Crowded race for JP 2

Weatherford Democrat

WEATHERFORD — Phil Riddle

editor@weatherforddemocrat.com

It’s a crowded race for the Republican nomination for Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, and each of the four candidates claim individual experience makes them the best choice for Parker County voters.

Retired businessman Wayne Cook, local insurance agent Faye Lippincott, medical examiner’s investigator Kelly Green and Weatherford Police Sergeant Lannie Fulton are all seeking the post to be vacated at the end of the year by Jayne Choate.

Cook, who cites more than 35 years of business experience on his resume, says people skills are key in the position.

“There’s going to be an issue of administrative experience in this race,” he said in a December interview with the Democrat. “The experience I bring is significant, broad-based and global, which is part of dealing with large groups of people in many different types of situations and circumstances. The court has to be able to relate to the people.”

Cook retired from Eastman Kodak, where he served as vice president of global strategic planning for Kodak Brazil.

"Other candidates said they 'hope' to find solutions, but today’s taxpayers aren’t looking for hope," Cook said."They want someone who will go find improvements.”

Lippincott, in announcing she is seeking the post, said her two decades of business and banking experience, make her the choice for voters.

“For many people, Justice Court may be the only court encountered,” she said in a release announcing her candidacy, “and many citizens form their trust in the judicial system at this level, therefore, the judge must be held to and abide by the highest ethical standards. I pledge to be fair and accountable to all taxpayers and to those who come before my court.”

Lippincott has been married to husband Larry for 23 years and is a member of North Side Baptist Church.

“My commitment is to continue to conduct the office with fairness, integrity, professionalism,” she said. “Just as Judge Choate did during her tenure.”

Green’s experience comes working for more than 20 years in law enforcement.

“During the last 16 years I have continuously worked with people in a time of crisis,” he said. “And I feel the skills I have developed there will continue to serve me as a Justice of the Peace.”

Green has worked in several areas of law enforcement, including corrections, dispatch, patrol and investigation, and is one of fewer than 200 board certified forensic investigators in Texas.

“I offer my heartfelt promise to pursue the same standard of dedication and excellence in the office of the justice of the peace that I have in the medical examiner’s office,” he said.

Fulton also claims a relevant background to support his election.

Fulton, a native of Poolville, began at WPD in 1985. He has worked as lead detective for several years and is currently a supervisor of the Criminal Investigation Division.

“My experience has taught me to have the ability to look at a situation and judge it without making a snap decision,” he said. “My personal demeanor is pretty reserved and I like to have the facts. I think that will assist me in the position I’m looking for.”

All four offer kind words for the outgoing Choate, but Fulton has the current judge’s backing.

“Actually, I’ve thought about [seeking the JP 2 office] for a few years,” Fulton said. “I’ve worked closely with Jayne and she encouraged me to consider it when she decided not to run.”

Choate, who will officially announce her retirement later this year, said she would be comfortable leaving Fulton in her seat when she leaves.

“He’s got the background, personality and temperament,” she said. “He’s a very smart person.”

Early voting for the Republican primary begins Feb. 16. Election day is March 2.