Justice of the Peace candidates prepare for runoff

The race for two Democrats running for a Justice of the Peace seat is heating up. ABC-7 met with candidates Sergio Coronado and Brian Kennedy on Thursday, who are both on the ballot in this month’s runoff election for Precinct 7.

“You can do a lot of good in this position, but you can also do a lot of bad if you don’t know what you’re doing,” Coronado said when asked why he would be a good fit for the role. He has worked as a lawyer for more than 28 years in El Paso.

Kennedy is the CEO of El Paso Sports Commission. “I understand the issues, I know what it takes, and I’d be a good JP,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy’s opponent released a mailer personally attacking him.

“He’s making money off of running county property at more than $300,000,” Coronado said about Kennedy’s current job role.

Kennedy’s says attack campaigning is not his style.

“I was aware that there was a tax issue. I was aware before the primary but I thought that it was important we just talk about what we’re gonna do,” Kennedy said.

Coronado had back taxes, with the majority being paid back to the Internal Revenue Service just last month. Every year from 2004 through 2007, his attorney’s office didn’t pay what it should have. The bill added up to nearly $49,500. A personal tax liability of more than $19,300 existed for 2007 and 2009, which made the grand total more than $68,800. He blames a down economy and unforeseen medical expenses for his daughter.

“That happens with any business but we’ve paid every single penny back,” Coronado said.

Both Coronado and Kennedy say the only ones who can make a difference are those who vote. Early voting is May 19-23, with election runoff day being May 27.