For use by Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

2016 Judicial Candidate Questionnaire

(Note: Judicial candidates are asked to ONLY answer the Judicial Candidate
questionnaire,
and NOT the County or State Level questionnaire!)
Ken Molberg
Judge, 95th District Court
1. Why are you seeking the endorsement from Stonewall Democrats of Dallas?
I have always enjoyed the support of Stonewall Democrats of Dallas and I have
been proud to claim it. Specifically, I have always supported the goals of the
organization. Even before Stonewall existed in Dallas, I was a supporter of the GLBT
communityhaving done substantial legal work in the 1980s in the case of Baker v.
Wade, which sought the elimination of Section 21.06 of the Texas Penal Code. As a
longtime member of the State Democratic Executive Committee, I was instrumental
in securing the seating of Stonewall as add-on members of the statutory committee.
Most recently, I was in the judicial forefront on the swift implementation of same-sex
marriages in Dallas County, and, as Local Administrative District Judge for Dallas
County, I was the point
2. What are your plans to participate in a coordinated campaign in the general
election?
I have always participated in the coordinated campaign. In fact, as Dallas County
Democratic Chair, I was the first to implement a modern-day coordinated campaign
in Dallas County 25 years ago. Although I do not have a Republican opponent, I will
nevertheless contribute to the overall effort, as I have in the past. In fact, two years
ago, I ran a symbolic campaign for the Dallas Court of Appeals so that I would be
able to participate in the coordinated campaignwhich I could not have done
otherwise because my office was not on the ballot that year.
3. Will you use the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas endorsement in or on:

a) your website: Yes

b) your campaign literature and mailers: Yes
c) your social media assets (Twitter, Facebook, etc.): Yes
d) your campaign advertisements: Yes

4. When elected, how will you recruit, retain, and create a friendly environment for
LGBT and LGBT-friendly staff?
I really only have one staff person. We have always had a friendly environment in
this regard. The Court is friendly also. We were one of the leaders some years back
in the adjudication of gender marker changes. Now, Dallas County is the only major
county in Texas where all civil district judges, like myself, permit gender marker
changes.
5. Would you be willing to appoint a liaison to meet with the LGBT community on a
ongoing basis? If not, why?
I have no hesitancy in doing this. Id prefer to be that person.
6. Understanding that administrative matters can take up a significant percentage of
your work day, what are some ideas for policies or procedures that you think you
can improve court operations for the court which you are seeking office? What are
the most important policies or procedures you've identified as needing
improvement?
Realistically, the district courts are very often at the mercy of the commissioners
court and the district clerk in major respects. As LADJ, I work with both of these to
attempt to make our operation more efficient. Since I came to the court in January
2009, I have implemented a variety of technological changes in the civil district
courts that improve our performance. Many of these seem mundane, but such
things as coordinator and judge scanning capabilities, along with e-mail
communications with counsel, are just two.
7. How would you handle a situation in which you or an employee under you felt the
need to not fulfill all your lawful work duties due to deeply held religious beliefs?
Oh my. I just dont see this. The job requirements must be performed regardless.
This situation would not arise with me, but if a subordinate refused to do so, that
individual would have to leave.

I, Ken Molberg, am seeking an endorsement from the Stonewall Democrats of Dallas for
the 2016 elections.
Signed: Ken Molberg

Date: December 27, 2015