Judgment Day 2008

May 20, 2008 04:11 pm

— Times-Tribune / Staff report
With the presidential race dominating the airwaves and newsprint, it’s easy to forget that there are many other races on the ballot this primary season, and the biggest race on the ballot in the Tri-County today is for district judge seats.
The district judge race is nonpartisan, so whether you are registered Democrat or Republican you will be able to vote for district judge. The two candidates with the most votes from today’s election will go on to the November general election.
There are four candidates in the 34th judicial district which covers Whitley and McCreary Counties.
Leroy Gilbert Jr. is a 43-year-old attorney who has been in practice for 15 years. He currently has an office in Corbin.
Gilbert said the district judgeship seemed a natural progression for him. Gilbert believes that many of society’s “root problems” begin in district court. He uses the common examples of drunk driving, divorce and bankruptcy, all of which are dealt with in district court.
“The problems all go together hand in hand Bankruptcy might cause a divorce, and that might cause someone to go out and drive drunk,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert said he believes he can address these “root causes” of society’s problems if he is elected as district judge.
Jason Price, a Williamsburg attorney is making his first run for public office. He is a father of two, who has been practicing law for six years.
Price said he thinks he can make a significant difference in people’s lives, outside of the political realm — adding that, “you can help a lot of people as an attorney, but you can help a lot more as district judge.”
Fred White believes his experience makes him the best candidate for district judge.
“The biggest thing is experience. A big part of district court is having a good feel for people and common sense is a big part,” White said.
White was appointed by the governor to fill the vacant district judgeship until the Nov. 4 election. The seat was left vacant after Daniel Ballou was elected circuit court judge.
Jane Butcher is a Williamsburg-based attorney who has 22 years of experience in Williamsburg as an attorney. She said part of the appeal of the judgeship is working with the public and their needs. “It’s the ability to reach out to the citizens ... and help in their time of need. I just believe I can do a real good job in that position and meet the needs of the people before the court.”
Five people are running for the district court judge in the 27th District, which includes Knox and Laurel counties.
John Chappell of London has been involved in private practice for a number of years and feels like his experience in the community makes him the best candidate.
“I bring some life experience,” Chappell said, “I’ve hung tobacco. I’ve worked at Wal-Mart. I can identify with those folks as well. I want to treat people with the same courtesy and dignity they deserve.”
Chappell was appointed by the governor to fill the vacated district judge position until the Nov. 4 election.
Harold Fish Dyche II is a London native who feels the court’s ability to profoundly affect lives is something he wants to be a part of.
“I have always wanted to serve in public office. I have seen the impact it can have on somebody’s life to be in the court system. I want to be someone who can help others through their time in the court,” Dyche said.
Dyche is currently an assistant commonwealth attorney.
Gilbert Holland, who lives in Barbourville, is running for office for the first time. Holland is an active volunteer with Knox County youth organizations.
Holland said the sheer volume of cases will be a challenge for a new district judge, but if elected he will strive to be fair.
“You have to understand the people in front of you are going through problems whether they are the victims or whether they are the people accused of the crime,” Holland said.
Randy Azbill of London has grown up in the court system and law enforcement worlds. Azbill’s father was a former chief of the London Police Department and served on the city council.
“I grew up here in London and I’ve been around courthouses and downtown all my life. I kind of grew up around law enforcement,” Azbill.
Besides growing up around law enforcement, Azbill has 18 years of experience in the law field.
London native Vanessa Sears has had her own law office in north London for two years. Sears says her experience includes work in criminal and juvenile law, work with the Department of Public Advocacy and indigent clients, and work in property and real estate law.
Treating those in court fairly is a critical part of the position, Sears said. She feels that is another vital element she would bring to district judge.
“It’s essential to be fair to whoever comes in front of you. A judge must be fair and respectful to anyone that comes into the courtroom,” Sears said.
Voting precincts will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.