WATCH: Voters Guide – Tom Green County Justice of the Peace Pct. 3

Here are the answers to the 12 questions from Perry in his own words.

1. Would you consider holding court hearings in the evenings or on weekends?

I would consider any changes which would help the public.  I would have to gather information regarding cost to the County and Court budget.  What would be the cost of overtime for the employees involved?

2.  Would you decrease office staff to keep from raising property taxes?

Until I have a chance to study the court budget my answer to this question is NO!

3. Is there anything that would prevent you from responding to a scene in the middle of the night to pronounce a person deceased?

I have responded to scenes of death and serious injury in the fire department (both Military and San Angelo Fire Department) and my recent jobs with Johnson funeral home and Harper’s funeral home. Short answer is NO!

4.  Would you consider holding hearings in Grape Creek?

Again, my answer would be the same as question number 1. In addition to cost listed in question 1, the cost for rent on a facility would have to be considered.

5.  Do you have any experience dealing with mentally ill individuals?

My short answer is yes.  I have interacted with mentally Ill individuals working on the ambulances in the San Angelo Fire Department and Shannon Emergency room.  I would work with our local MHMR of The Concho Valley Authority to be up to date on all rules, regulation, and the ever changing laws regard the mentally ill.

6. Do you believe that parents should be held liable for truancy issues?

Short answer is Yes.  The Texas Family Code and other laws are constantly changing regarding this issue and would need to be consider as to an affirmative answer.

7.   What is your approach to landlord/tenant issues?

A judge’s job is to LISTEN to both parties and consult and apply the law as is written in Texas Property Code sec. 92.001. I would ask both parties, in all cases before the Court, if the issues in question could not be worked out without coming to the court

8.  Can you describe the magistrate process and do you have any plans to streamline it?

The Judicial process consist of 8 steps:

Investigation

Charging

Initial Hearing/Arraignment

Discovery

Plea Bargaining

Preliminary Hearing

Pre-trial Motions

Trial.

No plans to change or streamline “at this time”.

9. Would you advocate for courthouse security for your courtroom?

Short answer is NO.  Again this would need to be studied and cost considered.

10. Do you have any specific plans to cut spending in the J.P. office?

Short answer is NO.  I would have to study the budget to determine the answer to this question.

11.  Would you consider a plan to use video call technology like Zoom for some court hearings to reduce costs?

Short answer is Yes if it would indeed reduce operating cost.

12. What is your view of bail reform and other specific measures to reduce jail population?

This issue is one all the Justices and Sheriff are grappling with throughout the State and Nation.  I wish I had the answer.

Watch the video interview with Stacye Speck below: 

Here are the answers to the 12 questions from Speck in her own words.

1. Would you consider holding court hearings in the evenings or on weekends?

If allowed, yes.  I do know that evening and weekend and court hearings could benefit citizens of Precinct 3 however, Texas law grants the power of time and place of holding Justice Court to the Commissioner's Court.  If the Commissioner's Court were to allow hearings during evenings and weekends, I would be willing to accommodate the citizens who need hearings during those dates and times.   

2.  Would you decrease office staff to keep from raising property taxes?

Not at this time.  The JP3 Office has three office staff and is at the minimum number to adequately conduct business of the court and serve the public. As of this time, I do not believe reducing office staff  is beneficial to the citizens of Precinct 3.  

3. Is there anything that would prevent you from responding to a scene in the middle of the night to pronounce a person deceased?

No.  Currently I am on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year as the Patrol Lieutenant with the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office.  Unfortunately, in my profession, I am used to the late night phone calls.  

4.  Would you consider holding hearings in Grape Creek?

I would certainly like for the Commissioner's Court to consider authorizing holding hearings in Grape Creek, if the citizens feel it would be worth the expense and effort to hold hearings there.  Per Texas Law, only the Commissioner's Court can set the time and place for the Justice Court.  The only exception is during certain disasters.  If one of those specific disasters occurs, the presiding judge for the administrative region for our County may designate court proceedings at an alternative location.  

5.  Do you have any experience dealing with mentally ill individuals?

Yes, I do.  I have over 22 years dealing with mentally ill individuals along with having a mental health peace officer certification.  I have also had numerous years of crisis intervention training through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement which is the licensing agency for Texas Peace Officers. 

6. Do you believe that parents should be held liable for truancy issues?

Judges do not write the law, but they do enforce the law and I would enforce the law on those that negligent.  With that said, each situation is unique, not every story is the same and not every parent is guilty.  I believe it is important for all children to go to school and get an education, whether it be public school, private school or home school.  Currently, Texas has a law called Parent Contributing to Nonattendance.  This law makes it a criminal offense if the parent with criminal negligence fails to require the child to attend school.  Here is where my law enforcement background will help assist me as a JP.  I would look at all information gathered and enforce the law on the parents who are criminally negligent.  

7.   What is your approach to landlord/tenant issues?

As a Justice of the Peace, I will be fair, open minded and listen to all sides.  It is important for both parties to be responsible for leases contracts and agreements they sign.  As JP, I will follow and enforce the law according to the property code.  

8.  Can you describe the magistrate process and do you have any plans to streamline it?

The magistrate process begins when a person is taken into custody by a law enforcement agency.  The person is required to be magistrated within 48 hours.  During this process the magistrate will tell the arrestee the charges against them and their Miranda rights.  The arrestee will be told they have the right to an examining trial.  They are also told they have the right to counsel even if they cannot afford counsel along with the steps to request appointment of counsel.  The magistrate will then set bail if bail is required.  At this time, the current JPs do an amazing job with this by holding arraignments in person and by video conferencing.  The continued use of advancing technology is the best way to continue to streamline this process.   

9. Would you advocate for courthouse security for your courtroom?

Not at this time.  Currently in the JP3 courtroom, the Constable of Precinct 3 and his Deputy Constable  provide courtroom security so I see no need for additional security at this time.   

10. Do you have any specific plans to cut spending in the J.P. office?

Not this year.  The budget at the JP3 Office is pretty much a set budget.  Budgets are done annually and revised before going to the Commissioner's Court.  This budget consists primarily of the elected judge, 3 office staff, training that is required by State Law and office supplies.  Looking at the budget from the outside, I do not see any areas that can be cut however, I do believe in fiscal responsibility.  

11.  Would you consider a plan to use video call technology like Zoom for some court hearings to reduce costs?

Absolutely.  I want to utilize advancing technology to make it easier for the citizens, the court and the staff of JP3.   

12. What is your view of bail reform and other specific measures to reduce jail population?

I regret the reason Senate Bill 6 "Damon Allen Act" was created but, I am and have always been for higher bonds for repeat offenders.  I am also for the higher bonds on the violent offenders to keep them off the streets.  This act will require magistrates to run criminal histories on individuals during arraignment.  There will be many things that will come into effect because of this new law that will protect all citizens in the State of Texas.  As with all new laws, we will experience some challenges but in the end it will be beneficial for all.