From the Desk of Ray / RC Jones - Numbered Blog Archive

From the Desk of Ray “RC” Jones

President, Northside Political Action Group

I write today as a concerned citizen and President of the Northside Political Action Group to highlight a troubling double standard currently unfolding within the local Democratic Party  particularly in the treatment of Attorney Christian Menefee versus the Honorable Judge William “Bill” McLeod. Judge McLeod was forced to vacate his bench not due to any misconduct or incompetence, but as a result of a procedural technicality. His only “error” was making a transparent announcement of his intent to seek higher judicial office  not a formal resignation. I stood beside him in a packed courtroom with a full chamber of Democratic supporters, including myself, asking Commissioner Rodney Ellis and other leaders to grant this honorable and effective public servant a second chance. That request was denied.

In stark contrast, when Attorney Christian Menefee vacated from his office due to the Governor’s failure to set a date for a special election, Commissioner Ellis quickly reappointed him. Why was Mr. Menefee affording a second opportunity, yet Judge McLeod was denied the same grace? We cannot in good conscience criticize Governor Abbott for “playing political games” while allowing similar internal favoritism and inconsistency to go unchecked in our own ranks. This double standard erodes public trust in the Democratic Party and undermines our core values of transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity. Additionally, it came to my attention that Mr. Menefee filed for the 18th Congressional District seat during the funeral of former Mayor Sylvester Turner, a moment meant for unity, not political maneuvering. Many in our community viewed that timing as disrespectful. Meanwhile, other candidates filed within the proper window and followed the established rules. To now consider allowing Mr. Menefee to re-enter the race after the deadline has passed is an affront to the integrity of the electoral process. As someone directly impacted by the Harris County judiciary, I must raise another concern. Following Commissioner Ellis, after being elected he  appointment Judge Lesley Briones, civil court # 4, she presided over a case in which I was handed all most a half-million-dollar judgment  along with the appointment of a receiver. Judge McLeod, by contrast, always emphasized collaboration, resolution, and fairness between parties. I supported Commissioner Gene Locke for the appointment because I could not be bought,  and I still stand by that principle today.

Let us also examine the public records and professional journeys of both men:

Christian Menefee, as Harris County Attorney, has faced public criticism for appearing to use legal challenges  including lawsuits against Republican initiatives and executive orders  to build his political profile. Critics, including his 2024 opponent Jacqueline Lucci Smith, have questioned whether his legal battles are more strategic than principled. Others have expressed concern that Menefee remained in office while simultaneously campaigning for Congress, potentially conflicting with his responsibilities as County Attorney. While state law permits this, it has drawn legitimate scrutiny.

Judge William McLeod, on the other hand, has a story grounded in hard work, public service, and redemption. Born in British Columbia, he moved to Texas in 1974 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2009. After earning a BBA from Texas A&M University, he founded a roofing company. Following a serious accident, he returned to school and earned a Master of Science in Counseling, serving special education children in Wise County. Later, he pursued a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Thurgood Marshall School of Law and was licensed in 2002. In 2019, he was elected to Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 4, where he cleared over 1,400 backlogged cases in just 90 days.

Judge McLeod has also earned advanced certifications in civil and family mediation and arbitration as a testament to his commitment to alternative dispute resolution and balanced, compassionate justice. His record speaks for itself. Judge McLeod did not receive a fair process. He was denied the ability to complete his term after a misapplied constitutional rule labeled his announcement as an automatic resignation.

This is not just about McLeod or Menefee  it’s about ensuring a level playing field. It is about resisting political favoritism and restoring public confidence in how decisions are made. Democratic voters should not allow one or two individuals to dominate and manipulate the process for personal or political gain.

Welcome to the team!

Mr. Fred Woods President and Ms. Anna Chaney Vice President, It was a pleasure meeting with both of you recently. I am truly inspired by the leadership and dedication you bring to the Northwood Manor Civic Club. On behalf of the Northside Political Action Group, I am excited to officially welcome you aboard! Your community  involvement and deep-rooted commitment to civic engagement are exactly what we need as we work together to educate, empower, and energize our neighborhoods. We are especially eager to collaborate with you both in our efforts to recruit and engage younger voters, helping to ensure that the next generation is informed, activated, and represented at the polls. Your insights, connections, and passion for North Houston will undoubtedly strengthen our movement. We look forward to collaborating with you to promote voter education, civic participation, and positive community change. Please feel free to share any ideas, initiatives, or events you think would align with our mission. Together, we can build a stronger, more unified voice for our communities.

Respectfully,

Ray “RC” Jones

President, Northside Political Action Group