El Paso Matters – Q&A: Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5 candidates in March 3 Democratic primary election

Eileen Marlin Castro: What separates me from my opponent is my continuous years of experience working with the JP courts. Having the experience as a court clerk, supervisor and court coordinator, gives me the knowledge of how cases should be processed and how to run an efficient court. As a court clerk, I have sat in the courtroom with the judge and heard over thousands of cases. I have taken the time to research and learn the process on how many different types of cases should be ruled on. My experience is an advantage that I have over all the other candidates that will benefit the court. 

Lucilla “Lucy” Najera: As the incumbent, I bring proven judicial experience and a record of managing a high-volume JP court efficiently and fairly. I also live in the heart of JP 5, where most residents are south of I-10. Beyond the courtroom, I’ve been actively involved with neighborhood associations, senior centers and veterans’ groups. This is the people’s court, and I serve this community not just as a judge, but as a neighbor and volunteer.

Dora Oaxaca: Experience, perspective and solutions to the problems in JP5. Decades of working in public service and public policy, helping write, interpret and implement legislation that affects working families, veterans, tenants, small businesses and vulnerable communities. That experience has required precision, accountability and a deep respect for the rule of law. I understand how laws are created, their intent, and how they affect people. I am the only candidate that will end the current practice of cash-only weddings that line the judge’s pockets and don’t go back to the taxpayers, create an evening court, and address root causes of truancy. 

Jesus Olivas: As a lawyer serving this community for over 30 years, in various capacities, I know criminal law, family law, probate law, consumer law, contract law, personal injury law. I know the  rules and procedures. I am ready to hit the ground running on day one. I have served this community, in many committees, boards.

Monica Teran: Did not respond.

Eileen Marlin Castro: With my 17 years working with the JP courts, and continuous training with Texas Justice Court training center, I am up to date with the Texas laws and all legislative updates. My training enables me to ensure all cases are properly filed and prepared for trial. My experience as a courtroom clerk has enabled me to self-train on how judgments are ruled on the cases. 

Lucilla “Lucy” Najera: As justice of the peace, I apply the law daily in the high-volume, procedural cases unique to JP court, including evictions, debt claims, truancy matters, and magistrate duties. I rely on continuous judicial education, Texas statutes, court rules and guidance from higher courts. Accurate rulings, proper procedure and due process in these cases require practical judgment and repetition developed through experience on the bench.

Dora Oaxaca: For 150 years, Texas has trusted everyday citizens to read and apply the law in justice of the peace courts. That is the purpose of the people’s court. While I am not an attorney, I have decades immersed in legislative and policy work, interpreting statutes, administrative rules and regulatory frameworks was a core responsibility. I have worked alongside attorneys, judges and subject-matter experts to ensure laws were applied as written and implemented correctly. I’m well-versed on state and local policy. I will govern from the bench guided by judicial education, statutory authority and commitment to precedent and procedure.

Jesus Olivas: I am well acquainted with the rules of evidence, court procedures, and running an efficient docket. I know how to introduce evidence, how to apply the law to the facts. 

Monica Teran: Did not respond.

Eileen Marlin Castro: I work in a JP court that is one of the highest filed cases in El Paso County. I intend to use my experience to ensure all cases are properly filed and disposed within a reasonable time frame. All civil cases will have a hearing date within a six-month timeframe. This will only be done after backlogged cases are cleared. I will have an open-door policy. With my management experience, I will train all staff to provide the best customer service. Also, any requests for records submitted under the Open Records Act will be processed within 72 hours.

Lucilla “Lucy” Najera: This is exactly what I campaigned on, and as justice of the peace I have followed through. I have reduced case backlogs, managed a rapidly growing docket, and ensured cases move promptly and fairly. I’ve emphasized clear scheduling, plain-language explanations of court procedures and accessibility for the public. My focus has been on running a court that respects people’s time while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Dora Oaxaca: I will be a full-time judge, will implement an evening court and harness technology to run an efficient on-time court. JP5 is the only court running cash-only weddings. Taxpayers pay Najera a six-figure salary — she doesn’t need the extra cash. I’ll do what she doesn’t do, end the current cash-only weddings, exercise full transparency on the number of weddings done and use fees to fund a mental-health court specialist to address the root of truancy issues. I will utilize clear language explanation of processes, accessible online information and consistent communication to the public.

Jesus Olivas: Effective docket handling is the answer. Cases need to be resolved efficiently. My court will always be open to the public. Remember, this court belongs to the people and they have a right to see how and why it’s being run. We plan outreach to the public, including seminars on what and how to have your case heard in JP court. 

Monica Teran: Did not respond.

Eileen Marlin Castro: Anyone that comes to the court with questions and concerns will be heard in order to be helped correctly. If they want or are thinking about filing a case, but are not sure about the process, we will have information available that explains the process for the case being filed. Although the courts are not able to provide legal advice there will be on-hand information provided by the state that will provide guidance. I will ensure that no one leaves the court with unanswered (as allowed by the law) questions.  

Lucilla “Lucy” Najera: Many people in JP court appear without an attorney. As a judge who lives in the heart of the Lower Valley and is deeply connected to the community, I have a practical understanding of the challenges people bring into the courtroom and how to clearly explain the law and court process. I focus on plain-language communication, respect, and patience so individuals understand their rights and responsibilities. Every case is decided based on the law, but fairness begins with clarity and dignity.

Dora Oaxaca: Justice of the peace courts are often the only court working people ever encountered. The intent for a JP court is to be an accessible community driven court for people to resolve legal matters promptly, without needless legal complication and an attorney. That reality demands clarity, patience and fairness. Court procedures will be explained in plain language, not legal jargon, so people understand their rights and responsibilities and not feel disadvantaged. Fair treatment does not mean favoring one side — it means ensuring everyone is heard, the rules are applied evenly, and decisions are based on facts and law.

Jesus Olivas: I have volunteered to serve and protect El Pasoans’ rights. City ethics review committee ensures elected officials are compliant with ethical standards. El Paso Civil Service Commission ensures workers were dealt with fairly, El Paso Housing Authority — ensuring the authority was compliant; airport board – ensuring the airport was serving the community; El Paso Federal Credit Union supervisory committee — ensuring the credit union was compliant. I do this to ensure citizens are treated fair.

Monica Teran: Did not respond.

Eileen Marlin Castro: Despite being a proud lifetime Democrat, I am not running for political gain. Over the past few years JP 5 has been taken away from the people. For the past 17 years, I have been and continue to be a public servant for the county of El Paso, in the JP courts and I have helped thousands of people who have different political views. Even though our political views may have been different, I have never failed to provide the proper respect and service that everyone deserves. 

Lucilla “Lucy” Najera: My political affiliation does not determine my decisions on the bench. As a judge, my duty is to apply the law fairly and impartially, not advance a political agenda. Voters can expect me to follow the law, respect due process and treat every case based on facts and evidence alone.

Dora Oaxaca: As a Democrat, I stand for fairness, accountability and respect for working people. Previously, as an elected official, during times of crisis, community members turned to my office when in need of critical, life-or-death resources. Politics never determined who received help. I will hold the same principle on the bench, the law — not political affiliation, will guide my every decision. Voters can trust that every case will be evaluated on its merits, and that every person will receive the same fair treatment, regardless of background, income or political belief.

Jesus Olivas: None; Justice is blind. It applies fairly and evenly no matter what your political affiliation, race, creed or sex.

Monica Teran: Did not respond.