(Note: I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates in contested Democratic primaries. There are a lot of judicial races on the ballot in Harris County this election, and so this is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote in March. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. I will also be conducting some in-person interviews of candidates who will be involved in contested primaries for non-judicial offices. Please see my 2010 Election page for a full list of Q&As and interviews.)
1. Who are you, and what are you running for?
My name is Damon Crenshaw. I am running for Judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3. My website is DamonCrenshawForJudge.com. I am originally from Texas City and have lived in the Houston area my entire life. I have my B.B.A. from Texas A&M University and my JD from South Texas College of Law. For 24 years of civil trial work I have represented people from all walks of life, small businesses and international business entities. My work for both plaintiffs and defendants has given me a sense of fairness and understanding of opposing sides to the bench. My primary pro bono work has been as a free mediator at the Harris County Dispute Resolution Center for litigants who cannot afford mediation fees. I am the best candidate for the Democrats for this bench.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
This court handles civil disputes involving matters of personal injury, contracts, and property. The jurisdiction is normally limited to cases with value under $100,000. These are disputes of everyday people, much like the types of cases I have handled for 24 years. This court also hears cases of eminent domain (when the government wants to take land for public use) of all values and appeals from the Justice of the Peace Courts.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I have been in the court with the current judge and I know I can do a better job as judge of this court. I want to improve the efficiency of the administration of the court. I want to save time and money for lawyers and their clients. I want the county civil courts at law to better serve the people of Harris County.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have the most experience, a commitment to justice, and the temperament to make me the best candidate for this judicial position. A judge must have experience in the courtroom to more effectively administer justice. For twenty-four (24) years I have represented individuals, small businesses and large companies in the types of cases filed in the court I seek. I have handled more than 50 trials and probably over a thousand lawsuits and claims. My practice has taken me to counties all over Texas and exposed me to various methods courts use to handle their dockets. I have represented both plaintiffs and defendants and will bring a sense of fairness for all parties before the court. I have training and experience as a mediator for legal disputes. I will use those skills learned in mediations to resolve disputes in the court.
5. Why is this race important?
The voters have an opportunity to elect judges in the civil courts at law who have extensive experience representing citizens and companies who have cases in these courts. We need to move this court forward by implementing modern technology, including electronic filing and online files, to more readily provide information to parties and lawyers at a lower cost. I will bring new energy to better serve Harris County.
6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?
The voters should vote for me in this Democratic Party primary because I am the best candidate for the party. I have the most experience, I am committed to justice in the court, and I have the temperament to administer this court properly. The voters can count on me to be fair, impartial, ethical, efficient, decisive, and timely in my decisions. I have participated in Democratic Party politics by voting in Harris County Democratic Party Primaries (10 times since 1994), voting in elections, and contributing to and working on campaigns for Democratic Party Candidates. I support the party by participating in the coordinated judicial campaign with a 100% contribution.
During this campaign I have made extra efforts to meet the voters of Harris County. I have presented myself and my qualifications to many organizations. As a result I have gained endorsements from the Association of Women Attorneys, Harris County Democrats, Houston Black American Democrats (H-BAD), Harris County Tejano Democrats, the Harris County AFL-CIO Council, the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, Democracy for Houston, Houston Area Stonewall Democrats, Houston Stonewall Young Democrats, and The Houston Chronicle.
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