Parrish seeking third term as county judge, lists accomplishments but adds 'We’ve got some more work to go'

Curtis Parrish is fending off a Texas Republican March Primary challenge from Wesley Houck as he runs for a third term as Lubbock County Judge.

“I feel very uniquely qualified to do this job because of my background, not only administrative background, but my legal background as well,” Parrish said to LubbockLights.com.

Parrish described himself as fifth-generation Texan, attending Lubbock Christian University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Texas Tech.

He later earned a law degree from Tech after a 16-year career in media, which included chief photographer and assistant news director at KAMC TV.

“I worked for Senator [Robert] Duncan as legislative aide for two sessions,” Parrish told a public forum audience in January.

“I’m in love with county government. Working for Senator Duncan and even prior to that working at channel 28, I got to know county government. … When I was working for Senator Duncan, I was the liaison between the Senate office and county governments. So, county government is my passion,” Parrish said.

Prior to being elected in 2018, Parrish earned a living as a probate and guardianship attorney.

One of Houck’s criticisms of Parrish is discord on the Commissioners Court.

Parrish explained some of the budget tension in the last two years comes from an insistence on the no-new-revenue tax rate – championed by three members of the court.

“You want to cut taxes, but you want to increase spending. And those things are incompatible. You can’t increase spending while cutting taxes,” Parrish said.

Laying out accomplishments

“I’ve been noted around the state as being one of the best probate judges. … I’m very honored by that. I’m really not trying to brag, but it has been my goal to be the best county judge possible,” Parrish said.

For Parrish that means more than county administration but taking care of probate for people who suffered loss of a loved one and guardianships for those who have become incapacitated.

“When I took office seven years ago, our guardianship program was in shambles. We’ve turned that around now to become one of the best, if not the best guardianship program in the entire state. I take quite a bit of pride in that and the team that we’ve put together to turn that around,” Parrish said.

What is guardianship?

People may need a guardian if they’re unable to make decisions, care for themselves, or manage personal or financial affairs due to a mental or physical disability, according to Texas Health and Human Services.

Guardianship is a legal relationship where one person is appointed to make decisions for another.

“When I took office seven years ago, our medical examiner’s office was in shambles. And now, … we are going to open a $45 million regional medical examiner’s office facility. A state-of-the-art, best medical examiner’s office complex in the entire nation, will be opened right here in Lubbock. That is a major accomplishment of my administration and one to be proud of,” Parrish said to LubbockLights.com.

“I got to be a part of the team to get Leprino Foods to come, to build a multi-billion dollar now facility right here in Lubbock, creating over 800 jobs,” Parrish said.

Parrish also said he worked to help bring a new Texas State Veterans Cemetery to Lubbock.

“Our TAG [Texas Anti-Gang Center] offices are building a brand-new facility. Our Sheriff’s Department is one of the best run Sheriff’s Departments in the entire state. … We’re building Loop 88. We’re building Woodrow Road. All of those things have been needed for this county for 20-plus years. And these are the things that I’ve done since I’ve been in office,” Parrish said.

Parrish said he’s proud of the last seven years.

“And we’ve got some more work to go,” Parrish said.

Parrish seeking third term as county judge, lists accomplishments but adds ‘We’ve got some more work to go’

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