected, I would improve the procedures and efficiency of the 296th District Court by returning it to a fully operational district court that hears family, civil and criminal cases.  This would improve judicial economy and also decrease the amount of tax dollars currently being paid to visiting judges to staff auxiliary or substitute courts to handle the caseload overflow from the district courts.  In these tough economic times, Collin County cannot afford to employ judges who simply choose not to hear criminal law cases.

I pledge that as a district court judge I would never work part time as a real estate developer or pursue extra-judicial business endeavors.  Serving as Judge of the 296th District Court must be more than a mere job – for me it would be a calling.  The citizens of Collin County deserve judges who actually serve as full-time judges, not those who would devote only part of their time, talent and energy to the court.  It would be a true honor to serve, and I humbly ask for your vote in this election so that the 296th District Court can be returned to fully operational court.  

Explain your campaign philosophy. My campaign philosophy is simple:  to bring the truth to the voters.  I believe that an educated, informed voter is not only essential to the survival of our representative democracy, but also great for my campaign.  I believe our government should be open and transparent and that the voters deserve to know what their elected officials have done while in office.  During this campaign I have intentionally pointed out the truthful, legitimate differences between the incumbent and myself because the voters deserve to know.  

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  My telephone number is 972-529-2220 and my email address is gorelaw@sbcglobal.net.  Thank you for considering me for the 296th District Court. 

Criminal District Attorney

Jeff Bray

Address: 5504 Estate Lane Plano, TX 75094

Date of birth: July 2, 1969

Education? B.A. history - Texas A&M University 1991; J.D. Oklahoma City University 1991 

Married? Number of children? Yes, one child, Charlotte Belle, 3

How long have you lived in district? 3 1/2 years, worked in law enforcement in district 6 1/2 years.

Occupation and employer? Plano Police Department - senior legal advisor

Civic involvement? Limited to contributions after birth of child and medical issues (see Web site).

Previous public officers sought or held? None. 

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I am the only candidate that has the experience required to be the top law enforcement officer in Collin County and that can save the county a significant amount of money. I have spent 20 years in law enforcement, 11 as a prosecutor (three in the Collin County D.A.’s office) and three as senior legal advisor to the police officers of the Plano Police Department. I am the only candidate who is board certified in criminal law and the only candidate that has served on the faculty of the National District Attorney’s Association in Columbia, South Carolina as well as the Texas District and County Attorney’s Association. I am the only candidate that has had the honor of writing and presenting criminal law topics to the annual State Bar of Texas’ Advanced Criminal Law seminar, a statewide criminal law seminar attended yearly by over 1,000 prosecutors and defense attorneys. I am the only candidate that has intimate knowledge of how this D.A.’s office works, and who has worked with local law enforcement, so I am the best candidate to improve it where it needs improving.

If I am elected the 296th District Court will again be able to hear criminal cases, which it was previously barred from doing because the judge, John Roach Jr., is the son of the district attorney, John Roach. With a new court coming on line, we will need a new team of trial prosecutors. I am the only candidate who can create such a team without asking the Commissioner’s Court for more money. I have a great deal of experience with special crimes cases, both in Dallas and Collin County. Mr. Willis has experience as a prosecutor and judge in misdemeanor cases, but no experience trying felony cases, and Mr. Angelino has little experience with special crimes cases. The Special Crimes Division is the only division that a district attorney could conceivably run while keeping up with the duties of district attorney. I plan on taking over the Special Crimes Division, saving the county over $150,000. I have designated two assistant district attorney positions that could be reassigned to this trial team, thus forming a trial team without asking for more tax dollars.

Mr. Angelino and I are the only two candidates that need worry about staffing additional courts with prosecutors. Mr. Willis is married to a district judge, and a good one at that, so one district court would be unable to hear criminal cases. Further, his presumed first assistant is married to a well thought of misdemeanor judge, thus in addition to a felony court being taken out of action, a misdemeanor court would be taken out as well. We know from comparing the numbers that the other courts do not handle additional criminal jury trials just because one of their sister courts cannot, so the number of criminal trials performed per year in Collin County will not be equal to what it would be if we had all of our courts hearing criminal cases. This will cause victims to wait longer for justice and force us to pay to house defendants for a longer period of time.

There is nothing conservative about wasting money.

Explain your campaign philosophy. I have stayed away from personal attacks and rumor mongering, as have my opponents. However, the job of district attorney is too important to ignore a lack of qualifications. I will not hesitate to explain how my qualifications are superior to my opponents. Further, if I am able to save the county money and my opponents will cost the taxpayers money, that is fair game, as well.

Again, there is nothing conservative about wasting money. 

Greg Willis

Address:  Fannin Court, Allen, TX
 
Date of birth: April 1963
 
Education:  Baylor University 1986, BBA with honors; University of Virginia School of Law 1991, J.D.

Married? Number of children?  Married with two children
 
How long have you lived in district?  14 years

Occupation and employer: Resigned Collin County judgeship in October to run for Collin County District Attorney
 
Civic involvement: Presiding Judge, Collin County Court at Law No. 6 (Oct. 2005 - Oct. 2009)
Assistant District Attorney, Collin County (1995 - 1999)
12-year Rotarian (Allen Sunrise)
Chase Oaks Church (Plano)
Leadership Allen Class VIII
Leadership Allen Alumni Board, past member
Collin County Bar Association
Texas Bar Foundation Life Fellow
Various and numerous Collin County republican clubs
Precinct Chair (former)
Delegate, last six senatorial district and state republican conventions
Past Instructor, Frisco Citizens Police Academy
Speaker, Leadership Frisco and Leadership Allen
Helped coach kids sports
 
Previous public offices sought or held: Presiding Judge, Collin County Court at Law No. 6 (Oct. 2005 - Oct. 2009)
 
Why should voters cast ballots for you? If you're reading this, then chances are you care about your community.  Like you, I've spent time giving back to our community through serving you as judge, prosecutor, and attorney.  I've worked the Christmas parades and other Rotary service projects, helped community outreach centers, helped coach my kids' sports, walked neighborhoods for candidates I believed in, organized my precinct as a precinct chair, and more.  So I too care about our community, I love Collin County, I want to keep it safe, and that's why I'm running for District Attorney.
 
Ideally our next DA should be someone with a wide breadth of experience in our court system. I'm the only candidate to have served you as judge, prosecutor, and attorney. This means I'm the only one who has spent time in each corner of the triangle of our court system.  I've prosecuted cases (including jury trials) involving drug dealing, rape, and murder. I operated my own law practice for 6 years, and then I judged for 4 years.  No one else in this race can convey to his prosecutors what it's like from the judge's standpoint, a critical component for any lawyer.  No other candidate in the republican primary has been selected by his fellow attorneys as a Texas SuperLawyer(R) (Texas Monthly, 2004, 2005), and that happened two years in a row before I was honored to become one of your judges.  No one else in this race has been elected by his fellow attorneys to lead the Collin County Bar Association (President, 2001 - 2002).  No one else in this race resigned his position in order to run for this position.
 
But you don't have to trust what I say.  Listen to those who strongly endorse me: Collin County Deputies Association, 16 Collin County mayors (including Eric Hogue -- Wylie; Don Smith -- Farmersville; Ken Bowers -- Princeton; Norma Martin -- Lavon, Johnny Stevenson -- Nevada; Johnny Hamm -- New Hope; Bill Carmickle -- Lucas; Joe Cordina -- Parker, as well as the mayors of McKinney, Allen, Frisco, and others; County Commissioner Joe Jaynes; state representatives Jodie Laubenberg and Ken Paxton, all four elected Collin County Constables (including Joe Barton); McKinney Fire Fighters Association; Collin County Conservative Republicans PAC; Coalition for Better Government; "A" rated by Heritage Alliance; Kelly Shackelford; U.S. Department of Justice law  enforcement leaders Matt Orwig and John Ratcliffe, the last two U.S. Attorneys (appointed by President George W. Bush) for the Eastern District of Texas (a 43-county district which includes Collin County).
 
But now I ask for your support.  I've been honored to represent the State of Texas as a Collin County prosecutor, I've been honored to represent Collin County citizens when the full weight of the government was set against them, and I've been honored to faithfully handle and follow our amazing Constitution as a Collin County judge. I resigned this judgeship so I could ask you for the privilege to represent you as District Attorney.  My highest priority will be the safety of our children.  I will aggressively prosecute child molesters and work for increased intensive monitoring of all sex offenders living in our county. And as I do this, I will protect and honor the rule of law so that our families, our schools, and our businesses can grow and thrive.
 
Explain your campaign philosophy: To seek to pull people together for the common good; to educate our citizens about the issues facing our County and our criminal justice system; to run a strong grass-roots campaign leading to a more-informed citizenry in Collin County.

James Angelino

Address: 2517 Cedar Elm Lane, Plano, Texas  75075

Education: Southern Methodist University School of Law, Dallas; Juris Doctor Degree, December 1994; Dowling College, Oakdale, New York; B.B.A., 1984 – business management

Married? Number of children? Yes.  Two.

How long have you lived in district? Since 1993.

Occupation and employer? Private practice

Civic involvement? My public service dates back to ‘80s when I was twice decorated for saving lives while serving with the Dallas Police Department.  Later, as an Assistant District Attorney, I earned a 98 percent conviction rate on over 190 jury trials. There, I created and served as chief of the DWI Prosecution Unit.  In time, I became one of a handful of experts on intoxication for the State, MADD awarded me their “Outstanding Service Award” for vigorous DWI enforcement and that is how I came to start providing advanced legal training to prosecutors and law enforcement all over the state.

After the attacks on Sept. 11, I volunteered for active duty with the US Army and served as an officer in Iraq. I currently serve as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Previous public offices sought or held? I am not a politician but have served the community in a variety of other ways.  Please see above.

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I am the only candidate who has put his life on the line to protect his fellow citizens, both as a police officer and as an Army officer in Iraq.  I haven’t spent my career sitting behind a desk, and I am not a politician. I am the only candidate in this race who has extensive jury trial experience, with over 190 jury trials taken to a verdict as a prosecutor with a 98 percent conviction rate.

Additionally, I am the only candidate with real management experience in a DA’s office. I was the felony chief of the DWI prosecution unit, which I built, where I was responsible for the supervision, mentoring and training of other prosecutors. 

Because of my qualifications, I have been endorsed by the McKinney Police Association, the Dallas Police Association, Denton County Sheriff Benny Parkey, the McKinney Fraternal Organization of Police and the Dallas Fraternal Organization of Police.  

As district attorney, I will work hard, I will be pro-active, and I will fight to keep my community safe.  I will fulfill my oath as a prosecutor to seek justice.  I will stand behind my performance as I always have, and I will always remember that my boss is every taxpayer in Collin County. I serve at their pleasure, and every dollar will be managed, safeguarded and utilized for its most efficient use. The citizens of Collin County deserve nothing less.

Explain your campaign philosophy: My philosophy is to talk to the voters directly, show them my qualifications and let them decide. I don’t have a list of political backers, I am running a strong grassroots effort and, along with a core group of volunteers, we are block walking and calling voters directly. We have had a phenomenal response.

Collin County Judge

Keith Self

Address:  804 Bluffwood Ave, McKinney, TX 75070

Date of Birth: March 20, 1953

Education? Tascosa High School, Amarillo; BS, engineering, United States Military Academy at West Point; MA, international relations, University of Southern California; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College

Married? Number of children?  Married to Tracy for 34 years, no children

How long have you lived in district? Nine years.  Tracy and I moved to Collin County after I retired from the Army.

Occupation and employer? County Judge,  Collin County

Civic involvement? McKinney Downtown Rotary Club Board, Prestonwood Pregnancy Center Board, Samaritan Inn C-chair, DFW U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion Advisory Board

Previous public officers sought or held?  Ran for U.S. Congress, District 26, 2002, when Dick Armey retired Current County Judge, Collin County

Why should voters cast ballots for you?  I said that I would stand with the taxpayers when I ran four years ago, and I did. Collin County now has an open and accessible county government.  We Web cast our commissioners court meetings and archive them online.

We were the first county in the nation to put our checkbook online for your review.

We slashed the rate of growth of county government from more than 10 percent per year on average to just over 1 percent per year on average.  Still growing, still providing growing services, just not at the unsustainable rate of more than 10 percent per year.

Explain your campaign philosophy. I am running a grassroots campaign, going to the taxpayers with my low-tax, pro-taxpayer, pro-business philosophy.  I meet with voters every day, and I have a growing army of supporters who are contacting voters in their area.  I stood with the taxpayers, and I am asking for the taxpayers’ support based on the clear results of my first three years in office.

John Muns

Address: 5512 W. Plano Parkway #200, Plano, Texas 75093

Date of birth: Jan. 26, 1960 

Education: Graduate of Plano Sr. High School 1978; Earned a BBA in business at Abilene Christian University

Married? Children? Married for 26 years to my wife Joa; three children, Jenna Maynard - 25; Whitney Muns - 22; Tanner Muns - 16

How long have you lived in district? I have lived in Collin County for 40 years

Occupation and employer?  President of Muns Enterprises (real estate development)

Previous public offices sought or held? Plano ISD School Board Trustee - 1993-2001, 2004 - present.

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I am a businessman and a family man that has spent his most of his life in Collin County. I understand how to work with county leaders, city leaders, regional leaders and state leaders to make sure that Collin County continues to grow and prosper and to continue to ensure low taxes and a high quality of life.

Explain your campaign philosophy. We’ve worked hard to make Collin County one of the best places in America to live and raise a family. We expect our leaders today to work to protect the standard our community has set for the rest of North Texas. But lately, we’ve seen complacency and indifference at the county. When our leadership is lacking, it’s our families that pay the price. I decided to run for county judge to protect the quality of life for Collin County families.
 

Judge, County Court at Law #2

Sharon Ramage

Address: Plantation Lane, Frisco, Texas

Date of birth: July 8, 1960

Education:  B.S.W., with high honors, U.T. Arlington 1988; Juris Doctor, Baylor Law School 1992.

Married:  Married to Todd Ramage; twin daughters, age 8

How long have you lived in district:  I have lived in Frisco since my marriage in 1999 and have maintained a law practice in Collin County since 2000 (McKinney 2000-2004; Frisco 2004-present).  I have lived on the Collin County side of Frisco 2-1/2 years.

Occupation and employer:  Self-employed lawyer

Civic involvement:  Frisco Area Republican Women’s Club; associate member of Conner-Harrington Republican Women’s Club, Plano Republican Women, North Collin County Republican Women, Collin County Conservative Republican Club; member of the Collin County Lincoln Society.  Other community involvement centers around children’s activities – Curtsinger Elementary PTA, Frisco Football League and WOGA Parents’ Club.

Previous public officers sought or held:  None

Why should voters cast ballots for you:  I have a broad base of experience in civil, family, administrative, appellate and criminal law and have served as an administrative judge in administrative hearings for six years.  I am respected in the legal community as hard-working, compassionate and realistic in the way that I deal with clients and will take that same approach to the bench.  The current judge has served for six terms (24 years) and has become ineffective according to the two most recent bar polls.  The court needs a fresh vision.  I intend to manage the docket more efficiently, make the courtroom more accessible, and would like to explore the development of alternative specialized programs for dealing with mentally ill offenders and expand upon the current use of the DWI and drug court.  I intend to provide equal access to the courtroom for civil cases and will actively work to manage the civil docket more efficiently.

Explain your campaign philosophy:  Being a judge should not be seen as the end-goal for a lawyer’s legal career.  Rather, it is an opportunity to serve for a season and then move back into private practice or another area of service.  I have compared being in a public office to a relay race.  If the first runner fails to pass the baton, the entire team loses.  The community loses when public servants fail to recognize the need to pass the baton to the generation of leaders behind them.  If I am elected, I will serve the community and pass the baton before becoming ineffective.

Jerry Lewis

Address: 1800 N. Graves St, McKinney  75069

Date of birth:  I’m 63

Education:  Law degree from University of Texas-Austin; Business Management degree from West Texas A &M-Canyon; common sense degree from the oil fields of West Texas

Married? Divorced during law school and never remarried.  Raised my son, David, from infancy as a single parent and am very, very proud of him.

How long have you lived in district?  After the Army, I moved to Plano in 1977, then to McKinney in 1979.

Occupation and employer?  Have 23 years experience as Judge of County Court at Law No. 2 for Collin County

Civic involvement:  29 years Boy Scout leader with same troop; have trained adult Scout leaders from all over Collin County; have trained and taken young women and men backpacking in the wilderness; one of the founders McKinney Soccer Association; given a “Jerry Lewis Day” by the city for service to youth sports; former board member Heard Museum and Boys and Girls Club; been on partnership missions with my church, First Baptist McKinney and served as summer youth counselor; sang in choir for many years until director and I both got tired of my missing notes.

Why should voters cast ballots for you?  In me, they already have a hard-working judge who knows how to try all the cases this court handles, which is a large number of misdemeanor criminal cases and some civil ones. We have no jurisdiction to do divorces, child custody or adoptions. The attorneys who actually practice in this court are overwhelmingly asking the voters to keep me on the bench.  I have proven my reputation for being fair and following the law, and have demonstrated my heart and character such that I have earned been endorsed by the Collin County Conservative Republicans and the Collin County Coalition for Better Government.

Explain your campaign philosophy. One, to remind long-time residents and teach new residents by speaking and sending written materials about my own qualifications and why they should keep me serving as their judge.  Two, not to send the voters anything bad about my opponent.  Three, trust the voters and believe in their intelligence.

Judge, County Court at Law #3

Stewart Matthews


Address: Home: 3010 Elderberry Drive, Wylie, Texas 75098; Office: 2817 Regal Rd., Ste 105, Plano, Texas 75075 

Date of birth: April 17, 1965

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, University of Tulsa; Juris Doctorate, Texas Wesleyan School of Law

Married? Number of children: Not married (yet). I have two godchildren whose father passed away seven years ago. I have been in their lives as their father figure ever since.

How long have you lived in district: In Wylie – five years; In Collin County – 10 years

Occupation and employer: Attorney. S.D. Matthews & Associates

Civic involvement: Wylie Public Arts Board – chairman, 2007 to present; North Texas Crime Commission; National Adoption Day volunteer; Plano and Allen pro bono clinics; Collin County Bar Association; Plano Bar Association; Frisco Bar Association; Dallas Bar Association; Texas State Bar Association; American Bar Association; Mock Trial Committee of the Dallas Bar Association; Moot Court Judge; Mock Trial judge

Previous public officers sought or held: None.

Why should voters cast ballots for you? This court handles civil cases affecting businesses and individuals, and it handles misdemeanor criminal cases. The judge needs to have more than criminal experience and more than just civil experience. This court needs a judge experienced in law and business. A judge with extensive experience in all courts – county, state and federal – and extensive experience in a successful business outside the legal arena. I am the only candidate in my race who can bring this type of experience to the bench. This dual perspective of business and law means the people of Collin County can rest assured in receiving a truly balanced and common sense approach to the cases before this court. 

Explain your campaign philosophy: If this question seeks the philosophy I have for the bench, then it is one of interpreting the law impartially as it was written, and treating each and every person who appears before the court with the utmost respect. This philosophy will be joined with a desire to operate the court in the most efficient and fiscally responsible manner possible without effecting the services it offers to the citizens. Some of the cost-saving measures to be explored are utilizing technology for closed-circuit televised hearings/arraignments, permitting hearings by telephone to help reduce cost to the parties in the case – the attorneys will not have to travel to the courthouse and wait which will save their clients money, and have docket which recognized this court is not just a criminal court – taking into account the needs and time constraints of the law abiding citizens.

Thank you for the opportunity to bring this information to the voters, and I would be honored to have your vote.

Lance Baxter

Address: 2780 Virginia Pkwy., McKinney, TX

Date of birth:  Sept. 3, 1960

Education?  Lancaster High School, 1979; TCU –  BBA in Finance 1983; South Texas College of Law – Doctor of Jurisprudence 1986.

Married?  No

Number of children? Three

How long have you lived in district?   Since 1986

Occupation and employer? Partner with Baxter Gibbs Robison & Henderson

Civic involvement?  I have been a board member for the Collin County Bar, the Collin County Bench Bar Foundation, the Collin County Criminal Defense Attorney Association (past president), the Plano Bar Association, the Pro Bono Committee for the Collin County Bar, the  “Now You Are 18” Program, the Eighth-grade Mock Trial program, the Lawyer Mentoring Program,  the Frisco Independent Studies program, on the board of Disciples Christian Church (past president of the board), First Christian Church of McKinney, the Christian Youth Foundation in Athens, Texas, the Disciples Foundation of Dallas, Lancaster Outreach Center, a LINKS volunteer for Texas Christian University (help with recruiting students), and the board of the TCU Alumni Association, Dallas Chapter.    I was named the recipient of the Pro Bono Award for 1998 by Legal Services of North Texas.  

Previous public officers sought or held?  None, other than by appointment. 

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I have been practicing law in Collin County since 1987. I have handled and tried to a jury almost every type of case that is handled by the county court. Since 1996, I have been appointed to hear cases as the mental health judge on a part-time basis. Through my bar involvement and my reputation in the legal community, most of my colleagues believe I am uniquely qualified in experience and temperament to be a judge.  When the last two appointments were made to a county bench (Court 5 & 6), a panel of representatives from the various bar organizations was asked to interview the applicants.   I was a finalist for both positions.  I was also the only unanimous selection sent to the Commissioner’s Court for the appointment in each case. There were a total of 17 candidates for the Court 5 appointment and 27 for the Court 6 appointment. Collin County needs good lawyers to become good judges.  I think I am a good lawyer and good judge material. My opponents are good people, but not experienced enough for this position (one has been licensed less than five years and handles criminal case only and the other less than seven year and civil cases only with very few in Collin County). I have 23+ years in the practice of both civil and criminal law, almost entirely in Collin County. 

I also have judicial experience as the mental health hearing master since 1996.  I have a very calm demeanor and temperament.  I think my background qualifies me uniquely for this bench. 

Explain your campaign philosophy.  I am not sure what is meant by this question.  I am just trying to get my information to the voters as best I can to let an informed decision be made about this bench.  If you take the experience of my two opponents and add it together, then double it and add judicial experience, you will have me.  My philosophy is to simply let voters know that I am the most and, perhaps, only qualified candidate for this bench. You can learn more about my campaign at www.baxterforjudge.com or call my office at 972-562-0266 baxterforjudge@gmail.com.

Barnett Walker

Address: 650 Willow Ridge Circle, Prosper, TX 75078

Date of birth: July 4, 1961

Education? Criminal Justice Degree, Columbia College; Graduated summa cum laude; Juris Doctorate, Southern Methodist University 

Married? Number of children? Married, two children (Barnett and Sabrina) 

How long have you lived in district? Three years

Occupation and employer? Barnett Walker Attorney at Law P.C.

Civic involvement? McKinney’s Lions Club; American Legion; Veterans of Foreign War; Moot Court and Mock Trial judge; Southern Methodist University 

Previous public officers sought or held? None

Why should voters cast ballots for you? 1) Record of public service – judges are public servants. I have over 25 years of public service. I joined the military when I was 18 years old, led troops in the Gulf War, and retired as one of the most decorated military veteran’s in the Air Force.  After graduating law school I was recruited by the Collin County District Attorney’s Office to prosecute criminal cases and obtain justice for victims and their families.

2) Defense and prosecution experience – Approximately 95 percent of the trials heard in this Court are criminal cases.  Collin County deserves a Judge with experience in defending and prosecuting these important cases. I am the only candidate who has done both. The other candidates have never prosecuted a criminal case or represented victims. They have only represented defendants.      

3) Total experience – despite only practicing law for a relatively short period of time, I have been the chief prosecutor for two county courts and a felony prosecutor in two district courts. During that time I handled thousands of criminal cases from minor traffic violations to murder.  I have worked with law enforcement to obtain justice for children who were sexually assaulted. I have prosecuted drug dealers, rapists and murderers. In private practice I have obtained acquittals for those who were wrongfully accused and helped to restore their reputation.  I have represented clients with civil, juvenile and family law issues. 

4) Fiscally responsible – your taxes fund the courts. I will not tolerate waste. I am the only candidate in this race who has publicized detailed plans to reduce the costs of operating the courts and increase efficiency.

5) Community safety initiatives – I developed a plan that will increase the monitoring of registered sex offenders and high risk probationers living in Collin County. This program has been adopted by all three of the Republican Candidates running for District Attorney.

6) Trusted  leadership – I am honored and humbled to have received the public endorsements of:  Collin County Commissioner Joe Jaynes, Collin County Conservative Republicans, Collin County Conservative Movement, Collin County Deputies Association, Plano Police Association, and McKinney Police Association.  

Explain your campaign philosophy. “Modern Solutions and Traditional Values” – These are tough economic times for businesses and families.  Judges must be ever mindful of their responsibility to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to them.  We must work together to create modern solutions to address the increased criminal caseload, crowded court dockets, and community safety concerns. These solutions should incorporate our traditional values of justice, family, public service, and community. 

Judge, County Court at Law #4
Information was not received from candidate Linda Wynn Drain.

Matthew Goeller

Address: 400 Chisholm Place, Plano, Texas 

Date of birth: Jan. 4, 1959

Education? J.D. Law degree, St. Mary’s University

Married? Number of children? Married, two children 

How long have you lived in district?  23 years

Occupation and employer? Lawyer, Grubbs, Goeller & Associates

Civic involvement? Former Republican precinct chiar; Collin County Bar Association, former director; former member of board of directors, Collin County Women’s Shelter (Hope’s Door),

Previous public officers sought or held? None

Why should voters cast ballots for you?  I pledge to perform the duties of judge, County Court at Law #4 with respect and honor of that judicial office and to strive to enhance and maintain confidence in  our legal system. I pledge to be faithful to the law, and maintain professional competence in it. I pledge not to be swayed by partisan interests, public clamor or fear of criticism.

Explain your campaign philosophy.  I have committed to run this campaign strictly on my professional legal experience; I will never attack, professionally or personally, any other candidate for this office.

David Rippel

Address: 1825 Rustic Dr., Plano, Texas 75075

Date of birth: March 30, 1964

Education? Juris Doctor, Southern University Law School, 1995; Economics, Louisiana State University, 1988; Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, 2005

Married? Number of children? I am married to Laura, and we have two young children, Ben and Catherine.

How long have you lived in district? I have lived in Plano for 11 years.

Occupation and employer? I am an attorney in private practice.

Civic involvement? United States Army Reserve, member of St. Mark’s, president of Plano West Rotary, American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars, vice president of Collin County Republican Men’s Club, Soccer Coach, delegate to the Texas Republican Conventions in 2006 and 2008.

Previous public officers sought or held? None.

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I am asking for your vote because I have demonstrated, in action and accomplishments, that I am the conservative Republican. I began a life of service to others as an Eagle Scout and continue to serve our nation as a commander and veteran of Iraqi Freedom.

Explain your campaign philosophy. From an early age I was taught the importance of hard work, perseverance and service. My strong belief in personal honor has always guided my decisions. I am seeking the County Court at Law 4 post in order to do justice and to help victims. I believe my life experiences make me qualified, and it also has been my lifelong dream to serve as a judge.

Chrysti Bryant

Address: 913 Sandhurst Drive, Plano, Texas 75025

Date of birth:  7/28/1971

Education: I received a business administration degree from The University of Texas at Arlington.  While in law school, I worked with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office.  I graduated from Texas Wesleyan University School of Law in June 1997 and was licensed to practice law in November 1997.  I am also admitted to practice before the Northern, Eastern and Southern District Courts of Texas.

Married? Number of children? My husband Bruce and I have been married for 17 years and live in Plano with our three children.

How long have you lived in district? We have lived in Plano since 1998.

Occupation and employer? I am a civil litigation attorney with the Law Office of Henderson, Smith, Black & Bryant.  It is a staff counsel office for GEICO.

Civic involvement? I have served and supported both the Republican Party and local organizations.  My family and I are members of Faith Church, Anglican in Plano. I currently work with its youth ministry and we are active in its small group ministry. I also serve as the chancellor for the church and am a past vestry member.  I currently serve as chair of the American Heritage Committee and am a member of the Plano Republican Women’s club.  I am a member of the Collin County Bench Bar Foundation and the Collin County Bar Association.  I formerly volunteered with the City of Plano Teen Court program and Legal Aid of Northwest Texas in Collin County.

Previous public offices sought or held? I previously served as the precinct chair for Precinct Number 58 and recently resigned to run for office. 

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I am a civil trial attorney, defending those who have been targeted by plaintiff’s personal injury lawyers.  I have been involved in numerous cases ranging from minor automobile accidents to complex multi-party litigation.  I previously worked as an attorney with the Texas Department of Public Safety suspending the driver’s licenses of drunk drivers.  

I will uphold the highest ethical standards, as I have done throughout my legal career.  As a working mother of three, I know what it means to work hard and I am prepared to do so for Collin County.

Explain your campaign philosophy. My vision for the court is the fair, efficient and prompt administration of justice. 

I will look for ways to improve the flow of cases through the Court while saving taxpayer funds.  My judicial philosophy is to impartially and strictly apply the law to the facts of each case.  I will not legislate from the bench. 

Judge, County Court at Law #6
Information was not received from candidate Shawn Ismail.

Jay Bender

Address: 9105 Amber Downs Drive, McKinney, Texas 75070

Date of birth: June 6, 1970

Education? Richardson High School; B.A., Austin College, cum laude, double major: Economics and business administration; J.D., St. Mary’s School of Law, Concentration in Criminal Law

Married? Number of children? Married to Lynn Bender with our son, Brighton Bender.

How long have you lived in district? Since September 2006.

Occupation and employer? The Law Office of Jay A. Bender

Civic involvement? Member Collin County Conservative Republicans Association; member Collin County Republican Men’s Club; associate member Northern Collin County Republican Women’s Association; associate member Golden Corridor Republican Women’s Association

Previous public officers sought or held? None

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I am a former prosecutor which means I represented the State of Texas in criminal proceedings. 

I am currently in private practice handling the exact types of cases heard in this court, civil and criminal defense. Also, I am currently on the Board of Directors for the Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. Furthermore, I am the only candidate in my race to be endorsed by the Collin County Deputies Association. 

The Judge is like the CEO of the court and I have all of the qualifications to run the court. I have worked with budgets when I had my own consulting firm before law school and currently in private law practice. I have managed people from the time I served in the U.S. Navy through today. I am the best, most well-rounded candidate for Judge of County Court at Law #6.

Explain your campaign philosophy. It is a calling. I love my family, our country and our community. I served our country in the U.S. Navy defending it against enemies, both foreign and domestic. And I went to law school strictly to give back to the community which is why I earned my Concentration in Criminal Law. I was an assistant district attorney in both Dallas and Collin counties. I believe I have a calling to serve our community. 

Don High
no picture 

Address: 816 Greylyn Dr, Plano, TX  75075

Date of birth: July 29, 1960

Education? Baylor University, BBA in accounting 1982, Baylor Law School, JD, 1985

Married? Number of children?  Married with no children

How long have you lived in district? 20 years

Occupation and employer? Private practice lawyer, self-employed

Civic involvement? Board member and treasurer for Live From Plano, choir member, FBC Allen, grad of Leadership Plano, 2007, Republican Party precinct cChair, delegate, elections judge, contributor, campaign worker and counsel to former GOP Chair Buddy Ragley

Previous public officers sought or held? None

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I am the most experienced candidate in my race as I have practiced law in this county more than twice as long as any of my opponents. I have practiced on both sides of the docket, as a prosecutor and as a defense lawyer.  I am the only candidate in this race that has death penalty experience, and I am the only candidate that is board certified in criminal law. I have served as the Wylie Municpal Prosecutor since May of 1995.  I have had a very good relationship with all the officers of Wylie PD.

Explain your campaign philosophy.  To work hard, to be friendly and respectful to everyone, to play fair, and hope for the best!

I am a Conservative Republican. I do not believe in judicial activism. The judiciary is meant to interpret the law, the Legislative Branch makes the law. For the Judiciary to make the law is a violation of the Separation of Powers Doctrine and contrary to the intent of your founding fathers and our U.S. Constitution.  I am a former small businessman and currently I am in private practice. I understand budgets and budgeting and personnel management. Because of this I am a fiscal conservative. This is important since the court is funded with your tax dollars.

Terri Green
no picture

Address: 10800 Belle Chasse Lane, Frisco, Texas 75035

Date of birth: Oct. 30, 1954

Education: Tyler Jr. College, associate degree 1975; University of Texas at El Paso, BBA 1977; South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas, Doctor of Jurisprudence,  1989

Married: Children? Divorced. I have two grown boys, Kyle, age 26, an Oil and Gas sales rep and my youngest, Austin, age 18, a college student at Stephen F. Austin University  on a golf scholarship

How long have you lived in the District:  I moved here in Aug. 2002, so over seven years.

Occupation and Employer:    I am an attorney and have my own law practice, Law Offices of Terri Green

Civil Involvement: Frisco Red Light Advisory Board; board of directors, Frisco Chamber; Teen Court Project (Sept. 2005–June 2006); Plano Chamber; Leadership Plano (current member); Junior League of Plano; Frisco Noon Rotary Club; Frisco ISD legal advisor, consultant – Legal Curriculum, Career & Technical Education Center.

Previous public officers sought or held:  I am a current Plano Teen Court Judge appointed by Judge Don Stevenson four years ago

Why should voters cast ballots for you? The County Court at Law courts hears three types of cases – criminal misdemeanor cases, civil cases and appeals from the lower courts.  I am a current Teen Court judge and my current docket consists of 100 percent misdemeanor criminal cases. Secondly, I am a 20-year trial attorney, who gained trial experience while working at one of the largest law firms in Houston, trying hundreds of lawsuits on both the state and federal level. I am the only candidate in my race licensed and sworn to practice before both the United States Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. and the Court of Appeals - 5th Circuit in New Orleans. I am also certified by the State of Texas as an attorney ad litem. Finally, the court hears appeals from the justice of the peace and/or municipal courts. I possess all of the requirements to be the next judge of County Court at Law #6.

Explain your campaign philosophy.  My philosophy is to be forthright, honest and hard working. 

I, as a candidate, personally run my campaign just as I would run my courtroom. I treat each volunteer and even my opponents with respect and dignity, remembering that each person who steps forward to run for office is subjecting themselves to scrutiny, criticism and opening their personal lives for all to see. 

Finally, my philosophy as a candidate is to follow the Code of Judicial Conduct and State Bar of Texas rules that apply to lawyers. Even though I may not be a judge yet, I am a lawyer and a judicial candidate – and I am mindful that I must uphold the integrity of the law at all times.  

District Clerk, Collin County

Patricia Wysong Crigger

Address:  2031 Hillcrest Court, McKinney

Date of birth:  02/24/46

Education?  Bachelor of Business Administration, UNT

Married? 35 years – two children – three grandchildren

How long have you lived in district?  All my life

Occupation and employer? Chief deputy district clerk serving under Hannah Kunkle, Collin County district clerk

Civic involvement?  I have walked and done phone calls for other candidates, both for city and county offices. Many years ago I was a Cub Scout den mother.

Previous public officers sought or held?  None

Why should voters cast ballots for you?  I have been chief deputy district clerk for 15 years and with the office for over 20 years.  I understand the county budget process and how to operate an office of 67 employees, with a budget of almost 5 million dollars annually.  I have been instrumental in implementing such programs as fax filing, e-filing, e-juror, and juror call-in that save tax dollars.  I’ve also implemented our Saturday “passport fairs,” scheduled about every three months, for the convenience of citizens that have difficulty getting to our office during the week.  

Explain your campaign philosophy.  I decided to run for this office because I love my job!  We are the records keeper for the nine district courts of Collin County.  Last year, we filed close to 20,000 new cases! If we didn’t do our job in an expedient and competent manner, the courts could not perform their duties, and the dockets would cease to move.  My priority is, and always has been, customer service. With this economy, we are making every effort to do more with less, and we stay within our budget.  We are open to the public for eight hours per day, and we must get our work done within that time.  The county and the taxpayer cannot afford to pay comp or overtime.

Terrye Evans

Address: 904 Throckmorton, McKinney

Date of birth: April 23, 1958

Education? BA English

Married? Number of children? Single; two adult daughters; Julia and Tiffany; four grandchildren; Evan, Dylan, Andrew and Eris

How long have you lived in district? All my life

Occupation and employer? Court administrator for the 219th Judicial District Court - Judge Curt B. Henderson Presiding / Collin County

Civic involvement? Our family has been involved civically throughout the county for many years. My dad taught in MISD for 32 years and now has a school named after him (Leonard Evans Jr. Middle School in McKinney). I am an active member of the St. James Church in McKinney. I am a member of Golden Corridor Republican Women’s Club; African American Republican Club; Associate Member of Frisco Area Republican Women’s Club; Member of Collin County Conservative Republicans.

Previous public officers sought or held? None

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I am uniquely qualified for this position because I have experience from the clerk's office and the courts. I also have experience in the private sector in corporate communications. I can blend my knowledge to run a smarter, technically savvy, fiscally fit office.

Explain your campaign philosophy. My campaign philosophy is that I embrace the fact that voters are intelligent people and can base their decision on who to vote for by researching the qualifications of the candidates. 

Alma Hays

Address: P.O. Box 1588, McKinney

Date of birth: Sept. 2, 1960

Education? Business degree from Grayson County College

Married? yes

Number of children? one son, one stepson, one stepdaughter

How long have you lived in district? 27 years

Occupation and employer?  Paralegal/office manager for the Law Offices of Michael Sloan

Civic involvement? Member McKinney  and Plano Chambers of Commerce; Tea Party participant; volunteered at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Plano; participated in the Teddy Bear Run for Children’s Advocacy Center; volunteered at Family Life Center at First Baptist Church McKinney; taught Sunday School.

Previous public officers sought or held? None

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I intend to expand office and service hours; manage the telephone system so that you get to speak to a real person; aggressively pursue the passport market so that the revenue is kept in the county; improve the clerk’s Web site to make it more public friendly; improve efficiency and customer service with progressive management and training of the staff.

Explain your campaign philosophy.  I have a servant’s heart, and it would be my honor to serve the citizens of Collin County as district clerk.  The district clerk’s office needs someone who is willing to work to make the office more efficient.  It is my belief that government works best when it puts the public interest first while maintaining the highest standards of accountability.

Jerry Hoagland

Address:  825 Meadowlark Dr., Murphy, TX 75094-3897
 

Date of birth:  Feb. 26, 1941

Education:  BBA and MBA, University of North Texas, Denton

Married?  Yes, over 46 years to Annette Hoagland

Number of children? Two: Jerry, Jr. and Amy; four grandchildren

How long have you lived in the district?  50 years

Occupation and employer? Collin County Commissioner

Civic involvement?  I am a member of virtually every Republican club in Collin County.  I am a member of the Wylie and Murphy chambers of commerce and an active member of First Baptist Church in Wylie.
 

Previous public offices held?  Plano City Council, 1978 – 1980

Why should voters cast ballots for you? The tax rate in Collin County is actually lower today than it was 16 years ago.  I have personally voted against the budget six times because I thought the spending was excessive.

Is the county spending more money today than it has in the past?  The answer is an unqualified “yes,” but remember the county has added 300,000 new citizens during the last decade.  This growth has placed heavy demands upon the county for more roads, more jails, more courts, etc. (more of every service the county provides).  Rather than simply looking at the overall growth of the county budget, I believe a better way to view spending is on a per capita basis, adjusted for inflation.
When spending by the county is considered in this manner, we are actually spending fewer dollars per person today than we were 20 years ago –  $229.94 in 2010 vs. $232.58 in 1990!

My pledge is to continue to provide this same conservative posture in the future. I will work closely with cities in my district to deliver the best quality services at the least possible cost.

Mayor Eric Hogue and I are working to bring a campus for Collin College to Wylie.

Campaign philosophy – My campaign volunteers and I have run a positive campaign describing my position on the issues. We have been involved in walking door-to-door, telephone canvassing, and direct mail advertising.  I have held many coffees/receptions within my district to discuss issues that concern my constituents.  My phone number is 214-686-7084 and my Web site is www.JerryHoagland.com.  I have been endorsed by many mayors and council members in my district, including Mayor Eric Hogue, Mayor pro tem “Red” Byboth, Councilman David Goss and Councilman Bennie Jones, city of Wylie.
 

Karl Voigtsberger

 

Address: 411 Canyon Ridge Dr, Richardson TX 75080
 

Date of Birth: August 12, 1952

Education?  Yes

Married? Yes

 

Number of children?  Four

How long have you lived in district?  21 years

Occupation and employer? Retired HP engineer

Civic involvement? Yes

Previous public officers sought or held? Precinct chairman

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I am the “True Conservative” in this race.

 

Explain your campaign philosophy.  Government should defend Life, Liberty, and Property.

 

Cheryl Williams

 

Address: 2611 Forest Grove, Richardson, 75080
 

Date of birth:  Jan. 8, 1959

Education? BBA in finance, minor in economics, Southern Methodist University, 1982

Married? Number of children?  Husband Don, two adult sons Thomas and Bradley

How long have you lived in district? Plano resident 1986-1999, Precinct 2 resident 1990-1999, 2009

Occupation and employer? Owner, Williams Consulting Group, Land Use Consulting 

Civic involvement? Plano City Council mayor pro tem; city council representative to the Plano Economic Development Board and the east Plano Development Task Force; mayoral appointments included liaison to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Heritage Commission; Plano Community Relations Commission; Plano East Senior High, School-Based Improvement Committee: Southwood Estates Homeowners Association, vice-presidents; Mendenhall Elementary PTA, board member; Children’s Workshop Parents’ Association, board member; Blue Candlelight Music Series, treasurer

Previous public officers sought or held? Elected three times to the Plano City Council 

Why should voters cast ballots for you? I have a strong desire to serve the residents of Collin County, and I am highly qualified for this position.  I have a business background that combines accounting and finance with planning and land use, which gives me a unique perspective on the future challenges facing the county. I have a proven record of leadership and effectiveness in public office. I can provide the strong proactive leadership needed to take the county forward into the next decade.  I believe that this is a critical period of time for the county and we are facing a number of new challenges including: an uncertain economy, slowing growth in some cities, and an unprecedented expansion of the federal government that will result in higher costs at the local level.  This is no time for a “that’s the way we’ve always done it” approach.  We need new leadership for the future.    

Explain your campaign philosophy.

Low taxes 

Limited government 

Open and accessible government 

Personal responsibility

 

Voters who cast Republican primary ballots will be asked about five public interest topcs.

The propositions were placed on the GOP primary ballot by the State Republican Executive Committee during its December 2009 meeting in Austin.

The non-binding propositions are intended to gauge voter interest in issues, as well as inform elected officials where the party’s grassroots stand on the issues.  

“These ballot propositions are Texas Republicans’ chance to be heard on issues facing our state,” said Republican Party of Texas Chairman Cathie Adams. “All five of the propositions came up from the grassroots through the SREC to address serious concerns.  Voters should study the questions and then use their vote to speak directly to their elected officials.”

The five ballot propositions are as follows:

Ballot Proposition #1: Photo ID – The Texas legislature should make it a priority to protect the integrity of our election process by enacting legislation that requires voters to provide valid photo identification in order to cast a ballot in any and all elections conducted in the state of Texas.

Ballot Proposition #2: Controlling Government Growth – Every government body in Texas should be required to limit any annual increase in its budget and spending to the combined increase of population and inflation unless it first gets voter approval to exceed the allowed annual growth or in the case of an official emergency.

Ballot Proposition #3: Cutting Federal Income Taxes – In addition to aggressively eliminating irresponsible federal spending, Congress should empower American citizens to stimulate the economy by Congress cutting federal income taxes for all federal taxpayers, rather than spending hundreds of billions of dollars on so-called “federal economic stimulus”.

Ballot Proposition #4: Public Acknowledgement of God – The use of the word “God,” prayers, and the Ten Commandments should be allowed at public gatherings and public educational institutions, as well as be permitted on government buildings and property.

Ballot Proposition #5: Sonograms – The Texas Legislature should enact legislation requiring a sonogram to be performed and shown to each mother about to undergo a medically unnecessary, elective abortion.