Please describe what you believe are the most significant issues in this race and why.

The failure of the incumbent to keep his commitment to the voters by switching parties, seeking a different office during his term, and not fully participating in the operations of the court. The lack of qualifications with some candidates, both in experience and appellate record.

Are the United States and Texas constitutions living documents?  Please answer in the context of Progressivism versus Originalism.   

Both constitutions must be read with the intent of the authors as the guidepost, the original intent must always be the basis for any ruling.

Please describe the best way for the average voter to determine which candidate for this office is best.

Reviews the experience of the candidate, their reversal record from the appellate courts (if they are a trial court judge) and their bar poll ratings

How many days off per year should the officeholder of this position take to learn (seminars & workshops) or teach (give educational or motivational talks) or network with other county officials?

I believe that up to 10 days a year is a reasonable amount for an elected judge to attend educational seminars and teach educational seminars. I do not believe any days off should be necessary to network with county officials.

Who is endorsing you and what is their relationship to you?

I have been fortunate to gain the support of many attorneys and I am currently seeking the endorsement of several law enforcement organizations, details of which should be released after the first of the year.

Why are you running for this office and what 3 major goals do you want to be measured by if you are elected?

1. To provide clarity and consistency to the application of criminal law for everyone involved
2. Provide clear, consistent opinions consistent with the legislature's intent, increase the number of judges joining the majority opinions, and actively participate in every case ruled on by the court to insure consistent rulings that follow legislative intent.

What are the three main reasons you are running for this office? Do you see any potential conflicts of interest?

Over two decades of working either exclusively or primarily in criminal cases, Board Certified in Criminal Law for 14years, former prosecutor, teach other judges, law enforcement and prosecutors in criminal law and the handling of criminal cases, highest rated judge in Collin County.

To what extent do you believe the state or federal government should be able to obtain court orders directing parents to do things for their children that the parent does not believe should be done?

As the father of three, I believe, absent criminal abuse, the family is sacred and the parents are the last word on what is proper for their children.

Do parents have the right to block grandparent "rights" or doctor intervention? Why/not?

As said earlier, the family is sacred and, absent criminal abuse, the parents have the last word on what is right for their children.

What can you do in your court to protect citizens from harm by illegal aliens?

Strictly apply the laws and provide consistent opinions with clear direction for the lower courts.

Do the taxpayers have a responsibility to provide an interpreter for non-English speaking illegals?  As well, do taxpayers have-to-have one available during courtroom hours just in case someone might need their services?

Federal law requires that interpreters be provided to any criminal defendant that requires one. It is not necessary that a "stand-by" interpreter be available just in case.

What is the job of a judge?   What is your judicial philosophy?

1. Review appeals in criminal cases to insure the proper application of the law and provide consistent, clear rulings to assist lower courts.
2. Follow the law as written and intended by the legislature

What is the proper role of a lawyer?

Preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and Texas, to honestly demean themselves in the practice of law and exhibit integrity and civility at all times.

Among the nine justices on the U.S. Supreme Court, which one do you respect the most, and why? Which one do you respect the least, and why?

Clarence Thomas is consistent and clear in all his rulings, Anthony Kennedy is the least consistent and seems to invent "Constitutional" theories that are not textual or well established.

What is the single most important action the county needs to do to keep this a great community to live in?

Maintain the rule of law, without fear or favor, regardless of stature or political power

Should the state license barbers?  Lawyers? Why or why not?

It is reasonable for the State to license professions to protect the public and insure a minimum level of competence, but it is too common that this reasonable goal is misused to regulate occupations when the regulation provides no real benefit to the public.

What carries the greatest influence on your ruling: case law, the Constitution, or other?

The law as written and intended by the legislature and the application of the Constitution as intended by its authors.

Is there anything in your background of an embarrassing nature that should be explained before your election?

No

To what extent would you need to recuse yourself from cases because of conflicts of interest?

Rarely, if ever, is it necessary, unless the case involves a family member, a previous client or a friend

Can the legislature effectively write law that makes sense for 30 million people? Please explain your thoughts

Yes, but they often fall short. Too often the legislature passes laws that are ill conceived and unnecessary. All of us would benefit if fewer laws were proposed and passed.