Meet the Republicans running for district judge in the 96th judicial district
The Star-Telegram sent questionnaires to all candidates. Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Pat Gallagher
Occupation: Attorney
Age: 61
Website: www.patgallagher.republican
Public offices you’ve held or run for, with years:In 2018 I ran for the 342nd Judicial District Court of Tarrant County. I received 43,650 votes, or 47.8%, in a three-way primary, then lost in the runoff.
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: I have never been arrested or charged with a crime. My only involvement with criminal proceedings was as a prosecutor. I had 67 misdemeanor and 11 felony trials as an Assistant District Attorney for Dallas County, Texas.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: No bankruptcies. I was improperly sued for property taxes when Sears Mortgage paid someone else’s taxes with my escrow money. The case was quickly dismissed after the error was discovered.
Why are you seeking this office?
I believe that we must have experienced lawyers who are willing to serve as judges so that the system will be efficient and have integrity.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
1. Fairness.
2. Efficiency in moving cases through the system so that each person and business may have their day in court.
3. Unwavering dedication to the Rule of Law.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I have a record of moving cases through the courts and a record of success representing people, small businesses, large corporations, and insurance companies for 33 years. I have handled over 600 cases in the ten Civil District Courts of Tarrant County, and have tried nearly 300 jury trials in nine different Texas counties. My opponents in the primary have appeared in only 11 and 15 cases in the Tarrant District Courts and have few, if any, jury trials.
Chris Taylor
Occupation: Assistant Criminal District Attorney - Civil Division. My primary job is to advise the Tarrant County Commissioners Court on legal matters and represent the County in litigation matters.
Age: 37
Website: www.ctaylorforjudge.com
Public offices you’ve held or run for, with years: None
Have you ever been arrested, charged with a crime or otherwise been part of a criminal proceeding? If yes, please explain: None.
Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding? If yes, please explain: Yes. I filed a lawsuit against my old insurance company for failing to rightfully approve a claim. We settled the lawsuit in lieu of trial.
Why are you seeking this office?
We are losing a well-informed, legal scholar who is retiring from this bench. I want to ensure that the next judge of this court has the legal acumen and core values to uphold the rule of law and interpret constitutional and statutory provisions as written. I have run my campaign on the strength of my core value: honor, integrity, and service, and these values are the cornerstone of an unbiased judge.
What would your top 3 policy priorities be?
As a judge, I believe that it is inappropriate to have policy priorities. My job will be to interpret and apply the law, as written, and not legislate from the bench.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?
I have a unique set of experience including highly complex litigation matters with millions of dollars in dispute and representing public entities in litigation matters. All of these matters require sound, legal analysis to resolve these disputes. I believe my diverse set of experience and commitment to integrity and honor in the courtroom make me uniquely qualified to serve as the next judge of this court.
William Shane Nolen
Did not respond.
This story was originally published February 13, 2020 at 4:03 PM.
