Advocate News asked both candidates a series of questions to help voters when they go to the polls November 6. Answers appear in the order in which they were received.
Evelyn McLean (R)
What prompted you to run for Justice of the Peace Pct 3?
I believe Justice of the Peace is a logical next step given my 26 years in public service. This office represents is a continuation of public service right here in the community that I know well and love.
I am thrilled at the prospect of implementing programs that connect with the community; something I very much enjoy. I intend to initiate a volunteer program to increase customer service without financially impacting the county. I also plan to form a Citizen’s Court Academy for adults and a Teen Court Academy for high school students while maintaining the current Teen Court program.
What are your qualifications and/or background for this position?
All of the people and experiences I encountered as a Captain with the Georgetown Police Department prepared me for this office; e.g., budget preparation, strategic planning, policy development, major project and incident management, and overall leadership. The JP is not only a Judge but also a Department Head; a position for which these skills are vital. In addition to law enforcement, I have a real estate background. I have been a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Georgetown for the last 16 years. This has given me an even greater insight and wider perspective about the community I serve.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
I didn’t just write about law enforcement and courts, I lived that life for the last 26 years, rising through every rank in the department to Police Captain and managing dozens of officers, large budgets, and staff. Simply put, my experience is the reason Precinct 3 voters should choose me. Further, I have a true servant’s heart and a desire for community engagement. During my tenure with Georgetown Police Department, I helped create programs like Calls from Santa, Law Enforcement Field Day, Volunteers In Police Services, and the Junior Police Academy.
As Justice of the Peace, you can expect me to continue that same level of commitment to our community. I won’t just occupy a bench, I will be involved outside of the courtroom serving our great community.
Katherine Kerr Kubatsky (D)
What prompted you to run for Justice of the Peace Pct 3?
The Justice of the Peace is appealing because it is a hands-on position, which has a direct impact on people at the local level. The JP court, as the lowest level of the Texas judiciary, is often the only contact people have with the justice system. Decisions made at this level can set the course for the future of individuals, families and taxpayers. As the People’s Court handling Class C misdemeanors, civil cases up to $10,000, evictions and truancies, I will ensure that the court operates in a nonpartisan, fair and transparent manner that holds people accountable for their actions and saves taxpayers money. My experience in managing the staff, budget and communications programming for two statewide nonprofit organizations have prepared me for overseeing the JP court.
What are your qualifications and/or background for this position?
I bring a big-picture, holistic view to the court. As a newspaper reporter covering police and criminal and civil courts, I saw the impact of crime, poverty and crises on people. As the head of communications for two statewide social service agencies serving vulnerable populations – children in foster care, people in poverty and those affected by natural and human disasters – I saw when systems and institutions worked—and fell short. As a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer, I have worked on behalf of children in the foster care system and with their families. I understand how a simple traffic ticket can cause a family living on the margins to spin out of control. Understanding the “why” behind a person appearing before the court and the impact a ruling will have on all parties, and to taxpayers, is critical to ensuring equal justice for all.
Why should voters choose you over your opponent?
I bring a broad-based background to the position and am not predisposed toward the prosecution or the defense. I will listen to the facts and apply the law fairly while bearing in mind the impact on taxpayers. My priorities include expanding the court’s operating hours to include nights and weekends to better serve working individuals in our 24/7 economy. I propose to save money for taxpayers, who pay $150 a day per person to incarcerate 600 people in the Williamson County jail, most of whom have not been convicted of a crime and are not accused of a violent crime. This is the ultimate welfare program: taxpayers pay for all living expenses and medical care while gaining nothing in return except creating bigger, more expensive social problems; i.e. lost jobs, homes and transportation and break up of families. I will hold people accountable by implementing proven and cost-effective diversionary programs; i.e. drug, alcohol and veterans courts; and community service when appropriate.
