This is a Republican primary race. Do you promise, if elected, to abide by the RPT platform? And if not, please enumerate what problems you have.
Yes
What are the three main reasons you are running for this office? Do you see any potential conflicts of interest?
I have 19 years of experience with the District Clerks office. I started in May 1998 in the Criminal Division, learning how to process criminal case files, issue warrants, and process daily pleadings. From there I moved into a court clerk position, which gave me experience in the Courtroom working with Attorneys, Judges, and their staff. Next, I worked in the Post Judgment Divisions, this department process and prepares cases that are on appeal, preparing the clerks record and sending it to the Court of Appeals. Also prepared pen packets for inmates going to TDCJ, issued Abstracts and Writs of Executions in Civil and Family cases. I then was promoted to a Supervisor position, overseeing the Court Clerk Division. There I was charged with making sure each court had a clerk assigned to handle daily dockets, jury trials, or bench trials. I also attended court myself, filling in when employees were out. I also handled the Grand Jury selection. I was then promoted to Office Manager. In this position I managed the daily work product, assisted with employee issues, and monitored requests for time off. During the time as Office Manager I was able to move around through the departments and learn how things were being done, and assist the other Supervisors with training, and procedures. I am very well versed in the new case management system that the county purchased as I was named the subject matter expert for the District Clerks office. I worked hand in hand with the other departments, and the software company. I currently work for the County Clerks Office, I believe this gives me unique aspect, different than any other candidate, because I now have an understanding and knowledge of both clerks office. I know the inefficiencies that face the District Clerks office, and I have the knowledge and experience needed to evaluate the process, recognize the faults, and make the needed improvements.
Please describe what you believe are the most significant issues in this race and why.
I believe that the most significant issues in this particular race are training, efficiency, accountability, and communication. The District Clerks office needs a new perspective on procedures, they need to be modernized and streamlined. The way to achieve that is to evaluate every process from beginning to end, come up with a more efficient process, and the apply through adequate training. There are also services being provided that are not a mandated function of a District Clerk, such as passports. This department currently has 6 full time employees dedicated to handling passports, those employees need to be redirected to handle work that is mandated. Once these issues are addressed, processes are streamlined and modernized for efficiency, then we can look at and evaluate how many employees are needed, and possibly reduce the staff. Accountability is very important, once you have trained the staff to do the work, you then need to hold them accountable. By this I mean when mistakes are made they need to be addressed. The District Clerk handles very serious matters, for example when an inmate is not released from jail because the clerk failed to send the paperwork to the jail, that is a costly mistake to the taxpayers, a mistake that should not go without reprimand. Communication is also very key to the success of the justice system. Taxpayers deserve a clerk that is willing to work with other departments and the County Clerks office as well. Currently we do not have that, there is a lack of communication, when this occurs it is a delay in justice and efficiency. I believe I am the strongest candidate when it comes to communication because I have built a relationship with each department in the county, and believe that I can work side by side with them to make our justice system work the way it should. I would strive to improve all of these issues, and in fact make it my priority to do so.
Is the board seat you seek to be elected to effectively fulfilling its role? How or how not?
I do not believe that the entity that I seek election for is effectively fulfilling its role. I believe people become complacent in their roles and cannot effectively seek new avenues for efficiency. Above everything this office needs efficiency and the complacency has taken over. Lack of planning and attention have also hindered training, and accountability.
Please describe the best way for the average voter to determine which candidate for this office is best.
Voters should look at and evaluate candidates based on experience, longevity, ideas, and each candidates plan for the future of this office.
What have you done to prepare for serving in this role?
To prepare for this role, I took every opportunity that I had to learn as much as I could about the District Clerks office, and its functions. During my tenure I trained in the various departments, attended seminars, researched laws, and learned how to apply that knowledge to the day to day operations.
What have you done, or will you do, to reduce the size of the government?
My plan to reduce the size of government, would include evaluating the departments of the District Clerks office, improve efficiency, this in turn will hopefully allow to reduce the budget of this office.
Who is endorsing you and what is their relationship to you?
I do not have anyone that has committed to publicly endorsing me other than my family and friends.
What do you primarily rely on to help you make difficult decisions as it relates to public policy?
I rely on God, the discernment and knowledge he has given me to make decisions on public policy.
Why are you running for this office and what 3 major goals do you want to be measured by if you are elected?
I am running for this office because I believe it is time for a change. My goals are to effectively train the employees, make the office accountable to the taxpayers, and improve efficiency.
What other endeavors/responsibilities do/would you have besides being the clerk?
The only other endeavors/responsibilities I would have besides being the clerk, is being a mother and wife to my family, continuing my education, and supporting my church.
Do you favor term limits? Please explain why or why not.
Yes I do favor term limits. I believe that because there are no term limits in certain positions people become complacent in their positions causing inefficiencies and hindering the future growth of the organization.
What political party registrations have you held in the last 20 years?
Life long republican.
