Dear Judges,
After a successful annual meeting, your new Board of Directors met to plan a great year for the Texas Center for the Judiciary. I begin by making appointments to the committees who do all the wonderful work of the Center. In making these decisions, I made a lot of calls asking for advice and suggestions from my fellow judges. One of the people I called was Rusty Ladd. Rusty Ladd was a County Court at Law judge in Lubbock whom I met when I began working with the Texas Center. In the past six years, Rusty and I became great friends. His loyalty and commitment to the Judiciary was unwavering. He used to say that the work we all do on the bench is a calling.
On September 30th, Rusty passed away in a tragic accident. I was devastated and the Center was shocked at the loss of a great man. Many of us were taught at the College of New Judges or at a conference by Rusty. He will be greatly missed. As we move on, we must remember and carry what Rusty taught us. As judges, we are public servants beholden to our constituents to do our best with integrity and fairness. Judicial education is critical to have a judiciary that is responsive to the needs of our community. As you are called upon to serve, please remember our role as judges must be beyond reproach.
As I make my appointments for committees, I thank all of you. Some of you volunteered; some of you were recruited; and some of you were surprised by your e-mails—but all of you have said yes. Of course I would not have taken no for an answer! Your time and commitment are appreciated.
I, along with the Board of Directors and the Staff of the Texas Center of the Judiciary, am working hard to make this year a very successful year. I know with all of us working together, we can accomplish this goal. If there is anything you need or want to contribute, please call us.
Best Regards,
Hon. Gina Benavides
Justice
13th Court of Appeals
100 N. Cano Street, 5th Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539
