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My name is Kelly Stone, and I am a mother, an educator, and a Hays County voter currently earning my PhD abroad. As we approach the upcoming election, I feel compelled to share my decision to abstain from voting in the uncontested race for the 453rd District Court, where Sherri Tibbe is the sole candidate. My abstention stems from serious concerns about her actions in office and the implications of an uncontested election.
One of my primary issues is Ms. Tibbe’s removal of my right to a jury trial, followed by her unconstitutional and unethical decision to limit my rights to possession and access to my children. These actions not only undermine individual rights but also set a troubling precedent for judicial conduct. A judge’s role is to uphold the law and protect the rights of all citizens, especially in family law matters where the stakes are incredibly high. Ms. Tibbe’s reasoning for limiting my access to my children—citing that 'kids can't move out of Texas'—is an alarming perspective that disregards the complexities of family dynamics. This narrow interpretation of the law fails to recognize that stability can take many forms for families.
Moreover, as the administrative judge overseeing all district judges, Ms. Tibbe operates in a role that appears to lack sufficient oversight and accountability. The absence of competition in this election should not be mistaken for community support; instead, it may reflect a lack of awareness among voters about the critical issues at stake.
Additionally, I am troubled by Ms. Tibbe's frequent service as a guest judge in Comal County, where she was not elected by the people. This raises questions about her priorities and commitment to Hays County, where she was elected to serve and where taxpayers fund her salary. Our judicial system is facing a significant backlog in both criminal and civil cases, making it disheartening to see time and resources diverted while urgent matters remain unresolved.
By choosing to abstain from this race, I hope to emphasize the importance of accountability and informed decision-making within our judiciary. It is vital for our community to engage in discussions about judicial performance and ensure that our electoral processes truly reflect the values we hold dear.
Kelly Stone Hays County
