I want to bring my experience as Peachtree City's Municipal Court Judge
and my commitment to fairness on the bench to Fayette County's State
Court.
As a Fayetteville attorney and dedicated member of the Fayette County
community, I am running for Fayette County State
Court Judge in the July 2012 non-partisan election.
I want to serve Fayette County as the State Court Judge because I
believe people in this county deserve someone who will listen to their
cases, decide them fairly within the bounds of the law, and also assist
them in the understanding and use of our court system.
As a 1992 graduate of of the Georgia State University College of Law, I
came to Fayette County in 1995 to practice law. I was appointed as
Municipal Court Judge of Peachtree City in 2006.
I have gained a lot of experience as Peachtree City's Municipal Judge and am committed to bringing that experience with
me to the State Court. I believe a judge should be mindful of the
costs to all involved in administering the court. In Peachtree City, I
have reduced the costs of all aspects of the court function. I have cut
down the time police officers and the public spend in the courtroom,
and I have reduced the paper and printing costs involved with the court
system.
I have also instituted programs to assist young drivers in bettering
themselves, rather than just collecting their money and sending them on
their way.
I believe a judge should advance the causes of the law -- such as
providing educational opportunities, community service for the county,
and institute programs that are designed to prevent repeat offenders.
One of my programs has resulted in almost 13,000 hours of community
service time being spent cleaning and improving Peachtree City. And in
this time of budget cuts, this program has greatly benefited the city to the tune of $100,000.
I also implemented a number of technology changes that facilitate functions of the court.
I have served two terms as President of the Fayette County Bar
Associaton, and am dedicated to the Fayette County community. I am
active in Kiwanis International, Fayette County Chamber of Commerce,
and Pike County Chamber of Commerce. I have served on the Board of
Directors for the Fayette County YMCA, Fayette County Counsel on
Domestic Violence, and the Amercian Cancer Society as Community
Ambassador. I received the Chief Justice Award for Community Service in
2000.
I earned my undergraduate degree from Mercer University. I am married and have a 16-year-old son. We live in Fayetteville.
I feel like I bring a lot to the table and have the experience to serve
as Fayette County's next State Court Judge. Having served as both a
prosecutor and defense attorney gives me valuable insight in to how
each side views our judicial system. I have used that insight to better
communicate with the parties in each case.
I believe a judge sits as the public representative of our court. It is
the interaction with the judge in the courtroom that most shapes a
person's impression of the court. Win or lose, each person who appears
in a courtroom must leave believing they have had an opportunity to be
heard and had the opportunity for a fair hearing or our justice system
will erode.
