Tony Polumbo (D)

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Personal Information

Judge Anthony (Tony) Polumbo took the bench as presiding judge of Harris County Justice of the Peace Court (Precinct 3, Place 2) in 1991

Sixteen years as Justice of the Peace
Ran unopposed in his last three re-elections

Developed the Triad Prevention Program which is a consortium of three county agencies, Protective Services, Juvenile Probation Department and Mental Health/Mental Retardation (MHMR) working together to coordinate their resources to serve youth at-risk

Baytown Board of Communities in School
Baytown Police Academy Advisory Board
Harris County Juvenile Board
North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce Past Board Member
Five years as Presiding Judge of the Harris County Justices of the Peace
Instrumental in forming collaborations among Education, Juvenile Justice and Social Services
Implementation of one of the largest Teen Court Programs (High School Students) in Texas
Successful in the approval of several area schools allowing transcript credit for Teen Court Program participation
Sixteen years in the State Legislature for Texas
Sponsored issues addressing child abuse, child protection, law enforcement and education
Criminal Jurisprudence, Education and Urban Affairs
Chairman of the Harris County Delegation

Judge Polumbo's central focus has been on saving tomorrow, our youth of today. Through caring, concern and optimism they can be taught accountability, respect and higher expectations. His method is fair and creative, but tough.

In a society where juvenile crimes headline our Newspapers and nightly News, we must incorporate innovative methods to gain their attention. Our judicial system allows us a trial by a jury of our peers. What if you are 15?

If you receive a citation for truancy, curfew violation, underage possession of tobacco, fighting… and are found guilty in Judge Polumbo's Court don't expect to get off easy. You may find yourself facing:
Community Service Hours
a program for first time offenders (MHMRA)
Spending Saturday on a prison trip
Writing a book report (from court approved list)
Attending Youth Empowerment Seminars (Course Life Skills), Anger Management Courses, Counseling (STAR Program) or Teen Essence (Girl Power)

The young offenders often meet these sentences with surprise. By imposing a sentence that directly affects the offender, not just a fine paid by a parent; they are required to accept the consequences for their actions. The goal of the court is to provide a positive introduction to the judicial system. Through early prevention and intervention there remains hope that troubled young lives can be turned around.

Judge Polumbo's creative methods and his passion for making a difference have brought him nationwide attention. His approach to addressing juvenile issues with the community, police and educators has been featured in; newspapers throughout Texas and the nation, the 1999 January/February Christian Reader, publications by the Southern Baptist Convention, the news show "The Crusaders" and the "Charles Osgood's Show" on CBS.

Judge Tony Polumbo's philosophy and commitment for inspiring today's youth to embracing the concepts of family values, teamwork, patience and respect for themselves and others is his trademark for saving tomorrow.