VOL 3 No. 42
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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2010
P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
Democrats challenge veteran incumbents in local judicial races By SESHADRI KUMAR With the campaign slogan “Respect and Justice for all,” Republican Thomas Culver is seeking a sixth term as Judge of the 240th Judicial District Court in Fort Bend County. Over the past 29 years and seven elections, Culver had no Republican or Democratic opposition. He had no opponent in the Republican party primary this year. But, he is being challenged by a Democrat, Frederica Allen, in the Nov. 2 general election. Culver served as Assistant District Attorney in Fort Bend for four years and as a county court-at-law judge for 10 years. He has been a district judge for 20 years. “My primary obligation as Judge has always been to provide a ‘level playing field’ for all litigants who appear before me. With so many new cases filed each year in the 240th District Court, the challenge remains to continue to manage those cases effectively. More importantly, each of those cases represents people - plaintiffs, defendants, victims, and families - each with a right to a fair and impartial trial,” Culver says. “Some of the most difficult criminal cases in my court involve children who have been treated horribly, and sometimes killed. All victims, and their families, have a right to be treated with dignity and respect. That has been my goal as a Judge for the past twen-
ty-nine years and I continually strive to make that goal a reality.” His opponent, Allen has more than a decade of legal experience representing both individuals and business in state and federal courts. Public service, law and justice have been her passion. “The law impacts everyone, and changes lives,” she says. “That is why it is so important that our judiciary consist of fair and neutral arbitrators.” Calling Fort Bend one of the most diverse counties in Texas, Allen says, “Our leadership inside the courtrooms should reflect that diversity. Only then can our citizens feel they are being given a fair and level playing field. Only then can there be justice for all.” A native of Beaumont, Allen attended college at Lamar University Beaumont and received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, graduating with cum laude distinction in 1996. She moved to Houston in 1997 to attend law school at South Texas College of Law, where she was a member of Law Review. Allen graduated in May 2000, finishing in the top 25 percent. Shortly after completing law school, she was licensed to practice by the State of Texas. Allen’s involvement in politics and law began at an early age with her participation in voter registration drives and canvasses with local civic or-
Culver ganization. Allen also served as an Election Protection volunteer lawyer in 2008 to ensure all citizens access to the polls and right to vote was protected.
Elliott
Hollan Facing the five-term Republican incumbent Brady Elliott, the 268th District Court Judge, Democrat Albert Hollan says he is clearly the better candidate. A licensed attorney and member of the State Bar of
Del Webb unveils Sweetgrass Fort Bend County has a new community named Del Web Sweetgrass. The Houston operations of Del Webb unveiled the new name Del Webb Sweetgrass, scheduled to open in early 2011. It will include approximately 1,500 homes on more than 500 acres, with a muchanticipated multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art amenity center with indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, new walking trails, outdoor pavilion with fishing pier, and other amenities. “The name imparts the community’s place within Fort Bend County. The community is named after a native grass that implies a design that will allow the community and our residents to blend in to the rus-
tic surroundings with an invigorating outdoor recreation and indoor lifestyle that is deserving of the engaging and active lifestyle that Boomers want
Allen
today,” said Jim Rorison, division president for the Houston operations of Del Webb. “With its natural, rolling topography, the community’s de-
Texas and Fort Bend County Bar Association, Hollan is board certified in civil and personal injury trial law by the Texas board of Legal Specialization. He maintains an A/V rating – the highest rating by his peers. “Every candidate for public office has an obligation to observe and uphold basic principles of decency, honesty and fair play in order that, after vigorously contested but fairly conducted campaigns, citizens
sign takes advantage of beautiful country-like views of the area with plenty of opportunities to view wildlife in its natural habitat. “With curvilinear streets, abundant cul-desacs and meandering thoroughfares, Del Webb Sweetgrass will incorporate the natural beauty of the Richmond area, showcasing native and planted landscaping and significant water features,” Rorison said. The model park will feature a total of nine designer-decorated model homes. Del Webb Sweetgrass will
may exercise their constitutional right to a free and informed choice that expresses their will,” Hollan says. “I pledge to conduct my campaign fairly and honestly, just as I will administer justice from the bench if I am elected.” Hollan moved to Fort Bend County at the time of his graduation from the UH law school in 1987. He and his wife, Peggy, were married at First Unit-
ed Methodist Church in Sugar Land, and reside with their two children in the BelknapBrookside subdivision near Imperial Sugar. Elliott has served for over 20 years as a judge of the 268th district court. He has been recognized by the State Bar of Texas with a Presidential Commendation for leadership in improving justice
See RACES, Page 4
Incumbent County Court-at-Law No.1 Judge Bud Childers, left, faces Democrat Milton Flick, right.
For the County Court-at-law Judge No. 2, being vacated by Walter McMeans, a Republican, his son Jeff McMeans, left, and Democratic challenger Harrison Gregg are on the ballot. feature all single-story homes, ranging in size from 1,5002,500 square feet with 2-3 bedrooms and 2-3 bathrooms. Additionally, construction has already begun for the new 8,000-square-foot sales pavilion and model park, with a target grand opening date of early Spring 2011. First residents are expected to move into the community in summer 2011.
There are 60 Del Webb active adult communities currently open for sale across the United States. Under its Del Webb brand, PulteGroup is the nation’s leading builder of active adult communities for people age 55 and better. For more information about Del Webb Sweetgrass, visit www.delwebb.com/houston or call 866-232-6072.
10701 Corporate Drive, #282, Stafford, TX 77477 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, TX 77487 Seshadri Kumar Publisher & Editor
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Fort Bend Independent, (USPS 025-572) is published every Wednesday (for a subscription rate of $20 per year) by Fort Bend Independent, LLC., 10701 Corporate Dr., #282, Stafford, Texas 77477. Periodicals Postage Paid at Stafford, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fort Bend Independent, P.O. Box 623, Sugar Land, Tx 77487.