NATCHEZ — Among the upcoming races for county positions, one of the least talked-about is that of justice court judge.

But that doesn’t make it any less important, candidates said. In fact, the two justice court judges make decisions that affect lives — they hear cases and levy punishments that can include fines or jail time.

That’s why it’s important to have someone fair, all candidates agreed.

Cases are divided between two judges — one for the northern district and one for the southern district.

Audrey Minor Bailey and Patricia Dunmore are running for the northern district, aiming to replace retiring veteran judge Mary Toles.

Danny Barber, Luther Jackson “Jack” Lazarus and Charles “Charlie” Vess, are vying for the southern district.

All are running as Democrats.

Audrey Bailey said her experience as judge’s assistant in the court has prepared her for the job.

“I’m in court with them every time they go in,” Bailey said. “When the judges go to a seminar, they let me read the new laws. I feel I’m up-to-date and well-qualified.”

One of the challenges Bailey expects to encounter if elected is “dealing with attorneys,” she said.

“A lot of times, they will challenge you on laws you know,” she said. “I think if you study and get to know what you’re talking about, you’ll do OK.”

Bailey’s only opponent, attorney Patricia Dunmore, said her experience, with 28 years of practicing law, is an advantage.

“I’ve had experience with working with a lot of different kinds of people, which prepares you,” Dunmore said. “My horizon is widened to the point where I have the temperament to be a judge.”

Dunmore said she hopes to save the county money by resolving cases at the lower-level court, so they don’t cost the county more if they go on to higher courts.

She also aims to be fair, she said.

“In my experience, sometimes, if you’re not somebody, you can’t get a fair shake,” she said.

“Everybody should be treated as fairly as possible.”

In the southern district, Danny Barber hopes to re-take his former place on the bench.

Barber was a justice court judge for 12 years, he said. When census numbers forced the court to condense the judgeships from three to two, his position was eliminated.

Barber, who works as a patrol officer for the Natchez Police Department, said his experience has taught him about people and the court.

“There need to be some changes down there,” Barber said.

“The courts need to be firmer as far as restitution and punishment. Nobody’s perfect, but the second go-around, no more breaks. Be firm with your decision and stick with it.”

Attorney Jack Lazarus, too, said he would make some changes if elected.

“My opinion is that those (uncollected) fines can be collected — either pay your fine, or go to jail,” Lazarus said.

Lazarus said if he sentenced someone to a fine, he would hold him until he paid.

“It’s a short walk from Justice Court to the (county) jail,” he said. “Somewhere during that walk, someone will get notified and be down here with the money.”

Lazarus is taking no campaign contributions, he said.

“So, whenever I rule, when the time comes to make a decision, I won’t be tainted by political contributions,” he said.

Southern district incumbent Charlie Vess said after 16 years on the bench, his experience spoke for itself.

Vess said he took on a large caseload and handled it expeditiously.

“It’s necessary the citizens of Adams County retain a judge with that type of experience,” Vess said. “That’s something you can’t just come into and learn.”

Vess prides himself on being available to law enforcement, citizens and attorneys.

“(The judgeship) is listed a as part-time position, but the job has transformed into anything but,” he said.

While most other judge candidates plan to continue their day job, Vess said he is dedicated to the bench.