Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

A native Charlottean, Donald learned the core values of hard work and service from his parents. Applying these values, Donald excelled at Garinger High School and at Winston-Salem State University as a Chancellor's Scholar. He then gained acceptance into the prestigious Howard University School of Law as a Merit Scholar. Before his final year of law school, he landed a highly competitive internship with Black Entertainment Television, Inc. where he performed legal research for various Vice Presidents and General Counsel of the company.

Donald began his legal career as an Assistant Public Defender for the 26th Judicial District. Donald honed and crafted his advocacy skills daily in the District Courts of Mecklenburg County working tirelessly for indigent citizens and litigating thousands of cases. Bush & Powers (Powers McCartan), a notable civil and criminal defense firm in the county, then hired him after noticing such skills. Donald practiced with the firm for over three years before rejoining the Public Defender's Office and a life of public service. Due to his experience and character, Donald is one of the most respected and recognizable attorneys in the courthouse.

Donald works hard helping individuals in the community as well as the courthouse. He mentors through the County Bar's Lunch with a Lawyer Program and often speaks at local schools and universities to inspire greatness in students. Additionally, he is an executive member of the Leary Bar Association and a board member for the Larry King Clubhouse, the Mecklenburg County Courthouse daycare.

Away from work and civic responsibilities, Donald enjoys traveling and spending time with his lovely wife Deanna, with whom he has been married for six years. She is a CMS senior high school teacher and women’s track and field head coach. They are members of St. Paul Baptist Church.

I am running for a District Court Judge seat in Mecklenburg County because 1) I am an experienced trial attorney, 2) I care deeply about upholding our Constitutions and governing laws, and 3) I maintain the character and integrity essential to judges.

A District Court Judge may oversee an array of legal issues including criminal and small claims actions. A District Court Judge must not only understand the complexities of these issues, but also have the patience and temperament to handle the high volume of caseloads and charged emotions of litigious parties. I have worked almost exclusively in Mecklenburg County District Court. I have handled thousands of cases and argued hundreds of motions and trials, both as an Assistant Public Defender and attorney for Powers McCartan, PLLC. My personality and legal experience give me a unique perspective on handling matters in District Court effectively and respectfully.

I believe being elected as a District Court Judge is an honor and privilege; not a rite of passage. I will stay abreast on the law and apply it with the blindness of justice regardless of outside influences. I will uphold the law to ensure that the rights of our citizens are protected. Furthermore, because of my intensive practice in District Court, I understand the concerns of current judges, the District Attorney's Office, Police, Sheriff's Office, Clerks of Court, and many other departments that interact daily in District Court. I will take this understanding and be a voice of reason on the bench that allows our courts to run efficiently and effectively, and help foster a safer, kinder, and more accountable community. As a native Charlottean, this is extremely important to me.

Therefore, I ask that you support me by voting Donald Cureton for District Court Judge on November 2, 2010.