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District attorney candidate says she will bring 'law with order'

  • Originally published October 21, 2010 at 6 p.m., updated October 21, 2010 at 6:10 p.m.

I ask for your vote for Victoria County criminal district attorney as a professional prosecutor with more than 34 years of demonstrated conservative leadership qualifications, work ethic, discipline, commonsense, knowledge and the competence and capacity to successfully prosecute and uphold the law. Prior to completing my undergraduate degree, I had a career as a human resources specialist in an energy-related company. I completed my undergraduate degree and began law school in the same month. In less than three years of beginning law school, I completed my law school degree, passed the Texas Bar exam and was hired by the Harris County district attorney's office as an assistant district attorney.

After four years, I transitioned into private practice where I represented criminal, tax, family, probate and juvenile law cases. In 1998, I applied to the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in the specialty area of criminal law. I met the stringent requirements and was certified in the practice of criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. In 1999, I was invited by then Victoria County Criminal District Attorney Dexter Eaves to join his office as an assistant district attorney with primary responsibility for crimes against children and the family. My Victoria County responsibilities grew to first assistant district attorney with the addition of substantial supervisory and administrative duties.

Post 9/11, I was called to active duty to serve in leadership positions at U.S. Central Command. In 2004, I was selected as the director of the Navy Basic Intelligence Training School for Reserve Intelligence Area Six where I served for three years. Thereafter, I served in unit leadership positions until my retirement in December 2009 as a Navy commander.

Why should you vote for me?

I have protected Texans:

Professional prosecutor - 15 years

Current assistant district attorney - Bee, Live Oak, and McMullen counties - since Jan. 2, 2007

Former first assistant district attorney for Victoria County

Certified in criminal law - Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Eight years prosecuting - Victoria County district attorney's office

Former assistant district attorney - Harris County - four years

Law degree - University of Houston School of Law

Adjunct instructor in criminal justice - The Victoria College

Trial advocacy instructor - National Advocacy Center

I am committed to our community:

Boys and Girls Club of Victoria - board member

Cultural Council of Victoria - board member

Food Bank of the Golden Crescent - board member

Girl Scouts of Greater South Texas - board chair

Mt. Nebo Baptist Church - Sunday school superintendent

Perpetual Help Home - advisory board member

Sunrise Rotary Club - member

The Junior League of Victoria - sustainer

Victoria Adult Literacy Council - board member

Women in Partnership for Progress - vice president

I have provided military service to our country:

Veteran

34 years of service

From seaman to commander

Navy commander, retired

Intelligence officer

Called to active duty post 9/11

Director, Navy Basic Intelligence Training School, RIA Six

Command chief, Naval Reserve Intelligence Command

Joint Service Commendation Medal

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two)

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal

American Legion Post #166 - member

A few observations:

I have never given political favors - it is unethical.

Disappointed in untruthful and unfounded allegations - we should not sell our soul.

Most of the current district attorney's staff and attorneys are not only competent but valuable to this community. I would consider it an honor to work with them in the prosecution of all pending and future matters.

I have the love of my family and friends, and I am one tough grandma.

My election as district attorney has been endorsed by the Victoria Peace Officers Association.

In reviewing a recent "letter to the editor," I found the symbolism of an unloved and untrained dog a frightening prospect for another four years. "Old Yeller," on the other hand, protected the family and their home, and was lovable - only outlaws feared for their lives. It is time for the spirit of Old Yeller to seek justice for the Victoria County criminal district attorney's office. Victoria and our law enforcement community deserve better - it's time for "Law with Order."

Deborah Branch is a Democratic candidate for Victoria County criminal district attorney.