Name:  Patrick Howard, Candidate for Brown County Judge

Occupation:  Practicing Attorney, Law Office of Patrick D. Howard

Education:  Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Texas at Austin; Doctorate of Jurisprudence, University of Arkansas School of Law.

Guardianship Certified, Texas Judicial Branch Certification Commission

Certified as an Attorney Ad Litem for Children and Parents, State of Texas.

1000’s of Hours of Continuing Education Training in Juvenile Law, Child Welfare Law, Criminal Law, Appellate Law, Estate and Probate Law.

Clubs and organizations:

Member – Church of Christ, State Bar of Texas, Brown County Bar Association

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Sigma Chi.

Family:

My wife, Mika and I have been married for 15 years.  Mika has devoted her career to social work, working as a Case Manager for CASA in the Heart of Texas, and a conservatorship worker for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.  Mika now works as an Adoption Specialist finding forever homes for foster children.

Mika and I first lived in Brownwood and now live outside of Early.  

Our daughter, Emily, is a freshman at Early High School involved in varsity cheerleading, volleyball, club volleyball, track, and student council. 

Gavin graduated three years ago from Early High School and is currently a Junior pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at Tarleton State University.

Dylan, earned his degree from Angelo State University and has worked in Washington DC, for Congressman August Pfluger, and currently serves at the state capitol working for our State Senator, Phil King.

Why are you running for this office?

For over 20 years,  I have Practiced law in Brown County, Texas.  I know this Court.  I know this County.  I know what must change.

The County Judge must lead—both in the courtroom and in county government.  When it became apparent this was not occurring, I determined to and was encouraged by County leaders to run for Brown County Judge.  

I stepped forward and applied for County Judge on the first day because leadership does not wait.  I raised concerns early because I work in the courthouse every day and knew the problems firsthand.  Brown County deserves a County Judge who confronts issues, protects integrity, and restores public trust.

I have the experience to immediately manage every judicial responsibility of the office.  I have proposed specific ideas and have clear plans to save Brown County money within the current budget.   

This job requires action, accountability, and competence.  I bring all three.

What are your qualifications?

For the Last 21 years, I have practiced law at the Courthouse in Brown County, Texas.    I have handled more than 3,000 cases in Brown County and 5000 cases in the State of Texas.  I am well-versed in juvenile law, estates and probates, guardianship law, criminal law and civil law — All cases heard in the Brown County Court.

From experience, I also know the Administrative requirements of the job.   I know what works and what saves money in Court system and have the relationships to implement changes.    

I have spent my career serving Brown County and defending its most vulnerable citizens.   I have represented more neglected and at risk children than any other Attorney in Brown County history. 

Brown County needs real change led by proven experience.   I am ready to lead.

If elected, what changes will you implement?

I will bring dignity and ethical leadership to the office of County Judge.  

I will be available to assist Law Enforcement, County Commissioners and all elected officials.

I believe in fiscal responsibility, efficiency and priorities.   I will apply Zero Based Budgeting to the budget process.   Before Brown County increases any resident taxes, Brown County should first seek to eliminate wasteful spending and apply such savings to priorities.  My priorities are: A. Law Enforcement, Fire Departments and First Responders B. Public Health C. Public Infrastructure.

Brown County should offset tax-payer obligations by aggressively pursuing State and Federal Grants.

Brown County should seek private resources to help pay for non-essential expenditures which improve the quality of life for Brown County residents such as the Rodeo and Fairgrounds project.

I will streamline the Court system to more readily move criminal defendants through the Court system saving Brown County money.   I will also implement a walk-in docket to resolve civil cases when the cases are ready instead of waiting for the Court to be ready.

I believe the Court should implement special procedures for veterans, first time drug offenders and for those with mental health concerns.