State, county candidates participate in the North Shore Republican Women's forum

Numerous state and county Republican candidates attended the North Shore Republican Women’s candidate forum on Thursday, Jan. 25, to introduce themselves to voters and state their positions on issues. Among the local positions represented at the Republican forum were candidates for district judge for the 284^th Judicial District, Montgomery County judge, district clerk, county clerk, county treasurer and county chairman. Registered voters can cast a ballot for candidates during the March 6 primary elections, or voters can participate in early voting from Feb. 20 to March 2. The candidates will go head-to-head during the March 6 primary elections, and the winners of the March 6 primary will run against candidates of the opposing party, if applicable, in the November general election. The last day for Montgomery County residents to register to vote is Monday, Feb. 6. Residents can check their voter registration status or register to vote at www.votetexas.gov

District Judge, 284^th Judicial District

Republican candidates Kristen Bays and Jo Ann “Jo” Linzer both spoke on the importance of being a district judge and handling civil cases. “[Civil law] has been my area of expertise as a practicing attorney for over 24 years, but it’s really more than being able to do the job,” Bays said. “It’s also about fulfilling the role, it’s about taking care of the business of the court, it’s about supporting our democracy, it’s about promoting justice.” Linzer, who has been a lawyer for 15 years, also said she has much experience in the courtroom. “Montgomery County is a home—it’s a hometown,” Linzer said. “We have so many people who have moved here because they want to be able to do business here, and we need to make sure we have a court that’s dedicated to business in that courtroom—and I’m ready to do that.”

Montgomery County Judge

Montgomery County judge candidates Mark Keough and incumbent Craig Doyal addressed county mobility, population growth and tax rates during Thursday’s forum. The winner of the March 6 Republican primary will run against Democratic candidate Jay Stittleburg for county judge in the November general election. Click here to read more about the Republican candidates’ positions on the Tomball Tollway and tax rates from the Montgomery County Eagle Forum on Jan. 18.

District Clerk

District clerk candidates Cynthia Jamieson and Melisa Miller discussed improving communication techniques, reducing the budget. Jamieson said her first priority if she were to be elected district clerk would be to improve online usability and streamline processes and procedures. “I will also review the budget to cut costs and save taxpayer dollars,” Jamieson said. “Finally, I think it’s very important to communicate and collaborate to make sure the staff and judges and everybody who comes in contact with the district clerk’s office has a good customer service experience.” Miller said she has worked in various positions in the district clerk’s office since 1998 to prepare herself to run for office. She cited her work with implementing an electronic filing system and being the subject matter expert for the case management system. “I know the strengths of this office, I know the weaknesses of this office,” Miller said. “I know what needs to be improved, and I know how to get it done.”

Montgomery County clerk

On Thursday, Montgomery County clerk candidates Jeanie Stewart and incumbent Mark Turnbull spoke about their reasons for running for the position. Stewart, who was born and raised in Montgomery County, cited her various experience in local volunteerism and government work as the reason for running for county clerk. “I want to make a difference in the county clerk’s office—I believe I can,” Stewart said. “I believe I can improve customer service; I will make sure your tax dollars are being used effectively and efficiently; I would also love to create unity and a working relationship amongst all county departments and other individuals.” Turnbull, who has held the county clerk position for 23 years, cited his fiscal record, improvement of the online filing system and efficient use of staffing as some of his activities in office. “These accomplishments, I think, highlight my management abilities,” Turnbull said. “I have the experience, the education, the expertise and technology to do this job. I’ve done it efficiently in the past, and I will continue to do so in the future.”

Montgomery County treasurer

Montgomery County treasurer candidates Melanie Bush and incumbent Stephanne Davenport spoke on Thursday about their roles in the community, transparency and the county budget. Click here to read more about the Republican candidates’ positions on efficiency, enterprise resource planning, transparency and ethics from the Montgomery County Eagle Forum on Jan. 18.

Montgomery County chairman  

Montgomery County chairman candidates Terrence Boggs and incumbent Walter D. “Wally” Wilkerson spoke about their activism in the Republican party and social media. Wilkerson, who has served as county chairman since 1964, spoke of how the Republican party has grown in organizations and supporters since 1964. He also spoke of the importance of reaching out to the county’s Hispanic population. “This party right here has been very present in helping to create engagement with the Hispanic community,” Wilkerson said. “We’re going to have 30 percent of our population in Montgomery County [that] is going to be Hispanic. Right now, there at least four or five elementary schools that are 95 percent Hispanic. We cannot continue to win unless we reach out to this group of people and that’s what we’re doing, and that’s how we’ll continue to win.” Boggs spoke about the importance of engaging political activists through social media. “The point is that we need to have not just this kind of group,” Boggs said. “We need placoderms and activities that go past 6:30 at night for working women … [and] Republican women’s groups basically service only those who don’t. I want to see an expansion of outreach on all levels.” Correction: A previous version of this article misspelled Montgomery County Clerk Mark Turnbull's name.