Agan and Hughes face off for JP

The three candidates for Precinct 1, 3 and 4 Justice of the Peace, from left, Tracy Craig, Woody Hughes and Steve Agan.

By LOU ANTONELLI
Editor-in-Chief
Editor’s Note:  This is the third in a series of articles reviewing the candidates in the upcoming March 6 primary election.

Three candidates for Justice of the Peace spoke to the voters on Feb. 15 at the candidates’ forum held at the Mount Pleasant Civic Center, hosted by the Tri-County Press.

The retirement of long-time Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1.3 and 4 Kay McNutt leaves the field wide open. Woody Hughes and Steve Agan are running in the Republican Primary, while Tracy Craig is unopposed for the Democratic nomination.

During introductions, Agan said he served 18 years as a volunteer firefighter and 15 years as a reserve deputy sheriff.  He served two terms on the Mount Pleasant City Council. He added that while he has the greatest respect for people in law enforcement, it’s not necessarily the best background for the job.

Hughes reviewed his extensive background in law enforcement; he retired from the Titus County Sheriff’s Office in 2016.

Craig said he served as a military police officer and also an aviation firefighter.

Tri-County Press Publisher Sonya Woods fielded questions from their audience.

When asked if they would be available to law enforcement 24 hours a day, all said yes. Craig said that’s part of the job; Hughes said because of his background all the people in law enforcement “know where I live and can come to my house.”

Agan agreed that’s part of the job, “I will always be available.”

Asked what changes, if any, they envisioned, Craig said he would always try to see the office is run efficiently. Agan said he would have to see after he is elected. Hughes said “I’ve always been a big believer in training.”

All the candidates said Judge McNutt has done a fine job and none of them expected a lot of changes in the office.

ENDORSEMENT

With his extensive background in law enforcement, we’re puzzled why Woody Hughes is running for the post; you would think he’d want to be Constable or Sheriff. We agree with Steve Agan that law enforcement isn’t necessarily the best background for the job. The JP Court often operates as a “people’s court” and a JP should be able to see all sides.

Agan will bring a diverse background and level-headedness to the job that will enable him to be a worthy successor to Kay McNutt.

If Republicans boot this nomination, Mr. Craig is there to take advantage of that in November.