Our recommendations for justice of the peace races: Gibson, Sullivan and Lee

Monday, Oct. 13, 2008 | 2:07 a.m.

Justices of the peace in Nevada play a crucial role in the legal system. They conduct preliminary hearings in criminal cases, determining whether there is enough evidence to hold someone for trial, and handle a variety of criminal and civil cases.

In Clark County there are three contested justice of the peace races on the ballot. All of the seats are new.

David Gibson Sr. is running for Henderson Justice of the Peace Department 3 against Sandy Allred-DiGiacomo. Allred-DiGiacomo is a prosecutor and a good candidate, and we wish she were in another race. Gibson, a native Nevadan, has been a trial attorney for 27 years. He understands both the legal system and the community. For the past three years, he has been serving as a Family Court hearing master, an appointed judicial position. He has the experience, knowledge and ability to do the job well. The Sun endorses David Gibson Sr.

Steve Smith and Diana L. Sullivan are running for Las Vegas Justice of the Peace, Department 12. Both bring solid credentials and qualities to the race, but the edge goes to Sullivan. We believe Sullivan has the right experience and temperament to be a judge. The Sun endorses Diana L. Sullivan.

Former prosecutor Chris Lee is running for North Las Vegas Justice of the Peace Department 3. A former prosecutor in the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, Lee is now the deputy secretary of state for Southern Nevada. He has strong experience as a trial attorney and knows how Justice Court should work. The Sun endorses Chris Lee.