Bastrop County Democratic Party Candidate Information

Some of our candidates do not have websites or have otherwise requested help. Thus, BCDP is providing this space to present candidate information for your consideration.

To see Ms. Strawn address the Texas Democratic 2008 Convention in video, click here.

J. R. MOLINA for JUDGE TEXAS COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS, PL 4 * DEMOCRAT * 1301 North Houston Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76106, jrmolina@charter.net, 817-624-4700-Voice, 817-624-9434-FAX

* 36 Years Attorney Experience * 31 Years Board Certified in Criminal Law * Former State Felony Prosecutor, Tarrant County, 1974-79 * Former Municipal Court Judge * Saint Edwards University, No Degree (1966-67) * University of Texas. B. A. (1969), Juris Doctor (1971) * Veteran, United State Air Force, 1962-66 *

* In 2004 I received 2,906,720 votes across Texas in my race for Judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. With such support from the people of Texas I received MORE votes than any other STATEWIDE Democratic Candidate including the Presidential Nominee. Thank you!! ***

I am a father of three children. Justin and Rose are college students and Elisa Wren is an 9th grade student.

*I am the most qualified candidate for this position because I have practiced criminal law for thirty-six years as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. I have prosecuted and defended multiple capital cases involving the death penalty. I have filed appeal briefs for the State of Texas and for defendants. I have been Board Certified in Criminal Law for THIRTY years. I have tried more than two hundred cases to juries and thousands of non-jury trials. My experience in the law can well serve the people of the State of Texas.

* I believe that extreme care should taken in death penalty cases. The national experience reveals that innocent people have been convicted in capital cases. The most diligent process of these cases is necessary so that the public may have confidence in our justice system. An exhaustive, expansive and meticulous prosecution, defense and appellate review of these capital cases may be able to produce a fair system. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals should remain OPEN to case filings 24 hours a day, just like the United States Supreme Court.

Longtime Bastrop City Council Member Dock Jackson made it official on Wednesday by filing for the Bastrop County Commissioner Precinct 1 seat. He had previously been considering the State Representative seat held by Robby Cook, but due to an obscure Texas law he would have had to give up his council seat and other committee and board assignments that are connected to that seat. “It is a win-win situation” according to Jackson who thinks a run for the County seat will keep him locally in touch with citizens he already represents on the council. “This is an opportunity to bring my leadership and experience from the city to the county and unite the two groups for the good of the public. We are serving some of the same citizens and I think if elected the transition could be seamless.” Jackson stated. His plans are to support the Opportunity Bastrop County Plan and reinforce the connections between the city and county as well as work on improved communication to the citizens.

Jackson almost did not get the opportunity to run as longtime council member and Mayor Pro Tem Willie De La Rosa had previously considered running, but due to legalities with his federal employment, De La Rosa chose not to file in the race. De La Rosa shared this information with Jackson. After finding out this information Jackson who did not want to challenge De La Rosa entered the race.

Jackson, an active Democrat in Bastrop County was President of the Bastrop County Democratic Club for almost five years. Although he is a Democrat he believes in working for the citizens and making sure that their needs are met. From experience he learned that you have to work on both sides of the aisles if you want to get things done. Jackson who advocates for parks, senior citizens and cities issues statewide and nationally has made many political contacts through his advocacy for these issues.

Jackson has been actively involved in the community for years and besides being on the city council Jackson previously was on the Bastrop Economic Development Board, Literacy Volunteers of America -Bastrop and Family Crisis Center Boards and charter member of the Optimist Club of Bastrop. He is currently the founder/organizer of the Bastrop County Martin Luther King Holiday Commission Walk, President of the Elgin Noon Lions Club, member of Rotary Club of Elgin, Kerr Community Center board, Bastrop MLK Scholarship committee and Bastrop Main Street Board liaison for the city council. Jackson recently led the effort to celebrate Bastrop’s 175^th Anniversary Celebration. He is employed by the City of Elgin where he is the Director of Parks and Recreation. Jackson was also the state president of the Texas Municipal League. During his year as president he brought the TML together with the Texas Association of Counties to develop a partnership for counties and cities that is in force today. His efforts helped foster a stronger relationship of these two organizations. This came into being due to his involvement with BEST (Bastrop*Elgin*Smithville*Texas) which is a partnership between the three cities in Bastrop County and the County along with school districts, chamber of commerce organizations and economic development entities. Jackson is also an active member of Ascension Catholic Church where he sings in the choir and is a Eucharistic minister, Reader and member of the Parish Council.

More information will be available soon on Jackson’s website and materials that are being developed for distribution. Go online at www.dockjackson.com for updates on the campaign or to become involved.