In this campaign season, I want to take this opportunity to let you know what we have been doing, what has been accomplished, and what remains to be done in the 506th Judicial District Court. When I took the oath of office on October 16, 2007, there was no infrastructure in place for administration of this office because it was a newly established court. While I took over a case load in both counties, there was no existing office structure, location or “things” for the office, such as phones, computers — not even a yellow pad to write on.
I was fortunate that one of my long-time legal secretaries, Kathy Sims, agreed to sign on with me as my Court Coordinator. Her talent, skills and personality have made the transition into office much smoother and quicker than it otherwise would have been. Kathy worked with me for about 16-years prior to our move into the judgeship.
Officials in both Waller and Grimes Counties have been very helpful to Kathy and I as we have worked to do the job while, at the same time, we build the office structure. To date, we are in temporary offices in Waller County with computer access, phones in place, supplies on the shelf and a working knowledge of how to accomplish our mission. Grimes County is working hard to come up with a solution to the office situation. For now, we work in a temporary office there, and regularly hold court in Anderson. I expect a solution to the office issue soon.
When our phones, computers and internet service started through the Waller County District Clerk’s Office, I felt like we had turned a corner in getting into the communications loop with the two district clerks, the district attorneys and the practicing attorneys in our Court. We have both our computers up and fully online for handling district business and in a multi-county district that makes a world of difference on efficiency and effectiveness. Once we are in our permanent offices in Grimes County, phone and Internet will come about fairly quickly so we can start impacting the situation there even more.
We are operating a very basic, and temporary, Web site at www.Court506.com. That site will improve with time and as resources allow. Feel free to link over to see what is available.
It is important for you to know that despite the lack of infrastructure, court has been in session in both counties, hearing criminal matters, civil cases and family law issues, all of which are within the Court’s jurisdiction. While Waller County is my home office, I have been in Grimes County about twice a week since taking office, working with the District Clerk, the County Judge, the District Attorney, the Sheriff’s Department and the Auditor on court business. It is very important to me that the citizens of Grimes County understand that my presence there is essential. We cannot administer justice without a presence in Grimes County, and I appreciate the deep concern being shown about that issue.
In Waller County, our dockets have handled literally hundreds of criminal cases, and many civil matters. Keep in mind that the case backlog in Waller County is much greater than in Grimes County. However, while I continue to work the large backlog in Waller County, I am always mindful of the needs in Grimes County. While the large case load in Waller County will require more of my time in the near term, I am confident that, with hard work and organization, we can balance out the work load.
The other district courts in Grimes County kept the District Attorney there very busy during the last weeks of 2007 and I’ve been waiting my turn. The Grimes County docket can be managed while we work to reduce the tremendous backlog in Waller County. It is important to recognize that the Waller County District Attorney, Mr. Elton Mathis, has always been prepared to take cases to trial but has been limited in his ability to do so because of court scheduling.
Judge Dan Beck, our judge in the 155th Judicial District for Waller County, has always been available to Waller County, but because he is in a multi-county district his time in any one county is limited. Our new court will vigorously work to change the situation on those matters that had previously been in the 9th District Court, and on all new matters.
Finally, I want you to know how supportive the officials in both counties have been to this effort. We have been given access to information, facilities, supplies and wise counsel as we have been going about our duties. And, every elected official we have had dealings with has been professional, cordial and helpful to us in this task. I know I have developed a deeper appreciation for what they are facing as we build this court from the ground up.
The State District Court is the highest trial level court in the State of Texas. As such, there are some formidable responsibilities that go with the office. In addition to those duties, I also serve on the Juvenile Boards in both counties; I have responsibility for actions and management in the Adult Probation Departments; and, I deal with the County Auditors on fiscal oversight and related matters.
Much remains to be done on infrastructure, and much remains to be done on scheduling, calendars and case management. However, this new court that our legislators and senators worked so hard to establish is up and functioning for the citizens of these two historic counties. As I continue to learn and work I hope to see each of you – in a favorable setting, of course – over the next few weeks.
If you have questions or concerns in any of those areas, or in other matters about which you believe I should be made aware, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your time in reading this brief report on the first few months of the 506th Judicial District Court.