[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1598-E1599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     A TRIBUTE TO HIS HONOR JUDGE MICHAEL T. McSPADDEN--TEXAS JUDGE

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2012

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, there are thousands of individuals who 
make it their life's work to make communities safer while holding 
criminals accountable for their actions. One of the best is Judge 
Michael T. McSpadden. I have known Judge McSpadden for what seems like 
forever. We served in the district attorney's office as prosecutors 
together. Judge McSpadden prosecuted criminals for 8 years in the 
Harris County district attorney's office under the leadership of 
District Attorney Carol Vance.
  In 1982, Judge McSpadden became a Criminal District Court Judge in 
Harris County, Texas. He tried felony cases. Judges in Texas are 
elected on a partisan ballot and Judge McSpadden has been elected 8 
consecutive times to the bench of the 209th Criminal District Court. We 
served as judges together and I witnessed his remarkable dedication to 
the law and justice. As a community, we are truly privileged to have 
such an extraordinary man answer the call to public service and as an 
individual, I am grateful to call Judge McSpadden a friend.
  Judge McSpadden has served the citizens of Harris County, Texas for 
over 35 years. A graduate from the University of Oklahoma (though we 
don't hold it against him), he has worked diligently to rise through 
the ranks in Texas courts. He started his legal career in the Harris 
County District Attorney's office as an Assistant District Attorney, 
and then he became the Chief Prosecutor of the 209th District Court.
  In 1982, Judge McSpadden was elected as a judge for the same court 
and, for the last 30 years, he has continued to preside over the 209th. 
His extensive knowledge of the justice system and his incredible work 
ethic have gained the respect of many in the law profession. Over his 
career, he has earned the respect and admiration among lawyers and 
judges within the legal community: he is always among the highest rated 
judges by members of the Houston Bar Association and was the highest 
rated judge in Harris County in the 2011 Houston Bar Association 
Judicial Qualification Poll. Our community has benefited greatly from 
the many, many years of service that he has dedicated. In addition, 
Judge McSpadden has been recognized by the Houston Police Officer's 
Association and Harris County Deputy Sheriffs Association. He has also 
been honored and named Champion of Crime Stoppers by the Bay Area Crime 
Stoppers. These organizations recognized that he has not only dedicated 
his professional time to helping others, but he has dedicated his 
personal time to helping the next generation as well. In 1994, Child 
Advocates honored him for his efforts to help children. He has been 
also honored by the Samaritan Center and the Assistance League of 
Houston for his work with inner city youth. Judge McSpadden is a 
positive mentor to young males at risk. In 2002, he was the first 
recipient of the Chuck Norris Team Spirit Award for his work with Kick 
Drugs Out of America. He continues to serve on the advisory boards of 
many non-profit organizations. By giving his time and lending his 
hands, Judge McSpadden has changed many lives, and I want you to know 
that our Nation is a better place because of his commitment to helping 
our communities become safer.
  Prior to his three decades of public service in the courtroom, Judge 
McSpadden also served his country as a United States Marine. While 
enlisted, he even found time to win the Marine Corps Tennis Champion 
title. He is a 3-time Big 8 Conference Tennis Singles Champion and 
still enjoys playing at River Oaks Country Club.
  The impact of Judge McSpadden's work is far reaching. He truly is an 
unsung hero whose efforts are felt in communities, neighborhoods and 
homes across Texas each and every day.
  Judge McSpadden's achievements at the 209th and in the community far 
surpass these recognitions. His innovation, determination and 
compassion for serving others make him one of the best judges in the 
Nation. Judge McSpadden is a close personal friend, excellent lawyer, 
tremendous judge, and amazing public servant for Texas.
  And that's just the way it is.

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