Justices of the Peace hear civil matters in which the dispute does not exceed $20,000, as well as certain criminal misdemeanors that can be punished by fines but not jail time. Justices of the peace, who do not require law degrees, serve four-year terms and are paid $114,541 a year.
Who’s running for this seat?
Humberto “Beto” Enriquez, 60, is the incumbent and an attorney
Stephanie Frietze, 48, is a client service manager.
Candidate Questionnaires
Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been edited to fit the word count and for grammar.
What qualifications separate you from your opponent?
Humberto “Beto” Enriquez: Over 30 years of law practice in Texas and New Mexico courts at all levels. Along with strong community ties and experience as the sitting judge for JP7.
Stephanie Frietze: As a former JP, I have a proven track record of clearing a backlog of nearly 8,000 cases that were left overlooked dating from 1999 to 2018. Under my leadership, the office was transformed into an office that was responsive and efficient. Customer service being a top priority, the JP 7 team brought in $2.4 million of revenue. As a former school board trustee, I have experience with truancy, education, budget, and project management. My background as a social worker has given me first-hand experience in mediation, criminal justice and mental health.
Texas does not require justices of the peace to be licensed attorneys. If you are an attorney, how does your legal background prepare you for the types of cases you’ll preside over? If you are not, how have you prepared yourself to interpret and apply the law accurately in your courtroom?
Humberto “Beto” Enriquez: As a practicing lawyer for over 30 years I’ve had the honor of representing clients at the JP level in all types of cases. As the sitting judge of JP7 I’ve presided in all matters for which the court has jurisdiction.
Stephanie Frietze: As a former justice of the peace with four years experience, I have attended all required trainings mandated by the state. While Texas does not require a JP to be an attorney, my dedication and compassion will ensure that your hard-earned money is valued. The JP court has a $20,000 limit as per statue. If Enriquez did value your money, he would be working full time to resolve cases in a timely manner. My compassion for our community will ensure that the court is accessible to all regardless of financial circumstances. Everyone deserves access to equal justice.
How will you improve efficiency, transparency and communication within the JP court?
Humberto “Beto” Enriquez: First and foremost hiring the most competent and able staff ensures efficiency and transparency. Continued staff training and availability of informative literature ensures that the public have access to the court.
Stephanie Frietze: I worked full time from 2019 to 2022 to eliminate backlog, expand court hours and prioritize all cases. I have experience working as your justice of the peace. Under my leadership, the court will operate consistently and efficiently ensuring that everyone’s time will be valued and prioritized. Unlike my opponent who works part time but receives the full-time salary, my commitment is to ensure that every tax dollar is fully accounted for, and the court’s operations will reflect genuine dedication to the community. Enriquez has consistently prioritized his private law practice instead of the court.
How will you ensure that people who come before your court – many without attorneys – understand the process and receive fair treatment?
Humberto “Beto” Enriquez: Please see previous response.
Stephanie Frietze: At JP7, I established a community resource center. My opponent no longer provides this to the community. Pro se litigates no longer have access to the tools needed to utilize the court without an attorney. I will re-establish this community resource center. All pro se litigates will have the resources they need to utilize the court without an attorney. I will work to ensure that all litigants including attorneys experience a streamlined process. The court will run on time, without backlog and consistently. I will work to reduce waiting times and ensure that everyone understands the court’s operating procedures.
What does your political affiliation indicate to voters about how you will handle the cases that come before you?
Humberto “Beto” Enriquez: Political affiliation should not play any role on how cases are handled.
Stephanie Frietze: My political affiliation reflects my commitment to the fairness of transparency and the values that resonate with our community. I will approach each case with impartiality ensuring that decisions are rooted in justice rather than partisan influence. The community can trust that I will prioritize people’s needs and uphold the law with integrity.
The post Q&A: Justice of the Peace, Precinct 7 candidates in March 3 Democratic primary election appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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