For use by Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

2016 Judicial Candidate Questionnaire

(Note: Judicial candidates are asked to ONLY answer the Judicial Gandidate questionnaire,
and NOT the County or State Level questionnairel)

1.

Why are you seeking the endorsement from Stonewall Democrats of Dallas?

For over twenty years, the justices that have served the state on the Texas Supreme Court
have been of the same judicial philosophy and party affrliation. Currently, there are only
two females and one Hispanic. I am running to correct the gender and cultural deficit that
exists on the court and to add a different perspective to the debate ofthe issues addressed by
the court. An endorsement by Stonewall Democrats of Dallas will help me show that my
election will make the court more representative of the state's political and demographic
makeup.

2.

What are your plans to participate in a coordinated campaign in the general election?

I do not have any plans at this time, however, I will consider a plan that will permit me to
participate in a coordinated campaign without violating the canons on judicial ethics.

3. Will you use the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas endorsement in or on

a) your website - Yes
b)

your campaign literature and mailers - Yes

c)

your social media assets (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) - Yes

d) your campaign advertisements - Yes

4.

When elected, how will you recruit, retain, and create a friendly environment for LGBT and LGBTfriendly staff?

I have always hired and retained staff in a non-discriminatory manner. For years, I have
worked with members of the LGBT community in various capacities and maintained a
friendly environment. I will continue to do so.

5.

Would you be willing to appoint a liaison to meet with the LGBT community on an ongoing basis? lf
not, why?

I do not believe it is necessary to appoint a liaison. As a public servant, I recognize my

responsibility to meet with all constituents and am happy to personally meet with
representatives of the LGBT community, as long as the discussions remain within the
confines of my ethical guidelines.

6.

Understanding that administrative matters can take up a significant percentage of your work day,
what are some ideas for policies or procedures that you think you can improve court operations for
the court which you are seeking office? What are the most important policies or procedures you've
identified as needing improvement?

At this time, I have not identified any specific policies or procedures utilized by the Texas
Supreme Court that need improvement as I must tirst work in the environment to determine
where improvement is needed. By way of example, after joining the l3th Court of Appeals
thirteen years ago, I was instrumental in implementing a mediation policy, revising the
internal operating rules of procedure and assisting the Chief Justice in various administrative
matters. I have a take-charge personality and am always interested in contributing to
improvement.

7.

How would you handle a situation in which you or an employee under you felt the need to not fulfill
all your lawfulwork duties due to "deeply held religious beliefs"?

"Deeply held religious beliefs" do not take precedence over following the law when
deliberating legal issues. If an employee assisting me on the court felt he or she could not
follow the law, I would have no choice but to ask the employee to leave the employment of
the court.

|,@,amseekinganendorsementfromtheStonewallDemocratsofDallasforthe
2016 elections.

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