2016 Voters Guide: Statewide and judicial candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot

The Star-Telegram sent a Voters Guide questionnaire to all the candidates appearing on the Tarrant County ballot in contested races this year.

Take a look at Tarrant County’s sample ballot.

And here’s what the statewide and judicial candidates who responded had to say.

Texas Railroad Commission

Republican

Wayne Christian

Age: 65

Occupation and/or main source of income: Financial Services

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Center, TX

Campaign (public) phone number: (936) 598-8183

Your campaign (public) email address: wayne@christianfortexas.com

Campaign website: ChristianForTexas.com

Education background, including all degrees: BBA in General Business - Stephen F. Austin University

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Most of my current civic involvement involves traveling the state speaking to groups about my candidacy for Railroad Commission and the importance of energy to our state’s prosperity. To ensure I am able to reach the entire state, I am on the road each week visiting with potential voters. Prior to this campaign, I served as a state legislator for 7 sessions and have served in a variety of capacities on caucuses and committees. Additionally, I attend the First Baptist Church in Center, where I have served as a member of the Texas Baptist Men’s Laity Board. I also serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Shelby County Senior Citizen Corporation of Texas.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: State Representative 1997-2005; U.S. Congress 2005 (sought); State Representative 2007-2013; Railroad Commissioner 2014 (sought)

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. During my time in the Texas House, I served as Vice-Chair of Regulated Industries and as a member of the Energy Resource Committee. I am the only candidate in this race with experience in doing what the railroad commission actually does — create an environment that protects our communities while promoting responsible oil and natural gas production.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Ensuring we settle the Sunset Review this session is a the biggest immediate challenge. If elected, I intend to spend a lot of time in the legislature visiting with legislators about the importance of getting this done this session to ensure certainty for the oil and natural gas industry and safety of the public. Continued IT improvements is a necessity, increased transparency of how contested cases are managed, and ensuring the Commission properly identifies permanently orphaned wells as compared to temporarily abandoned wells. These are essential to maintain public confidence in agency oversight.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. My top priority isn’t glamorous but it is important. We must ensure the commission makes all decisions in a way that is consistent, predictable, and based in science to ensure the public is safe and the industry has certainty.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. Texas is blessed to have a robust oil and natural gas industry. In spite of recent economic challenges, the industry paid $13.8 billion in state and local taxes and royalties in fiscal year 2015. That’s the second highest total in Texas history. That money directly funds our schools, roads, first responders, Rainy Day Fund and essential public services. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of Texans are directly employed by the oil and natural gas industry. It is imperative our next Railroad Commissioner understands this and fights to protect our economy.

Democrat

Grady Yarbrough

Age: 79

Occupation and/or main source of income: Retired teacher

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Tyler, Texas at this address for 4 years

Campaign (public) phone number: 903-216-3131

Your campaign (public) email address: grady.yarbrough@yahoo .com

Web site: N/A

Education background, including all degrees: Bachelor of Arts Degree, Business education; Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Counseling & Guidance with a Certification in Public School Administration.

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Worked locally to elect our Current president.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Sought the U S Senate in 2012. Loss the Run-Off election. Never held public office.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I believe that my training in the field of Education, prepared me to work with people of different views, and opinions. As a Teacher, and Counselor I worked with parents, and students with different views within the same family, therefore, working with members of the commission having dissimilar views from mine, would not be insurmountable.

In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. A) The safe recovery of Oil and gas from beneath the surface. I would demand that equipment used in this process be well maintained and process worthy at all times. B) The Safe transportation of these products, by Rail, Pipeline, or by motor vehicle. This process requires the utmost of safety, as the petroleum products travels through densely populated areas where a malfunction in equipment could become a catastrophic event.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. Inspection of equipment on a daily basis would be a top priority. a) Continuation of recovery: At present the practice of FRACKING is being used to recover these products. I would ban fracking within a city of more one Thousand people. From this practice, Earthquakes have been noticed within the Metro-plex area, and the counties of Collins, Denton, Rockwall, Kaufman, and Parker. If this practice continues, the areas mentioned will probably be declared a quake Zone, and Homeowners insurance premiums will increase to cover the cost of repairs to homes, and quite possibly, the Building codes within cities would have to be changed to meet the Earth Quake standards. This requirement will be an increase cost to homeowners. If elected, I will do my best to stop the fracking activity in the areas mentioned.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. Thank you for the opportunity to respond: I spent most of my life as an educator, first as a Teacher of Business classes in the Chicago Public Schools, then as a Counselor, and as an assistant principal. I’m divorced, but I have 3 children, and three grandchildren, they are my inspiration.

Libertarian

Mark Miller

Age: 65

Occupation and/or main source of income: Retired petroleum engineer

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Lived in Dripping Springs Texas for 3 months. Lived in Austin area for 33 years.

Campaign (public) phone number: 512-402- 2746

Your campaign (public) email address: mark@miller4tx.com

Campaign website: https://www.miller4tx.com/

Education background, including all degrees: BS Engineering Harvey Mudd College 1972; PhD Petroleum Engineering Stanford University 1983

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Vice Chair of Libertarian Party of Texas; 2016 delegate to both Texas State and National Libertarian Party Conventions; 2014 Libertarian Party Nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner; 2014 delegate to Texas State Libertarian Party Convention; various committee memberships, Society of Petroleum Engineers Member, Helium Reserve Committee, National Research Council Board Member, Jung Society of Austin Officer, Westlake High School Orchestra Parents Association Cubmaster, Cub Scout Pack #72

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Sought Texas Railroad Commissioner in 2014.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. Because of my petroleum engineering experience and expertise, I am far more qualified than anyone else running for Railroad Commissioner. I am also the only candidate who truly believes in limited government whose responsibilities should be focused solely on protecting public safety, our common natural resources, the rights of all property owners, and personal liberties. I have also thought and written extensively about the Railroad Commission. My policy recommendations can be found on my website blog and in a recently-published book titled Oil & Gas and the Texas Railroad Commission: Lessons for Regulating a Free Society.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The Commission’s critical problems result from the increase in oil and gas operations as the State’s shale resources are developed. Issues include the conduct of urban drilling, increased seismic activity, and properties rights concerns. These problems must be solved by first addressing the perception that the Commission favors oil and gas interests over those of ordinary Texans. To improve public trust, the Commission should: a) disavow its role as industry champion, b) continuously sunset review all rules and regulations, c) increase its focus on surface property rights, and d) improve its technical expertise by employing outside technical resources.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. My top priority will be to seek ways through both rule-making and legislation to provide a better balance between surface property rights vs. subsurface mineral rights and between property rights vs. commercial rights. The dominance of both mineral rights and commercial rights have serious implications for things that are sorely in need of reform – e.g., urban drilling, eminent domain authority of common carrier pipelines, and seismic activity triggered by wastewater injection. These issues are bound to increase in importance as the State’s shale resources are developed in the future. The time to address them is now.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. Core beliefs that would guide my actions as Texas Railroad Commissioner include: Free markets are preferred over crony capitalism that gives advantages to preferred commercial activities or entities. Government’s focus should be limited to protecting the rights, liberties, and property of everyone, not just a few. Recognition that everyone’s rights matter provides the best mindset for seeking reconciliation when rights conflict. I support the Texas Sunset Commission’s staff recommendations for changes at the Railroad Commission. Details about my positions on other important topics can be found on my blog at www.miller4tx.com and in my book published last fall.

Green Party

Martina Salinas

Age: 38

Occupation and/or main source of income: Construction Inspector

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: River Oaks, TX , 1 yr5 mths

Campaign (public) phone number: No answer

Your campaign (public) email address: salinasrr@gmail.com

Campaign website: No answer

Education background, including all degrees: Bacholers of Civil Technology in Construction Management from the University of Houston , Houston, Texas

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: current Tarrant County Co-Chair

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Sought TX RR Commission in '14

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I have spent the last ten (10) years in the construction industry in both private and public sectors involved in heavy civil projects. To clarify, I am not an industry insider nor am I a career politician. I am just an ordinary citizen, who believes the commission has willing become tone deaf to the concerns of Texas citizens. As an industry outsider, I want to stand for and with my fellow citizens and ensure the commission stops holding private industry profits over the private property rights of Texas Citizens.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The oil and gas industry has a long and proud history in Texas, but the boom and bust cycles of fossil fuel development are devastating to many local economies. Texas needs to develop a sustainable energy plan. The Commission should become the prompter and facilitator for renewable energy development and usage. Texas needs to become an international renewable energy innovative leader. In recent months, the commission has once again shown they do not hold the public interest as their priority. As has been reported, the commission for the past 30 years has allowed the oil industry to inject industry wastewater without the necessary permits required. It has failed to track that wastewater and allow it to possibly contaminate our aquifers in which we relay on for 60% of our water use.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I believe the state needs to become stricter with what energy companies we allow to work in our beautiful state. We cannot allow subpar operations in this state. I, also, see a need for preoperative assessments to be submitted to the state i.e. the Railroad Commission before any operations are allowed to proceed. Pre-existing conditions such as air quality, water quality, and fault line locations need to be documented and submitted throughout all operations. In the reality, the agency needs funding to hire more well site inspectors. But in all honesty, all these problems will be avoided when Texas transitions to a sustainable clean energy source such as; wind, water, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I am a native Texan born and raised on the border in Laredo. As a green party candidate, I do not accept campaign donations from corporations P.A.Cs. So I am not indebted to industry my only interest is to stand for the citizens of Texas. I am dedicated to returning the commission to its original mission as intended by Gov. Jim Hogg and the Texas Legislature to stand for the interest of private citizens not private industry.

Supreme Court Place 3

Republican

Debra Lehrmann (I)

Age: 59

Occupation and/or main source of income: Justice, Supreme Court of Texas

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Colleyville, Texas; have lived in Tarrant County for 27 years.

Campaign (public) phone number: 512.477.7722

Your campaign (public) email address: dhl4txsc@yahoo.com

Web site: www.JudgeDebraLehrmann.com

Education background, including all degrees: A member of Phi Beta Kappa, I graduated with high honors from The University of Texas in 1979 and The University of Texas School of Law in 1982; L.L.M. in Judicial Studies from Duke University School of Law, 2016.

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: In cooperation with my colleagues, I initiated National Adoption Day in Tarrant County. This critically important initiative highlights the need for loving adoptive and foster families to intervene in the lives of innocent children who have been abused or neglected. I extended this project beyond an annual event by conducting Adoptions Days on a monthly basis. This project has been extremely successful. Assisting with the legal needs of poor and working class parties has long been a concern of mine. As an attorney, I provided pro bono work in a variety of areas; as a judge, I have worked on many projects to ensure that legal assistance is available to the indigent. I have worked tirelessly with the State Legislature to ensure that necessary funds are available. I am also interested in ensuring that the legal system not add to the cost and conflict that parties endure as litigants. Therefore, I am involved with various projects that emphasize the use of alternative forms of dispute resolution that help litigants resolve their issues in a less adversarial setting. These methods include mediation and collaborative law, but may not include arbitration.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: District Judge, 360 th District Court in Fort Worth; Family Law Judge in Tarrant County 22 years.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. Having served on the Court since being appointed by Governor Perry in 2010, I am very serious about strictly and conscientiously apply the law. I have written on a vast number of complex legal matters including oil and gas, contract interpretation, commercial, corporate and securities law, tax and torts. “As former members of the Supreme Court, we are vitally interested in a strong and respected Court. We know and admire Justice Lehrmann, and are unanimous in our support for this talented jurist. Texans deserve to retain a justice with impeccable credentials and unwavering devotion to the administration of justice.”

In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. 1) When I began my service on the Court, there was a backlog of 34. By the end of my first year, the backlog was down to 4, and for the first time in history, it is now down to zero. 2) Texas deserves well-qualified, hard-working jurists who apply the law in a methodical, deferential and scholarly way. 3) There is a problem throughout the judiciary with judges who substitute their opinions for the law or constitution. My priority is to exercise judicial restraint and decide cases by relying upon the intent of the constitution and the law.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure our caseloads are handled in a proper and timely manner so we do not have backlogs of unresolved cases. On the administrative side, I will also be active with the Access to Justice Commission which performs a vital role in helping all Texans get quality legal representation regardless of their ability to pay. This is critical for many people including veterans who find themselves in difficult situations after returning home from overseas deployment, victims of domestic violence, and, of course, our elderly.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I am a scholarly jurist and a strict textualist who believes in judicial restraint and who never legislates from the bench. Proof of the respect my colleagues have for my work: all members of the Court have joined my majority opinions over 90% of the time. Twelve former Texas Supreme Court Justices endorse me for re-election. In the 2016 State Bar of Texas Judicial Preference Poll, I received 75% of the votes cast for candidates in the Republican Primary compared to my Primary opponent’s 25%. When compared to my General Election opponent, I received 71% of the votes cast to his 29%.

Democrat

Mike Westergren

Age: 70

Occupation and/or main source of income: Attorney and mediator; retirement income

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Corpus Christi all my life except for time in Austin attending the University of Texas

Campaign (public) phone number: 361 765 6828

Your campaign (public) email address: mike@westergren.com

Campaign website: Westergren.com (under construction at this time)

Education background, including all degrees: Juris Doctorate, University of Texas School of Law, 1970; Bachelor of Arts, University of Texas at Austin, 1967; Associates of Arts, Del Mar College.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Justice of the Peace, Pr 1, Nueces County, 1973-1977; Nueces County Attorney, 1977-1984; 214 District Judge, 1984-2000. Ran for Texas Supreme Court as follow: 1994 did not receive nomination. 1998 received 42% of the vote in the general election. Current race.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. More than 30 years of broad judicial experience, civil, family law, and criminal. I received the award of Outstanding District Court in l995. Experience as an attorney and mediator.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I believe I have the temperament and experience to make a major contribution the highest Court in Texas for civil matters and criminal law concerning juveniles. By capping contributions at $50 per donor I am assuring that I will be unaffected by economic pressures.

Libertarian

Kathie Glass

Age: 62

Occupation and/or main source of income: Practice of law; semi-retired

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Houston, 39 years

Campaign (public) phone number: 512-308-6936

Your campaign (public) email address: info@kathieglass.org

Campaign website: lptexasjustice.com

Education background, including all degrees: University of Georgia, B.A. English, 1974. Magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa University of Georgia, J.D. 1977

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: League of Independent Voters of Texas; Texas LULAC Outstanding Service Award: Woman of Distinction; Open Carry Texas; Disabled American Vets; Chair, Harris County Libertarian Party; Libertarian Party of Texas Executive Committee Representative of S.D. 7 Nix Prop 6 Coalition; Chair, Political Committee of the Libertarian Party of Texas Executive Committee; Drug Policy Forum Executive Committee; Be an Angel; Central Texas Fires Christmas Project

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Texas Attorney General 1982; Governor of Texas 2010 and 2014.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. A free people need a functioning legal system. Cronyism has corrupted the two party system and our Texas legal system. Texas needs justices who are not Republican, not Democrat, and not a crony. We need justices who will adhere to the U.S. and Texas Constitutions and the Rule of Law, and refuse to do the bidding of the cronies. In my 30 year career, I was honored to be the lead trial lawyer in many civil trials. Our small but dedicated trial team went up against huge, well-connected law firms hired by wealthy and well-connected corporate clients. We never lost.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them: A free people need a functioning legal system. Cronyism has corrupted the two party system and our Texas judicial system. Texas needs justices who are not Republican, Democrat, or cronies. Texas justices must adhere to the U.S. and Texas Constitutions and the Rule of Law They must hold inviolate the right to jury trial and our rights against unreasonable searches and seizures under the U.S. and Texas Constitutions. WE NEED JUSTICES WHO WILL HONOR THEIR OATH TO ENFORCE THE CONSTITUTION and nullify unconstitutional federal acts even if the U.S. Supreme Court fails to do so or rules to the contrary.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. The Texas Supreme Court must enforce the U.S. and Texas Constitutions by rejecting as any kind of binding precedent unconstitutional opinions of the U.S. Supreme Court. This is especially important in matters pertaining to Texas law and the Texas Constitution. An example is the U.S. Supreme Court’s unconstitutional Obamacare decision. Nothing in the U.S. Constitution makes the U.S. Supreme Court the supreme or final arbiter of constitutionality.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I believe in limited, Constitutional government. A free people require a functioning legal system, and that requires judges who boldly and without hesitation or personal regard enforce the Constitution and nullify unconstitutional federal acts. I will defend the Rule of Law against the cronies, federal bullies, and other justices when wrong. Like Benjamin Franklin, Libertarians believe that those who give up essential liberty for security will get and deserve neither. I will fight for your right to a jury trial and freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures even in the face of claimed or perhaps real threats to security.

Green Party

Rodolfo Rivera Munoz

Age: 71

Occupation and/or main source of income: Practicing law as an “Indian.” Practicing law, because the Americans locally have created such a monopoly over it, does not “pay the bills” and exposes me to too much danger from racist judges and thus I live off of my V.A. Pension, (80 % disabled for various service related matters), and Social Security.

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: San Antonio; since 1981.

Campaign or public phone number: (210) 400 0298.

Your Campaign (public) email address: rodolfomunoz9106@att.net or Rodolfo.Munoz@indiangenocide.com

Campaign Website: rodolforiveramunoz.com

Education background, including all degrees: University Of California, Los Angeles, School Of Law, J.D. Dec. 10, 1976. University Of California, Los Angeles, Bachelor Of Arts, Political Science, Sept. 7, 1973. Moorpark College, Moorpark California, Associate of Arts; Sept. 1971. Never attended High School but became self-educated as to how rule of law has been applied to favor the European Colonizers. Attended through 9th Grade, Memorial Jr. High, Kingsville, Texas. Last attended 1960.

Highlight of your current and past civic involvement: Surviving in a foreign imposed governance by practicing law and trying to do so as an “Indian” while the main society is trying to complete the extermination of your People. I helped found and served without compensation as legal counsel for the Tlecuauhtlacupeuh Native American Church of the Americas. This was exceedingly Instructive in learning how to function in a governance pretending to be under the rule of law but is not. I have spent the last twenty years trying to educate both my People and Americans about what took place, why, and what should be done about it.

Offices you have sought and held before: Licensed to practice law, and practicing law, before the Supreme Court of Texas and the Supreme Court of the United States; the Western and Southern Districts of Texas; the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals;

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I am the only lawyer to have become self-informed about the fact that the putative “State of Texas” is void ab initio because established in violation of the requirements of the rule of law because both the U.S. Government and the “Texians,” as those who petitioned for annexation of “Texas” to the U.S. in 1845 then called themselves, did so upon falsified factual assertions nevertheless considered and recognized imperative for legitimacy. I have remained licensed and in good standing while fighting for the rights of my People.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The fact that Americans lied, and continue to do so, about being adherents to the rule of law. The most difficult imperative now is to remedy the situation. The true facts cannot continue to be ignored and a means will need be found to move forward without disrupting the world and yet consistent with the rule of law so as to not permit the enemies of reason to take undue advantage.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. To maintain consistency; the U.S. Constitution and established legal precedent must be adhered to while striving to make the world consistent with true adherence to the rule of law but in such a means as to assure that those who will unavoidably remain adherents of the status quo in any way prompted by racist inclinations are not permitted to assert unreasonable influence. Representation of my People must be affected so as to attain a society such as here should have come about had “racism” not been invented and employed by the Americans in bringing us to the present reality.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I have come to understand that Media, Hollywood, government, and the ability of human beings to orchestrate the view and perspective of others must be recognized as perhaps the single most potent weapon of the modern world. We must all work together to articulate a world conducive to our race surviving consistent with how Mother Earth can nourish and sustain us while understanding that we are, as human beings, a mere part of the universe and that we must develop a means of sustaining what exists for future generations while achieving control of human impulses inconsistent with that objective.

Supreme Court Place 5

Republican

Paul Green (I)

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Democrat

Dori Contreras Garza

Age: 58

Occupation and/or main source of income: Justice, 13th Court of Appeals

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: McAllen, Texas 24 years

Campaign (public) phone number: 956-655- 9206

Your campaign (public) email address: P. O. Box 1457, Edinburg, Tx 78540

Campaign website: Justicedori.com

Education background, including all degrees: BBA in Accounting, University of Texas at Austin, 1980; Juris Doctorate, University of Houston Law Center, 1990

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Judge of the Year, State Bar of Texas Hispanic Issues Section, 2016; Board member, Comfort House Services, 2008 - present; Woman of Distinction, Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2014; Good Sam Award, Good Samaritan Community Services-RGV, 2014; Board member 2008-2010, Chair 2011-2013, Good Samaritan Community; Services-RGV; University of Texas-Pan American Executive Mentor Program, 2014-2015; Member, Hidalgo County Texas Democratic Women; Life Member, University of Texas Ex-Students’ Association; Past Board member, St. John’s Episcopal Day School, President, 2009-2010; Volunteer, St. John’s Episcopal Church and School; Frequent speaker at various schools in community; AVANCE Mother of the Year 2005.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Justice, 13th Court of Appeals, 2003 to present; In 1996, I sought election to Hidalgo County Court at Law Number Four. I lost the election in a run-off.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I am in my fourteenth year of service on the 13th Court of Appeals during which I have reviewed the appeals of thousands of cases. I have done the type of work that is done at the Texas Supreme Court. I have the skills, experience, temperament and work ethic necessary for the position.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The Court lacks ethnic, gender and ideological diversity. For over twenty years, the justices have been of the same judicial philosophy and party affiliation. Many Texans have lost faith in the Court because the justices have consistently favored big business and big government, at the expense of individual litigants and consumers. I am running to correct the lack of diversity and to add a different perspective to the debate of the issues. The Supreme Court makes very important decisions that impact the daily lives of Texans. These decision makers should be representative of the state’s demographic and political makeup.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. My top priority is to help restore balance that is lacking on the Court. I will address this problem by adding a different perspective to the debate of the very important matters the court reviews.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I take my job as an appellate court judge very seriously. I am prepared to serve the citizens of the state of Texas in a fair and just manner. I am aware that one of the primary concerns with the appellate process is the length of time it takes for cases to be resolved. I have worked hard for over fourteen years on the court of appeals to dispose of cases efficiently and timely. I will do the same on the Texas Supreme Court.

Libertarian

Tom Oxford

Age: 60

Occupation: Lawyer

Public phone: 409 833 9151

Email: Oxford@Waldmansmallwood.com

Education: University of Texas undergraduate (political science), University of Houston law degree.

Civic Involvement: Long involvement in civil liberties and family violence issues. Active in my children’s schools and currently president of the local youth soccer club.

Offices sought: Have run, unsuccessfully, for the Texas Supreme Court in the past several elections.

Background, skills and experience: Currently managing a successful law firm with an active trial docket. I have argued, and won, cases before both the Texas Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal in New Orleans.

Critical Problems: The Court continues it’s attack on our jury system by repeatedly overruling fact findings by civil juries. This must stop. While the Court would like to believe it’s judgment is superior that is simply not the case. A right to a jury trial is meaningless if the Court regularly disregards the well thought decisions of the jury.

Top Priority: In addition to protecting the place of juries in our judicial system I will actively promote the civil rights set out in Texas Constitution. Few of our citizens realize we have a number of individual rights protected by our state constitution that are broader than those federal rights we are more familiar with, I will bring these to the forefront.

Other information: Both the Republican and Democratic parties have value, they have ideas and perspectives worth taking into account. But neither party has served us well in the recent past. I will bring a new vision that respects both viewpoints while promoting individual rights for all.

Green Party

Charles E. Waterbury

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Supreme Court Place 9

Republican

Eva Guzman (I)

Age: 55

Occupation and/or main source of income: Judge

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: AUSTIN - CYPRESS TEXAS (5) (28)

Campaign (public) phone number: 512-637-4223

Your campaign (public) email address: info@justiceguzman.com

Web site: www.EvaGuzman.com

Education background, including all degrees: L.L.M., Duke University School of Law, Durham, N.C. J.D., South Texas College of Law, Houston, TX B.B.A., University of Houston, Houston, TX

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: As the Supreme Court of Texas Liaison to the Court’s Access to Justice Commission, I am committed to expanding access to the courts for low-income Texans. I also work with leaders across the state to improve outcomes for children in foster care. I believe they are Texas’s most vulnerable children. In addition to bringing my vision to this important work, I lend my leadership and fresh ideas to other institutions within the legal community: Board of Trustees for The Center for American and International Law; Duke University School of Law Board of Visitors; Board of Trustees of South Texas College of Law; Executive Committee, Appellate Judges Education Institute - American Bar Association For more information, please visit www.evaguzman.com

Offices you have sought and/or held before: I have had the great privilege of serving on and being elected to: Supreme Court of Texas, Justice; 14th Court of Appeals, Justice; 309th District Court, Judge

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. As a Judge on the Supreme Court of Texas, I am the only candidate in this race with necessary judicial experience and a proven commitment to faithfully uphold the Constitution and not legislate from the bench. I have a proven track record for sound judicial decisions, fairness, and integrity. I have previously served on the trial court and on the 14th Court of Appeals. I have ruled on thousands of cases and authored hundreds of published opinions on some of the most complex legal issues in the State. I have consistently received high marks in judicial evaluation polls.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The Court serves Texans well and must continue to uphold our overarching commitment to faithfully adhere to our judicial oaths. Beyond that: 1. Expand Veteran’s courts so we may better serve our Veterans. 2. Improve outcomes for children in the child welfare system. 3. Improve access to the civil courts by low-income Texans.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I will continue to make upholding the constitution my top priority. I will also continue to rule fairly and independently. And, I will continue my work to ensure we address the priorities I have outlined above.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I bring to my work on our State’s Supreme Court a conservative judicial philosophy, strong work ethic, superior credentials and a firm commitment to excellence. I believe a judge’s highest duty is to uphold the Constitution and that is the commitment that has shaped my service to my fellow Texans. If I am fortunate enough to earn your vote, you can count on me to uphold the Constitution. I believe policy decisions belong to you -- the People -- not 9 members of the judiciary. I have been married to a now retired police officer for 30 years. We are committed to our Faith, Family and our Country.

Democrat

Savannah Robinson

Age: 60

Occupation and/or main source of income: Trial and Appellate attorney

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Danbury (16 years)

Campaign (public) phone number: 979-922-8825

Your campaign (public) email address: savannahrobinson@aol.com

Campaign website: N/A

Education background, including all degrees: B.A in Architecture, Rice University, J.D. in Law, U.T

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I’m not very involved in civic events.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: None

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I am not a “true conservative.” I have spent the last 30 years representing workers, consumers, injured persons, employees and homeowners. I have sued insurance companies and banks. I have a point of view that is concerned with the effect of draconian laws on the welfare of the public.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. Voting rights is probably the biggest challenge. Texas has been found deficient in federal courts. Those cases will enter the stream of litigation in state court soon. I think Texas needs to stop trying to stifle the vote, and stop restricting the access to the polls by minorities and elders.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I don’t know whether there is a “first.” I have lots of ideas to streamline certain types of cases for pro se (self-represented) parties.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I am divorced. My daughter is in college. I have an extensive list of appellate cases, some of which were helpful in developing law that is beneficial to consumers, workers, employees, homeowners and injured persons.

Libertarian

Don Fulton

Age: 66

Occupation and/or main source of income: Attorney (sole practitioner)

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Trophy Club 3 years, prior to that, Aledo for 17 years, before that Fort Worth 16 years

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-296-5015

Your campaign (public) email address: donfulton@lawyersline.com

Campaign website: donfulton.com (not yet up and running)

Education background, including all degrees: Arlington High School (honors 1968), U.T.A., BA in Economics (honors) 1972, Commissioned in U.S. Army 1972, S.M.U. Law School, Juris Doctor, 1976

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Current or past member: Tarrant County Bar Association, Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association, Tarrant County Family Law Bar Association, Parker County Bar Association, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Fort Worth Botanic Society

Offices you have sought and/or held before: Texas Supreme Court candidate 2014

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I have neither solicited nor accepted campaign contributions, nor been a big firm partner who now has cases before the court. (Lawyers and judges should avoid the appearance of impropriety.) I have practiced law in the courts of over 35 counties, plus 3 courts of appeal, the Texas Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, the Federal Fifth Circuit and the US Supreme Court.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. I propose to end real or perceived cronyism in all courts by passing a rule that the Justices are not allowed to see or learn the name of the attorney or law firm filing in their court, all that to be kept solely in the clerk's office. A new rule effective with the next election that an attorney who contributes more than $250.00 to a judicial campaign may not practice in that court.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I will make personal liberty and individual constitutional rights a hallmark of the decision to grant discretionary review, even if that takes legislative action (which I believe it does not under the Texas Constitution), and Institute the reforms outlined above.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. Honorably discharged as a Captain, United States Army. Family military service goes back to the American Revolution. Native Texan. Two disabled children for about 30 years. Have my own Christian website which does not solicit or accept contributions. Avid gardener. Former competitive horseman. Currently a farmer and cattleman.

Green Party

Jim Chisholm

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2

Democrat

Lawrence “Larry” Meyers (I)

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Republican

Mary Lou Keel

Age: 55

Occupation and/or main source of income: Judge, 232nd District Court

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Houston, TX; 34 years

Campaign (public) phone number: No response

Your campaign (public) email address: judgemlkeel@gmail.com

Campaign website: www.maryloukeel.com

Education background, including all degrees: B.A. in English from the University of Texas, 1982; J.D. from the University of Houston, 1985

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Translator for Cuban dissidents on www.translatingcuba.com; past volunteer for Houston Volunteer Lawyer Project, Houston Read Commission, Texas Center for Adolescent Rehabilitation and Education, Family Court Evening project, and Houston Bar Association Bench-Bar Pro Bono Awards Committee, among others.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: 232nd District Court, 1995-present.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I have served as a felony trial court judge for over 21 years. Before that I served as a prosecutor in trial and appellate courts for a total of seven years. My first job after law school was as a briefing attorney for the First Court of Appeals. I have been board certified in criminal law since 1990.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. The biggest challenge facing the Court of Criminal Appeals is to be served by well-qualified judges who exhibit good judgment. I address that challenge by offering myself as a candidate for Place 2.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. If elected, my goal would be to write decisive and clearly written opinions that delineate bright line rules for the administration of criminal justice in the trial courts.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you.I am married to attorney Jim Hippard, and we have three children, all young adults. My hobbies include reading and cooking.

Libertarian

Mark Ash

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Green Party

Adam “Bulletproof” King Blackwell Reposa

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Court of Criminal Appeals Place 5

Republican

Scott Walker

Age: 62

Occupation and/or main source of income: Attorney

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Residence in the DFW area for 45 years.

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-478-9999

Your campaign (public) email address: scott@lawyerwalker.com

Web site: scottwalkerforjudge.com

Education background, including all degrees: Bachelor of Business Administration-Dallas Baptist University; Law degree-Baylor Law School.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I have been self-employed all of my adult life. My law practice is primarily a criminal litigation and appellate practice. I have tried over forty felony jury trials and my success rate is over 50%. I have written over 70 appellate briefs, and also have a high rate of success in my appellate practice.

In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. I feel that the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has done an outstanding job. The majority of the Judges are very conservative, as I am. Therefore, I can't point to three critical problems facing the Court in the near future. The one issue in the Texas State justice system is the fact that there are prosecutors in this State that are using criminal prosecutions to carry out political vendettas. Doing so is an abuse of the system. As a judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals I will do my part to keep this practice from taking place in the future. I will always vote to grant any petitions for discretionary review on cases that appear to be politically motivated, and the rule on the issues fairly and justly.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. As a Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals, Scott will diligently uphold the laws of the State of Texas and the United States. He strongly believes in the separation of powers. Scott Walker is ardently opposed to legislation from the bench. As an appellate judge, Scott Walker will not be soft on crime, and will always adhere to the Constitution. If elected, Scott Walker will diligently perform his duties as a judge with the highest degree of ethics, morals and values.

Democrat

Betsy Johnson

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Libertarian

William Bryan Strange III

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Green Party

Judith Sanders-Castro

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Court of Criminal Appeals Place 6

Republican

Michael E. Keasler (I)

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Democrat

Robert Burns

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

Libertarian

Mark W. Bennett

Did not respond to Star-Telegram request for information.

348th District Court

Republican

Mike Wallach

Age: 61

Occupation and/or main source of income: Attorney

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Colleyville, 17 years

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-366-4793

Your campaign (public) email address: mike@mikewallachforjudge.com

Web site: www.mikewallachforjudge.com

Education background, including all degrees: Eastern Hills High School 1973, Top Male Graduate; Texas Christian University, B.A. History & Political Science, 1975, magna cum laude; University of Houston, Doctor of Jurisprudence, 1979, cum laude

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: I am a member of the governing board of Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston, the premier pediatric burn hospital in the world. I am a Mason and have served in leadership roles in related organizations. I have been active in leadership roles in my local church organizations for over forty years. I am currently a member of the Colleyville Lions Club and Bear Valley Community Church in Colleyville.

Offices you have sought and/or held before: I served for fifteen years as a Director, Officer, and as President of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel, a statewide association of civil trial and personal injury defense lawyers. I have also served the State Bar of Texas in various committee positions, including the Committee on Pattern Jury Charges, and on the planning committees of various legal education programs for both the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Association of Defense Counsel. I am also a member of several national and international associations of civil trial and personal injury defense lawyers.

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. In addition to being board certified in two civil trial specialties, being a member of the Texas Bar College, a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and a Sustaining Charter Fellow of the Tarrant County Bar Foundation, being recognized by my peers as a Texas Super Lawyer 2003-2015 (Texas Lawyer Magazine) and a Top Attorney 2003-2015 (Fort Worth Texas Magazine), I have tried approximately 100 civil jury trials. I am the most qualified and experienced candidate in this race.

In 100 words or less, please outline the three most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. 1. Frivolous and meritless lawsuits. The Court should enforce the applicable statutes and rules to minimize the slowing effect of those types of lawsuits on the Court's docket so that legitimate disputes receive the time and attention they deserve from the Court. 2. Respect for the Judiciary. The Court should allow good lawyers the leeway to properly manage the progress of their cases while using the procedural tools necessary to require less diligent parties or lawyers to move their cases efficiently but fairly. 3. Judging, not legislating. Judges should enforce the laws as handed to them by the Legislature or the Supreme Court and not legislate from the bench.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. I will evaluate the cases on my docket to determine what cases are oldest and possibly in need of the Judge's attention to obtain prompt resolution.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I have advocated for lawsuit reform for two decades, being one of a handful of private practice attorneys selected to draft the model legislation for what became Texas's landmark tort reform law in 2003. I also have the most substantial legal experience of the candidates in this race. Additionally, I married my high school sweetheart, Susan, forty years ago and we have three children, three grandchildren, and two grand dogs. In my free time, I support the charitable efforts of Shriners Hospitals for Children, where any child properly in need of medical care within the hospital's scope of services will be accepted regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

Democrat

Joe Drago

Age: 48

Occupation and/or main source of income: Lawyer - Brackett & Ellis, P.C.

City of residence and how long you’ve lived there: Fort Worth (48 years)

Campaign (public) phone number: 817-845-5528

Your campaign (public) email address: 3917 Potomac Ave., Fort Worth, Texas 76107

Campaign website: drago4judge.com

Education background, including all degrees: Nolan Catholic High School (1986); University of Texas at Austin (1990)- BBA Marketing; Baylor Law School (1993) - Juris Doctor

Highlights of your current and past civic involvement: Leadership Fort Worth Scoring Committee for annual Colonial Golf Tournament; Patron Safety Committee for annual Colonial Golf Tournament; Volunteer Pasch Girls Soccer (2008-2010); Annual Judge at our adopt-a-school J.T. Stevens Elementary Declamation Contest and Mock Trial; Past volunteer lecturer in government class at Christian Life Preparatory School

Offices you have sought and/or held before: None

In 100 words or less, please explain how your background, skills and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this office. I have 23 years of experience in all types of litigation—including representing clients involved commercial litigation, medical malpractice, personal injury, and insurance litigation. For over five years I have worked on lawsuits arising out of Hurricanes Rita and Ike and recent hailstorms. My experience, work ethic and organizational skills make me uniquely qualified to handle and administer a large caseload to timely and efficiently protect an individual's right to be heard and to approach all situations in a fair and independent manner.

In 100 words or less, please outline the most critical problems facing the public office you are seeking and the solutions you propose to address them. As judge, I pledge to apply the law as written equally to all those who come before the court, regardless of race, religion, gender, or economic status. The job of trial court judge is to correctly and evenly apply the law as set forth by the state of Texas and United States Constitution. If elected, my decisions will be driven by the law, not by political convictions and partisanship. Being a judge shouldn’t be about: “Democrat,” “Republican,” “Liberal,” or “Conservative.” It’s a judge’s job to listen to the arguments presented, and apply the law as is written in a fair and impartial manner.

In 100 words or less, please outline the top priority you would address first if elected to office. My top priority as judge will be to treat each person that comes before the court fairly and apply the law as written. The oath of office requires a judge to “Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State, so help me God.” The independence of the judiciary is crucial to the operation of government. A judge’s priority is to carefully weigh the evidence, apply the law and make a decision based on the law. As such, a judge should be uninfluenced both consciously and unconsciously by political ideology and rhetoric.

In 100 words or less, please add anything else you would like voters to know about you. I was born and raised in Fort Worth and practice law as a shareholder at Brackett & Ellis, P.C., a firm I am proud to call my legal home since graduation in 1993. My greatest joys in life are my two beautiful daughters – Renee, who obtained her degree in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University in May and Gabriella, a Junior at Paschal High School who hopes to be a physical therapist.

This story was originally published September 30, 2016 at 11:03 AM with the headline "2016 Voters Guide: Statewide and judicial candidates on the Nov. 8 ballot."