This is it! Early voting begins tomorrow through April 28th for these all important elections. This newsletter is LONG but includes all candidates in three contested general sessions races – Cumberland County has 3 candidates, Putnam County has 2 candidates and Van Buren/White County has 5. Just keep scrolling down to find your county and the candidates in the race.
If you’ve been following this blog, you know these positions are elected every 8 years. Do your due diligence to be sure that you have confidence in the individual that gains your vote! Candidates have been going above and beyond to meet as many constituents as possible and will continue to do so through May 3rd. If you haven’t met them, check out their social media. Some still have Meet-and-Greet events scheduled and all are very approachable should you have questions for them. In other words, you have NO EXCUSE to show up at the ballot box uninformed!
Background Info about General Sessions Courts:
General sessions courts have limited jurisdiction in both civil and criminal cases. Each county’s jurisdiction is determined by state laws and private acts. Because most of us only see the inside of a courtroom when called for jury duty or resolving a traffic ticket, we’ve collected info about the court and the candidates for your consideration!
Criminal jurisdiction includes preliminary hearings in felony cases and misdemeanor trials in which a defendant waives the right to a grand jury investigation and trial by jury in Circuit or Criminal Court. Civil jurisdiction is restricted to specific monetary limits and types of actions.
Three Cumberland county attorneys have announced candidacy for the office.
In Cumberland County, the General Sessions Judge also has Juvenile Court jurisdiction. By private act, Cumberland County’s General Sessions Judge is also judge for Probate and Family Court in the county. The act stipulates the court will have concurrent powers and jurisdiction with the Chancery Court and Circuit Court in some matters. Those matters are described at this website.
Data collected by the both the Circuit Court Clerk and the County Clerk and Master demonstrates the general sessions court is extremely busy!
Over the last three years, the Cumberland County general sessions court annually averaged
- over 5000 criminal cases,
- 1800 civil cases,
- 3900 trooper tickets,
- 460 juvenile cases (civil and criminal) and
- 566 probate cases.
In 2019, the last pre-covid year, the court had a total of almost 16,000 cases!
Republican voters will choose between the three candidates on the May 3rd, 2022 primary ballot. Early voting will be April 13th – 28th. The primary winner will be on the August 4th general election ballot with early voting July 15-30th.
Private attorney, 2013-present
Crossville City judge, 2015-present
Follow Ivy Gardner Mayberry’s FB page.
⬇⬇ Check Out the Bios Submitted by the Three Announced Candidates ⬇ ⬇
Nathan Clouse
I moved to Crossville in 2000 after marrying my beautiful wife Barbara (Barbi) Wisdom. I was born and raised just down the road in Cookeville, TN. My wife and I have been blessed with three wonderful children: Dilana, Crecia and Tyler. They are ten, nine and seven respectively. We are members of Central Baptist Church where I have the honor of being a deacon since 2017. I enjoy serving in the church with involvement in several activities including teaching at VBS and Kids for Truth. For several years, my wife and I served in the Cumberland County Jaycees. I also had the distinct honor of serving on the board of directors for Crossville Christian School and Jonah’s Joy. I am currently coaching on the soccer field with CRYSA for my second season. I am an avid bad golfer and spend most of my free time doing family activities with my 3 active children.
I have a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis in accounting from Tennessee Technological University. I started my professional career in 1997 as a tax accountant. I worked in the accounting profession until 2006 when I started a career in banking with Cumberland County Bank. During my time in the accounting and banking profession, I learned the ability to analyze complex financial situations, understand and navigate the waters of federal rules and regulations, and to deal with individuals in all facets of life. From 2003 to 2008, I was co-owner and operator of TCBY.
My professional life took a turn after becoming a foster parent in 2010. God put a burden on my heart to do more for children and sent me down the path of becoming an attorney. I started law school in August of 2011. While attending law school, I continued working full time and raising our family. I graduated from Nashville School of Law in May 2015. After passing the bar exam, I opened my law office on November 1, 2015. Since opening my law office, I have practiced in criminal, family, juvenile, probate, real estate, contract, business and tort law.
The General Sessions Judge for Cumberland County is responsible for all matters in the General Sessions Court, Probate and Family Court as well as Juvenile Court. Approximately seventy percent of this position deals with probate, family and juvenile law. This would include divorces, custody proceedings, termination of parental rights, Department of Children Services and juvenile delinquent offenses. The remainder of the Judge’s time in court is dealing with contract disputes, tort claims and misdemeanor crimes. The Judge is also responsible for managing several staff members and working with the budget approved by the County Commission.
I believe that my passion for the children and families of this community, experience in ALL areas of law that this position is responsible for, and my business background would make me the best candidate for the position. The citizens of Cumberland County can have faith that I will do what is right for the families in our community and be fair to all those that appear before me.
Ivy Gardner Mayberry
Ivy Gardner Mayberry is a local attorney and the Crossville City Judge. Ivy is a lifelong resident of Cumberland County and is the daughter of Butch and Joan Gardner. Ivy is married to Nick Mayberry, of Crossville, and they have three beautiful, active children: Preston, Knox, and Sophie. They attend Linary Church of Christ.
Mayberry attended Cumberland University to play women’s basketball. She graduated from the Labry School of Business with a Bachelor’s in Marketing in May 2006. Ivy was the first recipient of the Jack E. Forrest Marketing Award. She began working for the CU Athletic Department after graduation and received her Master’s in Business Administration in 2007. During her years at Cumberland, Ivy was named to the Dean’s List, National Dean’s List, Who’s Who Among America’s Colleges and Universities, and she was named as a Collegiate All-American Scholar in 2006. Most recently, Mayberry was awarded the Labry School of Business Alumni of the Year Award, in 2021, recognizing her leadership and dedication towards community efforts and her profession.
Ivy received her law degree from Lincoln Memorial University – Duncan School of Law in 2013. She was a graduate of the inaugural class at DSOL and played an important role in the beginning stages of the school. While at DSOL, Ivy was named President of the Moot Court Board, founded the Women of the Law Society and was named President, served as a Student Bar Association Senator, and was a member of the Federalist Society. Ivy competed on a national level with several Moot Court teams capturing awards for her legal brief writing abilities at all competitions.
After graduation, Mayberry opened her own law practice in October 2013 which she still owns and operates today. Mayberry’s firm handles appellate, criminal, family, juvenile, and estate law. Ivy also joined the Federal bar in October 2019. This has allowed her to expand her ability to protect the Constitutional rights of her clients. Ivy has been recognized by the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility for her outstanding commitment to indigent clients and pro bono legal work in 2019 and 2020.
Mayberry is in her fourth term as Crossville City Judge and Administrative Hearing Officer. After her appointment in 2015, Ivy soon recognized that citizens did not need to miss work over a City Court citation and implemented a night court docket. Having a morning and night docket allows individuals to choose which works best for their schedule and has drastically improved attendance. During court shutdowns due to COVID-19, Mayberry was able to think outside the box and continued having court via drive thru which has allowed the Court to stay current and not back logged like most other courts in the State.
Ivy’s public service is obvious with her years of commitment to the betterment of this community. Mayberry is a founding member of Organized Love, a non-profit organization focusing on the foster and underprivileged children in Cumberland County. Ivy was also a founding member of the local Young Professionals Alliance. She is a strong advocate for our emergency service workers and co-organizes the annual Back the Blue day showing the community’s appreciation for several hundred of our local heroes. Ivy has been instrumental as a previous board member for other local charity organizations, including Good Samaritans, CSW Foundation, and Kids on the Rise. Ivy is currently the President of the Stone Memorial Basketball Booster Club. She has volunteered numerous hours coaching youth sports teams over the years to allow the younger generation the opportunity to be active and have positive role models in their community. Ivy always strives to do her part to be at the forefront of creating a greater community for all residents of Cumberland County.
Ivy’s diverse background, knowledge of the law, love for the law, and her ability to seek justice for all will be invaluable in her role as your General Sessions Judge. She will abide by the Constitution and laws of the land but will do so with common sense and some compassion. Mayberry is a proven community leader and active public servant. She will continue to find and develop solutions for people in crisis situations and work with community leaders to better Cumberland County. You can have confidence that the system will work as intended and Cumberland County will be a safer place with Ivy Gardner Mayberry elected as General Sessions Judge.
Amanda Worley
Amanda Worley, Republican, is seeking the position of General Sessions Judge, currently held by the Honorable Larry Warner, who will not be seeking reelection.
Worley is a Crossville native, who currently serves as an Assistant District Attorney in the 13th Judicial District. She has served in this role for nearly 14 years since graduating from Nashville School of Law, obtaining her Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 2007.
She is a proven prosecutor, handling thousands of cases in Juvenile, General Sessions, and Criminal Courts. She has conducted jury trials concerning Homicide, Rape of a Child, Rape, Burglary, DUI, and Drugs. She is a strong constitutional originalist and believes in conservative judicial principles.
“One of the most important roles of a judge is an understanding of the rules of evidence and the ability to apply them in difficult situations, which I have done during numerous trials and motion hearings. I have stood up for those who have been wronged and victims of crimes” said Worley, and “I want to bring that experience to the General Sessions Bench, where consistent application of justice will be the key to the safety of your family and mine.”
Worley was also grateful to be involved in bringing the first “Facility Dog” to the 13th Judicial District. Facility dogs can accompany witnesses, especially children, to the witness stand to comfort them as they testify. Worley has completed numerous trainings including those concerning Adverse Childhood Experiences. She looks forward to using that knowledge to help our General Sessions Courts become more trauma informed. One such possibility is with the creation of child friendly spaces for child witnesses and spaces to keep victims of crimes in a separate area from their alleged offenders.
Worley was honored to be elected as Chairman of the Cumberland County Republican Party in 2019 and was elected as Secretary of the Cumberland County Republican Women’s Club in 2017. Both positions she held until 2021, when stepping down to begin her campaign for General Sessions Judge. Additionally, Worley is on the Board of Directors for the Fair Park Senior Center.
Amanda resides in Crossville with her husband, Travis and daughter Sophia. She is the proud step-mother to Ethan Worley, a recent high school graduate.
Putnam County General Sessions Part II
Criminal jurisdiction includes preliminary hearings in felony cases and misdemeanor trials in which a defendant waives the right to a grand jury investigation and trial by jury in Circuit or Criminal Court. Civil jurisdiction is restricted to specific monetary limits and types of actions. In Putnam County, the General Sessions Judge also has Juvenile Court jurisdiction.
In 1994, Putnam County General Sessions was divided into Part I and Part II by Private Act. Both parts of the Court have the same authority, jurisdiction, and responsibility for all of the matters brought before the Court. The judges may interchange and preside over all General Sessions matters, civil or criminal. They “fill-in” for each other regularly during illnesses, vacations, or other times when one or the other Judge is absent. The current judges have divided the court such that Part I handles civil cases while Part II handles criminal and juvenile cases. There is no legislated, statutory designation causing “Part l” or “Part ll” to be responsible for what they now preside over.
Incumbent Judge Steven D. Qualls is unchallenged to be reelected to General Sessions, Part I.
Two Attorneys on the Putnam County General Sessions Court Part II Ballot
The Part II ballot remains contested between two Republican candidates, R. Steven Randolph and Laurie Seber. Republican voters will choose between these two candidates on the May 3rd, 2022 primary ballot. Early voting will be April 13th – 28th. The primary winner will be on the August 4th general election ballot with early voting July 15-30th. Check out what each candidate provided below:
I am R. Steven Randolph and I am a Republican candidate for Putnam County General Sessions Court Judge, Part II. I have lived in Putnam County my entire life. Bobby Dean Randolph (deceased) and Sandra Wilson Randolph are my parents. They have owned several businesses throughout their lives, but they are best known for being the original owners and operators of the Algood Diner. In addition, Bobby Dean Randolph previously served on the Algood city council.
I graduated from Cookeville High School in 1991, with honors. I graduated Tennessee Technological University in 1995 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. Upon graduation from TTU in 1995, I began law school at the Nashville School of Law. While studying law at night, I worked during the day with juveniles. I worked as a residential rehabilitation therapist at the Adolescent Diagnostic and Evaluation Center (A.D.E.C.) located at Plateau Mental Health Center. Later, I worked at Youth Villages as a behavior specialist. It was my work and training with these jobs that provided me important information regarding the abuse, neglect, and delinquent issues that many of the children and families in our community suffer from on a regular basis.
Upon graduation from law school, I passed the Tennessee Bar Exam and began private practice. I have remained in private practice since 1999 and I primarily handle cases dealing with divorce, custody, child support, orders of protections, the Department of Children’s Services, criminal law, and other types of cases that the Putnam County General Sessions Court or Juvenile Court regularly hears. Some of the work that I am most proud of are the adoptions that have become a significant part of my legal practice.
Some additional facts about me:
- I served as the city attorney for Algood, TN from 2003 – 2009.
- My family and I attend Life Church in Cookeville, TN.
- My wife, Jennifer Barcus Randolph, and I have been married since 1997. We met after I graduated high school in 1991 and we have been together ever since. We have two sons. Tyler Randolph is a junior at TTU and Matthew Randolph is a senior at CHS. Both sons work at the Cookeville YMCA.
- I have been a previous member of the Sunset Rotary Club and I have assisted that organization with various charitable activities.
- In 2007, I received an award from the Upper Cumberland Region of the Department of Children’s Services for my work with children and adoptions.
- My wife and I remain involved with Hope Center Adoption and Family Services.
The General Sessions Judge of Putnam County serves and protects the citizens of Putnam County. I pledge to always show professionalism and respect to everyone that comes before the court. My family values and conservative beliefs will help guide me in remaining fair but firm, as I apply the law to the facts of each individual case.
I have been fortunate during this campaign to have the opportunity over the last several months to discuss with law-enforcement, court clerks, lawyers, and judges in Putnam County and our surrounding counties, the state of our court system. My goals are to make the court more efficient, safer, and to save taxpayer funds. This may include procedures that include the use of available technology to handle some inmate issues by video, so that inmates remain secure and in the jail. Inmate issues may also be addressed earlier in the morning, before court begins for everyone else. Announcements regarding cases will be heard in a timely manner. Fewer and shorter court recesses will be taken, so that the cases will continue to progress faster. I am aware of the amount of time that victims, witnesses, agency representatives, and law-enforcement officers currently spend in court. My goal is to make better use of their time, so that they can get back home, back to work, or get back on the roads to protect our community sooner. As I continue to speak with law-enforcement, court clerks, judges, and other individuals that regularly participate in our court system, I will be able to implement the best ideas and the best suggestions, so that Putnam County has the most efficient General Sessions Court available.
I look forward to serving as your next General Sessions Judge of Putnam County and I ask for your vote and support.
Follow Steven Randolph’s campaign:
My name is Laurie Seber, and I am seeking the position of Putnam County General Sessions Judge, Part II. I was born and raised in Overton County, in the small community of Allons. I graduated from Tennessee Technological University and then Regent University Law School in 2002, before being admitted to the Virginia Bar.
I began my career in a local law firm in Newport News, Virginia primarily focusing on family law, criminal defense, and bankruptcy. The Upper Cumberland drew me back in 2008 when my mother became critically ill. I spent that year in and out of the hospital with her, and thankfully, she made a full recovery. I was then able to return to my legal career.
After being admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 2009, I began working with the Department of Children’s Services and advocating for the rights of the most vulnerable citizens, our children. I consider my time at the Department of Children’s Services to be some of the most important work I have ever done. Without that opportunity, I would not have such an intimate understanding of the foster care system or the awareness of how rampant abuse is in our very own community.
After my four years at DCS, I believed it was time to enter private practice to work for the citizens of the Upper Cumberland who needed legal assistance. I have been a solo practitioner in Cookeville since 2013. Over the course of my career, I have handled thousands of cases.
The variety of work I have done and the mix of cases I have handled make me uniquely suited for this role. In addition to local courts in multiple counties and jurisdictions, I have also have insight into the Tennessee Court of Appeals, having argued multiple cases there. Regardless of where I worked, advocacy for my clients has been the greatest of privileges for these past two decades.
I have decided to run for the Republican nomination for General Sessions Judge because I know that I can make a difference. I have the necessary experience to ensure this court is conducted efficiently and effectively. I believe that justice should be approached with common sense. I am also a firm believer that truth prevails when there is zealous advocacy for both sides of the case.
I am a conservative Christian Republican and pledge to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Tennessee and to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office. I promise to work hard for you every day. I humbly ask for your prayers, support, and your VOTE in the May primary to be your General Sessions Judge.
PERSONAL STATEMENT OF CANDIDATE SEBER
Like many who are raised in the Upper Cumberland, the concepts of hard work,
faith and family drive my work ethic. The values instilled in me through my parents and the educational system of my rural heritage have continued to be the guiding Christian principles of my life today. My vision in seeking the office of
General Sessions Judge is to serve the people of this great community, no matter their walk in life, and to continue the traditions of honest and impartial judicial temperament. I would be honored if you would vote for me in the Republican Primary on May 3rd.
Follow Laurie Seber’s campaign:
General Sessions Judge for Van Buren and White Counties
This General Sessions judge is unique in that it serves two counties.
The Van Buren and White County General Sessions Judge also has Juvenile Court jurisdiction. By private act, the Van Buren and White County General Sessions Judge has concurrent powers with the Chancery Court and Circuit Court in some matters, such as probate.
Five Attorneys Have Announced Candidacy – scroll down!
Republican voters will choose between the five candidates on the May 3rd, 2022 primary ballot. Early voting will be April 13th – 28th. The primary winner will be on the August 4th general election ballot with early voting July 15-30th. Each candidate has provided information below:
Check Out the Bios Submitted by the Candidates!
Matt Bailey
Matthew Sewell Bailey was raised in Hickory Valley, on the river between White and Van Buren Counties. He graduated from White County High School, where he played basketball and football and was student body president his senior year. After graduating, he majored in social studies education at UT Chattanooga and taught at Van Buren County High School.
Matt then went on to MTSU, where he earned a master’s degree in history and met his future wife Katie. Katie and Matt have been married for over ten years and have three children – Evan Paul Bailey (9 years old), Colin Graham Bailey (5 years old), and Logan David Bailey (5 months old).
After having his first child, Matt decided to change career paths to follow his passion and better support his family. He attended Belmont College of Law, where he graduated second in his class, earned best performance awards in eight courses, and was on the Executive Board of the Law Review.
Finally, Matt came back home to practice law in Sparta. He focuses on criminal, custody, and juvenile cases but also handles conservatorships, probate, estate planning, and eviction issues. He has offices in Sparta and in Altamont. Matt lives in Sparkmantown in Van Buren County where his Dodson family has owned land since 1808.
https://www.mattbaileylaw.com/
Cynthia Fields Davis
I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Cynthia Fields Davis and I am seeking the position of General Sessions Judge for Van Buren and White Counties. I was born and raised in Bledsoe County and moved to Van Buren County when I got married in 1994. I graduated from Tennessee Technological University and Nashville School of Law while working full-time. I graduated from law school in 1995 and was admitted to the bar the same year.
I began my career in a local firm in Crossville, Tennessee and became a partner in that firm before opening my own office in 1999. I continue to work as a solo practitioner. I have practiced in the General Sessions Court of all surrounding counties since that time, including Van Buren and White Counties.
My husband and I raise Black Angus cattle on our farm, Triple D Farms in Van Buren County. We have a 15 year old daughter, Makena, who is a sophomore at Van Buren County High School.
I have decided to run for the Republican Nomination for General Sessions Judge because I believe I can make a difference one case at a time. I have the necessary trial experience in numerous counties to ensure this Court is conducted efficiently and effectively. I have practiced in many facets of the law, including criminal defense as well as family law. I am a firm believer that justice should be tempered with common sense. There are laws set forth by the State of Tennessee which every Judge is required to follow and I can be trusted to follow those laws for each and every citizen.
Each and every case makes a difference in the lives of several people, including the defendant and potentially victim. Not even to mention the families of those people. Therefore, I feel it is imperative that each and every case be given the individual attention it deserves because each life it affects matters, treating all with respect.
Every interaction with the Court system does not have to be a negative one. I hope to make a positive effect on everyone involved.
I am a Conservative Christian Republican and pledge to uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Tennessee and to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of the office. I promise to work hard every day. I humbly ask for your prayers, support and VOTE in the May primary to be your General Sessions Judge. PLEASE JOIN MY TEAM TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ONE CASE AT A TIME. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER!!!
Contact Cynthia Fields Davis: CFDforGSJudge@gmail.com
Brandon Griffin
Brandon was born and raised in Sparta, Tennessee. His parents are White County natives as well as most of his extended family members. Brandon’s Great-Grandfather, Bailey Daniels, was a WWII Veteran and ran a body shop for many years in White County. His mother, Lori Griffin, recently retired from teaching special education at White County Middle school, where she taught for many years. His father, Bo Adams, worked in construction to include home building, cabinetry and brick masonry. Brandon grew up learning the value of hard work and that a man’s word is his bond. He graduated from White County High School in 2006. While in high school, Brandon started his own business called “Griffin’s Goldens” in which he raised golden retrievers. He used those earnings along with money made from working with his dad in construction to pay for college. Griffin’s Goldens is still run by his parents to this day and Brandon still enjoys helping out when he can. He went on to graduate from Tennessee Tech with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, where he earned high honors.
Brandon graduated in the top 25% of his class from Cecil C. Humphrey’s School of Law. While in law school, Brandon earned CALI awards for academic excellence in two classes. The classes were Decedent’s Estates and Admiralty Law. During law school, Brandon was a member of the Cecil C. Humphrey Elder Law Clinic in which he was able to help low-income seniors in the Shelby County area. After graduation Brandon passed the Tennessee Bar on his first attempt.
Brandon moved back to Sparta, TN after graduating law school. Once he was admitted to practice law in 2013 he began his own practice where he shared office space with another local attorney. He and that attorney, Mike Rocco, went on to form Rocco and Griffin, PLLC in 2015. With the skills he learned working with his father, Brandon and his partner were able to purchase and renovate the office in Sparta. The firm has grown quickly and is able to employ multiple attorneys and staff members with satellite offices in Warren and Trousdale Counties. Brandon still heads up the firm to this day as the newly named Griffin Law Group, PLLC. Brandon uses his practice to help the local community by volunteering his legal services to provide wills and powers of attorney for veterans and law enforcement. Brandon is also panel council for the Southern States Police Benevolent Association in the Upper Cumberland. He is an active member of the Tennessee Bar Association.
Brandon resides in White County with his wife, Danielle, and his daughter Irelia. His wife Danielle works for the Department of Children’s Services as a placement specialist for the Upper Cumberland Region. In his spare time, Brandon enjoys fishing, kayaking, and spending time with his family.
Brandon Griffin’s Campaign Links:
Macey Dawson Gurley
Macey Dawson Gurley is a proud native of Sparta, Tennessee and has an extensive background in advocating for children and families. She has assisted a non-profit organization in passing legislation to promote public awareness of human trafficking and impose harsher punishments for the perpetrators in Virginia. Macey further helped develop alternative solutions for the problems in the Virginia child support system in her school’s Child Advocacy Practicum. Additionally, Macey interned with Judge Sam Benningfield, the current General Sessions Judge for White and Van Buren counties.
Macey has since returned to Tennessee to private practice in Sparta, Tennessee. Macey has practiced in all areas pertaining to the General Sessions Court. Macey’s office is located in Sparta, Tennessee. She handles matters in family law and civil litigation almost exclusively in White and Van Buren Counties with a focus on divorce, child custody and support, juvenile law, debt collection, detainer actions, and wills and estates. She often represents children in juvenile delinquency matters and serves as an advocate for children in dependency and neglect matters. Macey has also received specialized training to assist couples through the collaborative divorce process, an emerging area of divorce procedure that focuses on cooperative practices as opposed to adversarial tactics.
She is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, the Upper Cumberland Young Lawyers Association, and the Upper Cumberland Lawyers’ Association for Women. She is a proud member of the National Association of Counsel for Children. She has devoted her time to the Upper Cumberland Young Lawyers in their local Wills for Heroes clinic and has assisted domestic violence victims in obtaining legal services through the Legal Aid Clinic.
She currently serves as a consulting member of White County High School’s Career Technical Advisory Committee and hosts work-based students from the high school each semester.
As a result, Macey has been selected to assist the White County General Sessions Court in establishing the Family Treatment Court. The goal of the program is to provide intensive services to parents while helping establish a safe and stable home environment for their family.
Macey currently lives in White County with her family.
Macey Gurley’s Campaign Links:
John Meadows
Long time White County resident, John Meadows, has announced his intention to be a candidate for General Sessions Judge serving White and Van Buren Counties. John Meadows will be on the May 3rd, 2022, ballot in the Republican Primary.
Meadows states “I would like to take a moment to introduce myself and my family and share why I am asking you to allow me to serve you as your next General Sessions Judge. My Family and I have called White County home for over 22 years since I married my wife, Arlene Elrod Meadows, a White County native. Arlene and I have been blessed to live in one of America’s best communities and raise our twin daughters, Avery and Allison, both 2020 graduates of White County High School.
My experience with the Court in White County began in 1997 when I was working as a Juvenile Case Officer for UCHRA with an office in the American Legion Building on Liberty Square. Being in the Courtroom inspired me to become an attorney and I worked full-time as a Case Manager for the State of Tennessee helping at-risk and abused and neglected children while attending night school at Nashville School of Law.
I have acquired a broad range of legal experience since I began practicing law in 2003. I have been engaged in private practice for several years focusing on family law, criminal law, probate, and civil litigation. Early in my career, I served as an attorney for the State of Tennessee where I was responsible for prosecuting dependency and neglect cases in Juvenile Court and later served as an Assistant Public Defender assigned to the General Sessions and Criminal Courts in White County. I served as Counsel for the White County Emergency Communications District from 2012-2014 and have continuously served as the County Attorney for White County since 2014, the City Attorney for the Town of Livingston since 2008 and was recently appointed to serve as the Municipal Court Judge for the City of Sparta. In 2017, I was approved by the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission to be listed as an approved Rule 31 Family Law Mediator. Having conducted several mediations, I am experienced in serving as a neutral, listening to both sides and helping people find common ground. Judges have a significant impact on our daily lives and are entrusted to make important decisions. Your General Sessions Judge will routinely be called upon to determine, among other things, parental rights, placements for abused and neglected children, whether to issue an order of protection, whether to issue a search warrant or the appropriate length of someone’s jail sentence.
I care about our community and believe that my values, maturity, and experience have equipped me with the ability and character necessary to effectively serve you as your next General Sessions Judge and to preside over your Court in a firm, fair and efficient manner. I pledge that if elected, I will strive to ensure the fair, impartial, and independent administration of justice and ensure that every person who comes before your Court is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. I further pledge to be a good steward of your resources and to have the same temperament the day after I’m sworn in, as now when I am humbly seeking your support for Sessions Judge.”
provided by John Meadows for General Sessions Judge, Debbie Ward, Treasurer.
John Meadows Campaign links: