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: https://www.epageflip.net/i/647523
MARCH 2-8, 2016 UCW 25 ELECTION GUIDE 2016 ELECTION 2016: NC District Court Judge Tiffany Whitfield District 12 My name is Tiffany Marie Whitfield, and I am running for Cumberland County District Court Judge. I have a balanced perspective when handling cases be- cause I am the only candidate to serve as a Cumberland County Public Defender and Cumberland County Assistant Dis- trict Attorney. I am experienced in Family, Criminal (both prosecution and defense), District and Superior Court. We need expe- rienced judges who also share our home- town values. I am the candidate who is properly cali- brated with our community. I serve on the Juvenile Crime Preven- tion Commission, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Junior League of Fayetteville, Child Advocacy Center just to name a few. My work with these various organizations help me keep my finger on the pulse of our community Fayetteville is my hometown, I know the history and understand the challenges facing our community, particularly with our youth. As the Juvenile Court Prosecutor for Cumberland County, I work with our troubled youth almost every day. We need a judge who understands our children and is dedicated to getting them on the right track. The decisions a judge makes in the courtroom could literally be the difference between that child living a life of crime, or becoming a productive citizen. It is our responsibility as a com- munity to pour our resources into our youth to break the class- room to prison pipeline often referenced. This is my passion as a prosecutor and will continue to be my passion as a judge. I understand that District Court is the beat and pulse of the courthouse. Every year thousands of cases come through the courtroom ranging from traffic citations to first degree murder. These cases are more than just a name on a file; they are attached to a person with a family who is vested in the legal process. Every individual that comes before a judge deserves to know they will be treated with both dignity and respect. Ultimately the judge sets the tone for the courtroom, and I know I have the proper judicial temperament to handle all matters I encounter. I promise the citizens of Cumberland County that I am ready to serve with dedication, compassion and integrity. I respectfully ask for your vote, for Tiffany Marie Whitfield, on March 15th for District Court Judge. Service to this community runs deep in my family. My grandfather, Cap Clark, played baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1930s. After he retired from baseball, he came to Fayetteville and founded Clark Sporting Goods. This neighborhood sporting goods store has been part of the fabric of this community for over seventy years. It was in that store with my family that I learned the importance of integrity, hard work and service to others. I want to serve as a District Court Judge to make a positive impact in the lives of people in my community. After finishing law school, it was important for me to return to Cumberland County to practice law where I was raised. I currently work as an Assistant District Attorney in Cumberland County, and have practiced law here for over 24 years. I have always wanted to be the kind of attorney that people could turn to in times of need. Most people do not come into contact with the court system until something has gone wrong in their lives. I understand that the decisions made in court affect people's lives in powerful ways. I have worked hard to help my clients in private practice, and I continue to advocate for victims of crime as an Assistant District Attorney. In 2014, I was appointed be a District Court Judge in Cumberland County. I was selected by the overwhelming majority of the Cumberland County Bar Association. I brought over two decades of experience to the bench with me. During my time as a District Court Judge, Chief Judge Beth Keever selected me to be one of the judges that presided over family court. In family court, I was able to draw upon my dedication to family and community when I made decisions. I had the experience and skill necessary to make the tough decisions that must be made when families break up, including child custody, visitation and support. I made the commitment to Cumberland County a long time ago when I came home to serve my community as an attorney, a prosecu- tor and then as a judge. I am asking that you make the same commit- ment to this county. There are three other candidates in this race. One of them has been a prosecutor in Hoke County for the last two decades. One has been an attorney for less than five years. One has been working in an administrative position, not practicing law, for the last several years. I have been an attorney in Cumberland County for twenty-four years. I hope to continue to serve our home as your next District Court Judge. Clark Reaves District 12 If you are unable to enter the voting place because of age or physical disability, you will be allowed to vote either in your vehicle or near the voting place. Have someone enter the voting place and inform the elec- tion officials of your desire to vote in this manner. Curbside Voting