Candidate Comparison: 320th District Judge, May 22nd Republican Runoff

Prior to the March 6th primary, the Amarillo Pioneer requested responses from the candidates running for various offices regarding the top issues facing Amarillo and the surrounding areas.

In the run up to the May 22nd Republican and Democratic primary runoffs in Potter and Randall Counties, the Amarillo Pioneer will be featuring condensed versions of the candidates' responses in our daily editions of the Amarillo Pioneer to better acquaint voters with their choices.

For full responses, please visit https://www.amarillopioneer.com/voter-guide/.

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Steven Michael Denny

Occupation: Criminal defense attorney, Volunteer firefighter

What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?

"I have experience as a felony prosecutor. As a sole practitioner, I have handled many types of cases from wills, probates, trusts, real estate, civil litigation, divorces, cps, administrative and contract law. I have handled appeals on criminal and family law matters, and have handled matters in front of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. As a justice adviser for the Department of State I trained Afghan judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers and police on their laws and how to run their system more efficiently."

How will you best represent the community that elected you?

"First, I will ensure access to the courts. That means being present in the courthouse for whatever matters need to be heard and being available for emergencies after hours. Second, I will ensure that the process is efficient as possible. That means that taxpayer's monies are spent wisely. Third, I will be open to new ideas, including those on mental health to address recidivism which will help with my other 2 goals."

How are you better suited than your opponent to serve in the position that you are running for?

"I have the most varied experience. I have the least connection to the status quo."

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Pamela Cook Sirmon

Occupation: Judge, Potter County Court at Law #2

What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?

"Over the past 29 years - as a judge, prosecutor and an attorney in private practice - I've handled family and criminal cases on a daily basis. As the only candidate with prior judicial experience, I am uniquely qualified for this position."

How will you best represent the community that elected you?

"I have a proven record for running an efficient and fiscally conservative court. When I was elected to my current bench, I pledged to reduce staff and tighten the budget and that is exactly what I've done. My staff and I are mindful of other peoples time and we strive to treat all - litigants, attorneys, jurors, courthouse personnel and law enforcement - with courtesy and respect."

How are you better suited than your opponent to serve in the position that you are running for?

"I have years of experience in all the types of cases handled by this court - family, criminal, and civil. And that is not in just a handful of cases but many, many cases. Additionally, as one of the five district judges serving Potter County, there is the added responsibility of providing oversight and budgeting to the Juvenile Probation Department, the Adult Probation Department, the Auditor and the Purchasing Department."