Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Jay was born in 1962, John Duncan Watson, and has been known as "Jay" ever since. He attended Montreat-Anderson College in Buncombe County, where he met his wife-to-be, Susan. After marrying, Susan and Jay returned to Buncombe County where he worked with a small downtown church assisting in counseling, teaching and administering a food and clothing pantry for those in need in the downtown and inner-city districts of Asheville. They left the area to pursue educational and work opportunities, during which time Jay earned a Juris Doctor (law degree), and a Master of Arts in Public Policy. In 1995, Susie and Jay returned to Buncombe County, and he began practicing law in Buncombe County and throughout western, N.C.

Jay is a partner in the Asheville law firm of Watson Bailey Ciochina, LLP. He has handled civil and criminal matters, practiced in state and federal courts, and on the district, superior and appellate court levels. His clients include individuals, families, small business owners, non-profits, and national companies. He is admitted to the State Bars of North Carolina and South Carolina, and is a certified Superior Court Mediator with the courts of N.C. and S.C.

Prior to practicing law, Jay worked with the North Carolina Governor's Crime Commission, North Carolina Department of Crime Control & Public Safety in Raleigh. He has also served as a legal intern with the United States Attorney's Office, and as a legislative intern in the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C. Jay is a father of four, is active in missions and aide work, and is a certified rescue diver.

I am seeking to serve as District Court Judge because the lives and issues which come before the District Court matter greatly, and I would like to assist in those matters and have a positive influence in our judicial system and community.

The District Court hears civil and criminal cases. These cases involve matters of crime, family, juveniles, and disputes between private parties. They are the cases which deeply affect the lives and livelihood of our local communities. Each case, and the lives those cases represent, should be considered impartially with patience, wisdom and knowledge. A judge should have not only legal knowledge and experience, but also broad life experience, an appreciation and understanding of the judicial system, and a commitment to the rights afforded to all citizens. When entering a court and appearing before a judge, all parties should have confidence that they will be treated fairly and have their cases considered without prejudice.

I will work to be a judge who will uphold the law, strive to be fair, impartial and even-tempered. I ask for your support and your vote for Buncombe County District Court Judge. Judicial races are non-partisan, so remember to look down the ballot for the judicial candidates and cast your vote for John Jay Watson for District Court Judge.

To learn more, visit www.electjaywatson.com.

Thank you.