Cameron JP Gonzalez recognized by state organization

HARLINGEN — Cameron County Justice of the Peace Precinct 5, Place 1 Sallie Gonzalez has received the T.A. Vines award as an exemplary member of the Texas Justices of the Peace and Constables Association.

Gonzalez first took office in 1992, replacing retiring JP Leo Longoria, she said. She had previously worked in Longoria’s office before running for the position. She has worked for Cameron County 36 years.

The award was presented to Gonzalez in June by incoming President Chad Jordan of Granbury at a JP and Constables Association Conference and Training Seminar at Wichita Falls.

Gonzalez was president of the organization in 2003 and 2004, she said.

Members of the JPCA Legislative Committee monitor bills that might affect the work of justices of the peace and constables.

“It takes a while to contact all the members of the Legislature,” she said.

Throughout the 1970s, T.A. Vines, a Dallas-area constable, maintained a leadership role in JPCA, the organization said in a statement.

Vines became the president of JPCA in 1983,” the award states.

“In 1990, JPCA President Bill Bailey established the T.A. Vines Award for an exemplary member like Constable Vines,” group leaders said.

“This award honors a member that has performed well in a leadership role,” JPCA leaders said. “When examining the Vines award winners, it is apparent that the winners demonstrated leadership ability, talent, vision and lengthy tenure in the JPCA. Most winners spend long hours in the legislative process.”