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
18 OCT 29 - NOV 4, 2014 ELECTION GUIDE 2014 ELECTION 2014: NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE (You may vote for ONE) Judge Bill Southern Place of Residence: King, NC Education: Texas Southern University School of Law, J.D., UNC- Chapel Hill, B.A. Occupation: District Court Judge Legal/judicial Experience: District Court Judge, 2008-present; Assistant District At- torney, Stokes and Surry Counties, 2006- 2008; NC Bar Association Administration of Justice Committee [2012-present] I believe the role of a judge is to decide cases based upon what the law is and not what the law should be. I am firmly committed to the protection of our indi- vidual liberties, and I understand that the efficient, predictable administration of justice is critical to economic growth and prosperity in our state. My experience as a trial court judge and prosecutor provides me the valuable real world perspective that is needed on the Court of Appeals. As a certified juvenile court judge, I partner daily with parents and social services to protect the best interests of our children; as a prosecutor, I worked side by side with law enforcement to lock up dangerous criminals and protect victims' rights. Traditions of family and public service are of the utmost importance to me. I reside in King with my wife, Beth, and children, Kate and Flynn. I am a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the King Lions Club and also work with the Stop Child Abuse Now Committee and Child Fatality Prevention Team in Stokes and Surry Counties. Judge Lucy Inman Residence: Wake County Education: NC State University, B.A. in English; UNC-Chapel Hill, J.D. Occupation: Special Superior Court Judge Legal/judicial Experience: 2010-present, Special Superior Court Judge; 1992-2010, litigation attorney representing individu- als and businesses; 1990-1992, law clerk to North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice James G. Exum, Jr. In 24 years as a lawyer and a judge, I have served people in communities large and small. I have presided in hearings and jury trials of matters ranging from family disputes to first-degree murder cases in more than 40 counties across North Carolina. Every person in every courtroom deserves to be treated fairly and with respect. Judges fulfill that duty by consis- tently following the law prescribed by the federal and state constitutions, acts of the legislature and prior decisions. The Court of Appeals reviews cases from across the state involving individuals, families and businesses, and its decisions affect North Carolinians for generations to come. Each judge should bring to the court a strong work ethic and the experience and skill to resolve difficult questions and write decisions that everyone can understand. I am prepared and eager to do just this. Four retired North Carolina Supreme Court chief justices — both Democrat and Republican — and dozens of retired justices and judges have endorsed me as the most qualified candidate in my race. I appreciate your caring about our court system and hope to earn your vote. ELECTION 2014: NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE (You may vote for ONE) Judge Donna Stroud Place of Residence: Garner Education: Duke University School of Law, LL.M. in Judicial Studies, 2014; Campbell University School of Law, 1988, J.D., magna cum laude; Campbell University, 1985, B.A., Government, summa cum laude Occupation: Court of Appeals Judge Legal/judicial Experience: Judge, Court of Appeals, elected 2006; Adjunct Professor, Campbell University School of Law, 2008 to present; District Court Judge, Wake County, 2004-2006; Pri- vate practice of law, 1988-2004; Certified District Court Arbitra- tor, 1996-2004; Certified Superior Court Mediator, 1997-2004 I am humbled to have no opposi- tion this year for re-election to the Court of Appeals. I want to thank the people of North Carolina for the honor and privilege of serv- ing them for the past 10 years as a judge. I pledge to continue to decide each case fairly and impartially, upholding the Constitutions of North Carolina and the United States and applying the law as it is written and not as I may wish it to be, with a sensitivity to how each case will affect both the and the development of the law. My service as a judge is my call- ing, and in addition to serving on the Court of Appeals. I also teach Judicial Process at Campbell University School of Law and continuing education courses for trial judges and lawyers. Rita Cox I am running for District Court Judge and wanted to share informa- tion with you about me. I have conservative values. I have been mar- ried for 36 years and am active in my church. As a Senior Assistant District Attorney, I have over 24 years of trial experience. I have served 17 years on the Child Protective/Fatal- ity Prevention Team working to protect children. I have spent 12 years with Operation Ceasefire working to reduce gun violence in Cumberland County. I have served as a board member on the Rape Crisis Board addressing the special needs of victims of violent sexual offenses. I humbly ask for your vote, April Smith I was born and raised in Fayetteville in a military family. I graduated from Douglas Byrd High School. I obtained my bachelor's in child life studies at East Carolina Uni- versity and my Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law. I have worked with hospitalized children and served as a high school teacher for four years. I have also worked with the Guilford County District Attorney's Office, the North Carolina Attorney General's Of- fice, as well as Cumberland County Child Support. In 2011, I established my family law practice. I am the mother of two children and a member of Lewis Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. Everyday hundreds of decisions are made in District Court that impact people's lives. Within the District Courts are the Family Courts. The dissolution of a family disrupts lives and requires everyone including innocent children to transition to a new, difficult and challenging reality. In Cumberland County, we have the highest number of family court cases in North Carolina. By the end of this year, three of our best judges are leaving our family courts. I believe a Judge with a Fam- ily Law background should preside over is- sues involving families. I have devoted my life to making sure our citizens have access to the court system to protect themselves and their families. When you stand before a Judge who lacks experience in family law as well as wisdom, compassion and empa- thy, the strain on your family and finances could be overwhelming. As a single mother, former teacher, and the only candidate whose practice ad- dresses family court cases, I am asking for the opportunity to fill the seat. Our family courts need judges who can relate to the real life challenges our families including our military are facing. I personally know and understand those challenges through my own life and career experiences. Our family court needs a judge who knows families! ELECTION 2014: District Court Judge