(Note: As I have done in past elections, I am running a series of Q&As for judicial candidates in contested Democratic primaries. This is intended to help introduce the candidates and their experiences to those who plan to vote in March. I am running these responses in the order that I receive them from the candidates. You can see other Q&As and further information about judicial candidates on my 2018 Judicial page.
Lucia Bates
1. Who are you and what are you running for?
My name is Lucia Bates and I am a candidate for Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Place 2.
2. What kind of cases does this court hear?
- This Court hears Criminal misdemeanors punishable by fine only (no confinement)
- Civil actions of not more than $10,000
- Small Claims
- Eviction repair and remedy
- Truancy and Magistrate functions.
3. Why are you running for this particular bench?
I love my community and believe that I have the temperament, integrity and experience to make a positive difference.
4. What are your qualifications for this job?
According to Texas State Law: In order to be a Justice of the Peace:
Candidates must be Texas residents for one year, residents of the district they will serve in for six months, a U.S. citizen and 18 years old. Justices of the Peace serve four-year terms. JPs do not need to have a law degree, or any degree.
I have been a resident of Precinct 3 for 40 years:
- Immediate Past Chairman- North Channel Chamber of Commerce – Board Member for 6 years
- Director- North Shore Rotary – 2 years
- President – Plantations of Wood Forest – New Forest Subdivision – Board Member 12 years
- Advisory Committee – San Jacinto College North Business Mgmt./Entrepreneurship – 4 years
- Advisory Committee – Galena Park ISD / Channelview ISD / Sheldon ISD – 4 years
- Community Advisory Panel to Lyondell-Equistar – 4 years
- Board Member – Wendell D Lay – YMCA – 2 years
- Advisor – Top Teens of America – 5 years
- Past Board Director – San Jacinto Pilot Club – 2 yrs.
- MBA – University of Phoenix
- BBA – University of Houston – Clear Lake
5. Why is this race important?
This race is very important because the Constituents have an opportunity to vote for a candidate who has a vested interest in the community, is willing to collaborate with various organizations and increase confidence in the court system.
6. Why should people vote for you in the primary?
I love my community and have worked tirelessly for 30 years within various community organizations to make a positive impact. I am accessible and would like the opportunity to leverage my experiences, enhance the services to the community and continue to lead with fairness and integrity.