Oak Ridge Today

Letter: Picks Clement based on experience, knowledge, compassion

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To the Editor:

The children of Anderson County deserve the best juvenile judge Anderson County can offer. Careful thought must be given in the selection process to ensure our children will receive a proper review and disposition of their respective cases, starting with the first day the new judge is in office.

As a retired volunteer court-appointed special advocate (CASA), I approached my selection by first attending a forum to listen to each candidate present his experience and answer questions. I selected Mr. Clement based on his expressed experience and the quality of his answers to questions. I concluded he had the legal knowledge, juvenile court experience, life experience, and the compassion and tolerance along with a strong commitment to consider the need of the child first in all decisions.

I considered his opponent as ready for internship. [Read more…]

CASA, Community Mediation host juvenile judge candidate forum Tuesday

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Brian Hunt

Brian Hunt

Two nonprofit organizations are hosting a Tuesday evening forum for the two candidates for Anderson County Juvenile Court judge.

The two candidates are Republican Brian Hunt and Democrat Michael Clement.

The forum is hosted by Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tennessee Heartland and Community Mediation Services (CMS). It will be held in the Clinton Public Library from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., a press release said.

Each candidate will have an opportunity to address the group, and several questions will be taken from the audience. The public is invited, and reservations are not necessary.

Michael Clement

Michael Clement

The Anderson County general election is Aug. 7

CASA of the Tennessee Heartland is a local nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that gives a voice in court to abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers give an independent recommendation of permanent placement to the judge based solely on the best interest of the child involved and advocate for necessary services the child may need. More information can be found at www.casatnh.org.

Community Mediation Services is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that assists and empowers individuals to engage, transform, and resolve conflicts through the use of collaborative, constructive processes, the press release said. CMS helps people get heard, get healed, and get back to their lives through four different no-cost mediation programs focusing on at-risk youth and families. Learn more at www.peacefulresolution.org.

Juvenile Court judge to discuss children, courts on Monday

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Brandon FIsher

Brandon FIsher

Brandon K. Fisher, Anderson County Juvenile Court judge, will discuss children and the courts during a Monday forum hosted by the Women’s Interfaith Dialogue.

The forum starts at 11 a.m. Monday, and it will be held at the Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge at 101 W. Madison Lane, a press release said.

Fisher has served in the Juvenile Court since his appointment to the bench in January 2010. He replaced April Meldrum after she resigned, and he was elected to position in August 2010. Prior to his appointment, he was a partner in the law firm of Cantrell, Cantrell, and Fisher, where he engaged in a general practice of law with an emphasis on civil litigation.

“Serving as Anderson County juvenile judge has been the most rewarding experience of my professional life,” Fisher said in an earlier press release. “I am proud of our efforts to improve outcomes for children and families.” [Read more…]

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

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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…]

Spotlight: Hunt donates to ORHS boys’ basketball team for state tournament

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Brian Hunt and Aaron Green

Brian Hunt, left, a candidate for Anderson County Juvenile Court judge is pictured above with Oak Ridge Wildcats boys’ basketball coach Aaron Green. (Submitted photo)

Brian Hunt, a candidate for Anderson County Juvenile Court judge, recently made a donation to the Oak Ridge Wildcats boys’ basketball team.

The boys team traveled to Murfreesboro in March to play in the state championship game for the first time in 51 years.  The Wildcats lost 60-58 to the Blackman Blaze 60-58 in the championship game, but they were named 2014 State Runner-Up.

“I want to acknowledge and commend the team and their head coach for all their hard work this year and let them know their community is proud of their efforts,” Hunt said in a press release.

Letter: Urges voters to support Biloski for juvenile judge

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To the Editor:

We would like to urge Anderson County voters to support Lauren Biloski for Juvenile Court judge in the upcoming election.

Lauren is an Oak Ridge resident and a graduate of Oak Ridge High School. After graduating in 2003 from the University of Tennessee, she obtained her juris doctorate degree from Indiana University’s School of Law in 2006.

Lauren’s dedication to children and families is noteworthy. While in law school, Lauren was a volunteer for Child Advocates Inc., an organization providing child-focused representation to every child in Indianapolis suffering from abuse or neglect, as well as for Peyton’s pals, a program established by Peyton Manning to provide children in foster care with necessities including clothing and computers for school. [Read more…]

Letter: Animal protection group endorses Biloski for juvenile judge

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To the Editor:

Tennessee Voters for Animal Protection—a non-partisan, grassroots political action committee—announced their endorsement of Lauren Biloski for Anderson County Juvenile Court Judge on Tuesday.

“Lauren Biloski has been a consistent advocate for animals through her animal rescue work as well as representing rescue groups in a legal capacity, said Anjie Crow, TVAP’s president. “If elected as Juvenile Court judge, Bilsoki plans to bring the H.A.B.I.T. program into Court, which would allow animals to calm children who are testifying. She would also be tough on juveniles who commit crimes against animals and get them the help they need.” [Read more…]

Juvenile Court judge candidate Bannach has Thursday reception

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Victoria "Vickie" Bannach

Victoria “Vickie” Bannach

Victoria “Vickie” Bannach, a Republican candidate for Anderson County Juvenile Court judge, will have a Thursday reception at Faith Lutheran Church in Oak Ridge.

Bannach is a candidate in the May 6 Republican primary in Anderson County.

The Thursday reception will allow citizens to “meet the candidate and discuss important issues and concerns that are occurring with our children and families within the community,” a press release said. It is scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday. [Read more…]

Stan Mitchell named treasurer of David Dunkirk’s juvenile judge campaign

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David Dunkirk

David Dunkirk

Submitted

The Committee to Elect David Dunkirk as Juvenile Judge for Anderson County has named a treasurer, Stan Mitchell, the former editor and publisher of The Oak Ridge Observer.

Dunkirk, a long-time local attorney who is running as a Democrat, said he was proud to have Mitchell serve as his treasurer.

“I’ve known Stan long enough to know he is a man of tremendous integrity and honesty. I am honored he is willing to act as my treasurer,” Dunkirk said.

Mitchell released a statement explaining his decision to serve as Dunkirk’s treasurer. [Read more…]

Juvenile Court judge candidate Bannach has meet-and-greet Saturday

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Victoria "Vickie" Bannach

Victoria “Vickie” Bannach

Victoria “Vickie” Bannach, a Republican candidate for Anderson County Juvenile Court Judge, will have a meet-and-greet in Claxton on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 15.

Bannach is an assistant district attorney general running for judge in the May 6 Republican primary.

“The ‘meet and greet’ will allow citizens to meet the candidate and discuss important issues and concerns that are occurring with our children and families within the community,” a press release said. [Read more…]

Assistant DA running for juvenile court judge

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Victoria "Vickie" Bannach

Victoria “Vickie” Bannach

Assistant District Attorney General Victoria “Vickie” Bannach is running as a Republican candidate for Anderson County Juvenile Court judge.

“As a parent and prosecuting attorney, she has seen first-hand the importance of stable families, strong values, good education, and discipline in raising healthy, well-adjusted children, and maintaining a safe community,” a press release said.

Bannach is one of five potential candidates for Anderson County Juvenile Court judge. The current juvenile court judge, Brandon Fisher, a Clinton Democrat, is running for Anderson County chancellor.

In the press release, Bannach said she will ensure that the children and families of Anderson County are treated with compassion, and reunification, fairness, and equality will be considered in juvenile court cases. At the same time, the best interests of the children will be protected, she said.

“The residents of Anderson County deserve no less,” Bannach said. [Read more…]

So far, five candidates for juvenile judge, four for sheriff, three for chancellor

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Anderson County Courthouse

The Anderson County Courthouse on Main Street in Clinton is pictured above.

So far, there are five potential candidates for Anderson County Juvenile Court judge, four for sheriff, and three for chancellor.

An independent has picked up a petition to run for county mayor, possibly opposing Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank, and Tennessee Rep. John Ragan has an opponent in the Aug. 7 Republican primary.

The five candidates for Anderson County Juvenile Court judge are Victoria “Vickie” Bannach, a Clinton Republican; Lauren Biloski, an Oak Ridge Republican; Victoria Bowling, a Heiskell Democrat; J. Michael Clement, a Clinton Democrat; and Brian J. Hunt, a Clinton Republican. They are candidates in the May 6 county primary.

The current juvenile court judge, Brandon Fisher, a Clinton Democrat, is running for Anderson County chancellor in that election. The other two chancellor candidates are Phil Harber, a Clinton Republican, and Robert Warren Wilkinson, an Oak Ridge Republican. [Read more…]