Candidates for Fort Worth area justice of the peace, Precinct 4 on Nov. 8 ballot
Christopher “Chris” Gregory
Political Party: Republican
Age: 48
Campaign Website: Chrisgregory4jp.com
Occupation: Judge
Education: Some college
Have you run for elected office before?
Yes for this office.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
Retired Law Enforcement, Northwest Lions club, supporter of Community Link, Supporter of the Fort Worth Youth Stock Show, volunteer for Servolution.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Unknown.
What is the most important distinction between you and your opponent?
I have experience, ethics, integrity, commitment, and transparency.
What are the three biggest issues in this race?
Adjudication of cases fairly, dedication to Justice, and experience doing the job.
Rodney Lee
Political Party: Democrat
Age: 57
Campaign Website: rodneyleeforjop.com
Occupation: Arlington ISD District Attendance Officer
Education: Associates Degree Paralegal, Bachelors Degree Applied Legal System, Masters Degree Education Administration.
Have you run for elected office before?
No.
Please list highlights of your civic involvement:
I am an adjunct professor with Tarrant County College. The subject I teach is Transition to College Success. Many of my students enter the college experience with paralyzing thoughts of how I can successfully complete my journey.
Because of the nature of our class, I am able to instill confidence in them. Often I hear students appreciate me for encouraging them to not give up. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Inspiring Temple of Praise Church.
Who are your top three campaign contributors?
Various local citizens within Tarrant County Precinct 4.
What is the most important distinction between you and your opponent?
The most important distinction between my opponent and I is my community involvement. My opponent has served for the past four years and during that time, there is little evidence of his community impact. I have served in the United States Navy for 22 years retired with awards, I served Tarrant County Juvenile Probation and retired with awards, and currently serve Arlington ISD as the truancy officer.
My community work has received coverage from Star Telegram that focused on my involvement in successfully hosting Truancy court on the local high school campus. This strategy assisted the local high school with increasing its attendance rate, graduation rates and teacher/student/parent engagement.
What are the three biggest issues in this race?
One of the biggest issues in this race is the need for night court. According to the last 2020 Census, 80% of our citizens are high school graduates and/or have some college education and are employed in labor intensive jobs. Night court would help ensure that our neighbors are not forced to use vacation, sick leave, or lose a day of pay to attend court.
Secondly, we must work to educate the average citizen about the duties of the Justice of the Peace. While many are aware that Justice of the Peace conducts marriage ceremonies, many are unaware of all the other services and responsibilities of the position. Thirdly, increase understanding and education regarding landlord-tenant disputes.
