Hinds County contested judicial races on Nov. 4 ballot
In Hinds County, there is one contested circuit judge race and two contested County Court judge races. All other judicial posts are unopposed.
In the Circuit Judge race, incumbent Jeff Weill faces a challenge from Jackson Municipal Judge Ali ShamsidDeen. The other three circuit judges are unopposed. Circuit judges serve four-year terms and run in nonpartisan elections.
Name: Jeff Weill Sr.
Age: 57
Residence city: Jackson
Have you been a judge before/have you run for/held public office before. If so, what? Ward 1 city councilman
Current job: Circuit Judge
Why are you running?
"I've worked hard as Circuit judge to vigorously move the criminal docket forward in Hinds County, and that has enhanced public safety," he said.
Name: Ali ShamsidDeen
Age: 63
Residence city: Jackson, Mississippi
Have you been a judge before/have you run for/held public office before. If so, what? Yes, I am currently serving as a Municipal Court Judge here in Jackson, Mississippi
Current job: Attorney, Municipal Court Judge
Why are you running? I am seeking the position of Circuit Judge. A good, fair and impartial judge is vital to our judicial system. It is my desire to uphold the integrity and trust of our circuit court system. Listening to the merits of both sides of every matter with equal interest is a critical component of the duty of a judge.
There are two Hinds County Court judge races. In one, incumbent County Judge Bill Skinner faces a challenge from two candidates: former appointed Circuit Judge Malcolm Harrison and Johnnie McDaniel, a city of Jackson prosecuting attorney. In the other County Court judge race, six candidates are seeking to replace retiring longtime Judge Houston Patton. County court judges serve four-year terms and run in nonpartisan elections.
Hinds County Court judge
Name: William Louis "Bill" Skinner
Age: 55
Residence City: Raymond
Have you been a judge before/have you run for/held public office before. If so, what? I served as a Justice Court Judge from 2000 to 2007 and have been in my current position as Hinds County Judge since November 2007.
Current job: My current job is that of Hinds County Court Judge where I oversee the Youth Court Program.
Why are you running?
I'm running for re-election because I believe my work on the bench truly makes an impact in the lives of the young people in our community. Throughout my time on the bench, I have put my career on the line to protect children. I was in law enforcement for several years before going back to law school so I have a unique perspective on the family dynamics of the individuals that appear before me. I think Hinds County needs a judge that is fair, compassionate, and impartial, and someone who is willing to utilize alternative path sentencing to ensure we're rehabilitating these young offenders.
Name : Malcolm Harrison
Age: 45
Residence city: Raymond
Have you been a judge before/have you run for/held public office before. If so, what? Appointed Hinds County Circuit Court Judge in 2009, Served from Oct 2009 to December 2010.
Current job: Currently I am a Lawyer practicing in the areas of Personal Injury, Criminal Defense and Family Law.
Why are you running?
I am seeking to continue my service to Hinds County, by becoming County Court Judge. Hinds County needs a strong concerned Judge who understands the law and applies it equally without regard to race or religion. I have worked hand-in-hand with law enforcement to help people who needed help and punish individuals when it was required. I am accountable and accessible to the citizens and will treat everyone with fairness and compassion.
Name: Johnnie McDaniels
Age: 48
Residence City: Jackson, MS
Have you been a judge before/have you run for/held public office before. If so, what? I have never been a judge; I am currently running for Hinds County Court Judge, Sub-District 3. I ran for Jackson City Council, Ward 6, in 2009.
Current Job: Senior City Prosecutor for the City of Jackson
Why are you running?
As a Prosecuting Attorney, I am acutely aware of the challenges facing the judicial system in Hinds County. The deliberations of the County Court touch the lives of every man, woman and child in this County.
I am confident in my ability to discharge the duties of County Court Judge fairly, impartially, and expeditiously in order to reduce the backlog of cases in the County.
I am committed to justice and will go to the Court without prejudice and without an agenda.
The six candidates seeking the seat currently held by Patton are: Kimberly Campbell, a state representative; Henry Clay, a longtime Jackson Municipal judge; Bridget Clayton, a Jackson Municipal judge; LaRita Cooper-Stokes, Ward 3 Jackson councilwoman; William "Bill" Walker, a Jackson Municipal judge; and Bruce Burton, a Jackson attorney.
Name: Kimberly L. Campbell
Age: 42
Residence city: Jackson, MS
Have you been a judge before/have you run for/held public office before. If so, what? I have served as a Special Youth Court Judge, which falls under the Hinds County Court System. In that position, I presided over cases involving youth on the detention side and on the abuse & neglect docket.
Current job: Currently, I am a State Legislator, serving in the MS House of Representatives.
Why are you running?
I have learned to appreciate the complexities of our legal system and its dependence upon impartiality. Having held Vice-Chairman roles under both Democratic and Republican leadership in the House, I understand the importance of considering all sides of an issue and working toward the best solution for the public good. My time in the legislature as well as on the bench serving as a Special Youth Court Judge in Hinds County, has equipped me with a unique perspective on both the creation of the laws that govern our great state and their application to its citizens. Knowledge and experience is critical to both fair-minded proceedings and the good professional conduct of a Judge. I firmly believe that is imperative that we preserve continuity in the application of the law and the professional judgment that is requisite of our county magistrates. With years of experience volunteering in the community, teaching in the classroom, and serving in the interest of the people in the City of Jackson and the State of Mississippi, I, as a public servant in the truest sense, is capable of faithfully executing the duties of County Court Judge.
Name: Judge Bridgett M. Clayton
Age: 54
City of Residence: City of Jackson
Have you been a judge before/have you run for/held public office before. If so, what? Municipal Court Judge under current administration and four other mayoral administrations
Current job: Owner of the Law Office of Attorney at Law
Why are you running?
I am running for Hinds County Court Judge, Subdistrict 2 because I am a humble servant of God within the context of my home, church, community and profession as an attorney and judge.
I am willing to serve as Hinds County Judge because it will enable me to serve as a mentor and role model for area youth.
It will enable me to create a Broad Base Coalition of Legal Professionals and Community Organizations to cultivate stronger relationships between the judiciary and the community for an efficient judicial system which will improve the lives of our youth and our community in general in the future.
While serving as municipal court judge for the City of Jackson for six years under the helm of four mayors, I have gained experience in Judicial Discernment which has enabled me to rule for the appropriate party in litigation.
Name: LaRita Cooper-Stokes
Age: not given
City of residence: Jackson
Have you been a judge before/have you run for/held public office before. If so, what? Ward 3 City Councilwoman
Why are you running?
Thank you to the Clarion Ledger for this opportunity. I'm LaRita Cooper-Stokes, Attorney at Law, Jackson City Councilwoman and candidate for Hinds County Court Judge.
Thank you to the citizens of Hinds County Sub-District 2 for allowing me and the friends of LaRita Cooper-Stokes to knock on your doors and ask for your votes.
When Judge Patton said to me that he was retiring and that I should run, I was humbled. I live in the District. My husband, Kenneth I. Stokes, and I reared our children in this District.
As County Court Judge, I will be fair and impartial. I will follow the law. In my opinion, the County Court is the People's Court. LaRita Cooper-Stokes will be a judge for the people.
Name : Henry C. Clay III
Age : 56
Residence city: Jackson, MS
Have you been a judge before/have you run for/held public office before. If so, what? Yes, Jackson Municipal judge.
Current job: Private Practice, and City of Jackson, Municipal Court Judge.
Why are you running?
I am running for County Court Judge because I want to continue to use my judicial experience. I have been a Municipal Court Judge for 20 years with a simple creed: Fairness and Justice for All. I have practiced law for over 30 years, as a Special Assistant Attorney General, Assistant Attorney General, and Assistant District Attorney. I have been in private practice for 22 years. I firmly believe in fairness and justice for all, which was instilled in me by my parents, Mrs. Effie H. Clay and the late Rev. Henry C. Clay, Jr.
Name: William "Bill" Walker
Age: 65
Residence city: Jackson
Current job: Municipal Court Judge and private practice
I am best qualified because of my knowledge, experience, and courage. After law school, I studied at Stanford University and the National Judicial College. I have tried lawsuits for 40 years, and Hon. Tomie Green, James Graves, Jr., Winston Kidd, and Gail Lowery trained at my law firm before later becoming judges. Against the pressures of adversity, I will stand for the right, instead of tucking tail and running. I submit that I am best qualified.
Name: Bruce Burton didn't submit a completed questionaire. He is Jackson attorney. Buirton is 54 and has run unsuccessfully for judge.