Candidates for Tarrant County Criminal District Judge, Court 7 on November 8 ballot
Eric Starnes
Political party (if applicable): Republican
Age as of November 8, 2022: 51
Campaign website: www.ericstarnes.com
Occupation: Assistance Criminal District Attorney
Education: Bachelor of Science 1993 Sam Houston State University, Master of Public Administration 2000- University of North Texas, Juris Doctor 2006 Texas Wesleyan University
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
- Volunteer Canine Handler with Search One Rescue Team 1994-1999.
- Adjunct College Professor Tarrant County College and Tarleton State University.
- Recognition by Morrisdale Neighborhood Association for Outstanding Service in 1997.
- Euless Police Department Civic Achievement Award 2014.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Sharon Sands, Representative Jeff Cason, Euless Police Officers Association. However, I’m heavily self-funded.
What is the most important distinction between you and your opponent? As a criminal justice practitioner with nearly 3 decades of experience, I recognize the duty of the trial judge is apply the law as it is written. The judge needs to be available to all parties and to treat them equally under the law. This is a position of public service and not a “throne” to rule from, as my opponent references in a TikTok campaign video. I will be an active judge, and not an activist judge.
What are the three biggest issues in this race? 1. Currently there is a backlog of cases due to Covid, an increase in crime due in part to an increase in population. The backlog needs to be analyzed to determine how the courts can resolve the cases effectively and efficiently, without sacrificing justice to all parties.2. A staffing shortage in the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department, which operates and staffs the Tarrant County Jail, has sweeping effects, including the lack of jail space for misdemeanor defendants who are assessed jail time as a punishment. The limited availability in the jail is saved for those accused or convicted of felonies leaving little room for misdemeanor criminals. 3. Currently, people arrested for Class A or B misdemeanors must go through a lengthy process called “central magistration” before they can bond out of jail. This newly implemented process keeps inmates in police custody longer and requires more county resources therefore it is a big issue in this race for Criminal Court No. 7.
What is your promise to Tarrant County residents if you win? I will treat defendants and victims equally, I will apply the law as required by the Constitution, and I plan to maximize judicial efficiency in order to deal with cases as quickly and justly as possible. I will work with other criminal justice partners to find ways to decrease the amount of time between arrest, the bonding process, and the resolution of the case.
In your view, are there any crimes being too lightly sentenced in Tarrant County? Are there crimes that are being too harshly sentenced? I do not believe any criminals who accept a plea bargain, or those convicted by a judge or jury, are being too harshly sentenced because 1.) I have seen the plea bargain offers from the prosecutors during my time at the Criminal D.A.’s office, 2.) the defendant does not have to accept a plea bargain if they think it is too harsh, and 3.) if jurors on a case select a harsh punishment, then that is what they believe is the right thing to do.
What should be the top priorities of a Tarrant County criminal district judge? This is a misdemeanor bench that deals with Class A and Class B crimes. The top priorities of misdemeanor judges are 1.) ensuring that cases are handled in a timely manner, 2.) protecting people’s Constitutional rights, and 3.) enforcing the laws as written.
MarQ Clayton
Political party (if applicable): Democratic
Age as of November 8, 2022: 38
Campaign website: MarQClaytonForJudge.com
Occupation: Owner and Managing Attorney, The Clayton Law Firm
Education: University of Oklahoma - Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, Pre-Medical studies. Texas A&M University School of Law - Juris Doctorate.
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I have served on the board of The L. Clifford Davis Legal Association as President, President-Elect, Treasurer, Expunction Clinic chair, and currently as Immediate Past President. The L. Clifford Davis Legal Association serves the Tarrant County community through legal clinics, workshops, and support of various issues of public concern.I assisted in organizing 50 Tarrant County lawyers who offered pro Bono services to protestors who were arrested in Tarrant County.
Who are your top three campaign contributors? Myself, Aunt LaRissa Ferrell, and brother Mark Clayton
What is the most important distinction between you and your opponent? I have the diverse experience necessary to be judge of county criminal court 7. I have litigation experience as a prosecutor, criminal defense, and family law attorney which allows me the ability to see a case from all sides. I have experience in owning and managing a successful law firm which directly correlates to the administrative duties of a judge. I have significant connections to the Tarrant County community and aware of the community needs. My personal life experiences as a litigator, witness, and victim allows me the ability to empathize with the various individuals who will come through court 7. My experience in corporate America as a data analyst gives me the expertise needed to analyze the court 7 caseload, and implement process flows to reduce case backlog and become more efficient.
What are the three biggest issues in this race? 1. Diversifying the Tarrant County judiciary to accurately reflect the demographics of Tarrant County’s population and the courtroom litigants. 2. Restoring a humanity-driven temperament to the bench in an effort to rebuild trust in our judicial system. 3. Acknowledging and implementing creative solutions to make the courts more effective and efficient.
What is your promise to Tarrant County residents if you win? I promise to continue to be of service to Tarrant County. I will ensure transparency and integrity in all court proceedings. I promise to create process flows to reduce case backlog and ensure misdemeanor cases are not pending longer than 1 year.
In your view, are there any crimes being too lightly sentenced in Tarrant County? Are there crimes that are being too harshly sentenced? The general public feel as though drug crimes often times receive higher punishment than crimes involving victims. It is obviously case dependent. However, in my view I do believe that we should not crowd our jails with individuals who have low-level nonviolent offense.
What should be the top priorities of a Tarrant County criminal district judge? I’ll reply in terms of County Criminal Court. I believe our top priorities should be case backlog, reduce jail population, and create efficiency in future cases.
