Oak Ridge Today

CASA, Community Mediation host juvenile judge candidate forum Tuesday

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

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

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

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: 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: 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: 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: Biloski committed to community, can make constructive changes

Posted at
By 4 Comments

To the Editor:

In the upcoming May election, I will be voting for Lauren Biloski, Republican candidate for juvenile judge.

This seat, which is being vacated by our present juvenile judge, is vitally important to several quality-of-life issues for so many families in Anderson County. We need to make sure we elect the best person to fill this position. I have known Lauren and her family for many years in Oak Ridge. Lauren graduated from Oak Ridge Schools, came back to our community to practice family law, and has extensive experience in assisting families with a variety of difficult issues. [Read more…]

Letter: Will vote for Biloski for juvenile judge

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

To the Editor:

In the upcoming election, I will vote for Lauren Biloski, Republican candidate, because I have known Lauren and her family for many years.

Her mother is a respected county commissioner, and her father has been active in community affairs. She is a graduate of Oak Ridge schools and has returned to practice family law. She has donated her services to community organizations, especially animal welfare.

Paul Spray, MD

Oak Ridge

A candidate for juvenile judge, Biloski has two meet-and-greets

Posted at
By Leave a Comment

Lauren Biloski

Lauren Biloski

The Committee to Elect Lauren Biloski for Anderson County Juvenile Judge is planning two public events in Oak Ridge and Clinton to allow voters to meet her, a press release said.

The Oak Ridge event is Thursday, Jan. 30, at Centennial Village Apartments on Edgemoor Road from 4-6:30 p.m., and the Clinton event will be at the Clinton Community Center from 4-6:30 p.m. on Feb. 4.

“Please join Lauren and her committee to discuss relevant issues on that important position for Anderson County,” a press release said. [Read more…]