1. Who are you, and what are you running for?
My name is Phillip Webb and I am running for Justice of the Peace, Harris County Precinct 2, Place 2. I am a lifelong resident of Harris County . I have been married to my wife, Karen, for 21 years and we have one son.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
This court has jurisdiction in cases involving small claims suit with a limit of $10,000, evictions, traffic citations issued by Harris County constables, juvenile misdemeanor criminal cases punishable by a fine only, truancy violations and hears emergency mental commitment cases. A Justice of the Peace can issue warrants for arrest as well as search warrants. In a justice court, a person does not need to have the representation of an attorney.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I have been a paralegal for the last 21 years and have stood beside attorneys and our clients in all types of courts, including justice court. In my 21 years, I have observed many atrocities where justice was not properly served because the judge or justice of the peace (Republican and Democrat alike) was either inexperienced, uninterested, unknowledgeable of the law or advocated for an attorney or their client who happened to be one of his/her friends or campaign contributors. Our citizens, the taxpayers of Harris County , deserve better from their elected judiciary. My opponent has been in this office since 1987 and has become ineffective, complacent and unproductive. He has never faced a dedicated, qualified and knowledgeable challenger in the general election until I ran against him in 2006. Now in 2010, I am running again, challenging the status quo because the litigants who visit this court and Harris County deserves better. I pledge to be fair, impartial, and work to decide cases and issues without giving in to personal bias. In justice court, a person does not need to be represented by an attorney, so it is important that the justice of the peace respect the balance between parties that are represented and those that are not represented.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
I have 21 years of legal experience and 41 years of life experiences to bring to this office. Being a paralegal, I am used to hard work and staying on the job until the project is completed. My duties as a paralegal directly relate to the types of duties and knowledge necessary to be an effective and qualified justice of the peace. I will bring this strong work ethic and years of legal experience to the bench. My life has been dedicated to service by being involved in church and fraternal organizations, an adult volunteer and mentor in various youth organizations, my local PTA and various charities. I feel that these experiences and attributes qualify me to be your next justice of the peace.
5. Why is this race important?
This race is very important, as it is necessary to install a justice of the peace in this court who is willing to work hard, cultivate a relationship with other county officials and school districts and advocate on the side of fairness, integrity and justice instead of cronyism, personal relationships or campaign contributions.
6. Why should people vote for you in November?
Even though I am not the incumbent, that does not mean I am not qualified or more qualified that my opponent. While I may not have years on the bench as a justice of the peace, I have years of practical legal experience from the people’s side of the bench. I will give the utmost respect to not only attorneys in my court, but to those who are not represented by counsel. I have the skill, knowledge, willingness and energy to turn this justice of the peace court into a solid, productive and vital place again, where people from every walk of life and background can come and have their legal matters heard by someone who will be fair and impartial while also being compassionate and respectful to all parties involved.
Website: Webb4JP.com
Facebook: Phillip Webb for JP
