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?
Nicolas Nico Dominguez, did not respond.
Rosalie Dominguez, 60, is a retired code enforcement officer.
Ricardo “Rick” Jordan, 54, is a paralegal.
Enedina “Nina” Serna, incumbent, did not respond.
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?
Nicolas Nico Dominguez: Did not respond.
Rosalie Dominguez: Experience in the judicial system for over 25 years: six years with the county attorney’s trial team, eight years with the JP as civil and criminal clerk, 12 years in the enforcement as code enforcement officer, eight years as a justice of the peace.
Ricardo “Rick” Jordan: The qualifications that separates me from my opponent are that I have years of experience working with and in small businesses, serving as an educator for over 24 years, worked closely with the attendance office at the school, and my law degree from UT Austin Law School. Do various community service projects with the Knights of Columbus.
Enedina “Nina” Serna: Incumbent, did not respond.
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?
Nicolas Nico Dominguez: Did not respond.
Rosalie Dominguez: Not an attorney but have worked with licensed attorneys all my career. With the county and district attorneys, enforce and interpret the laws of Texas as a code enforcement officer, and as a prior JP judge and clerk.
Ricardo “Rick” Jordan: I’m currently working at the Castañon and Dominguez Law Firm where I deal with all legal issues on a daily basis. At the moment, I am well steeped in legal theory combined with legal processes. This training will allow me to run an efficient and accurate courtroom.
Enedina “Nina” Serna: Incumbent, did not respond.
How will you improve efficiency, transparency and communication within the JP court?
Nicolas Nico Dominguez: Did not respond.
Rosalie Dominguez: As a former JP, the doors were always open to the public. Meeting with the public was always available to hear people’s issues or concerns.
Ricardo “Rick” Jordan: I believe that a JP should be an active part of the community. The JP should be available whenever the constituents need them. I am open to community meetings and holding a court schedule that will allow for more engagement with the court. Creating access to the court through open communications by creating a JP newsletter and holding area meetings to learn what my constituents are most concerned with. Embracing technology and all modern tools that are accessible to the courtrooms is a must.
Enedina “Nina” Serna: Incumbent, did not respond.
How will you ensure that people who come before your court – many without attorneys – understand the process and receive fair treatment?
Nicolas Nico Dominguez: Did not respond.
Rosalie Dominguez: As a former JP, at the beginning of each court hearing, whether criminal or civil, my priority was to make sure the public was well aware of their rights before proceeding. If any doubt, cases would be reset to obtain legal counseling.
Ricardo “Rick” Jordan: As a lifelong educator I will be able to implement clear processes that can be understood by everyone who comes to the court. My ability to communicate at all levels of the community will be an asset to making a court that can speak to everyone.
Enedina “Nina” Serna: Incumbent, did not respond.
What does your political affiliation indicate to voters about how you will handle the cases that come before you?
Nicolas Nico Dominguez: Did not respond.
Rosalie Dominguez: I do not bring politics into the court as other JPs do, by maximizing fines in order for the public to be deceived by lowering it for the return of their political support. I will be fair and just to everyone, young, old, wealthy or poor. Working with the public all my life has given me the experience and the knowledge to know how to work with my community and to understand the issues that come from our daily lives.
Ricardo “Rick” Jordan: Being a Democrat allows me to be understanding and open to everyone’s situations. I believe everyone deserves a chance to be heard whether you are economically sound or struggling at the moment. I believe that being of a diverse background is a strength and allows you to talk to a broader scope of people. Understanding everyone’s individual situations and making decisions based on their particular circumstances and the law.
Enedina “Nina” Serna: Incumbent, did not respond.
The post Q&A: Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6, Place 2 candidates in March 3 Democratic primary election appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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