A Republican Candidates Forum ahead of the March 3 Primary, organized by the Brown County Republican Party, took place Thursday evening at Victory Life Church. The nearly three-hour event featured introductory and closing comments, along with question-and-answer sessions, with candidates for Brown County Judge, Brown County Treasurer, Brown County Clerk County Commissioner in Precincts 2 and 4, Justice of the Peace in Precinct 4, and Republican Party Chair.
The following are the excerpts from the questions answered by Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 candidates Brandon McMillian, Ted Perez, and John Hunter
Brandon McMillian
What prompted you to run for Justice of the Peace?
I was a long enforcement for many years and served the community of Early for over 10 years. I always wanted to be a cop when I was a kid. I took a little hiatus from that to watch my children grow. Now that they’re a little less dependent on me and my wife I want to get back to serving the community as the Justice of the Peace. I feel like my training and experience will come in very handy for the position.
If elected how important is it that your office be accessible to the public during regular business hours?
I’m a firm believer you should be available at the courthouse or after hours no matter what time of night it is. I was on call fairly frequently, well 24/7 when I was a law enforcement office, so that wouldn’t be a problem at all.
What experiences do you have that you bring to the office of JP that you think has prepared you for this position?
I investigated every kind of case from murder to open container and no seat belt in a vehicle. I have countless hours of courtroom testimony. All of my training experiences through the Texas law and judicial proceedings are relevant in this position.
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Ted Perez
What prompted you to run for Justice of the Peace?
I would love the opportunity to continue to do the job that I’ve been doing these last five years as a JP. I owe everybody that’s voted for me to do the best job that I can.
If elected how important is it that your office be accessible to the public during regular business hours?
We are on call 24 hours day. Whatever is happening in the county, and especially if it’s in our precinct, then where it’s possible we’re finding solutions and getting resolution on anything we encounter. I’ve been called out at 3 o’clock in the morning I’ve been called out at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. It doesn’t matter what time something happens out there in the county, we are responsible and we have to get up and go. The only times we get a break is if we are out of town in school or on vacation. And then you coordinate with the other three JPs to ensure our precinct is going to be covered no matter what.
What experiences do you have that you bring to the office of JP that you think has prepared you for this position?
To be able to speak with people on a one on one level, that’s important. My experience as a police officer working the streets and now as a JP doing what I’m doing, that is real important. You have to be to communicate what is that you’re doing and why you’re doing it, and hopefully there’s no conflicts. And if there is a conflict, we have to find solutions.
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John Hunter
What prompted you to run for Justice of the Peace?
God had laid this on my heart. I’ve seriously been praying about this for many years. You either do what God wants you to do or you don’t, and I’m taking a leap of faith and going for it.
If elected how important is it that your office be accessible to the public during regular business hours?
It should be accessible at any time, and we should be on call 24/7, as we are.
What experiences do you have that you bring to the office of JP that you think has prepared you for this position?
Working for my dad for seven years as his station and then having my own business for 30 years, I love people and I’ve been around people my whole life. All the regulations that I’ve to deal with as far as paperwork, I’ve dealt with vehicle affidavits and lot of forms similar to what the JP works with. I’ll be fair and I’ll be honest.
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To watch the KOXE live stream of the forum in its entirety, click HERE.