The following are the complete and unedited responses submitted by the candidate listed below to the Amarillo Pioneer’s Candidate Questionnaire.
Photo via campaign
Name: Tim Pirtle
Office Sought: 108th District Court Judge
Party Affiliation: Republican
Age: 58
Educational Background: Juris Doctor degree from Ole Miss. Undergraduate Degree from West Texas State University
Occupation: Lawyer
Please list any civic boards or commissions (non-profit, government, union, religious, political, etc.) on which you have served as a board member or equivalent.
Amarillo Art Institute Board Member
Have you previously held or do you currently hold any elected office? If so, what office(s)?
no
If your campaign has any online campaign resources where voters can learn more about you, such as social media accounts or a website, please list them below.
www.facebook.com/PirtleForJudge pirtleforjudge.com
Why did you decide to run for this office in 2024?
I have practiced law full time for 33 years. When I heard Judge Woodburn was not running again for this Court, I decided that I wanted to be the next Judge of the 108th District Court. I possess extensive knowledge and experience of the law in divorce cases, custody cases, criminal cases, and civil cases. I have practiced law with a level head, and treated clients and opponents fairly and with respect. Further, I have a good working relationship with all of the district and county courts in Potter County. When I am elected to this position, I will continue that good relationship with the other judges so that we may efficiently operate the courts of Potter County.
If elected, what will be your top priority?
My top priority is to continue to dispose of all cases efficiently and effectively so that people may have their day in court. I will continue to operate the court very similarly to the way Judge Woodburn has run this court for years. I believe that disposing of cases efficiently and effectively will help protect children in both family law cases and criminal law cases. Further, I believe that in doing so, crime victims involved a criminal case will be protected and will also have their day in court.
Please describe your legal career experience and discuss any career highlights you would like to share.
I have practiced law full time for 33 years. I have appeared in court in thousands of cases, and tried family law cases, criminal law cases, and civil law cases to both a judge and a jury. I have tried cases ranging from capital murder to a traffic violation. Further, I have represented over a thousand people in family law cases. I believe this vast experience makes me a prime candidate for the Judge of the 108th District Court.
During your time in law school, what was the most profound lesson you learned that continues to play a role in your career and/or your life?
I learned several lessons in law school. The most profound lesson I learned was to look at a situation/case objectively and fairly.
What fictional lawyer do you most identify with? Please explain.
Atticus Finch. I learned from Atticus Finch that I could practice law aggressively, compassionately, and effectively and at the same time practice with politeness, kindness and respect.
Do you have any notable endorsements you would like to highlight for voters?
n/a
Why are you the best candidate for voters to support for this position?
I am the best candidate for this position because I have extensive knowledge of the law and vast experience. I have practiced law full time for 33 years, and have handled family law cases, criminal cases, and civil cases. My temperance, disposition, and fairness make me the best candidate for the 108th District Judge. Further, I have a good working relationship with all of the district and county courts of Potter County, and will continue that relationship as a judge so that we can efficiently and effectively operate the courts of Potter County.