Jay Carmona | Your Next JP

QUALIFICATIONS

As your candidate for Justice of the Peace, I have a background in business and transitioned into public service for the last 7 years. While I do not have a degree in law, I have real life experiences as a County Commissioner in dealing with issues similar to that of a Justice of the Peace.

A JP delivers accessible justice in everyday matters like small claims up to $15,000, evictions, traffic disputes, protective orders, and marriages. It is about common sense and fairness, not complex litigation. In Nevada counties with fewer than 100,000 residents (and technically, the Supreme Court of the United States) no law degree is required, prioritizing life experience and integrity over legal training.

As your County Commissioner, I have honed my skills in impartial decision-making through quasi-judicial hearings on zoning, land use, and disputes, weighing evidence, applying ordinances, and issuing appealable rulings, just like a JP. I’ve resolved community conflicts on property rights and public resources, overseen budgets and regulations, led transparent public meetings, and ensured ethical oversight. My accomplishments include, county-wide broadband internet service, Virginia City Highlands Community Center, flood mitigation projects, road reconstructions, union negotiations, and more. These accomplishments demonstrate real-world leadership that puts people first, without legal jargon or adversarial bias.

Non-attorney JPs have served effectively for decades in states like Nevada, making justice approachable and efficient. My commitment is to bring that grounded perspective to conserve the peace and serve you equitably.

A vote for Jay Carmona as JP means commonsense justice for our community.

Decision-Making and Adjudication

Quasi-Judicial Hearings: As a commissioner, I participate in quasi-judicial processes, such as reviewing zoning appeals, land use disputes, development agreements, permit denials, and administrative hearings where I weigh evidence, apply county ordinances, and make impartial rulings. This is similar to the role of Justice of the Peace (JP) in presiding over court cases, including civil disputes (e.g., small claims up to $10,000, civil actions up to $15,000), evictions, landlord-tenant issues, protective orders, and preliminary hearings for felonies or misdemeanors. Both require evaluating facts, interpreting laws, and issuing decisions that can be appealed to higher authorities.

Resolving Community Disputes: As a Commissioner, I address local conflicts through policy decisions or hearings on issues like property rights, public resources, or regulatory enforcement. Justices of the Peace handle similar resolutions at an individual level, such as mediating or ruling on traffic violations, minor criminal matters, or civil complaints, ensuring fair outcomes for residents.

Application of Laws and Regulations

Interpreting and Enforcing Rules: As a Commissioner, I oversee the adoption and application of county ordinances, ensuring compliance with state laws in areas like budgeting, taxation, zoning, and public services. Justices of the Peace apply Nevada statutes, local rules, and precedents in court, conserving the peace by enforcing laws in minor cases and issuing warrants or orders.

Public Interaction & Leadership

Presiding Over Sessions: As chairman of the county commission, I lead public meetings, facilitate discussions, maintain order, and ensure transparent proceedings with community input. This mirrors a JP's duty to preside over court sessions, manage proceedings, enforce judicial decorum, and interact with litigants, attorneys, and the public in an impartial manner.

Community Service and Accessibility: Both roles involve direct service to constituents. Commissioners through oversight of county departments and responding to public concerns, while JPs provide accessible justice for everyday issues like marriages, oaths, or affidavits. My experience engaging with residents in hearings or policy-making translates to the JP’s focus on efficient, fair resolution of local matters.

Administrative & Ethical Oversight

Oversight and Accountability: In my role as Commissioner, I monitor budgets, staff performance, and county operations for efficiency and compliance. While JP’s have lighter administrative loads (e.g., managing court dockets or staff in smaller townships), both require adherence to ethical standards, such as the Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct for JP’s or general public official ethics for commissioners, emphasizing integrity, impartiality, and public trust.

Conserving Public Resources and Peace: As a Commissioner, I allocate funding and set priorities to maintain community welfare, similar to a JP’s role as a “conservator of the peace,” where I would prevent the escalation of minor issues through timely rulings, protecting community stability.

BOARDS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Broadband Fiber Internet - County wide

Virginia City Highlands Community Center

Waste Management Franchise Agreement

Lockwood & Mark Twain Flood Mitigation Project
Storey County Capital Improvements Plan
Road Maintenance Agreement - Cartwright Road
Managed VCHPOA Roads Department
Negotiated Union Contracts

Lousetown Reconstruction & Paving Project

Improved Communication and Transparency

Protected Future County Revenues

BOARDS & COMMITTEES

VRWPA: Virginia Range Wildlife Protection Agency
VCHPOA: VCH Property Owners Association
4th Ward School: Non Profit Museum
St Mary’s Art Center: Non Profit Art Center
NACO: Nevada Association of Counties
VCTC: Virginia City Tourism Commission
TRIGID: TRI General Improvement District

LEPC: Local Emergency Planning Committee