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One year later: Catoosa County still waiting for new judge

Georgia state Rep. Steve Tarvin, of Ringgold, and other local political leaders say they haven't heard a word about Gov. Nathan Deal appointing a judge to fill a state court post created in Catoosa County a year ago.
Georgia state Rep. Steve Tarvin, of Ringgold, and other local political leaders say they haven't heard a word about Gov. Nathan Deal appointing a judge to fill a state court post created in Catoosa County a year ago. Georgia state Rep. Steve Tarvin, of Ringgold, and other local political leaders say they haven't heard a word about Gov. Nathan Deal appointing a judge to fill a state court post created in Catoosa County a year ago.

By Tyler Jett 5 min read

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The Judicial Nominating Commission has given Gov. Nathan Deal lists of candidates for 12 judge positions since Deal signed a bill creating the Catoosa County State Court on May 5:July 7: DeKalb Traffic Division* (126 days after position opened)Oct. 6: Georgia Court of Appeals** (153 days after position opened)Jan. 25: Atlantic Judicial Circuit Superior Court (94 days after position opened)March 22: Appalachian Judicial Circuit Superior Court (145 days after position opened)March 22: Appalachian Judicial Circuit Superior Court*** (62 days after position opened)March 22: Western Judicial Circuit Superior Court (321 days after position opened)March 22: Clayton County State Court (68 days after position opened)Catoosa County State Court: 341 days (and counting)* Four judicial positions** Three judicial positions*** Two seats in the circuit opened at different times

RINGGOLD, Ga. – Coming soon to Catoosa County: a new court.

Maybe.

The Catoosa County State Court, which will handle misdemeanors and traffic offenses, is scheduled to open July 1.

Problem is, state officials haven’t started accepting applications from anyone interested in wearing the black robes. County politicians and local lawyers are waiting and wondering when Gov. Nathan Deal will appoint a judge and open the show.