Editor’s Note: As part of The Messenger’s election coverage, we requested candidates in local elections submit answers to the following questions. Those candidates who chose to respond will be published in this same format.
1.) Is this the first time you have been a candidate for election? If not, please describe your previous pursuits. If so, is the campaign going how you expected it would?
This is my very first time running for any public office. I am seeking this seat because of my desire to serve the people of Etowah County, not because I have political aspirations. I have enjoyed speaking with many of the citizens of Etowah County over the course of the last year, and that has been the highlight of the campaign. I never would have imagined in the last few weeks I would have cooked chili in downtown Gadsden for hundreds of people after watching a possum predict an early spring in Sardis.
2.) Why are you campaigning for this particular position?
I am seeking the District Court Judge, Place 2. My primary practice over the last almost 12 years has been dedicated to District Court in Etowah County. Because of my unique experience working as a Deputy Attorney General representing DHR for the last six years, a parents’ attorney and Guardian Ad Litem for the six years prior to that, I have seen every aspect of juvenile cases. These make up a great deal of the caseload in district court.
3.) What do you hope to be able to do if elected to this position?
I see this position as a mission field. I hope to meet the citizens that come through district court where they are in their lives and fairly administer justice. Many times in the legal field we see people who are in their most difficult of circumstances come into the courtroom not knowing where to turn for help or for answers. I had a teacher in high school repeatedly remind us that if we have an ability to serve others, it creates for each of us a responsibility to serve our friends and neighbors in whatever circumstance that may be. In my role as an attorney, I have had the opportunity to assist people with navigating the legal system to find a way out of the dark times they face. I hope to continue serving people through that role as district judge.
4.) What, if any, background do you have in politics?
I currently serve on the Etowah County Republican Party Executive Committee and have for the last six years. Four of those years, I also served as secretary.
5.) What is your current occupation?
I am an attorney at Williams, Driskill, Huffstutler & King. I have been employed with the same firm since 2012.
6.) What life experience do you have that will prepare you for this position?
District court requires a lot of hard work. The caseload is heavy and the hours can be long. When I was blessed to begin my career in Etowah County, I did not have anything handed to me. I had to work hard to build my practice from nothing to serving the community in over 1,700 cases in Etowah County District Court alone.
7.) What is your educational background, including university/college and high school levels?
After graduating high school in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in 2005, I attended Middle Tennessee State University and graduated with a degree in political science in 2009. I then attended Cumberland School of Law at Samford University where I graduated in December of 2011 with my Juris Doctor. I was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in April of 2012. I am also admitted to appear in front of the United States Supreme Court.
8.) Who or what has been the greatest support to you and your campaign?
My family has been my greatest support. My wife Courtney, along with our young son and daughter, have been the greatest support system anyone could ask for.
9.) Is your family excited about the campaign?
They are excited for me to pursue my passion of serving others. They have always been my biggest cheerleaders and will always be.
10.) Do you have any specific family ties to local politics or business in Etowah County?
While my family is not from Etowah County, my wife is originally from Boaz. We have made Etowah County our home for the past 10 years and have many friends and family that now reside here. I have been active with Etowah County Republican Party for the last seven years.
11.) If elected, what is the first thing you plan on doing?
I want to explore ways that the District Court in Etowah County can better respond to the growing mental health challenges we are facing. For the last six years, I have regularly appeared in Probate Court in my capacity as a Deputy Attorney General representing DHR in Adult Protective Cases. I have seen firsthand the great need for attention to those in mental health crises.
12.) If elected, you will represent voters in Etowah County, what do you see in Etowah County that you believe you can help with?
I believe I can best serve the people of Etowah County by fairly adhering to the laws while keeping in mind the delicate and often-times emotionally-charged situations in which people may find themselves and responding with compassion.
13.) Which political party – Democrat, Independent, Republican), if any, are you affiliated with?
I have been an active member of the Republican Party for over seven years. I have consistently voted as a Republican since I was 18 years old.
14.) If your current campaign proves unsuccessful, do you plan to pursue the position again?
I am a firm believer that we must all follow the path that God directs. I will pray after this election and follow the will of God.
15.) What is something that you want voters to remember about you?
I love the people of Etowah County. I have a heart for service and see this position as a way to further serve my community.
16.) What is something you are passionate about?
I love spending time with my family. We love to visit state and national parks.
17.) Do you have any religious beliefs? If so, how do you think those beliefs will impact your decisions made if elected?
I am a Christian. I serve as the Associate Pastor of Family Ministries at my church. I have also served as a deacon at my church since 2015. I believe that I will one day answer to a Higher Judge for how I treated His people in whatever role I am serving.
18.) If elected, what would your job/duties be?
District court presides over thousands of cases each year. These cover a wide range, such as: traffic violations, civil matters up to $20,000, misdemeanors, the beginning phases of felony cases, protection from abuse cases and juvenile proceedings.