My name is Ann Jackson and on July 15, 2008, I am seeking your nomination as the Republican candidate for the next Fayette County probate judge. Why should you vote for me?

Qualified: I am the most experienced candidate for this position. I have spent 25 years working for a probate court. I began as a law clerk, then served as a staff attorney, followed by senior attorney and finally, for the past six years, as a presiding judge or judicial hearing officer. I have served as acting judge, chief deputy clerk and court administrator in the probate court in the largest county in Georgia. I am completely familiar with all aspects of running a probate court.

Over the past six years, I have served on the bench, presiding over more than 500 probate court cases. My knowledge and experience has also given me the privilege and opportunity to present at seminars both to legal professionals and the general public.

My professional credentials include a law degree from the Walter F. George School of Law of Mercer University and a B.A. in Political Science from Emory University. I am in good standing with the State Bar of Georgia.

I also hold professional memberships in the State Bar of Georgia, Fiduciary Law and Judiciary sections, the Fayette County Bar Association, Atlanta Bar Association, Elder Law and Women in the Profession sections, the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers, Southside Chapter, and the National College of Probate Judges.

Conservative: I support the fair administration of justice in all courts, including the probate court. Having served in almost every position within a probate court, I am well versed with probate law and court administration.

My understanding and experience will prove to be an asset when it comes to running the Fayette County Probate Court with compassion, professionalism, judicial efficiency and economy.

This is important to you as the probate court affects virtually all of the citizens of the county, often during difficult times such as administering the estate of a loved one that is deceased.

Prepared: The next probate court judge will be dealing with transition. Our current Probate Court Judge Martha Stephenson, after serving this county well for years, will be retiring at the end of her term.

With over 25 years of experience, I am able to bring a level of stability to the probate court and provide guidance through any change in administration. At the same time, I have the skills necessary to maintain a high level of service that Fayette County citizens have come to expect and deserve.

Committed: My father was a career Air Force officer. I moved to Georgia to attend college and have resided here ever since. I married my husband, Charles, in 1982. We moved to Fayette County in 1994. Charles and I have three wonderful children, Steve, Katie and Sarah, and they have benefited tremendously from attending the Fayette County schools and being involved in this community.

Charles and I have devoted our lives to public service. While pursuing my career in the probate court, Charles worked for 25 years as a deputy sheriff. He has recently accepted an appointment as a hearing officer for the United States Transportation and Safety Administration.

Philosophy: I have found that many people are not aware of the far-reaching impact of the probate court. In our county, the probate court handles a variety of tasks, including the probating of wills and/or administering estates, appointing a guardian for a mentally incapacitated adult or child, issuing marriage licenses and gun permits and the processing of passport applications.

I am committed to serving the citizens of Fayette County applying the law with fairness and compassion and issuing licenses and administering applications efficiently and quickly.

The privilege of serving as the Fayette County probate judge will give me the opportunity to give something back to a community that I am so proud to call my home. I hope you will vote for me, but whoever you support, please remember to vote!

Ann Jackson

Candidate for Fayette County probate judge

Brooks, Ga.