Texas mid-term/general election is fast approaching. Early voting begins on October 24th and continues through November 4th, 2022.
This article is meant to be informative to readers and voters of Calhoun County and should not be considered an endorsement of any one candidate.
We all know the right to vote in our County, State and National elections is a privilege and each vote is extremely important. The freedom to vote is precious and every one of us should exercise that freedom every time the opportunity arises.
All candidates seeking office, whether local, state or federal should be a true public servant if they decide to seek office. We as voters should research each candidate seeking a particular office. It is our responsibility to find out everything we can about their qualifications, their views, personal history and motives. When we research and determine everything we can about the requirements of the office and the candidates seeking election to that office, we should vote our conscience and cast our vote for the candidate we feel is most qualified to fill that position. I urge you, please do not turn these elections into a popularity contest or because a candidate promised you a reward for your vote.
Even though the office of Justice of the Peace is considered a “political office,” party affiliation should not be the only reason one considers a particular candidate for Justice of the Peace. Candidates are required to file for an office with the political party they support, but once elected, politics should not enter the everyday business of a Justice of the Peace court. Everyone, regardless of their party affiliation, should be considered equal. Decisions of a judge cannot be made by what letter stands behind a person’s name.
The office of Texas Justice of the Peace is an honorable position and the person elected must be an honorable person. A candidate seeking election should have the ability to learn the hundreds, yes hundreds of requirements and laws they must deal with every day. The job is not “glamorous” and certainly nothing like the “court shows” seen on TV. It is often thankless, heart wrenching, and even scary at times. An elected JP must have a real servant’s heart and be willing to sacrifice some of their own rights to protect the rights of others. In these rural counties they lose a lot of sleep and are basically “on call” twenty- four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Not very long ago someone said, “serving as Justice of the Peace for long terms makes a Judge somewhat complacent.” I strongly disagree. A judge serving longer in office becomes more experienced, more compassionate, more familiar with Texas law and can understand the hugely diversified requirements of the office.
Our legal system is based on the principle that an independent and competent judiciary will interpret and apply the laws that govern us. All courts, including justice courts, are monitored very closely by the Office of Judicial Conduct Commission.
The office of Justice of the Peace is extremely challenging and diversified. Small claims court, civil justice court, and evictions, are just a few civil matters filed in JP Court. The jurisdictional limit now stands at $20,000.00. A J.P. presides over all State and County class “C” misdemeanors, with a maximum fine of $500.00. Juvenile cases, school attendance hearings, inquests on dead bodies, domestic disputes, emergency protective orders, driver license hearings, towing hearings, underage alcohol offenses, public intoxication, and emergency mental health commitments are some other duties required of an elected Justice of the Peace.
Getting elected to the office of Justice of the Peace is only the beginning. Once sworn into office, the judge must attend 80 hours of judicial education the first year after election and twenty hours of continuing education each year of their term thereafter. Failure to complete continuing education can result in a judge being removed from office.
Everything a Justice of the Peace does, especially any court ruling or sentencing must be done
without prejudice or bias. Everyone must be treated equally, without any favoritism. Everyone deserves a chance and Justice Courts are no different than higher courts, except the jurisdictional limits are somewhat lower. All laws and rules regarding any Texas court applies to justice court as well.
Regarding the office of Justice of the Peace, I feel I have only touched the tip of the iceberg so to speak. Time or space will not allow me to go into all the responsibilities a JP must deal with on a daily basis. The position is very complicated and constantly changes. Every new Texas legislative session brings new rules of office, new court costs and many laws are changed. A judge is required to learn all the changes and update their office accordingly.
I sincerely hope this article has helped enlighten your readers and most importantly the voters of Calhoun County in any contested election. I only request the voters inform themselves and examine their conscience before casting their very important vote.
Thank you.
Nancy Pomykal
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Calhoun County
*Note
Judge Nancy Pomykal has served Calhoun County as Justice of the Peace for 31 years. During her tenure, she served both precinct four and precinct five for two years when the office was vacated by the death of Judge James Dworaczyk. She is also associate municipal judge for the city of Seadrift, being appointed by Justice of the Peace/ Municipal Judge, Wesley Hunt.
“The office of Justice of the Peace is an honor and a privilege. I originally ran for the position because I wanted to make a positive difference in my community. I feel I have accomplished that. I am running unopposed for one more term. I am very blessed and humbled to be the longest serving Justice of the Peace in Calhoun County history. I will continue to serve Port O’Connor, Calhoun County and the great State of Texas in a fair and impartial manner until the time comes for me to step down and pass the gavel on to the next elected J.P,” said Judge Pomykal.
