Three candidates are squaring off in a battle to win the Democratic nomination for a coveted district judge's race in Jefferson County. Melody Chappell, Tina Bradley, and Kent Johns are running for the 172nd district court seat.
Each of the candidates has at least twenty years experience practicing law and their own aspirations for replacing retiring judge, Donald Floyd.
Melody Chappell hopes to replicate Floyd's community activism saying, "I want to see someone who's fair, who calls balls and strikes, not someone who has a vested interest or vested concern in the cases."
Chappell tried her first case in Judge Floyd's court 25 years ago.
Chappell also wants to change the political environment within the courthouse.
“It’s such a hostile environment…But unless we change that, then our choices are going to get smaller and smaller. And we’re going to start electing the same type of people because they’re the only ones who can withstand that. So, I’m in it to change the environment of politics in Jefferson County,” Chappell said.
As for Kent Johns, he wants to make sure a person's case, whether it's civil or criminal, is heard quickly.
Johns says, "a citizen should be able to have his case heard, I think, within a year and a half within filing that lawsuit. I'd do everything I can to make that happen."
"One of the reasons why I'm running is to give back to this community of Jefferson County that has done so much for me and my family," Johns said.
Johns practiced law with his father, Theodore R. Johns, and Jim Mattox, a former attorney general in Texas.
Tina Bradley has worked in the legal field since she was 17-years-old. Bradley says she handles primarily multi-party cases.
Bradley thinks it's vital for a judge to be fair no matter the nature of a case.
"Whoever sits on that bench sees both sides to every controversy, and that they treat everybody with equality, dignity and respect. They work hard, keep the docket moving and do the right thing," Bradley said.
“I just want to keep fairness on the bench, I think the most important quality of a good judge includes good judicial temperament, ethics, integrity, experience, and I think it’s important that everybody is treated fairly,” Bradley said.
Chappell's experience includes representing Beaumont ISD at a time of federal indictments, TEA reports of poor financial controls and public discontent.
Chappell says she was simply an advocate for the law.
"Yes, my law firm and I represented the school district," says Chappell, "and we represent many school districts. But we give advice, we're not there day to day. And I helped them resolved those issues. I don't tell them how to vote, I don't tell them what to do, I tell them what the law is."
All three candidates share the feeling that they want their voters to make an educated decision.
Bradley says, "it's important to research the candidates, know who you're voting for and why you're voting for them."
Primary election day is on March 6, early voting starts on February 20.