league of women voters of denton voters guidewhen you vote in the texas primaries, you will need to...
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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
LWV Denton Voter’s Guide 2
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.
LWV Denton Voter’s Guide 3
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)
LWV Denton Voter’s Guide 4
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
Please see League of Women Voters of Texas Voter’s Guide
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE
Please see League of Women Voters of Texas Voter’s Guide
RAILROAD COMMISSIONER
Please see League of Women Voters of Texas Voter’s Guide
STATE JUDGES
Please see League of Women Voters of Texas Voter’s Guide
Continued on the next page
LWV Denton Voter’s Guide 5
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
Education (Limit: 25 words)
Experience (Limit: 50 words)
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
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 64
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.
Continued on the next page
LWV Denton Voter’s Guide 6
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 64
Continued from previous page
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
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 65
Ron Simmons (R)
No response
Kevin Simmons (R)
No response
Michelle Beckley (D)
Unopposed
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 106
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.
Continued on the next page
LWV Denton Voter’s Guide 7
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 106
Continued from previous page
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
Education (Limit: 25 words)
Experience (Limit: 50 words)
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
LWV Denton Voter’s Guide 8
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.
Continued on the next page
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
Education (Limit: 25 words)
Experience (Limit: 50 words)
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)
COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, No. 1
Jim Crouch (R)
Unopposed
COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, No. 2
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.
LWV Denton Voter’s Guide 9
COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE
Continued from previous page
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
COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, No. 5
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
Education (Limit: 25 words)
Experience (Limit: 50 words)
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)
William Brown (R)
No response
LWV Denton Voter’s Guide 10
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
Education (Limit: 25 words)
Experience (Limit: 50 words)
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)
LWV Denton Voter’s Guide 11
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
Education (Limit: 25 words)
Experience (Limit: 50 words)
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)
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
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
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
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
Sherman Swartz (R)
No response
William Lawrence (R)
No response
James Kerbow (R)
No response
Marianne Poer Vander Stoep (D)
Unopposed
Continued on the next page
LWV Denton Voter’s Guide 12
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
Continued from previous page
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4
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
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5
Mike Oglesby (R)
Unopposed
Sam Ortiz (D)
Unopposed
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6
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