After attending the candidate forum in Hamilton on Oct. 8 any reasonable person would conclude that Jennifer Bedey Ray is the only responsible candidate for the Justice of the Peace position she seeks
Jennifer brings to the position of Justice of the Peace something very few candidates have to offer: a wealth of relevant experience. For many years now, Jennifer has served as clerk for Justice of the Peace Jim Bailey, who is running for – and deserves – reelection. More importantly, Jennifer has sat on the bench for Justice Bailey as a substitute judge and has presided over bench trials, arraignments, civil matters and many other court cases.
She distinguished herself at the candidate forum by answering questions in an intelligent, thoughtful, articulate and professional manner. Her wealth of experience on the bench and as court clerk stood in stark contrast to her opponent, Jim Pearson, who has no experience with the law or the important position of Justice of the Peace, other than to say that his mother “was in court once.” In fact, he embarrassed himself with senseless ramblings about his band mates, his personal attack on the forum moderator, and by his other irrelevant comments.
The position of Justice of the Peace is one of critical importance in a society that is bound together by rule of law. There are two justices in Ravalli County, and both seats are on the ballot this year. Electing Jennifer Bedey Ray to one seat, and reelecting Jim Bailey to the one he holds now, will provide us with the smooth functioning justice court system that we need and deserve in Ravalli County.
Carlotta Grandstaff
Hamilton