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Cleveland: Judge candidates ask voters to consider their courtroom experience

By: Randall Higgins
(Contact)

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Ginger Wilson Buchanan and Mike Sharp

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Both Ginger Wilson Buchanan and Mike Sharp underscore their courtroom experience as a qualifier for circuit court judge in the 10th Judicial District.

Mrs. Buchanan, a Democrat, was appointed to the bench in February by Gov. Phil Bredesen after John Hagler retired only one year into an eight-year term. Mr. Sharp was nominated at a special Republican district convention. The district includes Bradley, Polk, McMinn and Monroe counties.

Both explained their views Thursday at a political candidates’ forum at Lee University organized by the Cleveland Lions Club. Attorney James F. Logan was the moderator and members of the Cleveland Media Association asked questions.

“I have had over 70 matters set on my docket over the first four days of this week,” Mrs. Buchanan said. “That will tell you that I have had plenty of experience as circuit court judge since my appointment.”

She pointed as well to her work as a civil court mediator for several years.

“Eighteen years ago when I started practicing law I had the opportunity of sitting as a special judge in different courts in Cleveland. As a special judge during this 18-year period I have seen nearly every sort of case.”

She said the race should be nonpartisan.

“Our code of judicial conduct specifically says a judge should not be swayed by partisan interests. When I am in court I don’t ask the questions, are you a Democrat, are you a Republican, are you a Baptist, are you a Methodist,” Mrs. Buchanan said. “That’s not relevant to the court system.’’

Mr. Sharp said partisan races have their place.

“I have never asked are you a Democrat or are you a Republican,” Mr. Sharp said. “However, I can also say I strongly believe the voters are best-equipped folks to choose their candidates.

“ Based on experience, this is a good method. With that said, judges are charged with upholding the constitution regardless of their political position is and I promise that’s what I will do.”

Both candidates agree there is a backlog of cases, especially domestic cases, in the local court system. But they see different solutions.

Mrs. Buchanan said it might be a good idea to split the four-county district, perhaps putting Bradley and Polk in a district of their own. She said a committee is set to meet July 31 in Loudon County to deal with court districting.

“In our district we show we need one more civil judge than we have,” she said. “So those issues may very well be addressed then.”

“Consideration should be given to that,” Mr. Sharp said. But changes would bring additional costs, he said.

“One of the things we ought to look at as citizens is can we move the docket along quicker by simply adding another job. What is the cost benefit of that be versus dividing the district?” Mr. Sharp said.

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