Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you forthis position?
I am the only candidate with direct experience as District Clerk, serving two terms (2011–2019). I led the nation’s third-largest court system, pioneered mandatory e-filing, and transitioned over 90 courts to paperless operations—saving taxpayers millions while speeding justice. As a mechanical engineer (UT Austin) and attorney (South Texas College of Law), I combine technical and legal expertise. I managed a 500-employee office supporting dozens of courts, launched passport services, trained the legal community, and kept operations running through hiring freezes without layoffs. My record of fiscal responsibility, innovation, integrity, and public service as a husband, father, and former Lone Star College trustee uniquely qualifies me.
Records
What is your plan to ensure the District Clerk’s Office has the technology, systems, and processes needed to provide reliable public access to court records, filings, and case information —particularly for self-represented litigants?
Building directly on the paperless conversion and e-filing systems I implemented, I will enhance the online portal with a streamlined user interface and simpler registration, expand free digital access to records, and add server capacity for reliable performance. For self-represented litigants, I will deploy icon-based kiosks with fillable forms and drag-and-drop filing so people can navigate the process without an attorney. These tools can expand through inter-local agreements. I will also optimize case intake, record retrieval, warrants, and subpoenas. My engineering background and prior leadership of this office ensure practical, cost-effective technology that actually works for the public and the courts.
Jury Process
The District Clerk manages juror summons and selection for the entire Harris County court system. How will you ensure the jury process is administered efficiently and equitably for all Harris County residents called to serve?
Having managed juror summons and selection for the entire Harris County system, I will modernize notification and reminder systems, expand outreach to increase participation and diversity of the jury pool, and advocate for practical supports such as child care assistance for jurors. These steps improve appearance rates—especially for working parents and families—making service more equitable for all residents. Streamlined processes will reduce no-shows and delays so courts have the jurors needed for timely trials. Every Harris County resident called to serve deserves respectful, efficient administration grounded in real experience running this function.
Efficiency
How will you work with judges and court administrators to ensure the timely resolution of cases across Harris County courts?
I will work as a true partner with judges and court administrators, drawing on eight years leading the office that supports their daily work. By optimizing e-filing, improving case intake and record access, streamlining warrants and subpoenas, and strengthening jury services, I will remove the administrative bottlenecks that delay cases. Regular communication and feedback loops will ensure the District Clerk’s Office proactively meets the courts’ needs. My earlier success converting courts to paperless operations showed how clerk-side improvements accelerate justice across the system. My proven track record of working with all judges shows we can restore timely resolution for Harris County courts and the public we serve.
