BUSINESS CONNECTIONS HOUSTON
...Harris County, Texas
VOTE TUESDAY, NOV. 6TH
JUDGE MICHAEL LANDRUM: “Very often, I hear voters say: "I don't vote in races where I don't know the candidates, so I just to skip all those judicial elections". I understand the sentiment, but we know from many state, national and local elections that every vote count. That is especially true about our judicial races. The Judicial branch has a critical role in our system of checks and balances. Judges must be independent; they are about the only safeguard against arbitrary action by bureaucrats or officials who may have hidden agendas. An individual is more likely to be directly, personally affected by the ruling of a judge than by the official act of any other elected official. A judge cannot promise to lower your taxes or fix your roads - all we can do is promise to work hard and faithfully follow the law and the Constitution in the thousands of decisions we make every year. Selecting judges who know the law and will follow the law as written every time and without legislating from the bench, without favor to any person or ideology, are critical to the preservation of the rule of law - the basis of liberty in our country and state.”
JUDGE DAN HINDE: “Voting is one of the most precious rights we have. On November 6, every registered voter has the chance to choose who will serve us in our government. While we often concentrate on prominent offices (like President), our daily lives are more directly affected by the local officials we will elect in November. In fact, voters are more likely to meet and work with a judge than with any
other elected official. Mostly, this is because all registered voters are on the list for jury service. So, all voters will have jury service at some point. And when they appear for jury service, they will interact with a judge. But voters encounter judges in other ways, too. Voters meet judges when they adopt children or appeal their property values. A voter might also encounter a judge because she was injured in an accident and seeks compensation or perhaps a loved one was a victim of a crime. There are so many paths that lead voters to direct contact with judges that voters are most likely to encounter judges in their daily lives than any other elected official. So, on November 6, I encourage voters to embrace the opportunity to choose their public officials.”
JUDGE MIKE FIELDS: “My Father (Air Force), brother (Air Force), sister (Army), wife (Army) and I are all Veterans of the U.S. Armed forces. We served and continue to serve our community so that our Country can remain a free, fair and Democratic society. The only way that happens is for all citizens to vote.”
JUDGE DAVID FARR: “It is vitally important for registered voters to cast their vote in this election to seat a quali-
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fied judiciary in Harris County and the State of Texas. There are over 50 court races on the ballot in November, and every one of these courts requires a seated jurist who is well versed in their respective area of the law and who upholds the dignity of the judicial profession. In the 312th Family Court (and ten other local family district courts) there are daily decisions made by the judge of the utmost importance. These courts have the authority to divide marital property assets and thus award (and inversely divest) someone of an item of property. Additionally, these courts have the authority to make custody, visitation and child support orders as to minor children including determining which parent a child should reside with the majority of the time. These courts handle concerns of the most vulnerable amongst us through rulings on cases involving children in CPS care including decisions as to whether or not to terminate the parental rights of a parent. These courts require the best jurists available, so an informed vote in these courts is crucial in November.”
PHILLIP ARONOFF: “Corruption and ineffective leaders thrive in gerrymandered districts, where only a small minority vote. Historically, around 5% of the 29th district votes during midterms. Where is the democracy in that? Regardless of who it is for, please, go make your voice heard. For congress, your vote makes all the difference.”
My name is LaShawn A. Williams, and I am running for Judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3. I was born in Conroe, Texas and I am the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran. As the child of an Army soldier, my family traveled the world as my dad served our great nation. When it was time to come home, I established my roots in Houston, Texas. I am a founder and managing partner of Baldwin Williams & Associates, PLLC, a general practice small law firm. I graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in May 1995, and I am licensed to practice law in Texas and Tennessee. I decided to run because now, more than ever, Harris County needs judges who appreciate what is at stake for the average citizen, our families, our small businesses and our communities. Harris County needs judges that will interpret and uphold the law honorably, and do so with professionalism and the utmost respect for all who appear in court. Harris County is the third most populated county in the nation with very diverse communities. Every day our four county courts at law impact the lives of Harris County citizens because these are the courts that hear the real-life daily challenges we all face. Some of the types of cases that come before county courts at law include eviction appeals, property disputes, contractual disputes, collections, personal injury cases, and appeals from justice courts. Often people come to these courts without an attorney. The parties, with or without an attorney, that stand before the court, must be assured that their case will be heard by a neutral, impartial, fair-minded judge...one that abides by the code of judicial conduct, and honors the rule of law. This judge should possess and exercise patience, openmindedness, objectivity, care, and respect for the rule of law, integrity, honor, and legal competence. I have demonstrated these qualities in my legal career as I have purposed to hold varied and intriguing positions as it relates to the law and representing many other challenging interests. My career includes being in-house counsel for a national Fortune 500 company, counsel for several non-profit organizations, counsel to governmental entities, a criminal prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. I have practiced in state and federal courts, as well as courts of appeal. I am the former owner of a woman-owned construction management company and law firm that both received W/SBE minority certifications. Along with my general practice, I also hear eminent domain cases as an appointed special commissioner. My career has been rich and diverse, representing the interests of many on both sides of the aisle. This strong professional experience allows me to have the understanding and genuine perspective needed to respect each party wholly before me and to interpret, honor and uphold the letter and spirit of the law. I am a lifelong Democrat with over 23 years of legal experience. I am qualified to be your judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3. I ask for your support and vote. I will be honored to serve the extraordinary families, communities, and businesses of this great county of Texas!
*Pol. Ad. Paid for by Campaign for LaShawn A. Williams for Judge, in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Act. Michelle Boldon, Treasurer