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.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/405847
OCT 29 - NOV 4, 2014 UCW 15 ELECTION GUIDE 2014 Ann Kirby Residence: New Bern Education: Bachelor of Science, Political Science Western Carolina University 1980; Juris Doctorate Campbell University 1985 Occupation: Assistant Public Defender Legal/judicial Experience: 26 years as an attorney; Assistant District Attorney 18 years; Assistant Public Defender 3 years; Private Practice of Law 1 year; Senior Staff Attorney, N.C. Justice Academy 2 years; Instruc- tor for National College of District Attorneys; Trial Advocacy Courses; National Advocacy Center, Columbia, S.C.2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010; Instructor for National District Attorneys; Association Career Pros- ecutor Course, Charleston, S.C. 2007, 2008, 2009; Trial Advocacy Series, Alaska 2007, 2008, 2009; N.C. School of Government Faculty Workshop Leader, Defender Trial School Chapel Hill, N.C. 2013, 2014 My experience as a veteran trial lawyer, both for the prosecution and defense, has provided me with an un- biased perspective and has prepared me for a position on the appellate court bench. The role of our appellate courts is to insure fair and consistent treatment for all parties, regardless of status, race, or position. A care- ful, reasoned, and impartial review and application of the proper legal principles and case law is the corner- stone of our justice system. I am well qualified for this position and will be proud to serve as a fair and impartial judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Abe Jones Residence: Raleigh Education: College, B.A. (American His- tory) 1974; Harvard Law School (J.D.) 1977 Occupation: Attorney Legal/judicial Experience: Private Practice, 2012-current and 1987-1995; Adjunct Professor; UNC School of Law 2002 – current; NC Superior Court Judge, 1995-2012; NC Administrative Law Judge, 1985-1986; Assistant NC Attorney Gen- eral (Tort Claims, Medicaid Fraud), 1983- 1984; Prosecutor, Assistant US Attorney (Eastern District, NC), 1979-1983; Law Clerk US District Court (D.C.), US Court of Appeals (D.C. Circuit); 1977-1978 I am running for the Court of Appeals in my home state of North Carolina, as a seasoned trial attorney, and former, long-standing Superior Court judge. While there is an abundance of legal talent in our state, I believe it would be difficult to find a candidate with the extent of my experience. I have served as both a prosecutor and defense at- torney in criminal cases. I have repre- sented both plaintiffs and defendants in civil cases. I have tried numerous cases before the bench, and since my appoint- ment by Governor Hunt in 1995, I have presided over many cases from behind the bench. These perspectives give me the balanced, practical skills that are necessary to fulfill the duties of an Appeals Court judge. Fairness, honesty, intellectual capacity, a working knowl- edge of the law, and a strong work ethic are qualities that I value and possess. I would be honored to serve the citi- zens of NC, and I would greatly appreci- ate your vote. Sabra Jean Faires Residence: Wake County Education: Davidson College, B.A., cum laude; UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law, J.D. with honors Occupation: Attorney Legal/judicial Experience: Over 30 years of professional legal experience including legislative, administrative, and private practice; Non-partisan legal counsel to GOP and Democrat legisla- tive leaders and legislative committees; Assistant Secretary at NC Department of Revenue; Attorney at Office of Ad- ministrative Hearings; Past president of Administrative Law Section of N.C. Bar Association. When Judge Martin retired he wrote a very good guide of what he hoped his replacement would bring to the NC Court of Appeals: be diligent, be fair, be without an ideological agenda, be col- legial, and be of good temperament. I agree wholeheartedly. His words partly inspired me to run for judge. These qualities are what I value and North Carolina values. My pledge to you is simple: I promise to apply these values every day in deciding the issues that come before the court. Everyone will be treated fairly, consistently, and only within the context of the law. My record of considering both sides of an issue and my experience on three sides of the law – writing laws, enforcing laws, and interpreting laws on behalf of clients – gives me a unique perspective on both the intent and language of the law. It also makes me a uniquely qualified Court of Ap- peals candidate. I would be honored to serve you on the Court of Appeals and I appreciate your vote. J. Brad Donovan Residence: Raleigh Education: University of Kansas, BA; N.C. Central University, JD, cum laude Occupation: Deputy Commissioner Legal/judicial Experience: 2002 – present, Deputy Commissioner; 1997-2002, Special Deputy Commis- sioner; 1989-1997, Staff Counsel, N.C. Court of Appeals I have been a licensed member of the NC State Bar for 25 years. Every day of my career has been spent in the service of the people of North Carolina. While on Staff Counsel at the Court of Appeals, I wrote more than 600 proposed opinions for the Court. In my 12 years as a Deputy Commis- sioner, I have heard cases across the state, and written approximately 700 opinions. For the last three years, I have been one of two deputies who hear "special set" claims including the most complicated workers' compensa- tion cases, as well as those brought pursuant to the Tort Claims Act, for which the Industrial Commission con- stitutes the general court of justice. I have a statewide reputation for fair- ness, knowledge of the law and skilled writing. My experience and ability to perform the position of Court of Ap- peals Judge are unquestioned. I have strong support from both plaintiff and defense bars. One of the paramount problems facing the judiciary is the public perception that judges are being elected with a personal or political agenda, resulting in decisions that are grounded in bias. I believe my greatest asset is my ability to judge cases based solely on the facts and the laws of our State. Valerie Johnson Zachary Residence: Yadkinville Education: Harvard Law School, JD cum laude 1987; Michigan State University, BA with honors 1984 Occupation: Attorney Legal/judicial Experience: 1989 – present: General practice in Yadkin- ville, North Carolina; 1987-1989: Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hick- man (now K&L Gates), Charlotte, North Carolina; 1986 -1987: Profes- sor Laurence H. Tribe -- assist in research and writing of American Constitutional Law, 2nd edition. For the last 25 years, I have practiced law with my husband Lee Zachary in Yadkin County. Life and legal practice are very different in North Carolina's rural areas than in the urban centers, and I am intimately acquainted with the issues impacting North Carolina's rural residents. Having a family (an adult daughter and two adult step-daughters) has also affected my views. Because of these experiences, I will bring a different judicial perspective to cases that I review. I share the conservative values of many of North Carolina's citi- zens. Legislatures, not judges, should make laws. Appellate judges should decide each case with impartiality and fairness. Moreover, the North Carolina courts should reflect the state's population. Eighty-five of North Carolina's 100 counties are rural, and it is important to have appellate judges from rural as well as urban coun- ties.My conservative values are shared by many and I enjoy biparti- san support. It would be my privilege to serve on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. I would appreciate your vote.