Justice of the Peace, Prec. 3: Cora Mae Romine

Name: Cora Mae Romine

Age: 49

Hometown: Wellton, Arizona

Office running for: Wellton Justice of the Peace, Third Precinct

Political experience: 4 years as justice of the peace for the Wellton Justice Court. I was appointed associate presiding justice of the peace for Yuma County in January 2010. I have served 4 years as magistrate for the town of Wellton and have over 30 years’ experience working for the court system.

Family: Husband Terry Romine, children Jesse and Jennifer, father Douglas Morris, mother Joann Morris, sister Elane Fajardo, brothers Tom Morris and Doug Morris
Party: Democratic party

Please describe your platform? I am always going to provide justice and due process under the law to the best of my ability. I will treat all citizens with the fairness and respect that they deserve.

If elected, what is your first priority? I will make sure that all citizens receive fairness and respect in any court proceeding. The justice court is a people’s court and every person has a right to be heard.

Who do you think is your biggest challenger and why? I believe that I am my biggest challenger because I push myself to provide the best service to my community.
What do you think sets you apart from your opponent(s)? I have the knowledge and over 30 years’ experience with the Wellton Justice Court. I have handled all different types of cases from felonies, misdemeanors, criminal traffic, civil traffic, small claims, civil suits, order of protections and injunctions.

What would you do to achieve more transparency in government, and should government officials be in charge of managing those efforts? Bring Channel 77 to the eastern county, so the eastern citizens can be aware of what our government is doing for us, as taxpayers.

Public notices are regarded as one important way for the public to find out what is really happening in government. Newspapers currently not only print public notices but also operate a free, consolidated, online, searchable database. Some people advocate that public notices should be available only on government websites. Do you agree that the Legislature should change the current law to mandate that public notices be available only on government websites? No, public information provides the citizens with very important information that people need to know concerning jobs, child care, etc.

What do you think is the biggest challenge right now facing Yumans, and Arizonans? The economy losses, such as jobs, home foreclosures and budget cuts in many important areas such as education and public services have been the biggest challenge for our communities and our nation.

What would you do, if elected, to help change that? This court is about helping people with issues and problems, and I will do everything in my power to help anyone with their situation under the strict guidelines of the law.

What is one of your strength? Weaknesses (something you’d like to improve upon)? My 30 years of experience with the justice court have helped me transform into a fair and honest judge. I have completed all the mandatory training with the judiciary training academy and continue to complete my training requirements every year.

What is one thing that you want voters to know? I have been very honored and privileged to serve the eastern county voters as justice of the peace for the Wellton court. I have the knowledge and experience to run the court properly and having worked here for over 30 years, I have handled all types of cases that are handled with the justice court. I have seen many changes and look forward to many more in the future years.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? I am a member of the National Judges Association, Justice of the Peace Association, Arizona Magistrates Association and Arizona Courts Association. Born and raised in Wellton, Ariz. Attended Wellton Elementary Grade School and graduated from Antelope Union High School. Since I became judge, I have focused on the people that come through my court. I treat everybody with respect and dignity. I have tried my best to process each case in an efficient manner, while bringing justice to the case. I have seen a drastic increase in our caseload. We have incorporated many new programs to our court, such as fare, and the judicial assistance unit, which helped transform our court to a more proficient and effective court system. I would like to thank everyone for their support.