US Vote Smart

Candidate Path

Submitted by john wertz on 2018-02-18 05:04:00

PROS

Understands all aspects of civil law. Understands how this court works, and the challenges facing the court.
Will hit the ground running, with no on the job training.
Supports conservative principles; strict constructionist
Has extensive legal experience and promotes the Constitution; has vast understanding of practices of all courts
Does not support judicial activism but won't hestitate to challenge unconstitutional law(Obamacare, Gay Marriage Act);
Solid background in Probate Law(24 years). Equal time at Trial and Appeals Courts
Had to correct her opponent in debates

The first correction was in EF Debate (1/4/18), when Ms. Linzer said the court's minimum case value/amount by statute was $200K. Ms Bayes corrected her by saying the actual amount is only $500.
At a Libery Belles forum on 1/11/18, in Panorama Village, Ms. Linzer said the County Auditors position was created by the Texas Constitution. Once again, Ms. Bays had to correct her, saying the Auditors office is created under Local Government Code.

Willing to challenge the establishment
Produced a number of popular "What a judge does" videos in her "What You Want-to-Know-Wednesday" series.
Wants to collaborate w/board of judges to ensure all are working to max potential so we don't have to pay for another court
Doesn't feel the County Auditor is completely independent from Commissioners Court.
Endorsed by: Texas Right to Life, Empower Texans; The Conroe Courier and The Goldenhammer.

CONS

Certified specialist in probate court. This is not a probate court; this court never has and never will hear a probate case because it has no jurisdiction to ever hear one. These are civil lawsuits between businesses and individuals, as well as property tax cases.
Concerns that her willingness to challenge unconstitutional "settled law" may result in increased appeals, but is good in citing reasoning
This court also has jurisdiction to hear criminal cases anytime the judge wants to (right now the court has voluntarily shifted its criminal case load to the other courts). That could change with a change of judge. Ms. Bays has never tried a criminal case either.
Needs thicker skin. Being a judge is a lonely job, and she's gotta get tougher.