My name is Jay Bender and I am a Republican asking for your support and vote in the runoff election between myself and Terri Green.

County Court at Law #6 does not currently have an incumbent.  The former judge, Greg Willis, resigned to run for the higher office of District Attorney.  This court has jurisdiction over all of Collin County for misdemeanor crimes, appeals from Municipal and Justice of the Peace Courts and civil matters seeking less than $100,000 in damages.  Approximately 85% of the cases and almost 100% of the jury trials are criminal!  That is why it is important to have a strong criminal law background to be the judge of the court.

I am the only candidate in this race to:
- have been an Assistant District Attorney (I served as such in both Dallas and Collin Counties);
- serve as a Board Member to the Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association;
- be endorsed by the Collin County Deputies Association;
- be endorsed by the Coaltion for Better Government;
- have received a Grade "A" from the Heritage Alliance;
- have served in the U.S. Military (U.S. Navy).

A judge must be able to be fair.  An umpire who calls balls and strikes.  It is important to the parties before the court that they know they will receive a fair trial.  To be fair a judge to be able to see both sides.  I am that candidate.  I am currently in private practice and do some civil but mostly criminal defense.   I am the only candidate in my race to have been an Assistant District Attorney and only I received the endorsement of the Collin County Deputie's Association.  I am also the only candidate to be on the Board of the Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. A former Prosecutor, current defense attorney and law enforcement trusts me.  You cannot be more fair than that!

I am seeking this position because I have a history of service to the greater good, to bettering our community and I am answering my calling.  My candidacy is about stewardship.  I grew up here having attended Spring Valley Elementary School through Richardson High School. Then I traveled up Hwy. 75 to Austin College for undergraduate where I graduated cum laude with a double major.  With the exception of time I spent in the Navy and law school I have been here since 1979.  I have a 14-month-old son and want to leave our community at least in as good a shape as when I received it.  Please stand with me not for me but for our community.  I am asking for your support and your vote.

Remember...BENDER ON THE BALLOT!

Sincerely,

Jay Bender
Candidate for Judge