Robert “Bob” Ruppenthal has formally announced as a candidate for Magistrate Court judge Post 3 for Fayette.

The post is a county-wide office and, as a nonpartisan position, the judge will be chosen in the state General Primary July 18.

Ruppenthal is a Tyrone resident and says he is “strongly committed to Fayette County and its citizens. All Fayette residents should receive the highest quality of service at every level of government, including the Magistrate Court,” Ruppenthal said.

Magistrate Court judges are responsible for conducting trials on civil small claims up to $15,000, and for conducting various criminal procedures, including issuing search warrants, issuing arrest warrants, conducting first appearance hearings, determining bonds and conducting bad check trials.

“As Fayette County's population and the corresponding Magistrate Court case load grows,” Ruppenthal said, “it becomes ever more important that our county have the highest qualified judges.”

Ruppenthal is a lawyer in the local firm Weldon and Ruppenthal, with offices in Fayetteville, Jonesboro and Newnan. He has been in practice for more than six years, handling both criminal and civil cases in all local courts, he said.

He is a member of the local Bar Association and was elected its president for 1998, and served as secretary/treasurer for 1997.

He said his goal as magistrate judge is “to serve the citizens of Fayette County with respect and dignity while providing excellence in my judicial duties through capable and fair administration of all Magistrate Court proceedings.

Ruppenthal and wife, LeGay, have two children and are members at Fayetteville First Baptist Church.