Meet the Republicans running for judge on Texas’ Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3
The Star-Telegram sent questionnaires to all candidates. Responses have been edited for clarity and length
Gina Parker
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 58
Website: https://www.ginaforjudge.com/
Public offices you’ve held or run for, with years: Former - Robinson City Attorney, Assistant Bell County Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, Commissioner and Chairwoman of TDLR .
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? Never
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? Never
Why are you seeking this office?
After prayerful consideration with my husband, I decided to run for judge. My heart for justice and the desire to serve are guiding principles in life and legal career.
My judicial philosophy of following the original intent of both the Texas Constitution and United States Constitution is more than mere lip service, but a deeply held commitment to the rule of law which is the bedrock of our American system of justice.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
My top priority would be to uphold the rule of law and never legislate from the bench. My other priorities would be to be fair and treat all parties with respect.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I have 33 years of criminal law experience. As a public servant, I’ve served as a City Attorney, Assistant County Attorney and Assistant District Attorney. I’ve served as Commissioner and Chairwoman of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation deciding 100s of administrative law appeals. My experience as a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney, as well as managing my own law practice, are significant differences from my opponent. This gives me a unique perspective which allows for a broader understanding of the issues. To my knowledge, my opponent has never practiced as a criminal defense attorney.
Bert Richardson
Occupation: Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3.
Age: 63
Website: http://www.electjudgerichardson.com/
Public offices you’ve held or run for, with years: 379th District Court Appointed in 1999, elected 2000, 2004 and defeated in 2008. Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3 elected 2014
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: NO
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: NO
Why are you seeking this office?
I am running for reelection for this position. I am qualified for this position. I have tried, presided and participated in over 50 capital cases, written and participated in over 100 appeals, reviewed hundreds of post conviction writs, and wrote and participated in cases where 9 defendants were declared actually innocent. While serving as a Senior Visiting Judge in Texas in 2013, three incumbent judges announced they would not seek reelection. At the time I had prosecuted, tried and presided over every type of case handled by the TCCA. After careful consideration, I decided it was a good opportunity.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
1. The TCCA is the busiest appellate court in the country. One way to streamline the appellate or writ process is for the Court to move towards electronic filing of pleadings like the Texas Supreme Court, but even that has problems. Nevertheless, we continue to make progress in that area
2. Continue to issue clear and concise opinions on a timely basis for the benefit of lawyers and judges in the lower courts.
3. Actively participate in educating the public and the State Bar about the role of the Court by participating in Continuing Legal Education (CLE) presentations throughout the State.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
Voters should choose me over my opponent based on my legal qualifications and judicial experience. 1)I have practiced criminal law full time for over 31 years. 2) Currently a Judge on Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. 3) Former State and Federal Prosecutor with significant trial and appellate experience. 4) State District Court Judge for over 15 years. 5) Board Certified in Criminal Law. 6) Adjunct Law Professor 15+ years in local universities, including St. Mary’s University School of Law. 7) As a trial and appellate judge I have participated in 9 actual innocence cases and hundreds of post conviction writs.
This story was originally published February 13, 2020 at 9:05 AM.
