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Show Council listens to merits of J. P. court system The Pleasant Grove City Council will decide at the next Council meeting whether to keep the present Justice of the Peace system in the city or change to the Circuit Court as neighboring cities have done. The council listened to arguments in favor of keeping the present system and reported on a meeting which had been held between Judge Keith Anderson and the city council. Councilman Keith Cristeson told those present that the judge had indicated that he plans to finish his present term of office which continues con-tinues for two more years. He does not plan to continue in the position after his present term, the councilman coun-cilman reported. The judge had also noted that he would not resign at the present time in favor of the Circuit Court System, Mr. Christeson said. Gail Christiansen, a county Justice of the Peace for the Pleasant Grove area, stated that there are some misconceptions about the justice of the peace system. He explained that it is not the old "Lets sit around the kitchen table and talk about it" philosophy anymore. Justices of the Peace are chosen by the people and the Circuit Court judges are not, he said. He also reminded the council that the J. P. system now is very professional. He stated that the circuit court will cost the city more money and there will be more trials. It is a more formal court. Justice Christiansen said, "When you have a system working you should keep it." He added that Judge Anderson provides more daily access ac-cess than the circuit court does. Because of Judge Anderson's 23 years of experience on the bench, he has handled more cases than the circuit court and this is the kind of experience the community needs, he explained. Police Chief Mike Ferre took exception to some of the items mentioned in a pro's and con's list that had been prepared on the two court systems. He stated that some of the items mentioned were not true and wanted the city council to be aware of that. Sgt. Steve Frampton discussed the integrity of Judge Anderson and said the police officers felt comfortable with the job the judge has done over the years. Mayor David Holdaway said that the council would continue to study the matter and would be prepared to make a decision at the Jan. 21 council meeting. |