When long time Ravalli County Justice of the Peace Nancy Sabo resigned to handle some out-of-state personal issues, the late Jerry Williams and I were asked by the County Commissioners to review the applicants and provide them with three names to fill the position.
The criteria that we determined would bring a seamless transition for the office was: personal achievements, knowledge of the legal system, background with the courts, work history and above all, personal integrity and ability to remain impartial in the decision making process. That process proved to be the correct formula and the County has benefited from that selection for many years.
The voters of Ravalli County are now being asked to make the same decision. The office of Justice of the Peace is the entry level for the Court system in Montana. The individual that is elected to that office must be ready to go to work on the first day after being sworn in. The choice could not be easier. Jennifer Ray has worked in the office for many years and has acted as Presiding Justice countless times when the Justice was unable to serve. She has performed the job and handled the cases exactly as the sitting Justice would.
Jennifer has served the citizens of Ravalli County and the State of Montana well as an employee and we owe a debt of gratitude to her mentors as they trained her for the larger and more demanding duties of the acting Justice and now, when elected, Ravalli County Justice of the Peace.
Jennifer Ray is the correct choice for the office of Justice of the Peace. Jennifer is articulate, knowledgeable, has the work ethic and history, plus the training to move into the position seamlessly. She is honest, stable and has the personal integrity to serve the citizens of Ravalli County impartially and without bias.
Bob Lake, PSC Commissioner
Hamilton