Democratic candidate Willie Hudspeth is running for Denton County judge.
He will run against Diana Leggett in the March Democratic primary election, which is March 6.
Community Impact Newspaper sent Hudspeth a series of questions on his candidacy. His written responses, edited for publication style, are below.
Why did you decide to run for this office?
We are at a crossroad in the history of our nation. The choices we make—individually
and collectively—determine the kind of America we present to our children and
grandchildren. This moment may never come again in our lifetime. I recognize it. And,
for that reason, I am a candidate for the seat of judge on the Denton County
Commissioners Court .
As a Democratic candidate for county judge, I want it to be known from the beginning
that I want a Denton County that works for everyone, not just a few. Our county should
be a great place to live ... it should be a place where kids want to return and establish
roots and build for the next generation. Our county should be a place where the schools
are centers of excellence and learning for the studies, and pay and respect for the teachers
is of paramount importance. Our county should be a place where every marker of health
(from infant mortality to life expectancy) is the best in the nation. Our county should be a
place where libraries are the door to the future and safety and security are the order of
the day—and those working to ensure it are compensated fairly. Our county should be
an economic engine in North Texas with a backbone of innovations that builds toward
your children having even better opportunities that you’ve been blessed with.
Is all this possible? I say that with the right kind of leadership and engagement from every
resident, our county will be the model county in America.
If elected, what will your priorities be?
•Creating a county that works for everyone
•Economy, job creation, new investment, fair wages
•Safe, secure communities
•Health and wellness
•Education—preparing students for tomorrow's job, not the jobs of yesterday
•Technology—broadband access countywide
What experience—politically or professionally—do you have that will prepare you for
this position?
I am the people I will be representing. I have been on a two-decade commitment to the country as an organizer and one with a distinct view of how we can be better. And my tenure on the school board has helped me understand how all aspects of the city and the municipal government must function collaboratively for the common good.
One area that I'd like to mention is the St. John’s cemetery restoration project. We were alerted to
the location of a so-called "slave cemetery," which had been abandoned for decades. I was able to bring together a diverse coalition from throughout the county to achieve a ‘cleanup’ and restoration. This culminated in the Commissioners Court awarding a grant to facilitate the restoration though the auspices of the historical society. It was a small victory— but important in that small victories lead to powerful opportunities to influence situations for good.
What else do you want constituents to know about you and your background?
There is a growing sense of anxiety in our nation—Denton County is not immune to this. And
unless we deal head-on with the issues and influence that are shaping and creating this anxiety,
our nation becomes far less equipped to build the kind of future we need for our children.
Perhaps this might be perceived as a cliche, but it is valuable and true: Every election is a choice.
The citizens can choose more of the same: the rich get richer, the elderly become "someone else’s
problem," wages go stagnant and the most vulnerable among us become easy targets—or you
can vote for someone who had a fundamental belief that the "county has to work for everyone.”
Truly, we are stronger together.
