Oak Ridge Today

Letter: CASA volunteer outlines juvenile judge qualities

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

When I started as a volunteer CASA in 1994, I had not given much thought to what qualities I expected of the judge other than an impeccable character. When I was preparing a report for a complex case and I needed the judge to read the report and conclude the same as I had—that the child needed to be removed immediately from what was planned to be its adoptive home—I started mulling over the qualities needed for a judge to effectively carry out his or her responsibilities and assessing what qualities the judge I was addressing had. I started the following list and it grew with time: [Read more…]

Letter: Dunkirk a candidate who can administer ‘justice with mercy’

Posted at
By 1 Comment

David Dunkirk

David Dunkirk

To the Editor:

What does it take to be an effective juvenile court judge in Tennessee?

First, in my opinion, would be the ability to know, understand, and apply the laws that impact juveniles and their families or guardians.

Second, that person must have the demeanor to be a judge. He or she must recognize that the position is not based upon winning a popularity contest; or being a “glad-hander” at a community pancake breakfast, for example; or having the most and largest political ads in the local press; or having the most yard signs to the point their number appears to exceed the number of wild onions in a person’s lawn. That candidate must recognize the seriousness of the office and conduct him or herself accordingly.

Third, he or she must have outstanding credentials.

In my judgment, Mr. David Dunkirk exceeds these qualifications. [Read more…]

Letter: Someone has to set limits, even for public figures

Posted at
By 4 Comments

To the Editor:

What worries me about the Oak Ridge City Council’s recent decision to allow Joseph Lee to continue on the building and zoning appeals board without any sort of reprimand or censure is that the Council in effect is condoning behavior which is not worthy of someone in public service and is actually abusive in nature.

Mr. Lee’s hurtful and contemptuous language in expressing his disappointment that the Council did not renew the red light camera contract the city had was uncalled for and shows a lack of understanding of the limits of adult behavior. His behavior was more like that of a school yard bully.

Anyone can use the tactics of a bully, but if they cannot police themselves, then others need to do it for them. [Read more…]

Letter: Biloski compassionate, committed, fights for children, family

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

I am a grandmother that knows from experience that Lauren Biloski is the right choice for juvenile judge. My grandchild was lost in the DCS system for four years. I was told by one attorney that I would not be able to do anything. That grandparents has no rights, and I would not be able to get custody of my grandchild.

Lauren was retained for the mother. A year later, she was court-appointed to the mother. I went to another attorney only to lose my money, and no petition was filed. I could not give up hope of finding someone to help me.

A couple of years later, I finally found one and had hope. By this time, Lauren was no longer retained or appointed to the case. Being the person that Lauren is, she did not step away from the case. Along with my attorney, Lauren was at meetings and all the court hearings with me. During court hearings, Lauren stood up and fought when my attorney said nothing at all. [Read more…]

Letter: Hunt disciplined, ready to be juvenile judge

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

I watched the Republican Party candidate forum the night of April 8 and noticed an important distinction amongst the candidates.

Brian Hunt, candidate for juvenile judge, exhibited the qualities that are essential for a judge to possess. He focused intently on the questions posed and succinctly provided answers without excess. The other candidates behaved as attorneys only, by advocating positions and arguing their points. [Read more…]

Letter: Bannach an assistant DA, helped set up Child Advocacy Center

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Victoria "Vickie" Bannach

Victoria “Vickie” Bannach

To the Editor:

We support Victoria “Vickie” Bannach, who is running for Juvenile Court judge. Vickie is an assistant district attorney and has prosecuted many cases in Juvenile and Criminal Court with hard work, dedication, and compassion.

Vickie is concerned for all children and their families and wants the best outcome for all involved.

She has worked with the county school systems to decrease truancy, helped establish the Anderson County Child Advocacy Center, and is a member of the Anderson County Child Protective Investigative Team. CPIT reviews child abuse cases to guarantee the best placement for the child(ren). [Read more…]

Letter: Of the candidates observed, recommends Hunt

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Brian Hunt

Brian Hunt

To the Editor:

My name is Tommy Brooks. I was the first Juvenile Court bailiff and had the honor of serving the citizens of Anderson County in that capacity until my retirement. As bailiff, I had the opportunity of observing most of Anderson County’s attorneys in their responsibilities of advocating for their clients and they were all dedicated in their pursuit.

So, you may think that if I thought all the attorneys were good, why would I choose to recommend a candidate at all? Well, in my opinion, of all the good candidates I have had the good fortune to observe, Brian Hunt is the candidate I wholeheartedly recommend for Juvenile Court judge.

Tommy Brooks

Clinton

Letter: Hunt can listen, respond with facts supported by law

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Brian Hunt

Brian Hunt

To the Editor:

It’s not every day that one has the opportunity to praise and uphold a member of our community. That is why I choose this particular time of the year to recommend Brian Hunt, one of our most outstanding citizens of Anderson County, as our next juvenile judge.

I have worked closely with Brian over the past five years as he dedicated himself to providing legal counsel and representation for my homebound families. Without Brian’s assistance, they would have had no recourse and no real “voice” in the legal arena. Although Brian may appear to be a man of few words, I can assure you that his words were sacred in the lives of those who entrusted him for representation. [Read more…]

Letter: Hunt the wise choice for Juvenile Court judge

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Brian Hunt

Brian Hunt

To the Editor:

The upcoming primary elections offer us an opportunity to select a very well-qualified candidate for the Juvenile Court judge position. Brian Hunt brings integrity, discipline, dedication, a commitment to public service, and human warmth to this critical role. The importance of a person of Brian’s character for a position that both protects children and intervenes when young people err cannot be overstressed.

Young people too often suffer at the hands of those who should protect and care for them. The Juvenile Court judge guarantees that such suffering stops and a more secure and loving environment is provided. The judge can guarantee that parents receive the assistance better to meet their children’s welfare, as well as supervising and assuring that foster care and adoptions are appropriate and well-placed, monitored, and supported. For children at risk, the Juvenile Court judge is a refuge for children who otherwise have few other resources. [Read more…]

Letter: Applauds Biloski’s plan to set up community outreach for youth

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

Lauren Biloski, candidate for Juvenile Court judge, is running against some good competition but nonetheless stands head and shoulders above her competition.

Lauren is by far the most experienced of all the candidates, having practiced law in almost all of the areas a juvenile judge will preside over.

But more than that, Lauren Biloski has a plan. Her plan addresses the root causes of juvenile delinquency: the family. Using interagency cooperation and getting to the root of the family issues will have a positive impact on the young people of Anderson County. [Read more…]

Letter: Former Sheriff White endorses Lay in Republican primary

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Bill White Endorses Anthony Lay

Pictured in back row from left to right are Terry Hodge, treasurer for the Anthony Lay campaign; Clyde Cook, gun doctor, Clinton business owner; Lynn Byrge, Oak Ridge business owner, and Joe Walker, local 25-year state police officer). Pictured in front from left to right are Mary Jane White, wife of former sheriff Bill White; Lay, a Republican candidate for Anderson County sheriff; and Bill White. (Submitted photo)

Former Republican Sheriff Bill White and his wife Mary Jane White have endorsed candidate Anthony Lay for sheriff in the Republican primary election in Anderson County on May 6, a press release said.

“I have known Anthony for several years and feel he is the best qualified candidate for the office of sheriff,” White said in the press release.

Bill and Mary Jane ask the voters of Anderson County to cast their vote for Anthony Lay on May 6 in the Republican primary, the release said.

Letter: Biloski has temperament, experience, open mind for judge seat

Posted at
By 2 Comments

To the Editor:

We are writing to request your support for Lauren Biloski for the next Juvenile Court judge of Anderson County. Every vote is important for Anderson County as the last election for Juvenile Court judge ended in a tie that had to be decided by County Commission.

We believe Lauren to be an experienced, passionate advocate for children’s rights. She is running on a platform of protecting children and preserving families. She has the most experience of any candidate in the race. She will strive to have a positive impact on the children who reach the judicial system in this county.

Lauren has the temperament, experience, and open mind to serve as Juvenile Court judge.

Tom and Lila Metcalf

Oak Ridge