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COLUMBUS – The Colorado County Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, May 8 to take action on the committee’s recommendation to fill the vacancy of the Office of the Justice of the Peace Precinct 3.
The committee was formed after the commissioners meeting on March 27 where Precinct 3 Commissioner Keith Neuendorff proposed to form a committee between him and the three Justice of the Peace officers from the additional precincts.
Commissioner Neuendorff mentioned that 10 applicants applied for the Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 position. He said the process was challenging because he knew the applicants, but that the committee unanimously recommended the appointment of Don Clark.
Commissioner Neuendorff reiterated the election process for this role from the March meeting, which is once they find the person the court appoints, he/she would hold office until 2024, but at the end of this year, he/she would have to file to run in 2024. Then, whoever would like to come in during that election would serve as Justice of the Peace for two years. Then in 2026, the person would file to run again. This would put all four Justice of the Peace officers on the same schedule, which is a four-year rotation. Commissioner Neuendorff said he spoke to Colorado County Election Administrator Rebecka LaCourse about this process. He said this process is done after someone passes away. Clark will be filling the role that Judge Francis Truchard occupied before passing away in March.
As Commissioner Neuendorff was making his comments, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Clerk Jennifer Stancik Garcia addressed the court stating that she was resigning effective immediately from her role. She said she has 29 years of experience and said, “You all told me not to go, that you would back me up.” She left a resignation letter on the bench as she walked out. Virginia Cowart, also a clerk for Precinct 3, left a resignation letter and walked out with Garcia.
Precinct 1 Judge Billy Hefner and Precinct 4 Judge Stan Warfield were in attendance. Precinct 2 Judge Boe Reeves was unable to attend due to court. Judge Warfield asked the court for a recess to tend to the matter.
The commissioners later readjourned continuing with agenda items.
Clark was unable to attend the commissioners meeting, but he told The Citizen that while he has big shoes to fill and that he is looking forward to continuing Judge Truchard’s legacy.
Clark said he worked for the secret service for 28 years and retired out of the technical security division. He retired in 2018.
Clark resides in the Columbus area and said he enjoys the community.
The commissioners later announced they will hold a special meeting on Thursday, May 11 to approve a bond for Clark, afterwards, Clark will be sworn into office.
