It has been a pleasure.
Being President of our great Association has been a grand life experience and one of my greatest personal pleasures. I may not bleed TCDLA, as does Randy Wilson, but my heart is truly with our Association and each one of its members.
Gerry Goldstein started me on this saga, David Biers and Edward Mallet mentored me through my baby lawyer stages. Scrappy Holmes, Tim Evans, and Bill White found a place in TCTC where my skills could truly serve our Association. Betty Blackwell and Cynthia Orr forged and paved a path that was a joy to travel. Richard Anderson and Ron Gorenson’s lectures on ethics have been, and yet remain, my personal compass’ true North. These women and men are just a few TCDLA members who deserve my gratitude.
I am most pleased that through the tireless efforts of our lobbyists (Allen Place, David Gonzalez, Kristen Etter), our Legislative Committee (Mark Daniel, Susan Johnston), and our new President, Bobby Mims, we do not have reciprocal discovery. These men and women tried hard to get the Texas Legislature to understand the differences between Brady violations and pretrial discovery. When next you see these individuals, give them a big “thank you.” They did our Association proud.
I will continue my efforts in getting the SBOT to put meaning in Brady violations. Stan Schneider and Craig Jett are working on this issue with TBLS. When these men work on an issue together, failure is not an option. We should be pleased that Buck Files helped SBOT understand that there is no such thing as a “little” Brady violation. The manner in which he illustrated this absurd phrase was indeed most poignant: “A little Brady violation… Oh, that must be a violation where the person only is wrongly imprisoned for 5 years instead of 28 years.”
It has been a grand pleasure to work with TCDLA’s home office staff. Joseph has assembled one of the most congenial, helpful group of young men and women who are dedicated to the cause of making the lives of TCDLA members easier and more productive. When next you are in Austin, take the time to drop by the home office; you will be treated like visiting royalty. A grand thing about this group of people is that they earnestly consider members’ suggestions about improving services.
It has been my pleasure to work with the women and men of TCDLA who have selflessly given of their time and talents for the benefit of their colleagues. Gary Trichter and Robert Fickman’s organization of the annual reading of the Declaration of Independence should inspire us all to action on behalf of TCDLA. When we ask, “What can I do to help TCDLA,” we truly embody the spirit of TCDLA. We are indeed an Association dedicated to helping one another in this ever-constant struggle to protect and ensure individual rights. There is a place in TCDLA for your unique talents. All you need do is ask, “Where can I serve.” I ought to know.
Good verdicts to you.
The Hat Lady
