Tuesday's runoff election will decide the Republican candidate for Taylor County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1, Place 1. The winner will take over the  duties of the current J.P. Bryan Smith, who is retiring this year after serving for 12 years.

Smith and Judge A.L. Deatherage, justice of the peace for Taylor County Precinct 1, Place 2, said they each hear about 30 cases a week. And, they said everyday is different.

"We cover so many different things. We run the gamet from a parking ticket to having to go out to a homicide or suicide," Smith said.

Justices of the Peace preside over their own justice court and hear small claims cases. He said claims court is more important than some may realize. 

 "It's the people's court. We are the front line for the court system," Deatherage said.

Both of the justices of peace said there are good and difficult parts of the job. One of the more difficult tasks, they both said, was when there was an unnatural death and they were called out to view the body and declare a death.  

"Taylor County does not have a coroner, so that responsibility falls on the justice of the peace," Deatherage said.

"I always promised myself if I ever got one death call that didn't bother me I was leaving. I haven't reached that point," Smith said.

They both agreed their favorite part of the job was marriages. 

Smith said after serving three terms, he was ready to step down.

"The biggest part of it has been interesting. I wouldn't say it's been fun, but it's been interesting," Smith said. 

Mike McAuliffe and Lydia Long are seeking the Republican nomination to win Judge Smith's seat.