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Saturday, April 8, 2000
JP Republicans tout expertise
Blalock, Walker both focus on helping troubled children
By Sara Lee Fernandez
Caller-Times
Willie J. Blalock says his eight years in law enforcement sets him apart from his opponent. Tish Walker says she brings education as well as experience.
Both Republicans are vying to face either Joe A. Gonzalez or Ray Madrigal, the two Democratic runoff opponents, in the race for Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 1.
Blalock, 42, who has been a Nueces County deputy constable for Justice of the Peace Precinct 6 for eight years, said issues important to him are truancy, juvenile delinquency and substance abuse.
"I know the laws of Texas. Working as deputy constable, I serve all the papers that come out of the JP court, so I'm familiar with what the requirements are to issue those papers," he said. "Because of the experience I have in working with the JP office and being involved in the JP court, I could walk into office and there wouldn't be a delay in procedures."
Walker, 29, a public health technician, said her education and experience as a public servant qualifies her for the position.
"I've dedicated the last 10 years to public service," she said, "One of my main duties has been to identify the needs of the community.
As JP I can address them on a one-on-one basis. One of the things that I am very dedicated to is molding our youth in the Coastal Bend into productive citizens.
"As a JP you can sit down with them. The majority of community crimes happen when kids are out of school. You don't want these kids to go through the juvenile system until they are 18 and then they end up in district court."
Walker was a residential assistant at the Nueces County Adult Probation Department Substance Abuse Treatment Facility for three years and has worked at the Nueces County Health Department since 1994.
In her current position, she investigates instances of infectious disease.
For two years she has been co-chairwoman of the Texas Department of Health Community Planning Prevention Group, which is responsible for determining needs for treatment and prevention of infectious disease in 23 South Texas counties.
Blalock is a 1975 graduate of Carroll High School and completed law enforcement courses at Del Mar College in 1990.
He became a state-certified law enforcement officer the same year. He is currently working toward his intermediate peace officer certification.
He said that if he wins the position he will be committed to being an after-hours justice of the peace who will be available on weekends.
Blalock said his first priority would be to take stock of the justice of the peace office and find a way to make it more productive.
Blalock has raised $2,300 for his campaign, spending a large majority of it on signs, brochures and flyers.
Walker is a 1988 graduate of King High School. She received an associate of arts degree at Del Mar College in 1991 and a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 1995.
She has raised $3,500 and taken out a loan of $1,400 for her campaign.
She said she has used most of the funds on printing, postage, signs and a television commercial.
The position of Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 1 pays $39,790 a year and has a $3,000 car allowance.
Staff writer Sara Lee Fernandez can be reached at 886-3767 or by e-mail _at fernandezs@caller.com
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