Hamilton County Republican Primary Ballot

Hamilton County Democratic Party and Chattanooga Municipal Election:

Contested races

County Commission, District 4

J.B. Bennett

Age: 48 years old

Occupation: Attorney at Law at Spears, Moore, Rebman and Williams

Residence: Signal Mountain

Years lived in Hamilton County: 42

Family: Married

Education: Graduate of Boyd-Buchanan High School, 1984; Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, 1989; Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, 1993.

Previous Public Office Experience: Appointed Commissioner of the Hamilton County Election Commission.

Church or Civic Involvement: Member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, Board member of The Children's Advocacy Center, Board member of the Friends of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Member of the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga, Member of the Harrison Ruritan Club, Member of the Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association, Board member of the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga, Member, Community Advisory Board of PBS affiliate WTCI-TV

Achievements: Has practiced law for more than 20 years with local firm Spears, Moore, Rebman and Williams handling highly complex cases and jury trials, mainly in Circuit Court, Licensed to practice law in the state courts of Tennessee, Admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, Awarded Best Oral Advocate in the Ray Jenkins Trial Competition in law school, Vice Chair of Moot Court Board in law school, Leadership Chattanooga

What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?

The primary challenge is to provide the just and efficient court system our Tennessee Constitution demands and our citizens need and deserve. A growing population will increase the use of the justice system by those needing a forum for remedy and correspondingly increase the demand for a skilled judiciary.

Part of the solution is a judiciary with the dedication, judgment and work ethic to analyze and understand a vast array of legal issues across a wide breadth of difficult disputes, and with the management skills to increase efficiency. Another part of the solution is the utilization of electronic filing and access to digital files. This part of the solution cannot be implemented by one judge alone, but the process must be embraced by those committed to assist in the process of improvement to better serve those in the justice system while remaining good stewards of tax dollars.

Why should voters choose you?

Courts must be open, public, fair, and efficient, but above all, resolute in providing justice. That is my commitment to our citizens.

For more than 20 years, I have practiced law in Hamilton County and surrounding jurisdictions. I am the only candidate with experience trying difficult, highly complex jury cases sometimes involving months of preparation and weeks or months of presentation. Having handled a range of legal issues from simple disputes to lengthy, complex jury trials, my experience provides the insight to handle all types of cases coming before a court of general jurisdiction.

Through working with organizations of this community and my legal practice, I have gained the understanding and experience in the management of budgets and the implementation of systems that improve efficiency and performance, skills necessary to the administration of justice.

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Catherine Cate White

Age: 53

Occupation: Attorney

Residence: Chattanooga/Hixson Area

Years lived in Hamilton County: 53

Family: Married, two children

Education: GPS, Baylor University BA in Journalism, Cumberland School of Law 1988

Previous Public Office Experience: None

Church or Civic Involvement: The Ministry Center; Program Committee of Siskin Children's Institute

Achievements: Special Judge in Chattanooga City Court and Circuit Court; Rule 31; Supreme Court Approved Family Law Mediator; Authored Local Rule for Family Law Mediation.

What is the biggest challenge facing the office you are seeking, and how would you address it?

A judge must be fair and impartial. They must be kind, but firm. They must be knowledgeable and patient when dealing with tedious facts and disagreeable attorneys. A judge is a professional test-

taker. A judge serves as a referee who controls the flow of information. A judge is in charge of the litigants who hope to have their day in court. They must be knowledgeable in the rules of evidence and civil procedure. Most importantly, judges must instill public confidence in the judicial process by acting in a manner befitting an individual who has the highest of character and ideals.

I will address this challenge by drawing on the skills that I've derived as a mediator and a special judge. I will continue to study the law. I will constantly remind myself that the Lord requires me to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. Micah 6:8.

Why should voters choose you?

I will do my utmost to carry out the very serious duties of judge. I will maintain great care, integrity, fairness, and common sense.

As a family law attorney, I have seen people at their very worst. I am prepared to address their case in such a way that even if they don't win, they will leave the courtroom with a sense of satisfaction that at least they had a fair opportunity to present their case.

I will apply principles that I base my conduct on as a Christian and a conservative Republican. I have a strong work ethic and will work hard to get the job done.

I am qualified for this position. 70 percent of Circuit Court's case load is domestic. I have focused on family law for the last 20 years of my career. I am a trained mediator and have sat as a special judge.

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