Dear Fellow Republicans,
Intimate Partner Violence is the third most frequently occurring crime in Tarrant County. County Criminal Court No. 5 is currently Tarrant County’s only dedicated IPV court. These crimes present unique issues for the citizens of Tarrant County. Often, defendants, victims, and their children continue to reside in the same house for various reasons. However, the risk factors that led to IPV are still present. Prominent risk factors in IPV cases are substance abuse, mental health issues, and learned behavior of dealing with conflict through physical violence. Left unaddressed, these and other risk factors can lead to continued violence in the home, whether reported or not.
In the 1990s, for 16 months, CCC No. 5 was presided over by my opponent, then an admitted democrat. Records obtained from the Tarrant County Clerk’s office show that her docket was the least efficient in Tarrant County by a wide margin. My opponent was ineffective at managing the docket and personnel, causing a backlog of IPV cases and resulting in the practical denial of justice and a waste of taxpayer dollars. A judge’s refusal or inability to efficiently administer the court’s docket can lead to tragic results. Those involved in an IPV case, whether the person charged, the victim, or children who are often witnesses, should be allowed to resolve the case swiftly and justly.
Fortunately for the citizens of Tarrant County, in her bid for a second term, my opponent was resoundingly defeated by the Republican candidate. After 24 years of outstanding service presiding over this court, the Republican incumbent is retiring.
As a prosecutor in the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s office, I had the honor of being recruited for the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office’s first Family Violence Prosecution Team. I am also one of the original members of Tarrant County’s award-winning Mental Health Court Program. Since its inception nearly two decades ago, I have served our community in that role.
My cumulative experience of more than 30 years in criminal law has prepared me to serve as your judge in County Criminal Court No. 5. I am committed to breaking the cycle of Intimate Partner Violence in Tarrant County. As a life-long conservative Republican, I would be honored to have your vote in the Republican Primary Runoff. Early voting began this morning, Monday, May 16th and runs through Friday, May 20th. Election Day is Tuesday, May 24th. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Polls are not open over the weekend so please take time to vote this week.
Most sincerely,
Brad Clark
Candidate for County Criminal Court No. 5
