1. Why are you running, and what is your vision for your office?

I am running for the 98th District Court because it is critically important to the children and families of our community. The 98th has set a high standard when it comes to protecting our children and I believe I am the right choice to carry on that legacy. For over 20 years, I have been a dedicated advocate for children and families in this community, first as a prosecutor, then in private practice and then on the bench.

Through the years I have seen many children and families in trouble and at a cross-road. I have seen the damage that is done to children first by their families and then the system. My vision for this bench is to broaden the court’s approach to the many problems we see to make the court more than just a decider of facts. The court should be a problem-solver and part of the solution. I believe we have the opportunity and the obligation as a judge to provide support and solutions to families coming through our legal system.

I also believe that earlier preventive interventions are worthwhile investments to minimize or prevent the damage so often seen by the time the family gets in court.

This is a challenging task that takes both experience and leadership. I have both the experience and the leadership to be a problem-solving court.

2. Latinos For Texas's vision is to unite communities by bridging networks of Progressive groups and Latino/Hispanic interests so that we can be better united in direct action for the community. How do you see your role in office as helping to advance this vision?

The 98th is a bench of general civil jurisdiction. The judge of this court will hear all types of civil cases that have the potential to affect all aspects of our community. Our legal system affects people of all races and all walks of life. As an elected official and judge, I have the ability to raise public awareness of issues we see in the courts that affect minorities. With public awareness, we can, as a community, work together to solve problems and change systems.

3. How does a vote for you affect or improve my everyday life?

I understand first-hand that courts have tremendous power to impact the lives of those people coming into the courts. But as a judge of a court of general civil jurisdiction, I also understand the impact I will have on issues affecting everyone’s life when ruling on matters affecting such things as our school systems, the environment, taxes, fairness in the work place, and urban development, etc. As a citizen, a mother, and a taxpayer, I am committed to making these types of decisions independently and carefully.

4. Would you pledge to abide by the Clean Elections guidelines developed by Common Cause?

As a judge I would never allow any relationship to influence my judicial conduct or my judgment. Judicial races in Texas are subject to the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act passed to regulate the financing of judicial elections. This act was passed in 1995 to avoid the financing of judicial campaigns by parties and lawyers who appeared before the judicial candidate. Limits were placed on the amount of contributions from individuals, law firms and PACS as well as voluntary expenditure limits. I believe this has achieved some protection from the notion of “justice being for sale” in Texas. I am not familiar with the specific clean election guidelines developed by Common Cause referenced in this question and cannot comment on those directly; however, I can say that I support campaign finance reform, including the institution of some funding mechanism for campaigns that would not involve excessive private contributions or taxpayer dollars. When talking with voters on the campaign trail, it is clear to me that people are tired of big business ruling our government and that includes the appearance of buying our judiciary. I am committed to an independent judiciary. Unless everyone receives justice, no one does. As stated in the Texas Code of judicial conduct, "an independent and honorable judiciary is indispensable to justice in our society."