Top News Stories – Page 249

County Court-at-Law

Q&A with Mark Cashion
In your opinion, what are some of the most important responsibilities of the elected position you are seeking?
Every person that appears in this court has some of the most important matters in their life being decided. This Judge has the responsibility to the citizens to give every case the time and attention that they deserve, to actively listen to the facts of their case, and to rule fairly by applying the law to those specific facts.
What makes you the best candidate to get those tasks accomplished?
I have been practicing law in Medina County for over 27 years, most of it in this very court. The majority of the contested cases heard in this court are family law cases. I am the only candidate for this position who is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in family law. I also have legal experience in insurance defense, civil disputes, criminal, juvenile, real estate, and probate/estate law. I have served as Municipal Judge in Castroville and as Special Prosecutor for the Medina County Attorney’s office prosecuting criminal cases.
What changes or improvements would you strive to make if elected?
I have had the privilege of working with every single judge that has presided over this court since it was founded. I have seen what it takes to run this court effectively and efficiently. As Judge, I will continuously be looking for areas to improve upon, as our previous Judges have done throughout their time on the bench. Currently, the court does a great job moving all the dockets along in a timely manner and I plan to continue that.
What are some of the most common questions voters have asked you, and your response?
Why someone should vote for me? I have experience in every area of the law that would appear before this court. I have an advantage over my opponent because of my Board Certification and my experience as a Judge. My opponent does not have these qualifications. Also, I have been in this community for over 40 years and share the values of the citizens of Medina County.
Please also include a short bio at the end of your Q&A 50 words or less.
I grew up in Devine and graduated from St. Mary’s School of Law. My wife, Katie, is a Texas A&M graduate and teaches high school at Lackland ISD. Both sons, Jacob and Colby, reside in Devine with their families. I have been actively involved in our community my entire life.

Q&A with Anna Whorton
In your opinion, what are some of the most important responsibilities of the elected position you are seeking?
The County Court at Law is responsible for a large docket and wide variety of cases, requiring efficient case management. As Judge, I must rely on years of experience to resolve tough cases. As important as legal knowledge, the Judge must be of high moral character, must be a hard worker, and must have the judicial temperament to treat all litigants with fairness and respect.
What makes you the best candidate to get those tasks accomplished?
I have the experience, commitment, and character to carry on the legacy of judicial integrity and fair rulings on this bench. With 22 years of civil trial court experience and criminal experience, I am the best candidate to handle the types of cases heard by Judge Torres. My conduct in this election proves that I am also the only candidate with the moral character and integrity to serve as Judge.
What changes or improvements would you strive to make if elected?
Judge Torres, her staff, and the clerks manage the large docket smoothly, and the Judge resolves cases fairly and efficiently. I see no changes or improvements that need to be made.
What are some of the most common questions voters have asked you, and your response?
Common question: What is the difference between the County Court at Law and County Judge?
The County Court at Law is the trial court for Medina County. Currently, Judge Torres hears family law cases such as divorce and custody. She hears criminal cases such as DWI or family violence, including juvenile offenses. She hears probate cases, such as those brought when someone passes away. She also hears cases involving business disputes and real estate. By contrast, the County Judge (Chris Schuchart) is much like the “chief executive officer” for Medina County and runs the day-to-day operations necessary for the County to operate. When you consider the importance of the County Court at Law, remember that you may appear in front of her one day. On that day, you will want the Judge to treat you with respect and fairness, to work hard to resolve your case, and to know the law.
Please also include a short bio at the end of your Q&A 50 words or less.
I have 22 years of extensive criminal and civil trial experience. I am a former felony prosecutor. In private practice, I handle family law, criminal defense, real estate, probate, and business disputes. Active in this community for 20 years, I have the experience and character to serve you.

Medina County Clerk

Q&A with Gina Champion
In your opinion, what are some of the most important responsibilities of the elected position you are seeking?
My first responsibility is the safe keeping and preservation of all historical public records from vital statistics to criminal and so much more. Maintaining the integrity and public trust of the county Clerk office is our goal every day.
What makes you the best candidate to get those tasks accomplished?
My commitment, dedication, experience and knowledge that I have brought to Medina County has allowed me to be a public servant you can count on.
What changes or improvements would you strive to make if elected?
I am currently working on preserving some of our historical records and will continue to do that for the next generations to come. The only improvements will be to continue the updating of our office to keep up with the ever changing technology.
What are some of the most common questions voters have asked you, and your response?
Will I be an advocate for employees? Absolutely! My responsibility as a leader is to make sure that any employee feels comfortable coming to me with any questions, issues or problems they have whether it is business or personal.
Am I seeking just one term? Absolutely not, it is my mission and my goal to continue serving the citizens of Medina County as a public servant they can trust and depend on for many years to come.
Please also include a short bio at the end of your Q&A 50 words or less.
I’ve lived in Medina County the majority of my life. I’ve worked as a clerk for Medina County and also served in the Pct. 4 Commissioners Office. In August 2017, I was selected to fill the County Clerk position for the unexpired term. I’ve also served on Devine City Council District 2 ESD Board and the DISD School Board.

Q&A with Patti Bermea Barton
In your opinion, what are some of the most important responsibilities of the elected position you are seeking?
Service to the public, being a good steward of the taxpayer, confidence and money adherence to the laws governing the office, and having a good working relationship with the other offices.
What makes you the best candidate to get those tasks accomplished?
I offer over 20 years of public service. I have worked with multiple agencies within the State of Texas. I bring 14 years of contracts and accounting with the ability to work with all types of personalities.
What changes or improvements would you strive to make if elected?
I won’t know what changes need to be made until I’m elected to be able to see. I previously stated at one of the forums that making the office of elections available to the public would be a change I’d make. At this time that is the only change I can say that needs to be made.
What are some of the most common questions voters have asked you, and your response?
I bring over 14 years of social services with experience in contracts and accounting, as well as the ability to work with the public and multiple agencies within the state and non-state organizations.
Please also include a short bio at the end of your Q&A 50 words or less.
Hi my name is Patti Bermea Barton and I am running for Medina County Clerk. I was born and raised in Medina County and am a 1983 graduate of Hondo High School. I am the mother of two adult children. I bring to you as a candidate 14 years of public service with the state in multiple agencies. I am familiar with a variety of business functions ranging from contracts to accounting. I joined Medina County with no experience in elections as the election clerk. I was then appointed Elections Administrator where I remained till my resignation to run for office. While in that position I spearheaded the move for countywide electronic voting to help ease the voting process for the voters of Medina County. I look forward to bringing this type of desire to learn a new area of public service as an elected official. I need your help with your vote to become the next Medina County Clerk; your vote is your voice.

Justice of the Peace, Precinct #4

Q&A with Phil Montgomery
In your opinion, what are some of the most important responsibilities of the elected position you are seeking?
You must be willing, able, and committed to perform the duties of the office, to listen to all the facts, apply the 1aw and fairly rule in each case. Also you must treat each citizen with the upmost respect. Justices of the Peace must also be available to issue warrants, conduct inquests and magistrate.
What makes you the best candidate to get those tasks accomplished?
I am retired from Slate service and have no other occupation. For the past 12 years, my staff and I have attended judicial training to insure we are current on legislative changes so court cases can be fairly adjudicated. I am the only candidate for this position with civil and criminal trial experience as Judge and practical knowledge in issuing warrants, conducting inquests and magistration. I am and will continue to be available.
What changes or improvements would you strive to make if elected?
The 85th Legislative session passed 8 bills that directly impact the justice court. Some changes were simple, while others were not, so it becomes our duty to apply the new laws and become knowledgeable on how it affects our day to day office routine. The nature of the office is that there are always changes so continuing education is paramount.
What are some of the most common questions voters have asked you, and your response?
Do I have to hire a lawyer to represent me? You do not. By design the Justice Court Rules simplify the process so you can represent yourself. However, if you can, always seek legal advice.
What is a Justice of the Peace? Justices of the Peace were the first Judges in Texas. When Texas was Republic, people picked a Judge based on honor and trust to maintain civil order. Since those days, over 100 statutes in Texas law directly relate to JP’s. There is too much Texas honor and history. I will continue to fairly and equitably rule in all cases.
Please also include a short bio at the end of your Q&A 50 words or less.
I have been married to Aileen (DuBose) for 44 years. We have 2 children, Michelle and Matthew and 6 grandchildren. I have been recognized on the House Floor, named Judge of the Year, served as President JPCA of Texas. I am proud to be called your Justice of the Peace.

Q&A with Tomas “Tommy” Ramirez
In your opinion, what are some of the most important responsibilities of the elected position you are seeking?
There are many functions for a justice of the peace, including presiding over landlord/tenant evictions and traffic tickets, as well as signing certain warrants and setting bonds in criminal matters. But two of the main functions of the office involve presiding over civil lawsuits whose value is currently up to $10,000, and appearing at the scene of tragic situations to officially pronounce a person deceased. In the civil lawsuit, many elderly people are being targeted by lending institutions and companies that buy bad debt. These are happening with more regularity in the JP courts because they are the fastest and cheapest lawsuit in Texas. The JP must make certain the law is followed by these lending institutions when presenting their cases, which should result in more protection for our citizens, including the elderly. Also, a JP must frequently interact with families who have just suffered tragic loss, and as such, the JP must minister to these hurting souls while conducting his duties.
What makes you the best candidate to get those tasks accomplished?
I believe that I am uniquely qualified to handle all JP court tasks, because of my background and history. I am a trial lawyer who works with and handles the legal rules which govern all Texas trials on a daily basis. I have presided over complex lawsuits while working as a hearing officer, and those cases were run efficiently, speedily and arrived at conclusion required by the law. I have also been a licensed minister from First Baptist Church Devine for many years and have served hurting people across all social backgrounds in the most difficult of situations. No other candidate can make these claims.
What changes or improvements would you strive to make if elected?
If elected, I would try to improve the JP court and its offices in several ways including (1) having the court hearings run faster and more efficiently which would allow the citizens to spend less time in court and more at work or with their families, (2) being more available for law enforcement when they need assistance with warrants, (3) having a live person answer the telephone when the JP offices are called, and not an answering machine, and (4) making sure it is posted and clear to all citizens that in this JP court, the law is the master and the JP is its slave.
What are some of the most common questions voters have asked you, and your response?
The most common questions asked of me by our citizens have been posted in the past two editions of the Devine News and I would encourage the reader to review those.
Please also include a short bio at the end of your Q&A 50 words or less.
I am a lifelong Texan who chose to raise my family in Medina County, even though other options were available. I have been a practicing attorney for over 24 years, handling numerous types of cases to better serve our citizens in need. Meanwhile, my wife and I raised our three children and participated in all of their activities as they grew up. We also attended, and continue to attend, church services regularly, and I have been blessed with the privilege of serving in a ministerial capacity in this church and many other churches in the area since moving to Medina County in 1998. The JP position will allow me another avenue of serving our community and I look forward to serving you.

Constable, Precinct #4

Q&A with Jose Pedroza
In your opinion, what are some of the most important responsibilities of the elected position you are seeking?
The responsibilities of a Constable in Medina County are to provide court security and to serve civil citations such as subpoenas or arrest warrants etc. from the Justice of the Peace Office.
What makes you the best candidate to get those tasks accomplished?
I have the experience to perform the duties required of a Constable, as a Deputy Sheriff we are required to perform court security for the higher courts and serve civil citations throughout the county.
What changes or improvements would you strive to make if elected?
Making changes are hard to accept at times but I believe the time has come. There is a greater need in having a more active Constable than ever before. The changes I will strive for, to be a more interactive, informative and compassionate Constable. I will work on making the Constable’s Office a more full service in providing services the communities are lacking today.
What are some of the most common questions voters have asked you, and your response?
I’ve been asked, “what’s the difference between myself and my opponent?” My response is, there are many but one of those differences is that I have served the people in the communities not just in the courtroom but in the classrooms, in their community centers, and I’m resourceful in providing needed information or assistance to those in need.
Please also include a short bio at the end of your Q&A 50 words or less.
My family and I reside in Devine, TX. We have three children, two who currently attend schools in the DISD.
I have approx. 17 years of law enforcement experience and have served the communities of Medina County as a Patrol Deputy for approx. 10 years. Recently, I was a School Resource Officer and Patrol Deputy for the LaSalle County Sheriff Office for 4 years.

Q&A with Malcolm Watson
In your opinion, what are some of the most important responsibilities of the elected position you are seeking?
My position is responsible for carrying out the statutory requirements of the courts, civil process, and warrants if any.
What makes you the best candidate to get those tasks accomplished? What changes or improvements would you strive to make if elected?
My forty-five years of experience as a law enforcement officer and my ability to interact with the general public in a positive manner. Public trust is a must with any peace officer. Trust is looked at in a person’s character, morals, ethics and integrity to name a few. A peace officer also needs to maintain open communication with the public. If an officer cannot communicate he is setting himself up for failure.
What are some of the most common questions voters have asked you, and your response?
Usually voters ask about the jurisdiction of a constable, his authority, and about the civil process that he serves.
Please also include a short bio at the end of your Q&A 50 words or less.
I have served in law enforcement for 44 years, since 1973. I have served as a State Game Warden from 1991-2004, as a School Resource Officer at Medina Valley High, as a Court Bailiff at Medina County Courthouse from 2005-2013, and as a Chief Deputy Sheriff in LaSalle County for 4 years. I was appointed Medina County Pct. 4 Constable this April by the Commissioner’s Court upon the former constables resignation.

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