Bay City Tribune

Justice of the Peace Jeannette Bell has announced her intentions of seeking re-election to her current position as Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1 Matagorda County.

Judge Bell was elected in November of 2008 and was sworn in January 1, 2009.

After taking office, Judge Bell began working the old cases in the office, setting show cause hearings and issuing warrants for the collection of fines that were delinquent.

Other procedures were changed in the office in order to accommodate the large number of new cases that were being filed once she took office, including the cross training of staff.

The caseload increased almost double in just the 9 months since Judge Bell took office. Statistics show for 2008 a total case filing of 1170 compared to 2009 a total of 2143 with Judge Bell.

Judge Bell attended the required 80 hours of training by the Texas Justice Court Training Center.

She also attended a 6 hour special seminar on credit card cases instructed by the Training Center in order to ensure the public's confidence in her ability to hear the number of civil cases filed in the court.

The special seminar attendance is not required by statute.

"I appreciate everyone's support in the past 11 months since taking office and the positive comments I have received from the public for the job performance in the office of precinct 1 Justice of the Peace. I love this Nation and Matagorda County and it is an honor to serve the citizens. I ask for your vote once again on March 2, 2009."