Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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OCT 29 - NOV 4, 2014 UCW 11 ELECTION GUIDE 2014 Judge Same J. Ervin IV Residence: Morgantona Education: J.D., cum laude, Harvard Law School, 1981; A.B., magna cum laude, Davidson College, 1978; Graduate, Freedom High School, 1974; Occupation: Judge, North Carolina Court of Appeals Legal/judicial Experience: Judge, North Carolina Court of Appeals from 2009 to present; Member of North Carolina Utilities Commission from 1999 to 2009; Practiced law in Morganton, NC, from 1981 to 1999. The law is the glue that holds society together. For that reason, the law must be APPLIED fairly, impartially, and without ideological, politi- cal, or personal bias. A state Supreme Court decision has significant impact on the people involved and the State as a whole, since such decisions govern countless other cases across North Carolina. As a Judge of the Court of Appeals, I have produced more than 475 opinions and helped decide more than 1,400 cases involving many important legal issues. In deciding these cases, I carefully studied the facts and thoroughly reviewed the applicable law to ensure that I properly understood the controlling statutes, constitutional provi- sions, and judicial decisions. I pledge to do the same thing as a mem- ber of the Supreme Court. I humbly ask for your vote. ELECTION 2014: NC SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE (You may vote for 1) Chief Justic Mark Martin Residence: Apex, N.C. Education: UNC Law School, J.D., with honors, 1988; Western Caro- lina University, B.S., summa cum laude, 1985; University of Virginia, LL.M., 1998. Occupation: Chief Justice, NC Su- preme Court Legal/judicial Experience: Chief Justice (2014-present), Senior As- sociate Justice (2006-2014), and Associate Justice (1999-2006), NC Supreme Court; Judge, NC Court of Appeals (1994-1999); Superior Court Judge (1992-1994); Legal Counsel to the Governor (1991- 1992); Adjunct faculty, UNC Law (2000-2012), NC Central Law (2000- 2006, 2008, 2011), and Duke Law (2006); Attorney, McNair Law Firm (1990-1991); Law Clerk, U.S. District Court (1988-1990). In the history of our State, no per- son has ever been elected as Chief Justice who did not first serve as an Associate Justice on the NC Su- preme Court. I am the only candi- date in this race who has served on the Supreme Court. I have served on the Supreme Court for almost 16 years. I am the only candidate in this race who has authored an appellate decision. I have authored over 400. With nearly 22 years of judicial experience, I am the only judge in North Carolina who has served on the Supreme Court, Court of Ap- peals, and Superior Court. All five former NC Chief Justices – members of both political parties – have endorsed my candidacy. Experience matters. The Chief Justice leads the Supreme Court and supervises the administration of justice in all 100 counties. I have developed a comprehensive plan to carry out these duties fairly and impartially, which you can review at www.martinforchiefjustice.com I respectfully ask for your vote. Ola Mose-El Lewis Residence: Southport Education: Fayetteville State Uni- versity, B.S., Business Administra- tion, 1986; NCCU School of Law Juris Doctorate 1990 Occupation: Senior Resident Legal/judicial Experience: Private Practice: Thigpen, Blue; Assistant Prosecutor; Judge/Court: District, Special Superior, Resident Superior, Senior Resident Superior I am running for Chief Justice because I bring a unique set of tools that make me ready to lead day one. Throughout my career, I have run a people-centered, efficient, and effective court, creating five Therapeutic Courts in Brunswick County. Treatment courts build safer communities, reduce recidivism rates, and save money. Moreover, I have kept my focus on doing what is best for North Carolina - not advancing politically. As a judge, I have presided over cases ranging from misde- meanors to capital first degree murder, and I am prepared to take on the weighty decisions facing a Chief Justice. My rulings have established precedence, and I sit as a court of first review for matters from the Industrial Commission, DMV hearings, Clerk of Superior Court appeals, DWI appeals, and appeals from local governments. As Chief Justice, I will CON- TINUE to uphold impartiality and sustain what is right. In leading the Supreme Court, I am willing to apply the innovative steps, experience, and commitment to the rule of law that I have em- bodied throughout my career. I ask for your vote because I stand ready to work hard, lead, and uphold the Constitutions of North Carolina and the United States.. ELECTION 2014: NC SUPREME COURT ASSOCIATE JUSTICE (You may vote for 1) Justice Bob Hunter Residence: Morehead City Education: Greensboro Page High School, 1965; UNC at Chapel Hill, BA His- tory 1969, JD, 1973; Duke University School of Law L.L.M. Judicial Studies, 2014 Occupation: Justice, NC Supreme Court, 2014-present Legal/judicial Experience: Justice, NC Supreme Court, 2014-present; Judge, NC Court of Appeals, 2009-2014; NC Deputy Attorney General 1974; Pri- vate Practice of Law 1975–2008; Adjunct Law Professor Elon, Wake Forest and NCCU Schools of Law; FINRA Arbitrator; Certified Mediator; Chairman, State Board of Elections 1985–1989, 2011 NCAJ Appellate Judge of the Year; 2012 NCBA McNeill Smith Constitutional Law Award. Admitted to practice before all federal and the United States Supreme Court. Since 2009, I have heard over 750 appeals. My decisions are made im- partially without favoritism to any person or to the State. The law and our Constitutions ground my decisions. Before becoming a judge, I represented clients from diverse backgrounds with diverse problems. People want fair, common sense solutions to their court cases. I seek to cooperate with my colleagues to arrive at practical solutions which can readily be applied by practicing attorneys. After a lifetime in private practice, the people of North Carolina gave me the opportunity to serve. My family and I are very grateful. I enjoy judicial work. If elected to the Supreme Court, I will continue my pragmatic ap- proach to solving complex legal problems. I appreciate your vote.