Two candidates are vying for the unexpired term of Circuit Court Judge left by the resignation of Judge John Hagler late last year. Interim appointee Ginger Wilson Buchanan is being challenged by Mike Sharp. Circuit Court Judges are elected for a term of eight years; Hagler had been reelected in 2006.

Both candidates were asked what makes a good judge, why they are running and why they would make a good judge. Their answers are paraphrased below.

Ginger Wilson Buchanan, Bachelors Degree in Agricultural Economics from University of Tennessee; Doctor of Jurisprudence from University of Tennessee Law School in 1995; 13 years practicing law; currently serving as interim Circuit Court Judge.

A good judge is someone with good legal skills to apply the law in a fair and impartial way. A large number of the cases heard by this court are domestic relations cases, so a Circuit judge needs to have a good demeanor in order to hear case after case and give each one the time and attention it deserves.

I have been serving since February and would like to continue to serve the needs of the community. I have demonstrated an ability to handle the docket and have had experience in the types of law this court handles. When I was practicing law, I handled divorces, workers comp cases and all the types of cases heard by this court. I believe I can relate to the people of the district and understand the needs of the community.

Mike Sharp, graduated Cum Laude with a Communications Degree from East TN State in 1983; graduated University of Tennessee Law School with honors in 1989; 18 years practicing law.

A good judge is someone who is first and foremost a good listener. On the heels of that, they have to know the law and apply it fairly and unbiased, in a way that is based on the facts. A good judge has the ability to treat your case with full attention and their best effort to listen and apply the law.

I have sat as a special appointed judge and juvenile court referee nearly every month for the last 18 years. I have enjoyed the process of being judge and doing what a judge does. I have handled civil cases, tax law, business law, real estate law and everything non-criminal. I have prayed about this and have had this on my heart for a while and concluded it’s what the good Lord would want me to do. That doesn’t mean I’ll win, but it means I’m doing what I think I should.