Ling’s in Atascocita was the place for Dems in the northeast ‘burbs to be last night. The Kingwood Area Democrats hosted their annual dinner meeting in which they take the club to the people. This time around, a crowd of over 50 Democrats enjoyed dinner at Ling’s Buffet in Atascocita.
The main attraction was the county administrative candidate slate, which
included Diane Trautman for Tax Assessor, Gordon Quan for County Judge, District Clerk Loren Jackson, and Billy Briscoe for County Treasurer. Representing the Democratic Dream Team on the judicial slate were Jim Sullivan for Criminal District Judge, Judge Katie Kennedy for Civil District Judge, Judge Joellen Snow for County Probate Judge, Kathleen Vossler for the 280th District Court, and Mark Diaz for County Criminal Court Judge. Also speaking was candidate for Texas House District 127 Joe Montemayor.
A very special guest was 80th District Court Judge Larry Weiman whom the Kingwood club “adopted” as a favorite candidate in 2006 because of his truly grassroots campaigning.
Quan spoke on the importance of bringing jobs to Harris County. As one of the largest counties in the nation, we have the education centers and the workforce to fill jobs, but the current judge hasn’t done much to attract companies to Harris County. As Quan put it, instead of hunkering down, we need to move forward.
Billy Briscoe spoke about his unique qualifications as an attorney and business leader which would of value in his quest to make the County Treasurer’s office a true advocate for the taxpayers. There’s no doubt that he’s highly qualified above and beyond the incumbent.
District Clerk Loren Jackson effectively put to rest the Tea Party Republican contention that only Republicans can cut spending. In his short time in office and while cutting $1.5 million from his budget, Jackson has made the District Clerk’s office a national model. As I like to put it, it’s not just about hacking away at spending, it’s also about having ideas on how to be effective–and that’s something Republicans never are.
Diane Trautman reassured Democrats that, even after the fire that destroyed our county’s voting system, we will have well-run elections. Although the Democratic leadership is sure of a good voting experience, Trautman continued to stress early voting as a means of avoiding crowds or any problems that may occur on Election Day. So, VOTE EARLY!
Kathleen Vossler is running for the 280th, which deals specifically with domestic violence issues. Vossler spoke to her vast knowledge and experience of working in family law and especially family violence cases.
Judge Joellen Snow is highly qualified to serve as a probate judge given her experience and knowledge. Above all, Judge Snow wants to create change in the way probate business is conducted. Pointing to current practices of cronyism in which some favored lawyers get appointed to lucrative cases based on campaign contributions, Judge Snow wants to change this system to one which makes random appointments of highly qualified attorneys. Families who face loss and must go through probate deserve an open-minded Judge like Joellen Snow.
Jim Sullivan has devoted his legal career to representing clients who must go through the criminal court system. Recognizing that our county jail is overcrowded, one also recognizes the need for an increase in personal recognizance bonds as well as a decrease in the bond schedule. Sullivan believes in effective sentencing that can shock a good, low-level, non-violent offender into returning to a better life, rather than destroying that offenders life for good. He prefers creating more taxpayers than felons, but that it will take open-minded judges who recognize the vast needs of the criminal justice system.
Judge Katie Kennedy was one of the last Democratic judges to serve right before the Republican take0ver of the courts. Experienced and respected, Judge Kennedy offers a return to a well-run docket and a well-balanced court.
Mark Diaz promoted the fact that Democrats have a highly qualified slate of judges. While it is tough to get to know all of them, Democrats and Independents can feel safe that a vote for Democratic judges will continue the positive changes which have been occurring in the local court system.
Joe Montemayor took a couple of minutes to discuss his opponent Dan Huberty. Huberty, as head of the Humble ISD school board has presided over two tax increases, four ISD schools being named to the worst schools list, and a slash of teacher raises from this year’s budget. On top of that, Huberty is a staunch supporter of the worst Governor Texas has ever had, Rick Perry. Under Perry, our school districts have suffered, they are less prepared for college, and our workforce has suffered because Perry has not done everything possible to create homegrown talent. Yet, Huberty continues to support the party line, rather than represent the values of District 127.
And if all of this weren’t enough, the Kingwood Area Dems were able to collect over $500 to contribute to the Pakistan Flood Relief effort.
Look for more Democratic action in the ‘burbs, including blockwalking and phone banking for Diane Trautman, Joe Montemayor and the entire Democratic ticket. Stay tuned.
