Wednesday, October 16, 2002
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Wednesday, October 16, 2002 |
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Judgeship slot has local judicial officials lining up By JOHN MUNFORD
Several local judicial officeholders have their eyes on a higher prize a superior court judgeship, a political plum to be dispensed by Democratic Gov. Roy Barnes as a mid-term appointment. The field of candidates to replace retiring Griffin Circuit Chief Superior Court Judge Ben J. Miller has a definite Fayette flavor. Since Miller is resigning midway during his four-year elective term, the governor gets to pick the next Fayette judge. Two local magistrate judges have thrown their hats in the ring, as have the top two officials from the county's state court. Two private practice attorneys from Fayette County are also on the 12-person list. Fayette magistrates Charles R. Floyd and Robert A. Ruppenthal have applied for the job, as have Fayette State Court Judge Fletcher Sams and State Court Solicitor-General Steve L. Harris. The two local private practice attorneys in the mix are R. Dolores Daniel and Stephen M. Kiser, both of Peachtree City. Another notable applicant for the position is private practice attorney Andrew J. Whalen III of Griffin, the son of former Chief Superior Court Judge Andrew J. Whalen, Jr. Others who have applied for the judgeship, which covers Fayette, Spalding, Pike and Upson counties, include: Bentley C. Adams III, formerly of Zebulon, now a public defender currently located in American Samoa. Robert Mallory Crawford of Zebulon. J. David Fowler of Molena. Fowler is a former assistant district attorney in this circuit and lost a race for the judgeship now held by Judge Christopher Edwards. Tommy R. Hankinson of Thomaston. Timothy N. Shepherd of Griffin. The appointment will be made by Gov. Roy Barnes, who will receive a recommendation from the state Judicial Nominating Commission. The winner will fill the remaining two years on Miller's term. Miller's last day will be Dec. 31 of this year.
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