League of Women Voters of Denton VOTERS GUIDEWhen you vote in the Texas Primaries, you will need to request a specific political party ballot (Republican or Democrat), you become affiliated

LWV Denton Voter’s Guide 1

League of Women Voters of Denton

VOTERS GUIDE

This Voters Guide is funded and published by

the League of Women Voters of the Denton. 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 a nonpartisan organization that en-courages 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 sup-ports or opposes any political party or candi-date.

EARLY VOTING, February 20-March 2 by personal appearance will be available at the following locations and times for

Denton:

Denton County Elections Administration, 701 Kimberly Drive

Tuesday-Friday February 20-23 8am-5pm

Saturday February 24 7am-7pm

Sunday February 25 1pm-6pm

Monday-Friday February 26-March 2 7am-7pm

For Early Voting by personal appearance throughout Denton County, contact the Denton County Elections Administra-

tion Office at 940.340.3200 or http://www.votedenton.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/EVlocs-PM18.pdf.

POLLING PLACES on March 6th, Primary Election Day, are by precinct.

For your precinct and/or polling place location, contact the Denton County Elections Office at 940.340.3200 or http://

www.votedenton.com/election-day-polling-locations/.

INSIDE THIS GUIDE

U.S. Senator………………………….…………………………………………………………..……..3

U.S. House of Representatives…………………………………………………………..……..3

Statewide Races..………………………………………………………………………………………4

Texas State Representative……………………………………………………..………………..5

Denton County Races…………………………….……………………………..………………….7


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).

VOTING IN TEXAS PRIMARIES

When you vote in the Texas Primaries, you will need to request a specific political party ballot (Republican or Democrat), you become affiliated with that party for the next two years. At the time you vote, your voting certificate will be stamped with the name of the party in whose primary you vote. You may vote in only one party’s primary. If there is a runoff, you may vote only in the same party’s runoff election. (Note that in the General Election in November, voters may vote for any candidate they wish, regardless of whether they voted in a party primary or runoff or participated in a party convention. All candidates from all parties are on the same ballot.) Only party members can participate in the precinct, county, or senatorial district, and state conventions of a particular party. Proof of party affiliation (your stamped voting certificate) is needed for admission to a party’s convention. Parties other than those whose candidates are listed in this Voters Guide are not holding primary elections; instead, their candidates are nominated and selected in their precinct, county, and state conventions. Party precinct conventions are the first step in the process that adopts the state party platform; certifies the party’s nominees for

state office in general elections; selects delegates to the party’s county or senatorial district, and the state and national conven-

tions; nominates presidential electors; elects national party committee members; and writes the national party platform.

WHAT TO TAKE TO THE POLLS

You must present one of the following

forms of photo ID when voting in per-

son:

Texas drivers license issued by the

Texas Department of Public Safety

(DPS)

Texas Election Identification Cer-

tificate issued by DPS

Texas personal identification card

issued by DPS

Texas concealed handgun license

issued by DPS

United States military identifica-

tion card containing your photo-

graph

United States citizenship certificate

containing your photograph

United States passport

With the exception of the U.S. citizen-

ship certificate, the identification must

be current or have expired no more

than 60 days before being presented

for voter qualification at the polling

place.

For more information:

http://www.votedenton.com/wp-content/

uploads/2013/08/Photo-ID-Informational-

Document.pdf

ABOUT THIS VOTERS GUIDE

This printed Voters Guide lists candidates in contested races who are on the March 6, 2018, Primary Election ballot and provides their an-swers to questions posed by The League of Wom-en Voters of Texas and The League of Women Voters of Denton.

Additional information can be accessed online at www.VOTE411.org including an online Voters Guide with candidate videos, races not included in this Voters Guide, and an “On Your Ballot” feature allowing voters to enter an address and review races and ballot initiatives specific to that address.

This Voters Guide lists candidates for national, as well as statewide, regional, and local races in Texas, including U.S. Senator, Railroad Commis-sioner, Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, Courts of Appeals, and the State Board of Educa-tion. Only candidates in political parties that select their candidates in the Primary Election are included, currently Democratic and Republican parties.

Candidates in other parties are selected by convention.

Questionnaires were sent to candidates in races that are contested within the same party. Candidate replies are printed without editing or verification. Due to space restrictions, candidates were given strict word limits. Replies exceeding the word limit are indicated by slashes (///). Can-didates 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. Ballot

order may vary from county to county. The

names of unopposed candidates are also listed.


The following candidates qualified for the Texas ballot according to the Secretary of State. They will appear on the Republican or Democratic ballot for United States Senator.

UNITED STATES SENATOR

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Sema Hernandez

Edward Kimbrough

Beto O’Rourke

REPUBLICAN PARTY

Ted Cruz

Stefano de Stefano

Bruce Jacobson

Mary Miller

Geraldine Sam

Please see the League of Women Voters of Texas Voter’s

Guide for further information on these candidates:

https://my.lwv.org/sites/default/

files/2018_primary_votersguide.pdf

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 24

Kenny E. Marchant (R)

No Response

Johnathan Davidson (R)

No Response

Josh Imhoff (D)

No Response

Edward “Todd” Allen (D)

No Response

Jan McDowell (D)

No Response

John Biggan (D)

No Response

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 26

Michael Burgess (R)

No response

Veronica Berkenstock (R)

No response

Will Fisher (D)

Education: University of Oregon School of Law, J.D., 2009, Graduated top

11%, Associate Editor, Oregon Law Review, Brigham Young University-

Idaho, B.S. Sociology, 2005

Experience: As an attorney I have the experience that will allow me to be

an effective legislator. Daily, I read, interpret, and apply the law. I am an

advocate at heart and in practice. Endorsements: Dallas Morning News,

Wendy Davis, VoteProChoice, Demand Universal Healthcare, Dallas Stone-

wall, Democracy for America (Denton County)

1) I support expanding access to affordable healthcare through a single

-payer system. The first step will be to put in place a public option for

Americans to choose whether to buy into a publicly funded option or to

continue in the for-profit system we have today, whereby shareholders

reap rewards from illness and injury, or whether Americans want to adopt

an efficient health insurance system funded through a public payer that

covers everyone at a cheaper cost than our current system. Upon expan-

sion of this public payer through the public option, we can then transition

to a full single-payer system.

Continued on next page

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.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

QUESTIONS FOR U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

CANDIDATES

Education (Limit: 25 words)

Experience (Limit: 50 words)

1) What specific measures would you take to ensure access to affordable

health care? (Limit: 100 words)

2) What role, if any, should the federal government play in protecting

the environment? (Limit: 100 words)

3) There is general agreement that America’s immigration system is

broken, but no agreement on how to fix it. What reforms, if any,

would you support? (Limit: 100 words)

4) What role, if any, should the federal government play in U.S. citizens’

access to the internet? (Limit: 100 words)

5) Due to recent events in the news regarding sexual harassment, what

specific steps would you take to reduce these incidents? (Limit: 100

words)


QUESTIONS FOR U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Continued from previous page

2) Air and water know no state borders, and as such it is critical that the

federal government play a significant role in protecting the environment.

Protecting the environment means protecting the health of our children

and our grandchildren. It also means protecting the lives of those affected

by rising oceans and increased storm activity. I support federal tax incen-

tives for green energy expansion, as well as returning to Obama-era CO2

standards and looking for ways to improve from there. The future of Amer-

ican energy production should be solar and wind, and North Texas should

be the leader in this area.

3) First, Congress must pass the Dream Act, thereby giving permanent

legal status to the approx. 800,000 dreamers – hardworking, tax-paying

members of our society. Next, Congress must adopt comprehensive immi-

gration reform to provide a full pathway to citizenship for every person.

Human migration caused by economic turbulence is a fact of life, and we

can choose to fight human nature or to work together to solve difficulties

that result from human migration. I support humane immigration policy

that helps ensure that immigration that considers the interests of everyone

and fights to keep families together. Stronger families lead to a stronger

America.

4) The Internet is fundamental to how we live our lives, and the world is

connected now in a way that it never has been before. From communica-

tion to education to business to safety, our lives would look much different

without it. As such, it is crucial that Americans have equal access to these

connections and I support Net Neutrality. Moreover, for small businesses to

have a chance to compete here in North Texas, they must have access to

the same internet speed and technologies as their larger competitors.

Fighting for entrepreneurs and small business owners means fighting for

Net Neutrality.

5) Victims of sexual assault must feel empowered and protected in the

workplace and in educational settings to seek support in the event of sexual

harassment. No victim should feel it necessary to cease employment or

education because they no longer feel safe in that environment. Therefore,

we must establish requirements that colleges and employers must abide by

for supporting victims of assault. Our top priority should be ensuring that

(while the legal system processes the complaint and its investigation) the

college or employer is taking every reasonable step to care for the victim.

Lindsey Fagan (D)

No response

Statewide Offices - GOVERNOR

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Cedric Davis, Sr.

Joe Mumbach

Andrew White

Adrian Oceugueda

James Jolly Clark

Grady Yarbrough

Jeffrey Payne

Lupe Valdez

Tom Wakely

GOVERNOR (Continued)

REPUBLICAN PARTY

Barbara Krueger

SECEDE Kilgore

Greg Abbot Please see League of Women Voters of Texas Voter’s Guide

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Mike Collier

Michael Cooper

REPUBLICAN PARTY

Scott Mider

Dan Patrick Please see League of Women Voters of Texas Voter’s Guide

ATTORNEY GENERAL

DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Justin Nelson

REPUBLICAN PARTY

Ken Paxton Please see League of Women Voters of Texas Voter’s Guide

COMPTROLLER OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

Please see League of Women Voters of Texas Voter’s Guide

COMMISSIONER OF THE GENERAL LAND

OFFICE


COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE


RAILROAD COMMISSIONER


STATE JUDGES


Continued on the next page

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STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 30

Craig Estes (R)

No response

Pat Fallon (R)

No response

Kevin Lopez (D)

Unopposed

QUESTIONS FOR TEXAS STATE SENATOR & REPRE-

SENTATIVE CANDIDATES



1) Given the historic recent droughts and the projected future water

shortages for Texas, how would you protect and sustain our current

water sources and satisfy the growing needs of people, cities, busi-

nesses and agriculture?

2) What, if anything, should the state do to ensure that more people

have access to adequate health care?

3) What are your legislative priorities for ensuring that all Texans have

access to quality education?

4) Do you favor expanding the rights of local or county governments?

Please explain.

5) Do you feel Texas has gone far enough in ensuring the equal rights

and protections of all Texas residents? If so, what do you feel our

state is doing right? If not, what areas could Texas improve upon?

TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVE

The Texas House of Representatives is composed of 150 members, each elected for a two-year term. A member of the house must be a citizen of the United States, must be a qualified elector of the state, and must be at least 21 years old. He or she must have been a resident of the state for two years immediately preceding election, and for one year immediately preceding election must have been a resident of the district from which he or she was chosen.

The house of representatives elects one of its own members as presiding officer--the speaker of the house. The house creates and enforces its own rules and judges the qualifications of its members.

The House of Representatives, together with the state senate, constitute the Texas Legislature. The duties of the legislature include consideration of proposed laws and resolutions, consideration of proposed constitu-tional amendments for submission to the voters, and appropriation of all funds for the operation of state government. All bills for raising revenue considered by the legislature must originate in the House of Representa-tives. The house alone can bring impeachment charges against a statewide officer, which charges must be tried by the senate.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 63

Tan Parker (R)

Unopposed

Richard Wolf (D)

No response

Laura Haines (D)

No response


Lynn Stucky (R)

No response

Mark Roy (R)

No response

Andrew Morris (D)

Education: BA, History & Political Science

(International Relations): Monash University

(Australia), BA, History, UNT, MA, History, UNT, MA,

Professional & Technical Communication, UNT

Experience: Volunteer, Wendy Davis Gubernatorial

campaign (2014), Co-founder, Denton for Bernie

Sanders (2015-6), Field Operative, Paul Meltzer for

City of Denton (2017), Campaign Manager, Linsey

Fagan for Congress (2017), Denton County Deputy Voter Registrar (2016-

2018)

1) Water is essential to life. The Texas Legislature must prioritize water

conservation, implement better water management policies, and introduce

more water recycling opportunities. Texas must also acknowledge that

anthropogenic climate change is real, and must be addressed if we are to

continue maintaining and improving our quality of life. We should follow

the recommendations from the Texas Water Development Board – this

includes creating new reservoirs, designating new streams for conserva-

tion, and establishing eco-friendly economic plans for our current water

infrastructure. By collaborating climate, economic, and household inter-

ests, we can protect Texas water resources and still thrive. 2) The first and most pressing issue Texas can do to improve access to

healthcare starts with accepting the Medicaid expansion under the Afford-

able Care Act. Once accepted, the Medicaid expansion will allow billions of

dollars to return to Texas from Washington. This will provide healthcare

access to those up to 400% of the poverty level and bring much-needed

revenues to Texas.

This would be the first step towards installing and accepting a universal/

single payer health care system modeled on similar systems present in the

UK, Australia, and continental Europe.


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3) The main priority of the next legislative session will be comprehensive-

ly addressing public education school finance. This means restoring per-

pupil funding and the state share of funding to more than 50% rather than

the proposed 38% for the next biennium. We can achieve this through

identifying different revenue streams, such as from taxes on gambling and/

or marijuana, closing corporate tax loopholes, and finding further reduc-

tions and efficiencies in the current budget.

Other priorities will be expanding vocational training opportunities, restor-

ing higher education funding, and improving student educational outcomes.

4) Local control remains an important issue, especially as a resident of

Denton. After the 2015 legislative session passed HB 40, overturning the

fracking ban, local control became a focal point for Denton politics. I sup-

port expanding the rights of local/county governments, particularly as local

concerns have local solutions. When we follow democratic principles and

establish new policies after a popular vote, the will of the citizens must be

supported.

5) No, Texas has not gone far enough to ensure the equal rights and

protections of all Texas residents. Texas can, and should do far more. Both

SB4 (“show me your papers”) and SB6 (“bathroom bill”) target minorities

for discrimination and profiling. This erodes the equal rights and protections

of all Texans. To improve, Texas can pass legislation that ensures members

of the LGBTQIA* community are a protected class, refuse to consider, let

alone pass, any bills that target specific groups or classes of people – such

as ill-considered and unpopular “bathroom” legislation.

Mat Pruneda (D)

1) Rather than continuing to pour concrete over

landscapes that were once used for delivering water

through to our aquifers, I would encourage programs

in place that: A) Encourage rainwater har-

vesting. B) Promote the utilization of native grasses

and plants for landscaping in new business/residential

development C) Grow the trend of Conservation

Easements that protect recharge zones. This allows land owners continued

use of their properties while protecting these areas from development that

pollutes water and inhibits absorption. Each of these steps serve a dual

purpose to encourage conservation and preserve the spirit of Texas’ unique

landscapes.

2) The easy answer on this is for citizens to demand the expansion of

Medicaid. Texans are already paying for this but the powers that be in

Austin would prefer for our taxes to be sent to other states to provide

healthcare for those citizens. It is a failure of policy that endangers lives

and robs Texans of benefits they are already paying for.

3) I would like to see a revision of the cost of education index that would

ensure the metrics we use to fund education are consistent with the needs

our students, teachers and schools today. Once this is achieved we can

begin the work of ensuring proper funding. We must protect our public

schools. The GOP sells a story that redistribution funds go to inner city

schools, this is a dog whistle that hurts a key constituency, rural voters and

rural students. Redistribution of funds helps these areas where property

taxes are low, as well.

4) Yes. HB40 which limited the rights of local governments did so only

because local governments were exercising their rights to protect their

children and families from the industrial poisoning of our air and water. If

politicians who are beholden to special interests will not protect us, then

we should push for the right to protect ourselves at the local level.

5) No. One needs only to look at the last legislative session. It was nota-

ble for attacks on our LGBTQ community, Women’s reproductive rights and

for passing a bill that was blank check for racial profiling. It also set out to

limit citizens from protections from discrimination. This election will be the

most important election for Civil Rights in Texas in the last 50 years. It is

incumbent on voters to choose representatives who will stand up for All

Texans.

Matt Farmer (D)

No response


Ron Simmons (R)

No response

Kevin Simmons (R)

No response

Michelle Beckley (D)

Unopposed


Clint Bedsole (R)

No response

Jared Patterson (R)

Education: I had the honor of graduating from Texas A&M University with

a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

Experience: I am the only candidate in this race with experience as an

elected official, with experience serving the Republican Party, as a precinct

chair and delegate to the RPT State Convention three times, and with suc-

cessful business experience, leading a small company.

1) Unfortunately, Water projects have fallen off the radar in recent

years given the great blessing of rain lately. Plans are finally underway to

build the first new reservoir in Texas in decades. That’s a great start. I

support the state’s efforts to promote investment in water infrastructure

would look to strengthen that effort.

2) Luckily, President Trump has done an admirable job enforcing our

borders after eight years of President Obama laying out the welcome mat.

We must do whatever possible to end sanctuary cities and defund the

magnets attracting illegal aliens to Texas. If we do this, we’ll see greater

access to health care and other resources. Additionally, we must continue

to push for lower taxes and reasonable regulations so that the Texas mira-

cle economy continues to grow. Doing this will ensure more Texans have

access to good jobs with healthcare benefits.

3) One of the largest issues facing Texans is property tax reform. Prop-

erty taxes are too high and we must reign in our dependence on them to

fund education – particular when looking at Robin Hood. We need to

eliminate some property taxes and look at other options to better fund

education. The current system is broken and good teachers are leaving the

system. With more than 90 years of classroom teaching experience in our

immediate family, education reform is a top priority for me.





4) Governments do not have rights. People have rights. Government’s

job is to ensure the people’s rights are not infringed upon by government’s

influence. I want to get government off your back and out of your pocket.

5) I do not feel Texas has gone far enough to protect the most vulnerable

among us. Babies are still killed in the womb, children are still burdened by

a broken CPS system and business owners have to fear losing their liveli-

hood because of far left persecution. Texas must continue to enforce the

right to life, increasing funding to CPS and the foster care system and pass

religious liberty reforms that protect business owners.

Michael Rhea (D)

No response

Ramona Thompson (D)

No response

County Offices

Represents the state in prosecuting felony criminal cases. Works with law enforcement officers in the investigation of criminal cases. Presents cases to the grand jury. Represents victims of violence in protective orders and rep-resents the state in removing children from abusive households.

1) The DA’s main job is to seek justice. I will continue to work with law

enforcement to keep Denton County a safe place to live and work while

safeguarding taxpayer dollars. The large growth of the county directly

impacts the crime rate and the justice system’s ability to keep pace with

the growth surge. I have the experience necessary to lead the large staff,

maintain relationships with our police, and provide a voice for victims.

2) I will continue to provide training to our police so that they know the

legal trends in the prosecution of DWI, Family Violence, Human Trafficking,

Child Abuse, and Search and Seizure. The better their investigations are,

the better the prosecution outcome will be. We will continue to make our

specialized treatment programs for Veterans, the mentally ill, and first-

time drug offenders available to those that deserve a way out of the crimi-

nal justice system.

3) We have partnered with our Judges creating treatment programs for

adults and juveniles with mental illness. Our goal is to provide them the

treatment and supervision they need, and then give them a clean criminal

record upon completion of the program. They leave the program with the

resources to address their illness and keep them out of the criminal justice

system.

4) I refuse any contributions from bail bondsmen and any other individu-

al that may have a case that the office would be handling. I have returned

checks in the past. There is no conflict of interest from any of my donors.

Brent Bowen (R)

No response DENTON COUNTY

CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY DENTON COUNTY JUDGE

QUESTIONS FOR CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY



1) What are primary challenges of this position and how

will you address them? (Limit: 100 words)

2) If elected, what improvements do you plan to make?

(Limit: 100 words)

3) How would you address contributing factors to crime

like mental health, income level, background, etc.?

(Limit: 100 words)

4) How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to

raise funds for political campaigns? (Limit: 100 words)

Paul Johnson (R)

Education: I graduated from University of Texas at

Arlington and then the University of Houston for law

school. I have been a lawyer for 32 years.

Experience: I have been in private practice as a civil

attorney, I was an Assistant DA for 15 years in Denton

County, and have served as the elected District Attor-

ney for the last 11 years. I manage a staff of 129

employees and a budget of over $15 million.

Andy Eads (R)

Unopposed

Willie Hudspeth (D)

No response

Diana Leggett (D)

No response

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2) Judge Vahlankamp has run an efficient, fair and effective court for

many years. There are not many issues that would need changing. As

the chief prosecutor in his court for almost two years, I learned

straight from him what it meant to run a clean, fair and efficient dock-

et. The only change I would consider making is instituting a pro-se

docket, one in which those who wish to represent themselves are

heard separately from attorneys. 3) Any judge sitting on a bench is required to make his decisions

based solely on the law, and the facts presented. To do otherwise

would destroy the point of an independent judiciary. My campaign

has been mostly self-funded, but the donations I have received have

come from a range of people who understand that their money abso-

lutely does not buy favorable rulings. They have donated because they

believe that I can be fair and unbiased.

Susan Piel (R)

Education: B.A., Baylor University, J.D., Texas Tech University School of Law, License to Prac-tice Law, State of Texas, May, 1995 1) Managing thousands of criminal cases, while ensuring due process for each individual, requires a judge with vast knowledge of criminal law and soundness in decision making. As a division chief in the D.A.’s Office, I managed a

large staff of attorneys overseeing over 40,000 criminal cases in all five of the County Criminal Courts. I am prepared to make the decisions necessary to efficiently manage a docket and effectively rule from the bench. 2) Fortunately, the, current, retiring, judge has created an effective docket schedule. Having spent the last twenty-two years trying com-plex, felony jury trials, I am committed to bring a high degree of pro-fessionalism and experience to the court, and to focus the court on expeditiously handling jury trials and contested hearings. Generally, the pace of the trial dockets is indicative of the efficiency of the court. 3) True justice can not be bought. My campaign is primarily funded by family, friends and supporters with no interest in the court, and by myself. I have pledged to comply with the voluntary limits of the Judi-cial Campaign Fairness Act, which strictly limits the amount of cam-paign donations from any particular source to avoid even the appear-ance of any improper influence.

COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, No. 3

David D. Garcia (R)

No response

Forrest Beadle (R)

Education: Texas Tech University School of Law, J.D., 2005; and Texas

Christian University Bachelor of Arts History, 1994.

Experience: MILITARY: Captain, U.S. Army (6 Years), Armor Branch, LEGAL: Chief Felony Prosecutor, Felony DWI Prosecutor, Deputy Chief of Misdemeanor, and Chief Prosecutor of the Denton County Veterans Treatment Court Program. (12 Years of Experience), 2015 Congres-sional Veteran Commendation Recipient (Congressman Burgess) Lead-ership Denton Class of 2015, Member of the American /// 1) County Criminal Court #3 is a misdemeanor criminal court that hears Class B and Class A Misdemeanors. However, Court 3 is also the designated Denton County Veterans Court. This specialized caseload deals with veterans who have broken the law because of their military experiences. The current 20-year incumbent has turned what should be a collaborative treatment program into an adversarial exercise. I intend to change that and increase the numbers of participating veter-ans.


JUDGE, COUNTY COURT AT LAW

COUNTY COURT AT LAW, No. 1

Kimberly McCary (R)

Unopposed

COUNTY COURT AT LAW, No. 2

Robert Ramirez (R)

Unopposed

JUDGE, COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT

Presiding officer of the Commissioners Court. Represents the county in many administrative functions. Serves as budget officer in counties with fewer than 225,000 residents. Most have broad judicial duties, such as presiding over misdemeanor criminal and small civil cases, probate matters and appeals from the Justice of the Peace Court. Serves as head of emergency management.

QUESTIONS FOR COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE



1) What are primary challenges of this position and how will you ad-

dress them? (Limit: 100 words)

2) If elected, what improvements do you plan to make? (Limit: 100

words)

3) How do you maintain impartiality, given the need to raise funds for

political campaigns? (Limit: 100 words)


Jim Crouch (R)

Unopposed


Sean Kilgore (R)

Education: I received my B.S. from Hampden-

Sydney College in Virginia, and my law degree from

Texas Tech School of Law.

Experience: I worked as an Assistant District

Attorney with the Denton County District Attorney’s

office for just under five years, and I have worked

as a criminal defense attorney for the last seven

years. I have also been the Denton County Veteran’s Treatment Court

Defense attorney for the last five years.

1) The primary challenge facing the incoming judge of this court will be

gaining the respect of the lawyers, clerks and other employees associated

with the Court. Judge Vahlenkamp has been the judge of this court for

almost thirty years, so replacing such as well-respected and well thought

of judge will be difficult. The new judge will need to have a fair, ethical

and unbiased reputation in order to achieve this.


COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE


2) I intend to rebuild the Veterans Court by repairing the relationships between the DA’s Office, the Supervision Department, and the VA. I will hold the veterans accountable to their treatment plans thereby protecting the community and ensuring that they get the treatment and counseling they need to overcome their issues that are leading to their criminality. I will not micromanage the personal assigned to the Veterans Court but will allow them to do their jobs. 3) I have served the citizens of Denton County as a prosecutor for the last twelve years. As an Assistant District Attorney, I take an oath to see that justice is done. That means I have a legal obligation to prosecute a case fully while protecting the rights of the citizen accused. While judicial races do require fund raising, I will not allow any donation, no matter who makes, it to affect the decisions I make from the bench. The law must be followed and be the guiding point for any judge. COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, No. 4

Chance Oliver (R)

Unopposed


Coby Wadill (R)

Unopposed

Bonnie Robison (R)

Unopposed

The District Clerk is elected for a four-year term and supports the district

courts. The Clerk is registrar, recorder and custodian of all court pleadings,

instruments and papers that are part of any cause of action in any civil or

criminal district court.

Ronnie Anderson (R)

Education: Denton ISD K - 12. Graduated: 1985; University of North Texas

1985 - 1989 and 2014 - 2016

Experience: Administration Manager - County Clerks office 2010 - present; Owner - Hometown Mortgage 2000 - 2009; Branch Manager/National Sales Manager - Finance companies 1996 - 2000. I have over 20 years of mana-gerial experience. I help manage a budget of over $9M and I’m the HR liaison for 83 employees.

1) The primary challenge I see is assessing what processes are perform-ing properly and how they can be improved. I will be dedicated to continu-ing to find innovative ways to take advantage of new technology which provides better service to the citizens of Denton County and save tax dol-lars. 2) I will bring accessibility to the office by making all non-sealed case files available online. I will also look at new technology that would make jury services more efficient by allowing jurors to check their reporting status, submit exemptions, disqualifications, confirm your service, and even reschedule your jury date online. Also offer text message notifica-tions and a kiosk with a cash-dispenser that provides jurors with immediate payment for their service. 3) I do the best job I can do with the resources I am given regardless of who donates.

David Trantham (R)

Education: Graduated Class of 2003 from Ryan High

School Denton. Attended UNT 2003-2005 & 2008-

2009;

Experience: Texas Legislative Intern, 2003; 7 years

with County Clerk’s office; Representative to Denton

County Bail Bond Board; Project Manager

re:SearchTX; Assistant Supervisor Juvenile & Admin-

istration Department; Extensive knowledge of Den-

ton County’s case management software, State of Texas Criminal Justice

Information System, Texas e-File, & Texas Office of Court Administration

1) A primary challenge facing the District Clerk’s office is the re:SearchTX

initiative from the Court of Appeals to require all clerk’s offices to have all

open public records viewable online. This challenges the clerks in ensuring

that no confidential or sealed records become viewable along with any

sensitive data contained within documents. Another challenge will be the

increasing county growth and meeting demands of new courts and jury

services.

2) IIf elected, I would like to make improvements to Jury Services. Many counties already use a far more efficient method of handling jurors once summoned. In working with attorneys and the courts, we can elimi-nate non-selected jurors before they make a journey to the courthouse. Notifications and reminders can be handled through email or text message. I would also like to expand the list of potential local 501C3 entities that could receive juror donations. 3) Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. Those values were instilled in me at a young age and is something I live by to this day. As a current clerk with the County Clerk’s office, I took an oath the defend and uphold the Texas & US Constitutions. That is an oath that is not taken lightly. We are directed by mandate or statute of duties that we must observe. Mark Yarbrough (R)

No response

Yesse Rodriguez (D)

Unopposed

DISTRICT CLERK

JUDGE, COUNTY PROBATE COURT

QUESTIONS FOR DISTRICT CLERK






words)



William Brown (R)

No response


Juli Luke (R)

Unopposed

Amy Manuel (D)

Unopposed

County Commissioner Precinct 2

Ron Marchant (R)

Unopposed

Brandy Jones (D)

Unopposed

COUNTY CLERK

COUNTY TREASURER

Cindy Yeatts Brown (R)

Unopposed

COUNTY COMMISSIONER

The Commissioners Court is the general governing body of Denton County.

The Court is made up of the County Judge who is elected countywide and

presides over the full Court, and the four County Commissioners -- each

elected from one of the County's four precincts.

The four County Commissioners have both countywide and precinct re-

sponsibilities. Each commissioner is responsible for construction and

maintenance of County roads within his or her precinct. Some Commis-

sioners maintain offices both at the Courthouse-On-The-Square and within

their precincts. They are responsive to the particular needs of people living

within their areas of the County. In Denton County, each member of Com-

missioners Court serves as a liaison to a particular board or agency of the

County.

County Commissioner Precinct 4

Jim Carter (R)

No response

Brenda Latham (R)

Education: Lewisville High School 1987, Northlake College, North Central

Texas College

1) County Commissioner’s adopt subdivision regulations for the unincor-

porated areas of the county. Here is where they can ensure the right regu-

lations are put in place to attract desirable development while addressing

the overall vision of the residents and leadership for their area of the coun-

ty. This requires good communication and a working relationship with the

local leadership, residents and property owners.

2) A great example of this would be emergency services. I think there is

opportunity for the County to partner with nearby cities/towns for emer-

gency services which might not otherwise be accessible for some areas of

an incorporated area and vice versa. This can save the tax payer money

and, in a lot of cases, improve the response time to the citizens.

3) I agree with the committee and the Commissioner Court’s decision to

leave the statues as they are and add more educational information. Stat-

ues are not the issue but rather the hearts of people. We must learn from

the mistakes of our history so we don’t repeat them.

4) Growth is and will continue to be one of the top priorities. The cur-

rent court has done a remarkable job working through the Regional Trans-

portation Council and with TXDOT to improve our major infrastructure

roads. We now need to turn our attention to the county-maintained roads

as well as additional roads for anticipated future needs. We must make

sure residents can get from point A to point B safely and efficiently.

5) Communication is key to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to

new development. It is a vital ingredient in forming a cohesive relationship

between local leadership, state officials/agencies, property owners and,

most importantly, residents, in bringing together a working arrangement

for the common vision for the area. We must also attract businesses which

will provide prosperous employment for and long-term stability for the

entire area.

Itamar Gelbman (R)

No response

Dianne Edmondson (R)

No response

Bryan Webb (D)

Unopposed

QUESTIONS FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER



1) How would you use the County’s existing authority to regulate devel-

opment in order to balance competing interests? (Limit: 75 words)

2) Are there any areas of overlapping services provided by governmen-

tal entities that you believe should be consolidated to more efficient-

ly provide services to your County residents? Please explain. (Limit:

75 words)

3) What actions, if any, should be taken regarding Confederate monu-

ments in Denton County? (Limit: 75 words)

4) What do you perceive to be the most important countywide issues

and how would you address them? (Limit: 75 words)

5) Denton County is projected to grow over 350% in the next 30 years.

How would you plan to ensure our community is developed in a way

to prepare for growth? (Limit: 75 words)

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwihy-DjiKvZAhUOTawKHQLqDJAQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffindhoalaw.com%2Fsb-407-wieckowski-common-interest-developments-noncommercial-solicitation%2F&psig=AOvVaw2pw3Krd


JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

Hears traffic and other Class C misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only. Hears civil cases with up to $10,000 in controversy. Hears landlord and tenant disputes. Hears truancy cases. Performs magistrate duties. Conducts inquests.

QUESTIONS FOR JUSTICE OF THE PEACE






words)



Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1

Joe Holland (R)

Education: Denton High School, University of North Texas, required con-

tinuing education per year through The Texas Justice Court Training Center

through Texas State University.

Experience: I have held this office for over 11 years. In that time I have

heard over 13,000 civil and criminal cases and seated over 150 juries.

1) The biggest challenge I see in this court is truancy related cases. The

value of an education is not always seen early on by children or their par-

ents. State law requires Texas school children attend school and I have had

good success in finding ways to keep children in school and their parents

taking a more active role in seeing that their school age children attend

school.

2) My court runs smoothly. If it were not so I couldn't hear the large

volume of cases I hear. We make being able to meet with law enforcement

to sign warrants a top priority. Whenever a peace officer needs my assis-

tance we make sure to get that officer in and out as quickly as possi-

ble. Even if that means meeting after hours, weekends, or at the jail.

3) Running a campaign is expensive. I appreciate those people that have

noticed good the work I've done in this court. However, a donation to my

campaign never translates to special treatment or favors. I make it a point

to treat every person fairly and with the respect they deserve. Every cases

is decided by hearing the facts and applying the law to the facts.

Danny Fletcher (R)

Education: Bachelor Degree Criminal Justice ECU, Master Peace Officer

Certification, TCOLE Licensed Instructor, Instructor of Constitutional and

Case Law, Institute for Law Enforcement Administration graduate

Experience: I have 20 years of Law Enforcement experience. I am a Ser-

geant at Denton Police Department and oversee the Major Crimes Investi-

gation Unit. I have spent the last 20 years studying, learning, and applying

the law while respecting the Constitution and providing the highest quality

of customer service to taxpayers.

1) The primary challenges of this position are providing efficient service

to consumers of the court while providing timely and correct rulings on the

law. I will continue to study law to insure correct rulings are issued in the

court. This will save money for taxpayers. I will not perform weddings. This

will allow for the court to be completely focused on judicial proceedings. I

will use technology and improved customer service to facilitate timely

resolutions.

2) I will immediately improve customer service and the quality of the

courts decisions. I will work to facilitate a more efficient docket in order to

get your police officers back on the street to provide protection to the

community. I will create a teen court designed to help younger offenders

learn accountability while allowing them to successfully navigate through

minor legal issues without entering adulthood with a criminal label. We

must focus on the youth.

3) I will maintain impartiality as the Justice of the Peace PCT 1 by re-

maining passionate about the US Constitution, Texas Constitution, and the

rights of the people to due process and fair public trials. I have spent my

entire adult life serving as a law enforcement officer. I have recognized

that as an extension of the government, I must remain neutral when apply-

ing the laws and must safeguard the rights and protections afforded to all.

Keri Anne Caruthers (D)

Unopposed


Fabian Thomas (R)

No response

James R DePiazza (R)

Education: Master of Education, Master of Science,

Bachelor of Science, Over 250 hours of judicial edu-

cation

1) I have been running this court for over 11 years

and have a team of competent clerks. Together we

are running a very efficient and proficient court. The

only challenges are the ones created by the Texas Legislature. My court

makes any necessary adjustments in order to stay in compliance with the

law. When handling Truancy cases, I follow the law even when it doesn’t

allow for the best solution.

2) This court is running smooth and efficient. It is the first JP court in

Denton County to transition to an entirely paperless docket. The only im-

provements I plan to make are when software upgrades allow the court to

run more efficiently.

3) Those who know me understand that their donation will not influ-

ence any future decision that I will make in court. If I believe someone is

making a donation with the expectation of a quid-quo-pro, I will not accept

the donation. If there is a possibility of any impartiality in the eyes of the

public, we have procedures in place to do a bench exchange with another

JP.

Maureen Kursh Reister (D)

Unopposed


Sherman Swartz (R)

No response

William Lawrence (R)

No response

James Kerbow (R)

No response

Marianne Poer Vander Stoep (D)

Unopposed



JUSTICE OF THE PEACE



Don Cartwright (R)

Education: Dallas Baptist University, Bachelor Degree. Texas Wesleyan University, Doctor of Jurisprudence. Member Texas Bar College and Pro Bono College Experience: Three term Elected Member of the Texas House of Repre-sentative and Attorney with decades of practical experience on the prose-cution and defense side. I have tried cases in Federal Courts, State and County Courts and J.P. Courts. I have qualified and been admitted to prac-tice in the United States Supreme ///

1) The rapid growth of Denton County and Precinct Four has placed a strain on all our government facilities. It will take someone like myself who can apply conservative management principles when administering the court so taxpayers get the most for their hard-earned dollar. 2) In the first 60 to 90 days I will asses and work with the staff to see what changes may be beneficial. I will set up meetings with the 5 other J.P’s. in order to determine what can be done to improve our docket con-trol. We have a new court room with new equipment and computers. We will continually work on improving our IT system. 3) My wife and I when deciding if I would run for Justice or the Peace decided I could and would self-finance the campaign. We have not asked for money or received any contributions from any source but our own. We have set a budget and stayed within that budget. The money I have placed in the campaign is a contribution not a loan.

Harris Hughey (R)

Education: J.D., University of Tulsa. B.B.A., Texas

Wesleyan University

Experience: 23 years as an attorney and I have also

a been a prosecutor. I understand the legal argu-

ments from both sides of the table. I practice in

these courts on a daily basis. Taxpayers deserve the

most qualified judicial candidate to sit on this bench.

1) Reducing the number of appeals out of this court. The numbers will

indicate success or failure as a result of sound, legal decisions. Getting

extraordinary performance out of my staff by staying within or reducing

the budget. We will follow the Golden Rule. Each litigant/defendant with

be treated with the utmost courtesy and respect. I will personally conduct

follow up inquiries regarding the service they received while in my court.

2) Everyone will be treated with courtesy and respect. I will render com-petent, honest and ethical justice using sound principles of law. Appeals will be reduced saving taxpayers money. Dockets will move forward in a timely manner. I will bring energy, ideas and 23 years of legal experience to the bench. Decisions from the bench will be well thought out and guided by the fundamental rule of law. 3) It’s very simple, my wife Cheryl and I fund our own campaign. We have not taken a dime from anyone and therefore, potential impartiality cannot be an issue.

Scott Smith (R)

Education: Business degree Richland College, Uni-versity of Texas at Dallas Experience: Mayor and councilman Town of Tro-phy Club, Republican Precinct Chairman & state delegate, Judge of elections, Chairman town finance committee, Municipal Utilities District VP, Town Parks and Economic Development board, self-employed independent business owner, 33 year

resident of Denton County.

1) Primary challenges of office include providing fair and equal justice for all from a compassionate conservative non-attorney judge, being more visible in the community to make public aware of services provided, devel-op better relationships with our school districts with a pro-active approach to eliminate juvenile infractions, be a good steward of your tax dollars by eliminating unnecessary appeals and maintaining a fiscally conservative budget, establish local Teen Courts.

2) Improvements to this office will include expanding court hours to be more accessible for working men & woman. Include “Night Court” one night a week to better serve everyone. This is your court, the Peoples Court. Work towards bringing back truancy and other juvenile related issues to this court from the overburdened schools. Go paperless wherev-er we can to save tax payer dollars.

3) A JP should always be impartial whenever trying a case and show respect to all the people. This is the closest court to the residents. Every-one entering this court should be assured they will receive justice from an impartial judge. It's imperative this judge not be a lawyer, as to intimidate or make anyone feel uncomfortable. 93% of all JP's are not lawyers. I am the only non-lawyer candidate. Funding this campaign myself.

Michael J. Callaway (D)

Unopposed


Mike Oglesby (R)

Unopposed

Sam Ortiz (D)

Unopposed


Gary W. Blanscet (R)

Unopposed

Chris Lopez (D)

No response

Parker Owen (D)

No response

Party Offices

Republican County Chairman

John Dillard

Jayne Howell

Please see https://dentongop.org for more information

Democratic County Chairman

Phyllis Wolper

Dr. Anjelita Cadena

Please see http://dentondemocrats.org for more information

Party Propositions

Republic Party Propositions

Please see https://www.texasgop.org for more information

Democratic Party Propositions

Please see https://www.txdemocrats.org for more information

Documents

League of Women Voters of Denton VOTERS GUIDEWhen you vote in the Texas Primaries, you will need to request a specific political party ballot (Republican or Democrat), you become affiliated