BrownwoodNews.com sent five questions via email to the three candidates running for the position of Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 in Brown County during the March 2024 Republican Primary. The following are the answers submitted by the candidates:
SCOTTY BURKE
How long have you been a part of the Brown County community? – To what extent have you been a part of the local government?
Scotty Burke has been a part of the Brown County community for 27 years. He has served as a Police Officer for the City of Brownwood for over 14 years, a Lake Patrol Officer for over five years, and a Brown County Sheriff’s Officer for over seven years.
What is your vision for the future of Brown County? – What changes would you advocate for and why?
By campaigning for the position of Justice of the Peace, Burke’s vision for the future of Brown County is to continue to rebuild and reuse abandoned portions of the city. “I like the fact that Brownwood/Brown County is still a ‘small, country town’,” said Burke. “But new growth and development would help bring a needed economic impact to the area.”
Regarding your prospective position, what do you consider your strengths and weaknesses?
Burke believes that his greatest strength is found within his extensive experience working in law enforcement. His 27 years of experience has shaped his ability to deal with stressful and complex situations and/or individuals. In addition to his professional experience, Burke also contends that his personal characteristics and beliefs make him a worthy candidate for Justice of the Peace. Considering weaknesses, Burke says that he has yet to actually do the job. “I’m familiar with the court setting and have testified as a witness many times,” said Burke. “However, I’ve never acted as a Judge.” Upon election, Burke hopes to take the knowledge and experience of the other judges as an example.
What do you consider the biggest challenge of the position you are running for?
The biggest challenge that comes with running for Justice of the Peace is the general political process, according to Burke. He says that the “paperwork” for such a process for any elected county position has been a challenge and something new to learn. It’s just a matter of taking the necessary time to make sure things are filled out properly and filed by the closing date.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career? – In your personal life?
Burke’s time serving as a school resource officer is the greatest accomplishment within his career. He has cherished the opportunity to interact with students and hopes to have impacted their lives as much as they have impacted his. He has particularly enjoyed getting to watch as former students have grown up and started families of their own. Within his personal life, Burke says that his relationship with Jesus Christ and his family has been the greatest accomplishment in that regard. Burke’s relationship with Christ has taught him many things, one being that everything is possible with Christ. This has also impacted Burke’s relationship with his family and has always sought to live both personally and professionally to a standard that would be pleasing to Christ and his family.
Click here for Scotty Burke’s BIO
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MITCHELL JACOBSON
How long have you been a part of the Brown County community? – To what extent have you been a part of local government?
Mitchell Jacobson was born and raised in Brown County. He has served extensively within law enforcement for over 11 years as a Texas State Trooper and Sheriff’s Deputy, but it all started after he graduated college and worked as a correction officer.
What is your vision for the future of Brown County? – What changes would you advocate for and why?
Jacobson’s major vision for the county is to further community growth in whatever way that may look like for the office of Justice of the Peace.
Regarding your prospective position, what do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Regarding his strengths, Jacobson believes that his time spent working with various “JPs” is a large benefit to his campaign; along with his education and work experience in law enforcement all across Texas. He stated that a potential weakness of his is simply not occupying the office of Justice of the Peace yet, and needing to work through the necessary training to best fulfill the job.
What do you consider the biggest challenge of the position you are running for? – What areas need improvement and why?
Jacobson greatly appreciates the work done by his prospective predecessors and sees the biggest challenge to be jumping into the position that others have held before him, and efficiently falling in line. As far as looking for improvements Jacobson stated, “There is always room for improvement.” There may not be specific points in need of improvement that he may bring to light until elected to office.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career? – In your personal life?
Within Jacobson’s career, he believes his greatest accomplishments have been to graduate from the Texas Department of Public Safety Academy, work as a State Trooper, become involved in many investigations, making connections with great people along the way, and ultimately beginning everything as a correction officer. In reference to his personal life, Jacobson concludes to say that his greatest accomplishment has been to spend 17 years with his wife Cassie, and together raise their four girls.
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DUSTIN LARREMORE
How long have you been a part of the Brown County community? – To what extent have you been a part of the local government?
Dustin Larremore has lived in Brown County for nearly all of his life. He was born in Brownwood and later graduated from Brownwood High School in 2006. After graduation, Larremore attended Howard Payne University. He hadn’t run for any public offices prior to the 2024 Brown County Election but he does have experience within local government. Larremore was the 2021-2022 Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce President where he served on the board of directors for seven years. He is presently on the board of directors for the Brownwood Manor, having also served on the Brownwood Parks and Recreation board. Larremore has additional experience working with the Brownwood Industrial Foundation, the Brown County Boys and Girls Club, being a member for the Kiwanis Board and other youth sporting events.
What is your vision for the future of Brown County? – What changes would you advocate for and why?
Larremore believes that everyone ought to be looking ahead to what may need change in the future; however, he is confident that upon election for the Justice of the Peace he will understand the function of the office before implementing any changes. Larremore says that the office he is campaigning for already has a great staff and a wonderful previous leader. “I know I can learn a lot from the staff at the Justice Office,” said Larremore.
Regarding your prospective position, what do you consider your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Larremore believes that some of his strengths include leadership in business, problem-solving, conflict resolution, communication, budget planning and policy compliance. “I believe with my business skills, being involved with local government, non-profits, running budgets, and being in leadership positions that I have a good understanding of how to handle each situation that will be presented,” said Larremore.
What do you consider the biggest challenge of the position you are running for? – What areas need improvement and why?
Larremore contends that he wouldn’t change anything since he is currently unaware of what changes may be needed for the office of the Justice of the Peace. Once elected, he will use his problem-solving and project management skills to evaluate the office, laws, and documents to determine if any changes are warranted.
What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career? – In your personal life?
One of Larremore’s greatest accomplishments has been the successful business through which he has been able to help many families in the area. He was recognized as one of the “40 Under 40” of Brownwood in 2018. A few other accomplishments include being named Ambassador of the Year for the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce in 2017, the million-dollar award winner for the Texas Farm Bureau, the top three District Managers for Stage Store Inc. (Bealls), the top compliance winner for Stage Stores Inc. (Bealls), the Kiwanis new member of the year, and many others. Above all, “I have been blessed in my life with a strong network of support from my family and close friends,” said Larremore.
Click here for Dustin Larremore’s BIO
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Early voting will take place Feb. 20 through March 1 at the Brown County Elections Office, located at 613 N. Fisk. Election Day is Tuesday, March 5 and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Keep up with all the local election news here.