Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

• Native of Davidson County, Lexington, North Carolina
• Attended public schools in Davidson County
• Received Eagle Scout Award at the age of 13
• Attended Lees McRae Junior College for 1-1/2 years
• 1979 - Graduated University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• 1984 - Graduated Campbell University, Norman A. Wiggins School of Law
• 1984-1986 - Employed as Assistant District Attorney, Twenty second Judicial District
• 1986-1994 - Practiced law in Davidson County
• 1994-1998 - Practiced law in Davidson County and Memphis, Tennessee
• 1999-2001 - Resident Judge, Superior Courts of North Carolina, Twenty-second Judicial District
• 2001-present  Senior Resident Judge, Superior Courts of North Carolina, Judicial District 22B
• Member, Beck's Lutheran Church, Lexington, North Carolina
• Member, North Carolina State Bar
• Married to the former Becky Parker of Memphis, Tennessee
• One daughter, Ellie, 12 years old

Judges must treat all parties fairly, with respect, and free of outside influences. I believe in our system, founded on equal access to justice, and believe that judges must apply, not make, the law. I will continue upholding these principles as an appellate judge. I also feel there is a need for justices to have a wide variety of experiences. I hope to bring experience from the types of law that I've practiced, experience from working in the District Attorney's office, and also through the common sense experiences I have gained as a judge trying cases across the State.

The attributes that qualify me to hold this position are that I am fair, even-tempered and hard working. I will give each case careful review, and I will render fair decisions; something I have done while serving as a judge for the past twelve years. I have held court in a great number of counties throughout the State. If anyone questions my demeanor, I would encourage them to contact an attorney or court personnel in that county. I would be satisfied with any information they would give regarding my reputation. In addition, being a native North Carolinian from a small rural area, I can give a different perspective, as most of the current judges hail from metropolitan areas.

I hope you will look at my record and see that I have the reputation of being fair, hard working, and willing to do what is right for the judiciary. I would be honored by your vote.  Please visit my website at www.voteklass.com