El Paso Matters – Q&A: Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 candidates in March 3 Democratic primary election

Brian J. Haggerty: What separates me from my opponent is 15 years of experience, an understanding of justice of the Peace court law, and a deep love for the El Paso community. I have experience in real estate law, which directly benefits the court in handling eviction cases fairly and in accordance with Texas law. As chair of the Board of Trustees for El Paso Community College, I understand the challenges facing students and families, an important perspective when addressing truancy. I have completed extensive training, remain committed to ongoing judicial education, and require my staff to stay current on changes in the law.

Anna Louise Hey: I was born and raised in Northeast El Paso. I attended local public schools (Dolphin Terrace, Parkland Middle, and Parkland High). I am the daughter of a Certified Public Accountant and decorated Air Force Pilot, veteran of World War II and Korea, and a Mexican immigrant. I am a proud product of this community. My work history as a public servant is aligned with an interest in ensuring justice for all. For over a decade, I worked in nonprofit legal representation and nonprofit management, serving low income families in El Paso and Southern New Mexico through legal representation.

Christie Saiz: What separates me is a 30-year career defined by elite certification and deep local roots. I hold a Master Peace Officer license and have completed over 3,200 hours of continuous education in Texas civil and criminal law as well as college in the study of law. Currently working as a bailiff/court coordinator for the courts. Most importantly, I have spent the last 15 years serving the Northeast. I understand the law and the needs, challenges and people of this community. I offer a combination of master-level expertise and local accountability that my opponents cannot match.

Julio Cesar Martin del Campo: What separates me from my opponent are the unique experiences and values I bring — grounded in public service, leadership, accountability and community commitment — that will make our justice court more accessible, fair and responsive for the people of Northeast El Paso. Justice of the peace is a community-focused role where empathy, clarity, leadership and commitment to the law make all the difference. As a Coast Guard veteran, I have served and defended others — and I’m ready to bring that same trusted leadership to the JP court, putting people first, not politics.

Brian J. Haggerty: Every year, I complete all required judicial education as soon as I can and take any additional training that will help me in acting as the justice of the peace. I make it a priority to take many training courses to stay current on changes to statutes, court rules and procedures. I believe continued education is necessary to interpret and apply the law accurately. 

Anna Louise Hey: I am an attorney licensed in Oklahoma and in the Federal Court for the Western District of Texas. There is no requirement that a justice of the peace have a law degree or be a licensed attorney, but there are intricacies in the law that are not widely known to non-attorneys. Justice is best served when the judge in your case understands statutory construction, applicable legal doctrine, and rules of evidence. I also have extensive residential property management experience dealing with landlord-tenant law, evictions, rental agreements and residential community policies. 

Christie Saiz: Holding a Master Peace Officer license requires an elite level of proficiency and a deep understanding of the Texas legal framework. Throughout my career, I have navigated complex civil and criminal matters. I have a proven track record of interpreting statutes and maintaining public order, knowing the elements of the offense and comprehending how civil law and civil remedy read. Having served the Northeast for over 15 years, I understand the types of cases that come before this court and I possess the specialized training and local experience to preside over them with integrity and legal accuracy.

Julio Cesar Martin del Campo: I understand this role carries serious responsibility in interpreting and applying the law fairly and accurately. To prepare, I will take the following steps: Committed to required judicial education – Texas mandates that newly elected or appointed non-attorney JPs complete 80 hours of judicial training in their first year. I plan to complete these requirements. Ongoing continuing education – After the first year, the state requires at least 20 hours of continuing education annually. I am prepared to exceed these requirements. Utilizing accredited resources – I will rely on training and materials from the Texas Justice Court Training Center.

Brian J. Haggerty: I make myself available to my clerks and aim to be in the office Monday through Friday, allowing cases to be handled promptly and court schedules to run on time. Transparency is essential to public trust, and I will ensure court procedures are easy to understand and improve any that may be confusing. Information such as court hours, payment options, requirements and deadlines will be clearly explained. Communication with the public will be respectful, clear and professional. I will emphasize plain-language communication, timely responses and courteous treatment. This reduces confusion, prevents missed deadlines and helps resolve cases properly.

Anna Louise Hey: It seems that there is a need for better communication with the public and efficiency in case completion. Often during office hours, the phones at the court are not answered. The justice of the peace is the people’s court in the community. Litigants deserve answers to their questions or referral to guides and local assistance with their case. Responding to calls from the public is vital to justice and the perception of equal justice under the law. The maxim justice delayed is justice denied recognizes the importance of court efficiency. The public deserves a court that is available and responsive. 

Christie Saiz: Efficiency in the “people’s court” comes from disciplined management, integrity and honesty. My 30 years of law enforcement experience, combined with my current role as a court bailiff and coordinator, gives me a unique “inside-out” understanding of how to manage heavy caseloads and prioritize resources. I will improve court efficiency by implementing a strict docket management schedule to ensure hearings are held promptly and decisions are rendered quickly. Regarding transparency, I will maintain an open-door policy regarding court procedures and how the system works. However, I will strictly uphold judicial ethics regarding ex parte communications. 

Julio Cesar Martin del Campo: I am committed to improving efficiency, transparency, and communication so our court operates fairly and earns public trust. I will modernize court operations by embracing technology, electronic filing, and streamlined case management to reduce delays and backlogs. Automated reminders and improved scheduling will reduce missed appearances and keep cases moving efficiently. Thoughtful docket planning will shorten wait times and improve courtroom flow. Justice should be clear and understandable. I will expand public access to court information, support plain-language communication, and promote transparent reporting. I will also prioritize community outreach, responsive court staff, and modern communication channels.

Brian J. Haggerty: The justice of the peace court is the people’s court, and I believe it should be accessible to everyone, regardless of legal knowledge. I will ensure court procedures are explained in plain language so individuals understand their rights, responsibilities, and options. This includes outlining hearing procedures, deadlines, payment options, and compliance requirements while remaining neutral and unbiased. My 15 years of experience have taught me how to manage proceedings involving self-represented individuals with impartiality and professionalism. By fostering a respectful, orderly, and transparent courtroom, the court can reduce confusion, prevent unnecessary penalties, and help people resolve cases properly.

Anna Louise Hey: TexasLawHelp.org offers pro se guidance for unrepresented individuals through guides, forms and articles that are created and maintained by Texas Legal Services Center, a nonprofit legal service provider. The court should have links to these resources readily available for unrepresented people facing lawsuits. A simple wall poster with QR codes could be posted in the court lobby. Where needed, bilingual posters and materials should be made available, as should printed materials, for people who are not tech savvy.

Christie Saiz: The justice of the peace court is the people’s court and requires a leader who knows how to talk to people, not at them. My 30 years in law enforcement, including 15 years serving the Northeast area, have been defined by clear communication in high-pressure situations. I have spent decades leading teams and managing conflict by ensuring people understand their rights and the process. The legal system can be intimidating, especially for those unfamiliar with it. I have learned to simplify complex legal concepts so everyone, regardless of background, understands the process and feels confident they are treated fairly. 

Julio Cesar Martin del Campo: Ensuring that every person understands the process and receives fair treatment is fundamental to justice and dignity for all. I will make the court process clear and accessible by using plain, non-technical language so individuals know what to expect and can participate meaningfully. I will ensure self-represented litigants are directed to reliable self-help resources and informational materials from the Texas Justice Court Training Center. I will support educational outreach and train court staff to provide neutral, respectful procedural guidance. Fair treatment starts with demeanor, and I will ensure every person has a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

Brian J. Haggerty: My political affiliation does not and should never determine how I handle cases in the courtroom. As a judge, my duty is not to a political party, but to the constituents and the sworn oath I have taken to uphold the laws of the state of Texas. Voters can expect that every case heard at JP2 will be decided based on the facts presented. I apply the law consistently and without bias, regardless of who is involved.

Anna Louise Hey: I am a proud Democrat who has worked most of my life to help people in need. Political views and affiliation should not be a consideration in any court case. It is unethical for a judge to make case decisions based on political views, beliefs or affiliation. 

Christie Saiz: My 30 years in law enforcement have taught me that the law does not have a political party. Once I put on that robe, my only ‘affiliation’ is to the Constitution and the laws of the state of Texas. My political background informs my compassion for the community, but my decisions will be based strictly on the facts presented in court, ensuring that politics never interferes with the pursuit of justice. Ensuring justice is always intertwined with mercy and compassion regardless of a litigant’s political views. 

Julio Cesar Martin del Campo: My affiliation as a Democrat tells voters about the values that guide me — not that I will legislate from the bench or let politics dictate decisions — but that I will uphold fairness, equity, and respect for every person who enters my courtroom. Being a Democrat reflects a commitment to equal justice, due process, transparency and accountability. I believe everyone deserves clear understanding of proceedings, respectful treatment, and decisions grounded in facts and law, not personal beliefs or partisan interests. While I proudly identify as a Democrat, my duty on the bench is to apply the law impartially.