(Note: As I have done in past elections, I am running a series of Q&As for Democratic judicial candidates on the November ballot. This is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates.)
Chip Wells
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
I am Clinton “Chip” Wells and I am the Democratic nominee for Judge in the 247th Family District Court of Harris County, Texas.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
This Court presides over divorces, suits affecting the parent-child relationship, adoptions and enforcement matters.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I am running for Judge in this particular Court because in 2010 this Court had become one of the most inhospitable Court in the Family courthouse. Judge Hellums was seeking re-election in 2010 and I entered the Democratic primary for the opportunity to challenge her on that Bench. I lost that primary. I was approached again in 2014 and asked to consider running for a Family Bench again. I chose to seek election in the 247th District Court because Judge Hellums was retiring from the Bench after many years of service and I believed that I could bring my experience and willingness to serve to that Court for a positive improvement.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have been practicing law in the State of Texas for more than 37 years. I have handled cases across this State from El Paso to Beaumont and Brownsville to Dallas. I have tried many cases with and without juries in matters involving family law, plaintiff’s personal injury law, civil litigation, criminal law and probate. In addition to my legal experience I am a certified mediator having received training at the AA White Dispute Resolution Center. In addition to my mediation training I am certified in family mediation.
5. Why is this race important?
The race in the 247th Judicial District Court is important for many reasons. You are more likely to find yourself, your friends, family members or neighbors in a family law court than any other court in this State. Because these courts deal with our most precious possessions, our children and our families, these courts require a Judge who has the experience and training to render a fair and impartial judgment. Justice matters. Experience, compassion, and a common sense approach to problem resolution is required for any Judge elected to serve in our Family District Courts.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
I am the choice for Judge in the 247th Family District Court. I have the training and experience that I have gained over 37 years practicing law representing individuals and families across this State. I have a reputation for compassion, equality and common sense resolution necessary to sit in Judgment of disputed matters. I have the life experiences that assure a compassionate, understanding approach to oversee the resolution of these disputed matters. If justice and experience matter then Clinton “Chip” Wells is the choice to serve as a Judge in the 247th Family District Court of Harris County, Texas.
after checking the county records i can only find a total of 4 thats correct 4 family cases that come up under chip wells name or bar number,hes looking like hes 99.9% personal injury lawyer and 0.0000000000000004% family lawyer,i will be voting for his opponent john schmude in the 247th because his record of family law is 99.%,thats what harris county needs,a family lawyer,not a chip lewis personal injury lawyer deciding complicated child involved divorces,i ask my democrat friends as well as my lib and republican friends to vote with me for john schmude in the 247th district crt.he leaves the politics at the courthouse steps and we need a fair judge .
joshua ben bullard
With the disclosure that I generally vote R for judges:
Schmude has only been a lawyer for 4 years.
Wells may practice in other courts in the region, not just in Harris County.
Joshua, be sure to disclose in your postings when you are or have been a paid consultant for a candidate about whom you comment. Schmude reports he paid you $1000 for consulting, sign placement, and literature distribution in April of this year, and there may be other payments I missed when skimming the records.
I doublechecked and see there was a second payment of $1000, also in April 2014 from Mr. Schmude to Joshua Bullard.