democrats

March 4, 2008 Primary (Democratic Candidates)

2008-03-03T00:24:00.000-08:00

U.S. President

Hillary Clinton - (campaign website)

John Edwards - (campaign website)

Barack Obama - (campaign website)

Bill Richardson - (campaign website)

U.S. Senate (Texas)

Gene Kelly

Ray McMurrey - (campaign website)

Rick Noriega - (campaign website)

Rhett R Smith - (campaign website)

U.S. Congress - District 27

Solomon P. Ortiz - (campaign website)

Railroad Commissioner

Art Hall - (campaign website)

Dale Henry - (campaign website)

Mark Thompson

Texas Supreme Court, Chief Justice

Jim Jordan

Texas Supreme Court, Place 7

Baltasar D. Cruz

Sam Houston

Texas Supreme Court, Place 8

Susan Criss - (campaign website)

Linda Reyna Yanez - (campaign website)

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3

Susan Strawn

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 4

J.R. Molina

13th Court of Appeals

Dori Contreras Garza - (campaign website)

Texas Senate – District 20

Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa

State Representative, District 32

Juan Garcia - (campaign website)

State Representative, District 33

Solomon Ortiz, Jr. - (campaign website)

State Representative, District 34

Abel Herrero - (campaign website)

Judge, 28th District Court

Nanette Hasette

Judge, 214th District Court

José Longoria

Judge, 347th District Court

Nelva Gonzales Ramos

Nueces Democrats: Robert Zamora:A Man of Strength & Stability ; Winning Back The Nueces County Democratic Party For All South Texas Democrats

2008-01-01T03:42:00.000-08:00

Nueces Democrats: Robert Zamora:A Man of Strength & Stability ; Winning Back The Nueces County Democratic Party For All South Texas Democrats

Zamora Announces for Party Chair

Updated: Jan 1, 2008 12:31 AM

A local attorney has announced he is running for chairman of the Nueces County Democratic Party.

There has been talk that several people might run. On Monday, attorney Robert Zamora officially announced that he has filed for the position, which is now held by Alex Garcia Jr.

"I have not only experience as a lawyer operating my own business for close to 30 years," Zamora said. "What I would like to do is lend the energy and the experience that I have to the operation of the Democratic Party here in Nueces County.

The race will be decided in the state presidential primary in March.

2006-02-10T22:57:00.000-08:00

Joe Alfred Flores
Firm: Snapka & Turman, L.L.P.

Address: Ste 1610
606 N. Carancahua
Corpus Christi, TX 78476

Phone: (361) 888-7676

Fax: (361) 884-8545

E-mail: Contact Us
Contact Us

Web site: http://snapkalaw.lawoffice.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Position Areas of Practice Litigation Percentage

Bar Admissions Education Honors

Published Works Affiliations

Lawyer Profile:
Joe A. Flores was born in Alice, Texas. In 1985, he graduated from Alice High School. Joe received his associate in applied science degree from Del Mar College in 1988. As an RN, Joe specialized in intensive care with an emphasis in coronary care. Joe has worked at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, the South Texas Medical Center in San Antonio, and for both Spohn and Columbia Health care systems in the South Texas area. Joe has been certified as a critical care nurse (CCRN) since 1996. Joe continued to work full-time in critical care nursing at Christus Spohn Hospital Shoreline and graduated from Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi with both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in nursing in 1992 and 1998 respectively. He is also a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. In 2001, Joe graduated with a Doctorate in Jurisprudence from South Texas College of Law. While in law school, Joe clerked for both defense and plaintiff law firms in Houston with an emphasis on medical malpractice and nursing home negligence. After graduating from law school, he worked as an associate attorney at a defense medical malpractice firm and is now an associate attorney with the Law Offices of Kathryn Snapka. He is currently concentrating on medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, and product liability. Joe is licensed to practice law in Texas, is a member of the Nueces County Bar Association and Texas Young Lawyers Association. Joe still maintains close ties with the health care community: He is a current member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international honor society of nursing, a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, and a member of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants. He has also taught Health Science 301 at Del Mar College as an adjunct professor. Joe remains a Family Nurse Practitioner, specializing in geriatric medicine, on a part-time basis, with the Complete Medical Care group here in Corpus Christi.

Current Employment Position(s):

Associate

Year Joined Organization:

2001

Areas of Practice:

Nursing Home Negligence
Medical Malpractice
Product Liability
Pharmaceutical Litigation
Elder Law
Automobile Accidents
Burn Cases
Wrongful Death
Health Law
Toxic Torts

Litigation Percentage:

100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Certification/Specialties:

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner/Primary Care Provider, State of Texas, 1998

Board-Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) , American Association of Critical Care Nursing, 1996

Bar Admissions:

Texas, 2001

Education:

South Texas College of Law, Houston, Texas, 2001
J.D.
Honors: Intramural Mock Trial
Honors: Health Law Society
Honors: Hispanic Law Students Association
Honors: National Nurses Business Association
Honors: American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants
Law Review: "Currents" International Law Review, 1999 - 2001
Law Journal: International Law Journal, Managing Editor, 1998 - 2001

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas, 1998
Master of Science
Honors: With Distinction
Honors: International Honor Society of Nursing - Sigma Theta Tau
Major: Nursing Science

Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, Texas, 1992
B.S.
Honors: With Distinction
Major: Nursing

Del Mar College, 1988
Associate of Applied Science
Honors: Vice-President, Student Nurses Association Del Mar College, 1987-1988
Honors: Psychology Student of the Year, 1986
Major: Nursing

Published Works:

Scientific Misconduct in the International Community, Currents International Law Journal, Winter, 2000

Classes/Seminars Taught:

Legal Implications for Nursing, Snapka Turman LLP & AACN

Adjunct Professor, Health Science Department, Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, TX, 1997 - 1998

Legal Implications for Nursing, Del Mar College and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, 2002

Legal Aspects for the Home Health Care Nurse, Alice Primary Services, 1998 - 1999

Alternative Medicine in the Hispanic Community, Texas A&M University , 1996

Honors and Awards:

Sigma Theta Tau

Pacesetter Award for Outstanding Service to the Rural and Elderly Community, 1992

Professional Associations and Memberships:

American Association of Critical Care Nurses, 1998
President Elect

Sigma Theta Tau - International Honor Society of Nursing, 1997 - 2002

Delta Theta Phi International Law Society, 2000 - 2002

Coastal Bend Association of Critical Care Nurses, 1997 - 1998
President-Elect

American Association of Critical Care Nursing, 1992 - 2002

Habitat for Humanity, 1998 - 2001

Spohn Community Health Care Screening, 1993 - 1998

The AIDS Foundation, 1995
Volunteer

Corpus Christi Food Bank, 1993
Volunteer

Senior Citizen Influenzae Vaccine Drive, Nueces County, 1991 - 1992

Red Cross, 1986 - 1990
Volunteer

Past Employment Positions:

Law Offices of Steven M. Gonzalez, 2001

Bair and Welscher, P.C., Law Clerk/Medical Legal Consultant, 2001

Abraham & Watkins, Law Clerk/Medical Legal Consultant, 2000

Baker and Botts, Contract Medical Legal Consultant, 2000

Stevenson and Ammons, Medical Legal Consultant, 2000

McFall Sherwood and Sheehy, Expert Witness-Nursing Home Malpractice, 1999 - 2000

Stinson Medical Legal Services, Legal Nurse Consultant, 1998 - 1999

Nurse: Entrepreneur: Flores Medical Legal Services, Legal Nurse Consultant, 1995 - 2001

Complete Care Medical Group, Family Nurse Practitioner, 1998 - 2002

Spohn Heart Institute, Corpus Christi, TX, Intensive Care/Coronary Care Nursing, 1992 - 1999

Alice Physician's and Surgeon's Hospital, Alice, TX, Intensive Care/Geriatric Care/Emergency Room Nursing, 1990 - 1995

Hospitality House, Alice, TX, Nursing Home Supervisor, 1989 - 1990

South Texas Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, Medical & Coronary Intensive Care, 1989

MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, Oncology (Cancer) Nursing, 1988

Pro Bono Activities:

Habitat for Humanity, 2000 - 2001
CASA (Child Advocacy Group), 2001 - 2002
Corpus Christi Food Bank
Simple Wills
Advocate for the Elderly 8 Hours/Month
Education to the Healthcare Community on the Litigation Process

Ancillary Businesses:

Flores Medical Legal Services -- President-Owner
Vasquez-Flores Home Health Care -- Of Counsel
Complete Medical Care - Family Nurse Practitioner

Languages:

Spanish
French

Fraternities/Sororities:

Sigma Theta Tau
Delta Theta Phi

Birth Information:

1967, Alice, Texas, United States of America

West Practice Categories:

Health & Health Care Law, Elder Law, Food & Drug Administration, Hospital Law, Medicare & Medicaid, Insurance Law, Bad Faith, Motor Vehicle, Personal Injury -- Plaintiff, Animal Bites -- Plaintiff, Assault & Battery -- Plaintiff, Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff, Premises Liability -- Plaintiff, Property Damage -- Plaintiff, Wrongful Death -- Plaintiff, Medical Malpractice, Asbestos, Hazardous Waste, Medical Products & Devices, Pharmaceutical Products

Democratic Vote

2006-02-06T01:42:00.000-08:00

There's a five-way race for Nueces County Court at Law No. 3 judge in the March primary, with Democrats Hector DePena Jr., Joe Flores, Michele Villarreal-Kuchta, John Martinez and Mark Skurka vying for the seat Judge Marisela Saldana is vacating to run for district judge. County Court at Law judges preside over matters including Class A and B criminal misdemeanor cases, probate cases, civil lawsuits up to $100,000, mental health cases and appeals from justice of the peace courts. The position pays $110,965 annually and judges serve four-year terms. The winner will face Republican Juan Reyna in the November general election. Early voting begins Feb. 21 for the March 7 primary.
Hector DePena Jr.
Age: 62
Occupation: Judge
Q:What is the most important lesson you learned in your legal career?
A: Respect for the law and respect for people.
Q: What's your take on the current jury selection system?
A: As slow as the process is and as difficult as it is, particularly when you report for jury duty, I still think we have the best system because it allows the citizenry to participate in the administration of justice.
Q: How does your record as an attorney translate to the judiciary?
A: I was the presiding judge of County Court at Law 2 for 16 years and I am currently a state regional judge, which is a roving judge. I work within 11 counties, so whenever there is a need for an alternate judge, like when a judge recuses himself or an additional judge is needed, I am there to do the job.
Q: How does your record as an attorney translate to the judiciary?
A: I was the presiding judge of County Court at Law 2 for 16 years and I am currently a state regional judge, which is a roving judge. I work within 11 counties, so whenever there is a need for an alternate judge, like when a judge recuses himself or an additional judge is needed, I am there to do the job.

Joe Flores
Age: 38
Occupation: Lawyer
Q:What is the most important lesson you have learned in your legal career?
A: That each person has intrinsic value. What I mean by that is that being a lawyer is one of the most humbling experiences I have had. Representing the poorest of the poor or the richest of the rich, you still have the duty and obligation to do your job.
Q:What's your take on the current jury selection system?
A: The current system is one that I think works. The jury system is vital to our court system here in the U.S. Very few countries have the system we have and I think it is one of the best in the world if not the best. It does have some inconveniences, but we know people will get the most fair shake they can when they go to court.
Q: How does your record as an attorney translate to the judiciary?
A: As an attorney, I have had multiple trials involving civil, criminal and administrative experiences, which have provided me with the confidence and experience that I will need to preside over cases. The most important part is my experience in business, education, health care and the law, which makes me the most experienced candidate because I have a diverse background.
Michele Villarreal-Kuchta
Age: 38
Occupation: Lawyer
Q:What is the most important lesson you have learned in your legal career?
A: To listen to both sides of every story.
Q:What's your take on the current jury selection system?
A: I think it's the best we've got. It has stood the test of time, so why fix what is not broken.
Q: How does your record as an attorney translate to the judiciary?
A: I think I have a lot of experience in evaluating case scenarios. I believe I can apply fairness in all situations and evaluate and assess like I have done with my own cases. And I will make my decisions according to the law.

John Martinez
Age: 32
Occupation: Lawyer
Q: What is the most important lesson you have learned in your legal career?
A: It's more points that you come across that remind you of what you are doing. I was in a trial in Abilene, and we were picking a jury. One gentleman (a recent U.S. citizen) had a death in the family. When the judge asked if he wanted to be excused he said no, he wanted to be on the jury, and he got on. He said being on the jury was part of being a citizen. We take so much for granted here with the system that we have and the system that is in place.
Q: What's your take on the current jury selection system?
A: Picking a jury can be very complicated, so it is not a question of having a perfect system. I don't know that there is a better way. Although there are problems with it, I think overall it is the best way.
Q: How does your record as an attorney translate to the judiciary?
A: When I was in law school I did an internship with the district attorney's office so I got a taste of criminal law, but of course most of my experience is in the civil area. I represented the appraisal district when George Moff (former Nueces County Chief Appraiser convicted of theft of property valued between $500 and $1,500) was accused of improper spending. I also represented the county on the 30-year-old boundary dispute with San Patricio County. I'm young, but I have done some cool stuff.
Mark Skurka
Age: 46
Occupation: Assistant district attorney
Q: What is the most important lesson you have learned in your legal career?
A: To be prepared. Preparation is the key to everything in the courtroom. What most people see in the courtroom is just a result of many hours of preparation outside of the courtroom.
Q: What's your take on the current jury selection system?
A: The jury system that we have in America may not be perfect, but it is sure a lot better than what other countries have. So far, no one has come up with a better way of dispensing justice than having 12 of your peers deciding.
Q: How does your record as an attorney translate to the judiciary?
A: My experience in the courtroom shows people that I have more knowledge of courtroom proceedings. I am the only candidate board certified in criminal law and my background in administration in the district attorney's office makes me the best candidate to serve the people as County Court at Law Judge 3.
-Jaime Powell