5 Questions with Judge Randy "Bubba" Pierce

State Representative turned Chancery Courty Judge Randy "Bubba" Pierce is a rising star in Mississippi politics. His professional exprerience includes being an attorney and CPA. As a legislator, Pierce served as chairman of the House Education Committee. Earlier this year, Governor Haley Barbour appointed Pierce to a Chancery Judge post that stretches from Pierce's hometown of Leakseville to Jackson County. Pierce has been married to the former Gayla Smith for 22 years. They have three children: Tiffany, Brantley and Anna Grace.

What was your proudest accomplishment as a legislator?

My proudest accomplishment as a Legislator was representing the people I grew up with.  I also am proud to have served as Chair of the House Education Committee.  I enjoy new challenges and meeting new people.  Serving in the Legislature fulfilled both of these objectives.  I always took great pride in being referred to as

How does being a Judge differ from being in the legislature?

The biggest difference between being a judge and being in the Legislature is the fact that they are in two different branches of government.  Service in the Legislature requires constant interaction with different constituencies.  The Judiciary is more restricted.  While in the Legislature, one must expect to discuss issues and meet with constituents and others involved in the political process.  As a judge, one must constantly be aware of the need for independence in fact and appearance.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I enjoy family, church and community.  I take my role as a judge very seriously.  When I work, I  work hard.  However, I truly enjoy my involvement in the community.  I have been the statistician for the Greene County Wildcats’ football team for the last 8 years.  I also enjoy being the voice of the Wildcats calling play by play during football season on WRBE Radio.  My church is extremely important to me.  I serve as Bi-Vocational Pastor of Unity Baptist Church in Leakesville.  There is no better family than a small country church family.  I love my church family.  Last, but certainly not least, I spend as much time with Gayla and our children as possible.  I am fortunate that our family enjoys the same hobbies. Finally, I am a huge NASCAR fan.  I usually spend my Sunday afternoons with the family and the race on TV or the radio.

What motivated you to get involved in public service?

I was motivated to get into public service because I believe God wired me that way.  Public service is tough and sometimes discouraging; however, I have always felt it was a calling for me.  I get up everyday and recognize it for what it is.  My goal is to be available to service and keep my eyes open for even the smallest opportunity to serve.  Sometimes it’s just holding a door open and at other times it may require providing leadership when you know there will be criticism.  I step through doors of opportunity as God provides them.  I have been blessed beyond what I deserve.  Everything is bonus from here.

What is the most pressing issue facing our judiciary?

The Judiciary must always strive for fairness.  Like the Executive and Legislative Branches of government, the Judicial Branch has its challenges.  Any human institution is not perfect.  However, the Judiciary must strive daily to earn the public’s confidence.  The Judiciary, however, operates in a political society.  Balancing Judicial independence while operating in a political sphere is one of the critical challenges our Judiciary faces.