Larry Cox Jr.: There are so many rules in his court, but they do not seem to always pertain to him

Change needed

Oct 9, 2006

There are many important races being decided this year other than the races for governor, representative, etc. One very important position that needs new leadership is justice of the peace in Precinct No. 2, Place 2.

Larry Cox should be replaced. We need an effective and sound person in this position. I have seen Judge Cox treat people like he is Judge Judy on TV, and this is the true people's court. It is not his personal reward.

There are so many rules in his court, but they do not seem to always pertain to him. Once he reminded everyone that cell phones must be turned off, etc., and in the middle of a case he was hearing - his cell phone went off.

Both sides have been known to appear in his court expecting a case to be heard (since this is what the paper work from his own office stated), and find that he was not prepared to hear the case that he had scheduled.

Every person must be treated with total respect, and this is just not being done. We need moral leadership and clarity in this position, and that means a vote for Carolyn Moon.

There are times to forget the Republican or Democrat label and vote for change. This is one office that demands a change.

Mark Salmon

Fair judge

Ref: letter, Oct. 9, by Mark Salmon, "Change needed."

Mr. Mark Salmon, in his unjust criticism of Judge Larry Cox, failed to disclose to readers that he was an unsuccessful litigant in the judge's court last November, despite Judge Cox going out of his way to give Mr. Salmon a fair and impartial trial.

Mr. Salmon filed suit against a local veterinarian for alleged malpractice to Mr. Salmon's pet dachshund, seeking to recover approximately $5,000. After spending approximately eight hours over the course of two separate days at the expense of Nueces County taxpayers, Mr. Salmon was unable to prove his case, and Judge Cox appropriately so ruled.

I was present in the courtroom and was the lawyer who represented the local veterinarian. Judge Cox was respectful, patient, attentive and followed the law. His cell phone was on because the death of his father-in-law was imminent, but instead of taking time off, Judge Cox felt he had an obligation to work to keep his docket current. Judge Cox excused himself from the bench and took the call, and learned that his father-in-law had, in fact, died.

Readers deserve a judge with this kind of integrity and work ethic.

Keith B. O'Connell

(San Antonio)

Outgunned

In response to Keith B. O' Connell's letter of Oct. 17:

He mentioned that my wife and I were unsuccessful litigants in Cox's court last year. We stood up against the insurance company's lawyer and, according to Judge Cox, "It was a close call."

We are not lawyers and lost every objection made by the San Antonio lawyer. In fact, Judge Cox admitted he had to go to the Internet to make his decision. I did not think this was ethical. The case should be decided on facts presented and then applied against the law.

Our case was heard over three days and several months because Cox's office had confused the paperwork. Other observations were based on spending time in his court watching how others were treated.

When lawyers from out-of-town insurance companies are paid and get involved in our local politics, it is time for a change.

Mark E. Salmon