El Paso Matters sent questionnaires to every candidate in a contested primary race to help you decide who you want to represent you. Candidates were asked to limit their responses to 100 words. Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and to fit the word count.

Justice of the Peace Precinct 7: Democratic Primary

These courts hear civil matters in which the dispute does not exceed $20,000. They also hear certain criminal misdemeanors that can be punished by fines but not jail time.

Who’s running for this seat?

Humberto “Beto” Enriquez

Humberto “Beto” Enriquez, 56, is an attorney.

Stephanie Frietze

Stephanie Frietze (incumbent), 44, was a Canutillo Independent School District trustee prior to being elected as a justice of the peace.

Enriquez

To bring judicial integrity and fairness to JP7.

Frietze

I am running for re-election because I would like to continue to serve our community. Because a large number of my constituents do not have access to the internet and in particular a computer, I created a user-friendly lobby area that now has resources where people can access self-help booklets. This lobby area gives them the capability to utilize the services that the Justice of the Peace Court provides, such as filing a small claims case or an eviction. I would like to improve areas such as this to help the community utilize our services.

Enriquez

I am the only licensed and practicing attorney in this race. I have practiced in state and federal courts in Texas and New Mexico for the last 30 years. I have litigated civil and criminal cases in my practice. I have memberships in professional organizations including the Texas Bar Association, New Mexico Bar Association, El Paso Bar Association, Mexican American Bar Association, American Inns of Court, American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Texas and New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association.

Frietze

I have received all my training for the past three years from the state of Texas. I am required to complete 20 hours each year. Therefore, I am an experienced Justice of the Peace.

Enriquez

I bring a strong legal background to the court that will allow me to be job ready from day one. I bring integrity, professionalism, compassion and the overall familiarity with the constituents of JP7 that can only come from being a product of the area. My strong legal background assures the public that the process will be fair and transparent and that consistency and predictability will be part of every ruling made by the court.

Frietze

In 2019, I was sworn in as the first Latina and also first Democrat to be elected to be Justice of the Peace Precinct 7. During my three years in office, my court has disposed of over 19,000 cases, both civil and criminal, dating back all the way to 1991. Many of these cases had not been closed out properly or had just been left “unheeded,” which means they were ignored. By increasing Justice of the Peace court hours, wait times have been halved for all stakeholders. My mediation skills and mental health awareness have helped mediate individual civil cases to such an extent that a number of the decisions I have rendered reflect joint agreement on actions to be taken by both parties.

Enriquez

A strong educational program needs to be offered to the public to help them understand the eviction process.

Frietze

I must follow the law and if a case has all the proper documents I must proceed with the eviction. I am unable to make payment arrangements or abate the case to prolong the eviction.

Enriquez

Hours of operation need to vary to help the working public.

Frietze

I will continue to work full time. I do not have another career during the week and therefore, I am available five days a week. Our office will continue to be open five days a week. I am also available after hours for writ of re-entry, warrants and magistrate warning.

Enriquez

No.

Frietze

No, I believe an experienced judge that continues to work hard for the community should be able to serve till retirement.

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