I told Judge Bill Harmon today that I was pretty sure that he had the Republican Primary for County Court at Law # 2 handled since he was running unopposed as an incumbent. The Democratic side of the race, however, is contested with long-time criminal defense attorney Mary Connealy Acosta running against attorney Miles J. LeBlanc.
Again, I've got to admit some limitations on my knowledge of the race. I know Mary pretty well, but I'm not sure that I know Mr. LeBlanc.
Mary has been doing criminal work for as long as I have been around the courthouse. I never tried a case against her, but I have always regarded her as an intelligent, competent and highly ethical attorney in the way she does her job.
Miles J. LeBlanc's profile on the Texas Bar website indicates that he practices educational law and is currently employed by the City of Houston Independent School District. If he has any criminal law experience, I'm not aware of it.
As I've said before, if anybody wants to send me some information or websites for the candidates, I'll be glad to post it.
But based on the information I've got before me right now, Mary Acosta is clearly the better qualified candidate in the primary.
26 comments:
Are there any Democratic King makers who demand money before endorsement? Does anyone know?
Miles LeBlanc was General Counsel for Houston Community College System for a number of years and then went to HISD. He claims to have interned or work at HCDA for a short period of time. My impression is he has little experience in criminal law. I was never impressed with his ability at HCCS. Sounds like he's looking for a job
The Harmon family has been one of the most respected families in the Republican party. The Dems made a smart move here. They didn't put a qualified candidate to run against Judge Harmon. Judge Harmon is untouchable as he well should be. The "dumb" dems weren't so dumb on this one. Judge Harmon, the party thanks you for your many years of service and here is too many more!
I must agree that Billy is a no brainer on this one.
I disagree with Harmon being a no-brainer. He's a nice man, but his court -- whether it was his felony court or his current misdemeanor court -- is one of the most ill-managed courts around. His docket is out of control, trials take forever to get tried, the atmosphere is zoo-like, and many cases get pled out so low just because the prosecutors have too much to handle. I'm voting for Mary!
One thing I will say about Miles is that when people like him run for criminal judge, it makes me wish we had an appointed judicial system rather than an elected one. You have to have some nerve to want to run a courtroom when you've never practiced law in that area! Kinda like Reagan Helm. Look what kind of judge he made! Thank God he's leaving his bench!!!
Harmon not having a primary opponent shows how screwed up judicial elections are. Several races have at least 2 qualified candidates on the republican ballot. However court 2 doesn't have anyone qualified running against Harmon. And if APC is for Harmon then that is reason to be against him.
Anon 7:25 and 7:37,
Whatever issues you have with Bill Harmon I cannot imagine that they elevate either of his opponents to a more qualified position for this bench.
The cream of the crop rarely puts in for elected positions.
However, on that rare occasion when the most qualified individual actually does throw his/her hat in the political arena;if that individual stays true to his/her core values and puts integrity, qualifications and the issues above pure petty politics, the Party and the voters traditionally crush that candidate.
We are, therefore, usually forced to pick not the best candidate the community has to offer; but the best of those running.
Harmon is obviously not the best judicial candidate our community has to offer, but he is unquestionably the most qualified of the candidates running for this bench.
There's a reason the best of the best, most qualified, well rounded candidates with integrity rarely choose to run for elected positions today....maybe next election cycle one of you folks can step into the political arena.
Many of us may think Colt McCoy lacks the heart of a champion, but there's a world of difference between playing in the game and judging from the sidelines.
trials take forever to get tried
Demand a speedy trial.
Problem solved.
Rage
I wouldn't go along with APC's vetting based on Republican credentials alone.
Sharolyn Wood was in a Republican Party meeting once and saw a young kid taking notes. Thinking he was a Democrat spying on them, she stood up and stopped the meeting, then went on and on about how she was a judge and asked the kid if he knew all the things she had the power to do to him.
She's a Republican alright, but petty and small (well, small-minded, anyway).
APC:
Does Judge Harmon shackle DWI defendants during their trials like he used to do with his defendants in the 178th?
point39,
You're 30 shy of a fulfilling deck.
Yo Rage, quit typing, you sound like APC only the flip side.
The State can't demand a speedy trial and defendants never want one.
J&C:
Several years ago, I tried a case in Billy's Court and he ordered my client to basically re-enact a robbery in the manner in which the prosecution alledged that he committed the robbery. This, in spite of the fact, that I didn't let my client testify. "you, get up and do what the prosecutor tells you to do." The prosecutor in that case was a dirty jackass. I will not mention his name, but he's now a very wealthy defense lawyer.
3:53, for some reason I took him to be a defense lawyer. But if not, well, what does he care if cases take forever to get tried?
The Dems are reeling. Turn on CNN and you will see the implosion. Democrats have ZERO chance in Harris County. The partial swing that started has been stopped by the o factor.
Gig Em Dems!
I would vote for the proposition that AGGIE PCT CHAIR is annoying.
Anon 7:05,
2nd that and move for a vote
Anon 7:05 and 2:28, I vote yes. Have you thought APC might really be a member of the Tory Party? He just wants to destroy all opposition to his view and restore the monarchy. Long live King George.
Anon 2:36,
Is Pat Lykos the illegitimate daughter of King George or just an ordinary bastard?
2:28
Anon 2:28,
King George III having died in 1830 makes it chronologically possible for him to have sired Queen Patsy. However, given her common behavior and dress, Royal lineage would be highly unlikely and in all reasonable probability Patsy is a common bastard.
We were told today that pay cuts on the way for all prosecutors and investigators because of the budget It is already happening at the sheriffs dept. Not Good
Murray-We are hearing our pay is being cut 10-15 percent.Is it across the board or just for underlings? No wonder so many people are running for the bench. If true then several may be leaving.
www.ancestral_lineage.com you were not at the coronation for Lykos on January 1, 2009 and have not seen the throne room rebuild on the 6th floor?
Anon 6:55-
I, too heard that it was at least 5% and the take home cars are going to be a thing of the past (except for the royal court, that is)... It's gonna be tough year around here, as if 2009 wasn't tough enough... Add a pay cut to Patsy and it's a wonder any qualified attys want to come here!
My prediction - A lot MORE qualified people leaving to team up with those who already left. Harris County is getting some damn good defense attys.!!!!!!
As new resident of Harris county I appreciate you bringing me up to speed on the issues.
Patsy is lucky that the economy isn't heating up. The trial experience at the HCDAO will look awfully attractive to many firms' litigation departments. Its one thing for prosecutors to not go looking for other work. But when that works starts calling them and offering handsome six figure salaries, who on earth would want to stay to work for these miserable politicians.
Post a Comment