JP candidates speak at forum

After no years of interest in the position of Justice of the Peace for several years, four candidates' names will fill the ballot in the primaries on June 8. At a forum on Wednesday, the four contenders had their chance to make their case for why they should be elected into the position.

Muriah Alexander, non-partisan, said that one of the reasons she feels that there is such an interest is that she feels that many residents in the county and across the United States are looking for a change in government. She said that after listening to them that is why she decided to run for the position.

"People's discontent with the current state of government is evident," Alexander said. "And progress is never more important than right now."

Wanda James who is running for reelection said that she believes that there may be more of an interest now than before because jobs are scarce. She also said that more people might be running because they are unhappy with the ways things have been done.

"People are unhappy with the decisions we make, but as judges, we are constrained by law. I don't have free rein, I'm governed by what the law says I can and can't do," James said. "But I think it is good for all of us, it makes us accountable."

Lorene "Lori" Galford-McCoy said that while people may want a change, it is not the Justice of the Peace's position to bring about change. She said that as Justice of the Peace it would be her duty to ensure proper laws and that proper procedure are followed. Mark Farris agreed with Galford-McCoy adding that seeing as how most of them were approached by individuals within the community it would seem that people are upset with the way things are going.

One concern with the position is handling cases without biases as it is a small town and many people tend to know each other. Farris said that serving as Justice of the Peace is similar to serving as a referee in that you need to be someone that can step between the lines and should be a person of high moral character. He said that when it comes to family and friends, they need to know that they don't have any "extra access" to the judicial system just because they know who's handling their case.

James stepped up after Farris to say that if any of her friends, family or even someone that seems close to her, she will not preside over their case. Alexander and Galford-McCoy agreed saying that they would also have to excuse themselves.

A second concern that relates to the position is the fact that many crimes in the community are drug and alcohol related. Candidates were asked not only how they would set an example of responsible alcohol use, but how they would create a better culture for the youth.

Galford-McCoy stated that it is more than just the responsibility of the justice department, saying that the efforts fall on the whole community. She said that she feels alcohol venues should be strictly monitored by other adults and that as Justice of the Peace she would have no tolerance for underage drinkers and those supplying them.

Farris said that he believes there not only needs to be consequences in place, but parents need to be held accountable for the actions of their children. He said he doesn't see underage drinking as culture, but rather as a habit. He said that when an individual law is broken, the individual(s) need to be punished accordingly.

James agreed with the concept of accountability taking it a step farther adding that strategies need to be implemented within the community to dissuade individuals. She also said that there needs to be gender and age appropriate treatment and after-care support available.

Alexander stressed that the education of youth is important. She felt that it is important to reach out to students to provide opportunities to learn consequences for actions prior to reaching court. Alexander suggested mock trials so students could see how the process works and the consequences. She said that one of the most important ways is to get students involved so they can talk to other students as peer pressure is huge component of underage drinking and the choices teens make.