JD Lambright
What makes you qualified for the position?
I'm in my 38th year of experience in the private sector. I'm in my 13th year as a lawyer running my own business. I earned my master's degree in electrical engineering and was hired on with a company in Houston as an electrical engineer. I spent the next 25 years with Shell managing projects and people all over the U.S. and the world. I think the combination of those experiences and real world experience is critical, along with legal skill and expertise. There needs to be more accountability and responsiveness in that office. There is very little in the way of litigation skills. That greatly needs to be enhanced.
Why is it important for voters to return to the polls for this race?
We have got to make a lot of changes in that office. People need to come out and realize their tax dollars are not being spent wisely. There are serious personnel issues and many cases are just settled. You've got to develop a reputation as an attorney with mental toughness. It's not an inheritance. It's an election.
Do you see a need for improvement in the county's Child Protective Services?
There are some good lawyers. But that's one area to upgrade so that they have a top flight legal system. The prosecutors need to be more upfront, more forceful with their client. They need to say 'Here is the law, here is what we can do.' Right now it is the other way around. That results in a lot of ineffectiveness and cases really getting drawn out. Bringing in an outside perspective is sorely needed.
Do you believe the red light cameras that have been installed throughout the county have been a success?
I would need to take a serious look at it to see if it's doing what it's designed to do, I have not studied that issue. It deserves a look to make sure it's not just about revenue and it's accomplishing what you want it to do regarding public safety.
Phyllis Rainey
What makes you qualified for the position?
I have practiced law for 37 years. I worked as an accountant for six years. For seven years I worked in oil and gas advising the Temple Oil Company on issues like litigation, regulatory contracts, patents, copyrighting, and I supervised lawyers there. For the past 10 years I have been the Assistant County Attorney for Montgomery County, advising governmental officials, handling all of their day-to-day operations. I have worked in every area of the County Attorney's office. I believe I have the respect, trust and confidence of the Commissioners Court.
Why is it important for voters to return to the polls for this race?
Because experience is critical to the County Attorney's office. We don't have time to have to train someone to learn that job, and it takes years for someone to learn that job. It takes a long time for someone to get the judgment for when to fight a case and when to settle.
Do you see a need for improvement in the county's Child Protective Services?
I have talked to them about being sure every person that has the child's welfare in mind has an opportunity to speak. I want to make sure foster parents have an opportunity to speak. [CPS] needs to be more in tune with the needs of the child. Also, there are not enough attorneys to handle the work load. I have worked on getting grant money to pay a portion of all of the costs for all of the CPS section.
Do you believe the red light cameras that have been installed throughout the county have been a success?
I don't know that they have been a success. Precinct 3 has some data to show we have fewer wrecks, and no deaths in those areas. I'm not sure that the amount of money coming in has really been enough to pay for them. We need to look at them a little closer.
