I have over 26 years of trial experience. I tried my first case four months out of law school, and have been trying cases since then, mostly for people but also sometimes for companies. I've mostly worked in insurance and injury law, but have handled many other types of cases. I'm a trained mediator, and know how to listen, and to try to help others listen. Trying cases, conducting hearings, taking depositions, and participating in and conducting mediations and arbitrations, I know what is involved in our justice system. I have a heart and mind for public service, and I believe that the law is made to serve the people, not the reverse.

Politics should stay out of the courtroom if possible. But, we've been stuck with one-party supermajorities for a decade now, and that's never good. Public education, women's rights, voting rights, civil rights, first responder funding, infrastructure, access to justice, criminal rehabilitation options, and many other issues have suffered due to a lack of balance in our legislature. It's important for judges to look for political motivation behind challenges to the law, and then to determine if laws should be left alone, changed, or overturned. Judicial decisions often have political implications, so support for those decisions must be rock-solid. Decisions also shouldn't be made hoping that the appellate courts will pick up the pieces.

Poverty is the number one obstacle. Money is often the key to the courts or to representation. Our justice system in NC is vastly underfunded, & that has to change. Legal Aid, public defenders, appointed defense attorneys, guardian ad litem programs & other programs need far more support. We need more judges and civil servants in the justice system. A huge obstacle will also be the Dobbs decision, which flew in the face of 50 years of precedent, creating a second-class citizenry. Women's access to healthcare is exploding as a huge issue for justice, not only for the burdens placed on women and their families, but the economic and social issues created by forced births will have massive repercussions further denying access to justice.

I'm the child and grandchild of public school teachers. My grandfather helped found the first community college in southwestern Virginia I grew up in the mountains of Virginia where coal was the only industry. I have studied the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights (which exists thanks to N.C.) since I was in junior high school. I'm an Eagle Scout and a Presbyterian. I love this state, and this country. I was always taught to look for ways to help others, because I, and most of us in the U.S. have lived a life of privilege undreamt of by most of the rest of the world. We face an election with clear choices: national, state, and local politicians who want to help the public, versus a group who want to help themselves for money and power. The courts are the last defense of the public. We need judges who will stand up and say STOP to people trying to demonize and degrade our society. I believe the law should serve us all, and I promise to see that it does.

I have twenty-one years experience practicing law in North Carolina, specifically in Wake County. I practice in the areas of criminal law and family law. I have experience representing clients on complex issues on both sides in both areas. I am also board certified in state criminal law. I have practiced in several counties throughout the state representing clients. People want to be heard by the court. People want to be treated fairly. Having represented people in their most difficult moments gives me the unique perspective, from the bench, to understand people with complex backgrounds. Everyone has a back story when they go before a judge. As a future Superior Court judge, I will have a better understanding of this.

I am the only unaffiliated candidate for this judicial seat. The process to get on the ballot as an unaffiliated candidate was not easy. Not only am I registered unaffiliated, I feel strongly that judges should not be affiliated with a party. Judge should only be persuaded by the law and not by party affiliation. Therefore, being elected as an unaffiliated judge, I will only be accountable to the citizens of Wake County.

Sometimes people are not heard, or treated fairly in court for various reasons. There are roadblocks that prevent justice from being administered fairly. I will ensure, as a Superior Court Judge, that both sides are heard and that the laws are applied equally in all situations.

Being a judge and serving the community is an important job with a lot of responsibility. It is a role that I will approach with humility and integrity. The people that come before me will have the confidence of knowing they will not only be heard, but will be respected regardless of their situation. My experience with representing individuals from diverse backgrounds has prepared me to fill the role as a Superior Court Judge.

For 28 years, I have worked as a courtroom prosecutor, serving as Assistant District Attorney for District Attorney Colon Willoughby. It was my job to be a tireless advocate for the victims of crime - making sure criminals were held accountable. This experience really gave me insight into all the challenges that I have seen as a Superior Court Judge

For the past eight years, I have served as a Superior Court Judge making sure that we uphold the rule of law, treating all parties with dignity and respect.

I know the law, I know the job. I have built a reputation on hard work and a dedication to serving the law.

My job serving as your Superior Court Judge is about upholding the rule of law, making sure that justice is served. I am a conservative judge who believes that it is not my role to legislate from the bench but to uphold the laws passed by our legislators.

My job as a Superior Court Judge is to interpret the law not to write the laws. I don't think it is appropriate for me to comment on what someone may perceive as an obstacle to justice.

It is my job to make sure that all people have equal justice under the law, and that the laws are applied equally for all people, that we have a sound administration handling the caseload in our courts.

My experience, along with my temperament and dedication to seeking justice makes me uniquely qualified to continue to serve the people of Wake County as a Superior Court Judge.