Candidates 2010: Greg Wilhelm

From 2001 to 2007, Texas led the nation with 1,509 child abuse deaths, of which 228 occurred in 2007. As Judge of the Ellis County Court at Law No. 1, and as an attorney who served on the most horrific of abuse cases, I intimately understand the deadliness of child abuse. This awareness led me to help form CASA of Ellis County (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and serve as its founding president, to ensure volunteer guardians were trained to speak for abused and neglected children.

Ellis County is truly committed to protecting children, the proof of which is demonstrated by the proactive and significant support given to the courts and those organizations advocating for the best interests of children. Instead of seeking short-term and short-sighted gains, our citizens and commissioners have remained steadfast in steering away from national trends of cutting funds supporting the long-term protection of children. Such foresight clearly fosters true “Homeland Security” for these most defenseless of citizens.

As judge, a majority of the court’s time is invested in overseeing child abuse cases, with each child and each case considered individually. My record reflects that rulings are based on the law and the evidence, with discretionary authority balanced by constitutional rights, statutory protections and the best interests of the children.

With a docket of widely varying civil and probate matters, coupled by concurrent district court jurisdiction, I also preside over lawsuits ranging from civil contract disputes, land condemnations and debt collections, to adoptions and family law matters. Moreover, the court hears estate administrations, will contests and guardianships of the elderly and infirmed—matters which truly impact all citizens.

Additionally, my experience in business, probate and civil matters, along with more than 160 hours of judicial training, supports a track record of entering rulings on, and disposing of, 98% of civil cases in a prompt and timely manner. This efficient case management has been furthered by the use of court-ordered mediation, case resolution conferences, citizen volunteers and the judicious dismissal of inactive cases—all of which lessens taxpayer burden by maximizing County resources.

As husband to Monica for almost 20 years, and father to 7-year-old Jared and 9-year-old Eliana, my tested experience as an attorney, businessman and parent, along with my proven judicial experience, makes me the wise choice of voters, for re-election as Judge, on March 2nd.

For more information on Judge Greg Wilhelm, please visit www.gregwilhelm.com.