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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Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina I was born and raised in Morganton, N.C., where my family has lived for several generations and where I still live. I have been married to Mary Temple Ervin for 26 years. We have two children, two step-children and one step-daughter-in law. I am a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where I have served as a deacon, elder and Sunday School teacher. I have served on United Way bodies, worked with a Boy Scout troop, been on the board of a child care facility and officiated high school, middle school and age-group soccer matches. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, reading and attending acoustic music performances. I received my elementary and secondary education in the public schools in Burke County, graduated magna cum laude from Davidson College and earned my law degree, cum laude, from Harvard Law School. I practiced law in Morganton from 1981 until 1999. While in private practice, I handled a wide variety of civil, criminal and administrative matters, including many appeals. Judicial Elections Sam J. Ervin IV WHY I AM RUNNING The citizens of Cumberland County are extremely In 1999, Governor Hunt appointed me to the North Carolina Utilities Commission, a quasi-judicial body that regulates the rates charged and conditions of service provided by investor-owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications and water and sewer utilities. The Utilities Commission functions like a court, since it hears evidence, decides legal and factual issues and enters written orders that resemble appellate opinions and are subject to appeal. In 2008, I was elected to the North Carolina Court of Appeals, on which I have served since 2009. As a Judge of the Court of Appeals, I have written more than 325 opinions and helped to decide more than 900 cases. The opinions that I have written during my service on the Court of Appeals are generally considered to be fair, thorough and based on a considered examination of the record and the applicable law. The law is the glue that holds our society together. For that reason, our society cannot function without an independent judiciary, the existence of which is threatened by the "SuperPAC" expenditures which are being made in this race. The ultimate job of any judge, including a Supreme Court Justice, is to decide specific cases fairly and impartially based on a dispassionate application of the law to the facts without considering political or ideological factors. I understand that each decision that a judge makes has a significant impact on real people and believe that everyone is equal under the law. I have demonstrated during my thirteen years of quasi- judicial and judicial service on the Utilities Commission and the Court of Appeals that I decide cases consistently with this philosophy and will do so if I am elected to the Supreme Court. I believe that this background and these qualities make me the best choice for Justice of the Supreme Court and would appreciate your vote on or before Nov. 6. David S. Robinson request your vote on Nov. 6. Courts should not make laws. I am the conservative candidate and I will North Carolina Court of Appeals It would be an honor to serve as a Court of Appeals Judge. I respectfully approach every case with diligence, integrity, dedication and fairness. I strongly believe that one of the primary functions of the Court of Appeals is to apply the law, and to decide cases, so that North Carolinians have a predictable, level "playing field" for their lives and businesses. Judges who 'legislate from the bench' create uncertainly, drive up the costs of litigation and discourage businesses from starting and locating in this State. I bring a lot of real-world legal experience to the bench. For more than two decades I've helped form small non-profits and represented billion- dollar companies that create jobs for North Carolinians. I have guided companies as they grow and merge and I've helped North Carolina companies export their products around the world. I routinely assist humanitarian organizations, veterans groups and church organizations with their legal needs. I have been practicing law in North Carolina for more than two decades; both in large law firms and as a small business owner. Throughout my career, I've seen the legal systems of many nations, up- close and on their home soil. I have readily concluded that our legal system is second to none, and that our appellate courts must play a major role in WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM important to me. Because of my combat deployment during Desert Storm, I feel a special connection with our military families. Because of my years in the District Attorney's Office, I understand the concerns of the community and the importance of safety for our families. Because of my experience as a lawyer in private practice, I know the importance of each individual seeking a fair resolution of their case. Because of my work as a volunteer with the United Way, March Of Dimes, the Fayetteville Rotary, the VFW, and the American Legion, I understand the needs of our community SOLDIER LAWYER PROSECUTOR LEADER EXPERIENCE MATTERS Lou Olivera has been a leader all his life. He served in the U.S. Army in Operation Desert Storm, served in the District Attorney's Office, represented clients in every court, volunteered with the United Way, March of Dimes, Fayetteville Rotary, the VFW and the American Legion. Put a lifetime of leadership to work for you! Vote Lou Olivera for District Court Judge. "I was a judge for twenty two years. It is a tough job. Lou Olivera's background as a soldier, prosecutor and experienced trial lawyer uniquely qualifies to do that tough job with distinction." – Coy Brewer, Past Chair CC Democratic Party "I ask for your support and your vote because I promise tireless effort and consistent fairness." For more information or to contact Lou, please visit our website: www.oliveraforjudge.com Paid for by Committee to Elect Lou Olivera OCT. 31 - NOV. 6, 2012 UCW 19 "As a longtime conservative Republican, Retired Colonel [0-6], United States Army, a retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of NC, and an attorney since 1978 in Fayetteville, I have learned how to spot a good candidate for a position. I give my full endorsement of Lou Olivera." – Ed Brady, Assoc. Justice NC Supreme Court (Ret)