I, Donald D. Fail, would like to announce my candidacy for Justice Court Judge, Southeast District of Pearl River County. It is my goal to create a safe environment for the citizens of Pearl River County to live and raise our families. As Justice Court Judge, I will be a dedicated and impartial public servant. This will be my full-time job. I pledge to work closely with law enforcement officers and the citizens in matters within my jurisdiction.

Born in Laurel, my family first moved to Picayune in 1973. I am the 47-year old son of the late Dr. Jasper E. Fail and Emma Fail. In 1986, I married Gayle Stewart, daughter of Audel (Sonny) and Margaret Stewart. We have two sons, Jacob and Jonathan Fail, who are honor students at Pearl River Central High School.

I am a graduate of Pearl River Community College and the Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy in Pearl. I have been a law enforcement officer for the State of Mississippi Department of Transportation for 22 years. During this time, I have completed hundreds of hours of in-service training in law enforcement, drug enforcement, courtroom procedures and search and seizure. One responsibility of my job is to represent the state as a witness in the Justice Courts of the 12 southern counties. This has given me extensive experience with how the Justice Court system works over the past 22 years.

My career has been dedicated to making the roads of South Mississippi a safe place. As a state law enforcement agent, I have worked in conjunction with numerous state and federal agencies including US DOT, US DEA, MS Highway Patrol, MS Bureau of Narcotics, US Department of Agriculture, Internal Revenue Service, and MS ABC. I have also served as a special agent for the State Tax Commission.

I am a member and Deacon of Union Baptist Church where I serve as chairman of the Deacons. I have taught Sunday School and coached softball for many years. I work with the youth, sing in the choir and serve on the properties committee. I serve on the board of directors of Southeast Volunteer Fire Department. I am a member of Carriere Masonic Lodge 445.

Drugs have become a major problem in Pearl River County. The youth of our county are our future. It is my goal and desire to help stop the spread of drugs in our county and their effect on the children and families. I pledge to serve you, the taxpayers and voters of Pearl River County, to the best of my ability and make this a better place to live.

When you go to the polls on Aug. 2 and Nov. 8, please consider my qualifications and cast your vote for Donald Fail, Justice Court Judge Southeast District.