Candidates for Justice of the Peace

1 – Serving as Justice of the Peace, what would your guiding principles be?

At my core I am an originalist. Our founding fathers were the most well composed and foresighted political philosophers of the last one-thousand years. As such, they so well composed our constitution as to make it wholly applicable to our modern day society with our myriad of technology and modern conflicts. The duties of the Justice of the Peace are based in the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Texas. My primary guiding principle will be to make my decisions consistent with the original intent and text of the constitutions.

So much of the crimes and controversies heard by the Justice of the Peace involve responsibility and decision making. As a father, husband, and law enforcement officer I have exercised personal responsibility for myself, taught it to my son, and represented it to my community while holding a position of trust. As Justice of the Peace, I will continue to exercise personal responsibility as well as require it from offenders and debtors who are present in my court.

True fiscal responsibility is almost never exercised at any government level. A tax dollar saved is far more valuable than a tax dollar collected. The Justice of the Peace does not have a large budget comparative to other elected offices in our county. Regardless of the budget size, I will use my position as Justice of the Peace to streamline efficiency through work process optimization and interagency cooperation. I will also use relationships current and future to encourage fiscal responsibility amongst other elected office holders.

Lastly, abiding by the golden of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. I understand even the most productive law abiding members of our society make mistakes. I also understand some people are genuine dangers to the public. I intend to be firm in my magistration of violent and sexual offenders to maintain our community’s safety. However, no matter what decision I make in the court, I will make that decision while treating the people in my court with respect and dignity.

2 – Please describe your philosophy on taxpayer-funded lobbying.

Based on the structure of the Texas Legislature, lobbying is inevitable and is an instrumental part of how legislation is currently accomplished. However, funding by local governments and subdivisions using local taxes is completely unacceptable. Taxpayer funded lobbying is governmental gambling and the epitome of fiscal irresponsibility.

3 – How would you define the role of the JP courts?

The Justice of the Peace is the people’s court and functions to shape communities at their foundational level. Justice of the Peace courts address everyday quality of lifeissues and civil issues which can wreak havoc on a community if left unaddressed.

Magistration shapes the enforcement action of law enforcement by determining the ease at which accused offenders are released from county jail pending trial. There is no legal area which effectively hamstrings law enforcement agencies as quickly as radical liberal judges using magistration as a mechanism of their progressive agenda.

Coroner roles affect community members at some of their most vulnerable times having just lost a loved one. The Justice of the Peace can help bring closure and resolution by effectively and efficiently conducting inquests.

Hearing cases for class C misdemeanors address many of the quality of life crimes which if allowed to fester quickly progress into crime ridden streets. Crime breeds crime incrementally but at a surprising speed when allowed to flow freely in a smaller community.

Civil hearings for cases where the amount in controversy is $20,000 or less. Referring back to my core value of personal responsibility, if you owe something you pay what you owe. Effectively adjudicating these cases will encourage responsibility within our community.

Landlord/Tenant issues (i.e. evictions) are often overlooked for how impactful they can be on neighborhoods. Having lived in a state where the laws were written very tenant friendly, I can say I feel blessed to be in Texas where reason reigns supreme. When squatters are allowed to inhabit dwellings without fear of recourse, residential blocks known for security become havens for drug traffic and associated property crime.

The Justice of the Peace must effectively evaluate probable cause affidavits for arrest warrants. The Justice of the Peace is responsible for ensuring probable cause is present in the affidavit, not just rubber stamping warrants for local law enforcement. The Justice of the Peace must also be available to law enforcement who need warrants at all hours of the day. Being available means not being intoxicated or otherwise incapacitated where you are unable to effectively review and interpret affidavits and issue warrants free from errors or omissions.

4 – What are your thoughts on the current pay of county/city employees and pay raises (how often, how much, how is a raise applied – across the board or merit-based)?

I currently work for the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office as an investigator and if elected as Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 will be voluntarily taking a pay cut to continue my service to this community. I am comfortable with the pay I will receive as a Justice of the Peace and will not advocate for a pay raise in my elected position.

Our county workers need to be able to afford to live in this county, otherwise no one will be able to work in our government to keep our community functioning. In the past six years since I have been working at the sheriff’s office I have seen pay go from too low to rather large upward swinging pay raises. I worry about the sustainability of budgeting these pay raises in absence of Senate Bill 22 money and the potential fallout from paycuts if the funding is removed.

I firmly believe in merit based increases in pay but question how effectively merit based increases can be incorporated in local government settings. Systems such as the federal GS system are convoluted and difficult to implement with a massive payroll department and associated logistical support structure. I fear it would be impossible to implement a similar pay structure without countering the fiscal benefit with the cost of implementation.

5 – Do you think the JP court budget is sufficient or lacking in some way? Please explain.

Justice of the Peace courts in Kerr County function at an effective level with their current staff and budget. There is no need to increase the Justice of the Peace budget. As previously stated I am comfortable with taking a pay cut to serve as Justice of the Peace.

6 – In regards to the July 4th flood, tell us what you think of the local response? What
should be the focus for the rebuilding efforts?

Due to my current employment at the sheriff’s office, I am not permitted to comment on the response to the July 4th flood.

The rebuilding efforts should focus on prevention and protection. Installing a warning system is paramount and should be our first priority. Next, focus should be made on having up to date emergency plans for camps and low flood prone areas. These plans should be readily available county wide to law enforcement, fire departments, and medical personnel.

7 – In what ways can the county JP court operate more efficiently?

Efficiency comes in the form of fiscal conservatism/resource efficiency or job process and logistical efficiency. Justice of the Peace Pct. 3 operates on a fairly scant budget. There is the elected official, one full time clerk, and a shared clerk with JP 1. With limited staff and no assigned vehicle or major equipment expense I doubt the ability to effect major fiscal change on the office.

Job process efficiency can be improved through my relationships with local law enforcement agencies. Streamlining the submission processes for submission of warrant affidavits, citations, and hearing requests will improve efficiency.

I respect Judge Mitchell and her court but I believe through aggressive scheduling of hearings I can expedite the court’s docket. Justice is never quick, but the closer a resolution falls to the controversy the more impact it will have on the overall wellbeing of the community.

8 – What are the top three issues facing the JP court and staff and how would you
address them?

Having strong bonds for violent offenses. Texas law requires a bond to be set in most cases. However, allowing violent offenders out on the street is counter productive to law enforcement’s efforts. By setting strong bonds for violent offenders, family members and bail bondsmen will think carefully before posting bond.

Utilizing creative bond conditions to ensure accountability for offenders likely to reoffend or abscond. Stay away orders, mental health screenings, electronic controls (especially for child sexual assault material/online stalking), drug testing, and other situational specific conditions can be wildly effective in ceasing criminal actions. Bond conditions are utilized frequently as part of my role on the Hill Country Threat Assessment Team.

Lastly, addressing mental health concerns in Kerr County is currently disjointed. There are no mental health teams working with either Kerr County Sheriff’s Office or Kerrville Police Department. Even in the absence of a mental health team, coordinating efforts between law enforcement, the Justice of the Peace Courts, and our local mental health authority (MHDD) can go a long way toward having an effective multi-disciplinary response to maximize efficacy.

9 – Has there been anything during the COVID pandemic and the government’s
response to it that you would change? If so, what?

I thank God our family moved to Texas before the COVID pandemic. Even in Texas though, we watched as schools shut down, small businesses were forced to cease operating, and supply chains were disrupted.

I firmly believe the response to COVID represents the worst of the administrative state on the Federal level. We were chronically misguided on the communicability and prognosis of COVID infection. Policy can only effectively be made when facts are presented. With no true facts presented and a myriad of speculative worst case opinions passed off as fact, poorly crafted policy followed.

I watched as the foundational Kindergarten year of my son’s education was cancelled. I will forever advocate for fact based policy so no other children have to be so deeply disrupted in their childhood as what occurred in 2020.

10 – What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits support efficiency and action in government. I support term limits for this reason. As our government is currently, it is too easy for politicians to push agenda items to the “next term” again and again. Legislators are encouraged to operate in a mode of mediocrity to maintain the status quo to be reelected for another term. Term limits of three terms or 12 years are an appropriate middle ground between allowing someone time to establish themselves in their elected role and accomplish what they have set out to do before leaving office.

1 – Serving as Justice of the Peace, what would your guiding principles be?

Principles are my Faith, Integrity, Transparency and Fairness.

2 – Please describe your philosophy on taxpayer-funded lobbying.

Upholding the law and ensure fairness, duty to the people.

3 – How would you define the role of the JP courts?

Role of JusHce of the Peace is to handle Class C, Traffic tickets, evictions, small claims, mental health hearings, issue warrants and conduct death in quest. Can also perform marriages.

4 – What are your thoughts on the current pay of county/city employees and pay raises (how often, how much, how is a raise applied – across the board or merit-based)?

I would like to see automattic set COLA. Merit raises for those that go above and beyond, not favouritism. That’s what hurts a department.

5 – Do you think the JP court budget is sufficient or lacking in some way? Please explain.

Unable to answer reference to JP Budget since I have no knowledge of.

6 – In regards to the July 4th flood, tell us what you think of the local response? What
should be the focus for the rebuilding efforts?

I believe July 4 has taught a lot of lessons.

7 – In what ways can the county JP court operate more efficiently?

Unable to respond since I am not aware of the runnings. Changes will be made if necessary.

8 – What are the top three issues facing the JP court and staff and how would you
address them?

Issues facing JP court and staff would be that more cases could be filed with Mental Health and property. Possible small claims.

9 – Has there been anything during the COVID pandemic and the government’s
response to it that you would change? If so, what?

Covid came with a lot of changes. Following government mandates was difficult. I did not like the word non-essenHal employees. Everyone is essential!

10 – What are your thoughts on term limits?

Terms should be limited. Experience is good but times change and we have to go with the times.

1 – Serving as Justice of the Peace, what would your guiding principles be?

A: Follow the Law Consistently and Impartially Every decision must be rooted in the law—not personal opinion, pressure, or politics.

B: Effciency Without Cutting Corners. A court should move cases forward quickly, but never at the expense of accuracy or due process. My experience allows me to work quickly and correctly.

C: Respect for Every Person Who Walks into the Court. People deserve to be heard, treated with dignity, and spoken to in plain language they can understand.

D: Accountability Over Punishment. Justice isn’t just about fines. It’s about helping people take responsibility, learn from mistakes, and avoid repeating them. When appropriate, diversion programs and alternative resolutions can be more effective than penalties alone.

E: Understanding and Clear Communication. People should always know what is happening in their case, what their options are, and what the law requires. Clear communication prevents confusion and reduces repeat violations.

F: Community-Focused Decision Making. A Justice of the Peace serves the community. Decisions should support public safety and reduce unnecessary burdens on law enforcement.

2 – Please describe your philosophy on taxpayer-funded lobbying.

Taxpayer-funded lobbying has very little to do with the day-to-day responsibilities of the Justice of the Peace. My focus is on applying the law fairly, managing the court efficiently, and serving the people who come before the JP court. Tax dollars should always be used responsibly, but the JP’s role is not to lobby—it’s to ensure justice, accountability, and clear, lawful court processes.

3 – How would you define the role of the JP courts?

Justice of the Peace courts is the community’s front line of the justice system. They handle the
everyday cases that affect people’s lives quickly and directly. Their role includes:

• Setting bonds in criminal cases by balancing public safety, individual rights, and legal requirements.
• Conducting administrative hearings, such as driver’s license hearings and other matters assigned by statute.
• Issuing Emergency Protective Orders to protect victims of family violence or other threats.
• Resolving civil disputes involving small claims, debt claims, justice civil cases, and landlord-tenant issues.
• Handling Class C misdemeanors, including traffic offenses and minor criminal matters.
• Managing juvenile cases, truancy, and school-related issues.
• Addressing mental health matters, including emergency mental health warrants.
• Conducting inquests when required by law.
• Providing accessible justice, especially for people who may not have attorneys.

And I bring thousands of hours of hands-on experience in all these areas. That experience
means I can step into the role fully prepared and ready to serve the community from day one.

4 – What are your thoughts on the current pay of county/city employees and pay raises (how often, how much, how is a raise applied – across the board or merit-based)?

I believe Kerr County already provides solid salaries for most departments, but it’s important that we continue to maintain competitive pay that reflects the actual workload. Fair compensation helps us retain experienced employees and ensures the county continues delivering reliable, high-quality public service. When it comes to raises, a balanced approachworks best cost-of-living adjustments help everyone keep up, while merit-based raises reward strong performance and encourage excellence. The goal should always be to support our employees while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.

5 – Do you think the JP court budget is sufficient or lacking in some way? Please explain.

I believe the JP court budget is generally sufficient, but like any growing county, we have to stay aware of increasing caseloads and responsibilities. Kerr County is expanding, and with that comes more filings, more administrative work, and more demand on court staff.

My focus is always on using taxpayer dollars responsibly. If the court can meet its obligations, serve the public well, and keep cases moving with the current budget, then that budget is working. If growth creates new demands—such as technology needs, training, or staffing adjustments, those should be evaluated carefully and justified based on real workload, not wants or wish lists.

6 – In regards to the July 4th flood, tell us what you think of the local response? What
should be the focus for the rebuilding efforts?

The July 4th flood was tough on our community, and our first responders did an outstanding job under very hard conditions. They acted fast as they could, and their work saved lives. It also showed how important clear communication is during an emergency. When everyone gets the right information quickly, people can stay safe.

Rebuilding should focus on restoring safety, helping affected families and businesses, and strengthening our emergency systems so we’re better prepared next time.

As Justice of the Peace, the role would be to stay available and handle the legal duties—like inquests and documentation—so the response can keep moving forward.

7 – In what ways can the county JP court operate more efficiently?

The Justice of the Peace should be efficient and accessible. That means being available to staff and the community, communicating clearly, and using technology to reduce delays. It also means working as a team player with other county officials—collaborating, sharing solutions, and putting service to the public first. When we work together, we can deliver fair, timely justice and better service for everyone.

8 – What are the top three issues facing the JP court and staff and how would you
address them?

1. Growing Caseloads:
Kerr County is expanding, and the JP court is seeing more cases—evictions, small claims, debt cases, traffic offenses, juvenile matters, and mental health-related filings. High volume slows everything down. I know how to manage dockets efficiently, keep paperwork moving, and prevent backlogs. Experience is the key to keeping the court running smoothly as caseloads increase.

2. Administrative Overload
The JP court handles thousands of records, filings, and judgments every year. When staff are overwhelmed, delays and errors become more likely. I’ve spent my entire career processing civil, criminal, juvenile, and mental health cases. I understand the workflow, the legal requirements, and the systems we use. I would focus on organization, training, and clear procedures so staff can work accurately and confidently.

3. Communication and Public Understanding
Many people who come to JP court don’t understand the process, their rights, or what the law requires. This creates confusion, repeat visits , and frustra/on for both the public and staff. I believe in clear, respeceul communication. Explaining the process in plain language, offering guidance where the law allows, and making sure people know what to expect helps the court run more efficiently and builds trust in the system.

9 – Has there been anything during the COVID pandemic and the government’s
response to it that you would change? If so, what?

During COVID, I did not work remotely. I continued coming into the office every day to keep the JP court functioning and to make sure people still had access to essential services. From a court perspective, making sure that access to the Justice of the Peace remained steady and predictable was critical. Any future emergency response should focus on keeping the courts functioning, keeping the public informed, and ensuring that legal processes continue as smoothly as possible.

10 – What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe term limits are healthy for our government. If our highest offices are limited in how long someone can serve, it makes sense for other elected positions to have similar boundaries. Term limits help prevent anyone from becoming a career politician and keep public service focused on the community, not on holding power. I’m not running to build a political career—I’m running to be a working public servant for Kerr County. My goal is to serve with integrity, do the job well, and then make room for the next person when the time comes.