Sixteen candidates will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot for the Newton County District 1 Justice Court Judge position to replace Jan Addy, who died in June after serving more than 16 years on the bench. 

On the ballot will be Addy’s son, Dustin Addy of Decatur, Caleb Alexander of Duffee, Max Anderson of Decatur, Machell Frazier of Lawrence, Kerry Gilmer of Little Rock, Dustin Addy of Decatur,Charles (Buddy) Guyse of Hickory, Sue B. Hall of Decatur, Tracy Lynn Hollingsworth of Hickory, Dan Hurst of Hickory, Angel Measell of Decatur, Susan Pinson of Duffee, Scott M. Round of Conehatta, Kenneth G. Shackelford of Union, Sandra Whitfield Smith of Decatur, Ricky Stevens of Decatur and Daisy M. Walker of Hickory.

In July, the Newton County Board of Supervisors appointed Union attorney Rex Gordon as the interim District 1 judge. Gordon will hear cases until a new judge is elected. 

Newton County Circuit Clerk Mike Butler said the winning candidate must capture 50 percent plus one of the vote total. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, there will be a runoff of the top two vote-getters Nov. 29.

Justice court judges have jurisdiction over matters in small claims civil cases involving amounts of $3,000 or less, misdemeanor criminal cases and traffic offenses that happen outside a municipality. They also conduct bond hearings and preliminary hearings in felony criminal cases and can also issue search warrants. Justice court judges are the only Mississippi judges that are elected in partisan races. They serve four-year terms.

The Meridian Star asked several of the candidates to describe their primary motivation in running for the office. Attempts to reach the other candidates were unsuccessful.

•Dustin Addy

“In honor of my mom, I decided to run for office. I grew up with her being a judge, and watched her in court. It just feels like the right thing to do. With my mother, Jan Addy, being in that position I went with her to a lot of classes and conventions with her, so I have a good idea of what to expect. Also, I feel like my experience as a nurse has helped me by dealing with the public in that I am caring, compassionate, and keep an open mind. I am a fair and honest person, and I feel like I can bring that to the courtroom.”

• Machell Frazier

“I hope to accomplish making Newton County a better place to live. To stand up for justice and help youth and young adults better their future. I stand for justice and righteousness on behalf of the people. I believe right is right and wrong is wrong.”

• Kerry Gilmer

“I spent my entire life serving in the military. Being a veteran of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Desert Storm I fought for our right to vote and the freedoms we enjoy each and every day. That is why I wanted to continue my service to the community. If elected, I am going to work closely with the sheriff’s department and the local city police department to better our community to protect the interest of our citizens whether it be the family, property, or well-being. Safety is my number one concern.”

• Charles (Buddy) Guyse

“My motivation is a judge can make a lot of difference. He can be an instrument of justice and make a difference for people. To give the same justice to everyone. Not doing anything different for special interest groups, based on who you are, how much money you have or whether you have anything or not. Base it on the law and base it on common sense when you issue the verdict. I am retired from the guard, banking and finance. I have dealt with justice court systems a lot, and have constantly dealt with lawyers. So, I am familiar with part of what the justice court system does. Also, through like experiences contributes having four children, and eight grandkids you see a different side of life.”

• Dan Hurst

“As someone that has knowledge of the court system, I am seeking the office based on  my experience with law enforcement and military law enforcement, which I was in for 33 years. I can make decisions quickly and responsibly if I’m elected justice court judge.”

•Kenneth Shackelford

“I have had 20 years experience in presenting criminal court cases – giving testimony in municipal court, city court, and youth court proceedings and testifying in grand jury hearings and participating in the circuit courts. I have 22 years military background: Mississippi National Guard/Combat Engineer Military Police, Mississippi Air National Guard/Sr. Food Specialist (TEC-SGT E-6), Six overseas missions to the Middle East and Southwest Asia; Arkansas and Texas Army National Guard /Food Services, National Rifle Association Member, Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice/Administration and Management from the University of Phoenix.”

• Sandra Smith

“My theme is ‘Make a Difference’. If I’m elected, I would work with the community to make a difference and I would treat everyone fairly. I am retired from the state welfare department so I feel like I can make a difference if elected.”