Seven attorneys apply for Criminal Court judgeship

JUDGESHIP APPLICANTS

Johnny D. Houston Jr. -- Chattanooga D. Marty Lasley -- Chattanooga Mike A. Little -- Chattanooga Leslie Anne Longshore -- Chattanooga John Gary McDougal -- Chattanooga Boyd M. Patterson Jr. - Chattanooga Samuel Francis Robinson III - Chattanooga

Seven local attorneys applied for the Hamilton County Criminal Court judgeship that will become vacant on June 1 when incumbent Judge Rebecca Stern retires.

The Governor's Council for Judicial Appointments will meet in Chattanooga on April 9 to interview the applicants at the Sheraton Read House, with a public hearing starting at 9 a.m. at which the public is allowed to weigh in.

The council is expected to make its selections immediately after the interviews and forward three names to Gov. Bill Haslam for his consideration.

Assistant District Attorney General Boyd Patterson works in juvenile court, and said he has been interested in a judgeship since his work with the city's Gang Task Force.

"I think that it's important to see both a person's criminal record and also their motivation to turn their life around," he said.

Patterson said he is interested in continuing Stern's work with the Hamilton County Drug Court.

"I am open to all possibilities that would allow me to continue addressing the root causes of crime and violence," he said.

Attorney John McDougal said he applied for the job because of his 20 years of criminal law experience.

"This job affects people's lives, and you want someone fair and balanced," he said.

Johnny Houston, who has been the city judge in Red Bank for almost 10 years, said he decided to apply because of encouragement he has received from attorneys and police officers who have appeared in his courtroom.

Houston said he is "firm and able to follow the law. That's what's needed."

Staff writer Claire Wiseman contributed to this story.

Contact staff writer Kendi Anderson at kendi.anderson@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6592.

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