Calvin Boyd resigns JP spot, eyes possible Burnet County sheriff bid
Burnet County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Calvin Boyd, pictured with his wife, Julie Boyd, recently announced his resignation from that position effective Oct. 30. Though he hasn’t announced he will be seeking the Republican nomination for Burnet County sheriff, Boyd said before pursuing such action he must resign from the justice of the peace seat. Courtesy photo
CONNIE SWINNEY • STAFF WRITER
BURNET — Justice of the Peace Calvin Boyd submitted his resignation Oct. 13 to the Burnet County commissioners in anticipation of potentially running for the Republican nomination for sheriff in Burnet County.
The Burnet County Precinct 1 justice of the peace’s last day in office is Oct. 30.
“We’re hoping to run for sheriff, and so in order to pursue that, I had to resign as JP,” Boyd said in a phone interview Oct. 13. “I will assist any way I can with the transition, but, ultimately, the commissioners and the county judge will appoint someone to finish up the term.”
State elections law requires an elected official to resign to pursue another elected position, in part, to avoid potential ethical or legal conflicts while holding the existing office.
While Boyd has not officially announced he is running for sheriff, a group called Citizens for Calvin Boyd for Sheriff has begun pushing for public support.
“Citizens for Calvin Boyd are supporting him for Burnet County sheriff in 2016,” according to the group’s social media page. “Although he is an undeclared candidate, we are encouraging him to seek the position of Burnet County Sheriff.”
The filing window for party nominations goes from Nov. 14 to Dec. 14.
Two other members of law enforcement who have expressed interest in seeking the Republican party nomination for sheriff are Burnet County Sheriff’s Capt. Ricky Bindseil and Granite Shoals Police Chief J.P. Wilson.
Burnet County Sheriff W.T. Smith has indicated he will not seek re-election for the position.
Boyd worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety as a highway patrolman for 22 years. He has been a resident of Burnet County since 1989.
Boyd was appointed justice of the peace in 2009, elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014.
He and his wife, Julie, raised two children in Marble Falls schools and have two grandchildren.
“It’s been a great experience after being in law enforcement so long. Sitting on the bench has given me a unique perspective of the criminal justice system,” he said. “The county has treated me great. We have some changes coming up, a new judge, some new commissioners. It’s an exciting time for the county.
“I want to thank the citizens of Burnet County, especially Precinct 1, for supporting me for the last six years,” he added.
connie@thepicayune.com