Corsicana Daily Sun
Corsicana —
Farmer pledges dedication, experience
By Oliver Sheehan
Daily Sun
Stan Farmer, 36, is the Democratic candidate for the position of Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace.
Farmer says that his knowledge of the law, familiarity with court related procedures and job related experience with the Sheriff’s office sets him apart as the ideal candidate for Precinct 3.
Farmer has worked his way through the ranks in Navarro County having started out as a jailer 12 years ago. He was then promoted to patrolman two years later and is now a sergeant with the criminal investigation division of the Sheriff’s office, assigned to narcotics.
“What sets me apart from the other candidates is my current knowledge of the law, my real job related experience and familiarity with the courts process and procedures,” said Farmer.
“I have an extensive working relationship with the current JP courts and that relationship has provided me with a wealth of knowledge that pertains to the JP position.”
Farmer says political affiliation will have no bearing on any decision he makes in the court room and sights his dedication, experience and knowledge as proof that he can run a fair and professional office.
“I believe that I would bring better leadership qualities by being a hands-on judge. I specifically ran for this office due to the fact that I think this office is in need of my quality service, dedication and experience for Precinct 3 and Navarro County,” said Farmer.
“I feel I have proven my unwavering dedication to the people of Navarro County through my current position with the Sheriff’s office and I plan to continue that high standard of dedication.”
His current position demands that he be on call 24 hours a day seven days a week, and with that in mind, Farmer has no intention of letting up for a Monday to Friday position if required.
“Through my position now I am in the position where I am on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even though the office is basically open Monday through Friday, if I am needed for my services, I plan to be there.
“My number one goal is to bring back an unquestionable reputation to the office of Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace.”
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Oliver Sheehan may be reached by e-mail at oliver@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “Soundoff” on this story? E-mail: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com
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Freeland promises business-like approach
By Bob Belcher
Daily Sun
Jackie Freeland, 55, is the Republican candidate for the vacant Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace post in Navarro County.
The Dawson native, currently a self-employed rancher, lists a background in both law enforcement and business as his qualifications for office, and promises a business-like approach to the Precinct 3 JP office.
“I do think that office ought to be run like a business, because you’ve got a lot of paperwork, you’ve got a lot of fine money that comes through,” he said. “It’s just not being a judge in the courtroom, it’s making sure that all the paperwork and money is handled in a proper way and handled in a timely fashion.”
Freeland’s law enforcement background includes a year as a jailer at the Navarro County Jail, followed by seven years of patrol experience with the agency. He left law enforcement in 1992 to pursue a business venture — a package delivery operation he eventually sold. He presently operates a ranch, and occasionally helps install retail fixtures for a business acquaintance.
Freeland said the race is important because of the problems the office encountered with the departure of former Precinct 3 JP, Donna Murray.
“Somebody has got to come in there and get this job back to how it’s supposed to be run ... in a professional and business-like manner,” he said. “You’ve got to make sure everything is done right.”
He said his law enforcement background gives him insight into the responsibilities of the JP position.
“I understand running a JP office is different from being in law enforcement,” he said. “The time I was around JPs setting the bonds and doing inquests, I’m familiar with it.”
Freeland is a member of Dawson’s First United Methodist Church, the Dawson Lions Club,, and a lifetime member of the Dawson Ex-Students Association. He graduated from Dawson High School in 1973, and also graduated from the Kilgore Junior College Police Academy and the Fort Smith Auctioneer School.
Freeland and his wife, Terri, of 17 years have seven children between them — five daughters and two sons — and still have a 16 year old son at home, who attends Dawson High School. The couple also has eight grandchildren.
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Bob Belcher may be reached by e-mail at belcher@corsicanadailysun.com
