For use by Stonewall Democrats of Dallas BRANDON BIRMINGHAM: 2014 Judicial Candidate Questionnaire: (Note: Judicial candidates are

asked to ONLY answer the Judicial Candidate questionnaire, and NOT the County or State Level questionnaire!)

1. Why are you seeking the endorsement from Stonewall Democrats of Dallas? Because I believe the Stonewalls to be one of the most vocal, well informed and respected clubs in Dallas County. They believe in the quality of the candidate, and not simply a candidates name or political connection. I also believe that the club is the most enthusiastic club in the County, and I firmly believe in their fundamental cause - equality. For all of these reasons, I would proudly carry their endorsement. 2. What are your plans to participate in a coordinated campaign in the general election? I will participate in a coordinate campaign in the general election. I am a democrat first, candidate second, and not the other way around. This election is about much more than one felony bench in the same way that the Party is bigger than one person. Its about a very simple ideal that people deserve to be treated fairly and under the equal protection of the law. I am trying to advance and promulgate that ideal, not only in my race, but in all of the races because that is what I believe in. I believe that it is imperative that we turn Texas blue, and I want to do everything that I can to help out. Dallas County has been an anchor in that endeavor, and it is up to voters like me to continue to fortify its strength. 3. Will you use the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas endorsement in or on: a) your website - YES b) your campaign literature and mailers: YES c) your social media assets (Twitter, Facebook, etc.): YES d) your campaign advertisements: YES 4. When elected, how will you recruit, retain, and create a friendly environment for LGBT and LGBTfriendly staff? Any comments, statements, or conduct however slight - directed at any group that creates an unfriendly environment will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with by me swiftly and harshly. Intolerance or insensitivity does not fit into that mold. I will create an environment that allows my staff to use their talents to the best of their ability so that we can accomplish the ultimate goal of a felony court to make Dallas County a safe place to live.

5. Would you be willing to appoint a liaison to meet with the LGBT community on an ongoing basis? If not, why? Yes, I would be more than willing to meet with the LGBT community on an ongoing basis, and I dont need a liaison Ill do it myself. I firmly believe that it is incumbent upon Judges to stay connected to each and every group within their jurisdiction. Criminal cases do not happen in a vacuum, and sentencing in Texas is not formulaic. Many times, a Judge is called upon to make life and death decisions. As such, I believe that Fair and just decisions in these cases can only come from a well informed and connected decision-maker. 6. Understanding that administrative matters can take up a significant percentage of your work day, what are some ideas for policies or procedures that you think you can improve court operations for the court which you are seeking office? What are the most important policies or procedures you've identified as needing improvement? I believe that the best way to run an efficient court is to be organized, personally monitor all settings, and address scheduling problems early. I also believe that the most important thing a Judge can do is be at work every day, available, and on the bench. I pledge to work hard and be present. Court will start promptly at 8:30 AM. I will expect representatives from the State, those lawyers in private practice, the Public Defenders Office, and the Probation department to be present and ready to work at the same time. As the judge of the Court, I will schedule all jury trials. There will be no resets on the day of trial absent extraordinary circumstances. I will have standing scheduling orders triggered once a case is set for trial. There will be a pretrial hearing 10 days prior to the trial in which all plea bargains will expire, and I will not accept pleas on the day of trial. In accordance with the new Michael Morton Act set to take effect January 1st, 2015, I will institute a forensic testing schedule as well. Prosecutors must have a plea bargain offer within 2 weeks after indictment. Criminal Defendants on bond will have 3 announcement settings after receiving discovery to make a decision about how they wish to proceed on their case before the trial scheduling order takes effect. Jail cases will take priority in a trial week, but I will not reset bond cases until a jury is called on a jail case. There are, of course going to have to be exceptions to every rule. However, any lawyer that abuses or takes advantage of these policies will be held accountable in some form commensurate with their conduct. Applying these basic policies as a Felony Court Chief since 2007, my Courts have consistently been in the top 5 most efficient felony criminal courts in the county, and as of this writing, my court is third. This is important for 2 reasons victims and defendants with cases in my court are not having to needlessly wait for a resolution to their case, and the taxpayers do not have to pay extra for unnecessary delays.

I, BRANDON BIRMINGHAM, am seeking an endorsement from the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas.

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Brandon Birmingham Candidate for the 292nd Judicial District Court

SIGNED 12/22/13