Gusse takes shots at Riggs during JP debate

Republican Lyle Riggs, Democrat Kevin Taylor and independent candidate Julia Gusse are all competing for the opportunity to be the next justice of the peace and take over the troubled Court.

 

They all discussed their merits and plans to restore faith in the court at an Oct. 4 debate at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center.

 

Gusse threw the first shot at Riggs referring to the similarities between Riggs and Sulley.

 

“I will say again that out of the eight jurisdictions, the only one that had someone with a law degree was Judge Sulley, and we all know how that turned out,” Gusse said.

 

Gusse boasted of self-financing her campaign while Riggs had received $6,000 in campaign funds from what she deemed a political committee.

 

“For an individual to be funded $6,000 worth by a community-based organization, you have to ask yourself what is that $6,000 going to get you at the end of the day. Is it going to buy you votes?” Gusse said. “I’m an independent who is fully independent, and I plan to be that way.”

 

“I have no idea where $6,000 came from … the only committee I’m affiliated with is my campaign committee.” Riggs said “The reports are all online you can go look at them, the only donations I have received are from family and friends and individual contributions.”

 

Riggs’ most recent financial reports show no contributions from political committees through Sept. 15. (Click here to view campaign finance report.)

 

Riggs also responded to the perception of a legal background being unnecessary and even detrimental to the duties associated with the justice of the peace position:

 

“It’s true that being a lawyer is not a requirement, and it’s true that our former JP was a lawyer, and that seems to be guilt by association that’s being leveled at me. But let me ask you this: If I had surgery and the doctor botched the surgery, and I had to have additional work done, I would not turn the scalpel over to anybody off the street. I would want another experienced, well-qualified surgeon to fix the problem.”

 

Kevin Taylor touted his experience managing a security and investigation company for 19 years and said the position should not be partisan.