Richmond attorney Ken Cannata has filed as a candidate for Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 currently held by Judge Faye Dettling. Judge Dettling has previously announced that she will not seek re-election in the March 2006 primary election. The Justice of the Peace Courts handle a majority of all traffic offenses as well as civil suits under $5,000 and many juvenile offenses, like truancy, and alcohol & tobacco offenses Cannata, 47 and his wife Susan reside in Pecan Grove and have three children. Their oldest Michael is serving in the United State Marine Corp and is currently deployed in Iraq. Their other two children Christina and Matthew are students at Texas State University and Austin High School respectively. Cannata is a 1983 graduate (with honors) from South Texas College of Law and has practiced law for over 20 years. He is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and has previously served as legal counsel to the Republican Party of Fort Bend County. Cannata has been active in community affairs serving as coach and board member of the Fort Bend Youth Football League and is the current President of the Fort Bend County Dispute Resolution Center. He is also a life member of both the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Fort Bend County Fair. Ken and Susan are members of Calvary Episcopal Church in Richmond. Cannata stated that " the Justice of the Peace courts will impact more families than any other court, so we must have a judge who is qualified, and well versed in all aspects of the cases that come before the court." Cannata believes his legal experience, which includes all aspects of the Justice of the Peace's jurisdiction, will allow him to make a smooth transition with no on the job training necessary. Cannata said he was looking forward to continuing the progress achieved by Judge Dettling and initiating new policies to better serve the citizens of Precinct 3.