By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Orange County Commissioners Court is seeking individuals interested in serving as Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 after announcing the retirement of Judge David Peck. Peck is retiring on January 3, 2017. The new JP will be expected to start on January 4, 2017.

“The court is allowed to appoint a person since it is less than two years of the term remaining,” County Judge Brint Carlton said. “An election is not required and the term will end December 2018.”

The court is anticipating interviewing and to make a selection at the next meeting. An 80-hour class the individual will need to attend is scheduled in December and this would allow the person to attend and meet requirements prior to starting.

In order to qualify for selection, one must be 18 years of age and have lived in Precinct One for the previous six months. To apply for consideration, the person is to drop off a resume and a letter of interest to the Orange County Judge’s office, located at 123 South 6^th Street in Orange, by noon on Monday, Nov. 28, 2016.

Two persons announced their interest during court on Tuesday, Gail Barnett and Judge Cimron Campbell.

Barnett opposed Peck during the 2014 election.

“I have expressed an interest since 2014 when I ran in 2014 for the position,” Barnett said.

Barnett has lived in Orange since 2005 and previously served on the bench in Mississippi prior to relocating to Texas.

“I am quite capable of the position and want to be part of the process,” Barnett said. “I appreciate the seriousness of the court. It needs to be a person who represents everyone in Precinct One.”

Cimron Campbell also stated his interest in the position.

“I am here out of respect for Judge Peck,” Campbell said.

Campbell has been a licensed attorney for 52 years.