Biographical
Spouse and children: Wife-Ann Mcdaniel; children-Amber Roper and Jacob McDaniel
Age: 60 years
Years as Bowie County resident: 60 years
Political Party: Republican
Highlight top three degrees and/or educational achievements:
- Graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School, class of 1974
- Graduated from East Texas State University-Texarkana in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in psychology
List current job/employer and top three occupational achievements:
- I work for All Bail Bonds of Texarkana, Texas, and have been the manager since 2005.
- I've worked in the bail bond business since 1998 and have worked for other bonding companies in Texarkana.
- Before working in the Bonding business, I worked at Red River Army Depot for 20 years.
Highlight top three examples of your civic or community service:
- In my college years, I did volunteer work in the FCI learning resource center.
- I attend church at Buchanan United Methodist.
- I have coached intramural football/basketball teams, PeeWee baseball, Dixie baseball teams and a girls softball team.
- I have supported fundraisers with church and school.
Highlight top three examples of your political experience:
The only political experience I have is in dealing with the legal system on a near-daily basis in the bonding business. I deal with judges, lawyers, and law enforcement at all levels. I use the Texas Code of Criminal Procedures regularly to insure compliance with regulations of my job.
Political
Why did you run for office?
I feel that change can be good for the county. Our justice system at all levels should be rotated as often as possible, people should not be making careers out of elected offices. Longevity of office can lead to one becoming complacent and insensitive to realities of everyday life.
What are your top three goals, if elected?
- To return the office to considering the will of all the people, regardless of race, sex, or economic status.
- To interpret the law as intended, not as I feel.
- To change what I can or to know why I can't change it.
What are the three greatest issues facing the county?
- The county making money off of the judicial system.
- The contracting of jail operations.
- Lack of compassion and understanding when dealing with employees and citizens.
What proposals do you suggest to address these?
No distinction should be made when issuing bonds or setting fines, probation and fees. The money should go to restitution first, if required.
A government agency should operate the jail, and they should be held accountable to the agency in charge. Someone should be available 24 hours a day with the authority to contact all jurisdictions involved to resolve issues.
When someone is faced with an unfamiliar situation, the agency dealing with them should use patience, care and understanding. Every employee of the county should be required to take a communications or interpersonal skills class.
Biographical
Spouse and children: Son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Alyssa Talley; grandson Witten; daughter and son-in-law, Stacey and Keith; and grandsons Jacob and Jaxson; son, Paul Talley, deceased
Age: 66
Years as Bowie County resident: 61 years
Political Party: Republican
Highlight top three degrees and/or educational achievements: 50
I am required by law to acquire continuing education yearly and accumulated 15 years of education through the Texas Justice Court Training Center.
List current job/employer and top three occupational achievements: 50
- Currently serving as justice of the peace
- worked for three district attorneys
Highlight top three examples of your civic or community service: 50
- Teen Court Board member
- former Domestic Violence Prevention board member
- former Texarkana Urban Transportation Board chairwoman
- former Texarkana Dixie Baseball Association president
- former Citizens Advisory Group on Environment member
- mentor for young adults with substance abuse issues
- Community Builder Award from Border Masonic Lodge
- Hardy Memorial United Methodist Church member
Highlight top three examples of your political experience: 50
Served 5 terms on Texarkana, Texas, City Council, serving on various boards and commissions
co-chairwoman of Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (Bi-State Justice Building committee)
Political
Why did you run for office?
To continue as a public servant, not a politician. It has been my goal to give back to Bowie County's citizens in a manner that represents the integrity of the "people's court." It's not about the politics, it's about faith, family and ensuring a positive future for Bowie County.
What are your top three goals, if elected?
- To maintain the integrity of the court.
- To provide an efficient court that lives within its budget and continues to comply with county ordinances and state guidelines.
- Continue an open-door policy and provide consistent working relationship with all county offices to achieve the common goal-the well-being of Bowie County.
What are the three greatest issues facing the county?
Jobs for citizens, the economy and health care are always the top priorities that affect all Americans. Several of the biggest issues that the justice court deals with are the lack of mental health and substance abuse placement. Citizens are desperate for help, but facilities are limited.
What proposals do you suggest to address these?
The funding from the state for mental health programs has decreased tremendously. It is hard to find placement for a continued stay in order to receive proper treatment. The problem of substance-abuse treatment has grown at a fast rate, simply because there is not enough money to accommodate the need of rehab. I will continue to seek assistance with any funding through our state officials.