Both of the candidates running in the November 8, 2022, general election for Williamson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 in Texas — Stacy Hackenberg (D) and Rhonda Redden (R) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
According to the Williamson County website, justices of the peace “serve both as Judges and Magistrates. As Judges, they preside over justice criminal court, and justice civil court. Criminal cases include but are not limited to traffic cases, school attendance cases, minor alcohol violation cases, and minor tobacco violation cases… As magistrates, Justices of the Peace issue warrants, conduct criminal examining trials, admonish prisoners, and set bonds.”
Here are excerpts from candidates’ responses to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Hackenberg:
“Education. I hear truancy cases regularly. I work with schools, students, and parents to ensure a positive outcome. Working with schools means ensuring they understand the filing process and don’t wait until a student’s missed many classes, making getting caught up harder. Working with students means impressing upon them the importance of their education and listening to their concerns.”
Redden:
“The courtroom is a place where objectivity and impartiality are essential. It should provide an objective and neutral legal system to the public it serves. The JP is responsible to both the victim and offender, the plaintiff and defendant, and it is essential to give a fair and equitable hearing to all involved. The JP Court should hear and weigh evidence and/or testimony from all involved sides and then apply rulings fairly, responsibly, and in accordance with the law.”
Click on candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
Additional reading:
- Races with a 100% Candidate Connection completion rate, 2022
- Municipal elections in Williamson County, Texas, 2022