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<\/a><\/p>\nWhile making consistent decisions based on the law seems fundamental, Justice Courts have historically been characterized by inconsistent decisions and haphazard procedure.\u00a0Because JP proceedings are not on the record, the temptation exists to make decisions from the gut rather than from the law, leading to increasing numbers of appeals to County Court at Law.\u00a0 Inconsistent decisions and procedures outside the law are neither good stewardship nor justice and creates unnecessary \u201cdocket clog\u201d in the higher courts.\u00a0I understand the law and will use my education and experience to reduce costly appeals.<\/p>\n
For decades, the Justice Courts have been siloed \u2013 not integrated into the Lubbock County justice system as evidenced by operations software separate from other courts until recently.\u00a0 The Courthouse is a system, with each department a significant component.\u00a0Non-existent communication between JPs, DA\u2019s Office, and other courts has led to the unnecessary dismissal of thousands of cases as dispositions in higher courts fail to include related charges in JP court.\u00a0 \u00a0have worked in the system and will take the initiative to establish working communication to eliminate wasteful mass dismissals.<\/p>\n
I believe that truancy is an area that needs focused attention.\u00a0 Truancy is a red flag for potential criminal issues and often signals a breakdown in family systems which ultimately impacts all of Lubbock County.\u00a0 Redirecting behavior early leads to a safer Lubbock County.\u00a0 I will provide two options in truancy cases.\u00a0For those families willing to participate, I will provide a diversion program that gives parents training to be successful families including parenting skills and finances.\u00a0Program completion will mitigate court action.\u00a0 However, families choosing not to participate could face the maximum consequences allowed by law.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What do you wish the public knew about justices of the peace?<\/p>\n
I wish the public understood the historical significance of the position.\u00a0Justice of the Peace is the earliest local judicial position created by the Republic of Texas.\u00a0Because Texas as a frontier was vastly different from the East Coast in its limited number of District Courts, the founders of the Republic, taking cues from Moses in the Bible, created a system that we continue today, choosing leaders by election from communities to keep the peace in fair and rational ways among neighbors.\u00a0These leaders were and still should be neighbors first and judges second, making this truly the \u201cpeople\u2019s court.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
How will new eviction procedures from the Texas Supreme Court impact local tenants and landlords?<\/p>\n
The Court\u2019s new procedures regarding evictions are best understood in conjunction with legislative changes made by Senate Bill 38 which altered eviction law itself on January 1.\u00a0New rules under Supreme Court Rule 510 standardize procedure, or the way eviction cases move through the Justice Court including requirements on petitions, citations and service. SB38 changes how quickly courts must hear cases and governs rules on defenses, counterclaims and rent during appeal.\u00a0For tenants, standardized rules should clarify the process but also shorten deadlines for response. For landlords, changes give more predictable outcomes, faster timelines and ease in delivering notices. \u00a0<\/p>\n
Outside the office you are seeking, what are the ways you have participated in the community, for example: boards, volunteer positions, or other offices you previously held?<\/p>\n
Through service, I have been in relationship with most segments of our community.\u00a0Presently, I serve on the Covenant Hospital Foundation Board, am an active member of the Lubbock Executive Association and past member of Greater Lubbock Rotary Club.<\/p>\n
Previously, I chaired the Lubbock Children\u2019s Health Clinic Board and served on the Community Health Center Board and the Texas Tech Library Board.\u00a0I was founding pastor of Grace Lubbock Church and served in numerous church leadership roles across Lubbock County. Outside of business, I worked almost a combined decade in the County Judge\u2019s Office and County Treasurer\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
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