A: The Justice of the Peace’s role in Cascade County involves handling traffic offenses and certain misdemeanor criminal offenses. Dealing with civil cases, small claims, and orders of protection. Jury and bench trials.

Q: What do you believe are the top three challenges facing Cascade County?

A: Housing affordability and homelessness. Public safety and the justice system. Aging infrastructure and managing growth. If you want a more detailed explanation, I would be happy to expand further on these topics.

Q: If elected, what would be your initial priorities and how would you accomplish those goals?

A: To ensure Justice Court is fair, efficient, accessible and accountable to the people it serves. Focus on keeping cases moving forward in a timely manner. Work closely with court staff and Law Enforcement to improve communication and efficiency. Look for practical ways to improve the court process and use resources wisely, particularly as Cascade County continues to address staffing and budget challenges.

Q: How would you conduct public outreach on controversial matters before the county, or to promote a general understanding of the county’s public process as it pertains to Justice Court?

A: Conduct public outreach through education, transparency, and by making the Justice Court process easier for citizens to understand. I would provide information about what Justice Court handles, what rights and responsibilities people have and how they can find additional resources. For controversial matters, I would encourage respectful public discussion whilst maintaining the independence and impartiality required of the court.

Q: How would you approach working with county and city officials to address broader community needs and goals?

A: During my time as a deputy and later as the chief deputy coroner, I developed many of the professional relationships that are important to serving our community. I have already worked with county and city officials, law enforcement, attorneys and other community partners, giving me an understanding of how these agencies work together. Moving forward, I believe these established relationships will make it easier to maintain open lines of communication, identify community needs and work together toward practical solutions.

Q: What do you believe a justice of the peace can, or should, do in relation to improving public safety?

A: This is established by ensuring cases are handled fairly, consistently, and in a timely manner, My experience working for CCSO has given me firsthand knowledge of the challenges facing law enforcement. My main goal will be to uphold the law, treat everyone fairly, and make decisions based on the facts and the law in each individual case.

Q: How would you work with law enforcement to ensure public safety?

A: I would work with law enforcement through communication, respect and established relationships. My experience gives me a strong understanding of their role and the challenges they face daily. As justice of the peace, I would support public safety while remaining fair, impartial and independent.

Q: How would you work with the sheriff’s office in terms of jail overcrowding as it relates to those awaiting trial?

A: I would work with the sheriff’s office to address jail overcrowding through timely hearings, clear communication, and appropriate pretrial decisions that balance public safety and individual rights.

Q: How would you approach sentencing to ensure fairness to those convicted, victims and the community while also addressing public safety?

A: I would approach sentencing fairly and consistently, considering the facts of each case. The impact on the victims and the safety of the community. It would be to hold offenders accountable while ensuring sentences are lawful, appropriate and balanced.

Q: What do you believe a justice of the peace can do to ensure speedy trials and lessen the backlog of criminal cases in the local court system?

A: I would keep cases moving through timely hearings, efficient scheduling, and clear communication, while ensuring everyone receives a fair and timely process.

Q: What do you envision your working relationship with court/county staff would look like?

A: I envision a professional, respectful relationship built on communication, teamwork, as well as keeping the court efficient and responsive to the community.

Q: Any additional comments on your plans if elected (but please be concise)?

A: If elected, I will bring my experience, integrity, and a commitment to a fair, efficient, and accessible Justice Court.