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January 6, 2006

Morris: Constable Thompson to resign

By Samantha Swindler - editor@jacksonvilleprogress.com

“Not a single paper signed, not a single finger lifted to do a thing,” Morris said. “For over a month, he has done nothing.”

Thompson’s neglect of his duties caught the attention of Cherokee County resident Josie Schoolcraft, who filed a petition in December and started a district court case to have Thompson removed because of his failure to return or process warrants, impound animals, serve any civil processes, or act as bailiff. Thompson had until Tuesday to answer to the petition, or a court date could be set.

But a trial may not be needed.

Morris said he was told that Thompson would resign from his elected position Jan. 15.

“He made that statement to me on Dec. 13, the morning after he received his citation from district court,” Morris said. “I was made aware this (Thursday) afternoon that he has contacted the county office today.”

Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis said Thursday afternoon that he had not yet received an official resignation from Thompson. Because Thompson is an elected official, he cannot be fired by the commissioner’s court — even if he fails to show up to work. In order to be removed from office, a resident must petition for his removal — a process begun by Schoolcraft.

“It is destroying the integrity of the court and the ability to dispense justice, and that’s just not OK for me,” Morris said of Thompson’s actions. “I’ve worked too hard to let this be knocked down, and I’m just not going to put up with that.”

Morris said he first spoke to Thompson about his performance in February 2005. In July 2005, Morris filed a complaint with the county judge.

“We (the taxpayers) want leverage in order to make him do his job, or if he’s not, move on and let somebody else do it,” Morris said.

“I do not have a bailiff, period. The bailiff is 100 percent for security,” Morris said. “He’s been there seven times over the past 200 cases I’ve had in the past year. He feels that his other job at the jail (a full-time position at TDCJ) is more important than his elected position.”

Morris said he has borrowed the help of other county constables to issue warrants, eviction notices, and perform other duties that are being neglected. Precinct justices of the peace handle class C misdemeanors, such as traffic offenses, civic cases under $5,000, and evictions. He said Thompson has not shown up to the Precinct 3 office for weeks.

Morris said if Thompson resigns, the commissioner’s court will hire a deputy constable, who will serve until someone can be elected to the position in the next regular election.

Thompson declined comment about his plans to resign in a prior Daily Progress article.

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