Milar announces candidacy

(EDITOR’S NOTE: “Big Tom” Milar has announced his candidacy and released this statement.)

To the citizens of this county, I am “Big Tom” Milar, a Republican candidate for Justice Court Judge, South West District. For the people who are not familiar with me the nick name “Big Tom” was given to me before I lost 315 pounds. This was a personal accomplishment.

I am married to Theresa Milar, daughter of Gordon and Maggie Carpenter of Nicholson. She is employed as a Community Police officer for the Picayune Police Department. We are members of Resurrection Life Church and we live in the Nicholson community. My parents are the late Harold and Betty Milar.

My associations include Sobriety Trained Officers Representing Mississippi, Kiwanis Club of Picayune, Lions Club International, Moses Cook Lodge E.A. degree, Mississippi Law Enforcement Assoc., Police Benevolent Assoc., Boulevard Cruisers of Picayune and the Gideon’s International.

The Justice Court boundaries lines for the South West District are the west side of U.S. 11 from Nicholson to McNeil. This includes Picayune, Pine Grove, Burnt Bridge, Rock Ranch Road, Millcreek and Hennlyfield communities. The line ends on the south side of McNeil Hennlyfield road.

I am a U.S. Army Veteran, Military Police Corp. I was employed with the Picayune Police Department advancing from patrolman to the Deputy Chief of Field Operations. I have over 22 years of law enforcement experience. My awards included Medal of Valor, Life Saving Medal, three times named Police Officer of the Year, Mississippi Main Street Association Honorable mention for Hurricane Katrina. Named as All-star Hero on America’s Most Wanted, and recognized through the American Police Hall of Fame.

Upon my retirement from law enforcement, I went to work for Regan Penton with Penton Well Service LLC. He has given me the opportunity to work my schedule so I may serve as your Justice Court Judge.

I am the best qualified candidate for this position of Justice Court Judge because of my knowledge. I am very familiar with the criminal and civil law process and I am a certified master instructor in numerous law enforcement training schools. I have taught thousands of law enforcement officers across this great state for their continuation education classes. My main objective as an instructor was to keep the officers safe, professional and call attention to the needs of special services that could help the victims. Being a trained instructor also gives me the edge when an officer is testifying in determining if all the facts and circumstances meet the probable cause and warrant the arrest.

Every sheriff’s candidate has announced that they will be tough on crime, but most of the time the criminal element beats the officers back to the street before the paper work is filed. I am aware of the revolving door criminals who are the same ones arrested over and over again making more citizens victims of their crime spree. You need a judge who will stand in the gap to protect your rights and punish the revolving door criminals. As your Justice Court Judge, I must follow the letter of the law. In some cases, I will not have any sentencing leeway. Where I can, I will work with community social services, medical providers, local churches and law enforcement to help the victims and first time offenders.

As your Justice Court Judge I will be fair and not partial because this person supported my campaign or this person did not. I consider myself to be honorable and honest. My integrity will not be challenged. I know that I can sit on the bench and make sound judgments. I will base my decisions on facts, evidence and the law. I will do my best to get the drug pushers, robbers and sexual predators off the streets of Pearl River County. Please vote Aug. 7 for “Big Tom” Milar. “Let’s put Justice back in Justice Court.”

If you have questions, comments or concerns you can e-mail me at bigtommilar@bellsouth.net