Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

I was born in Waynesville, NC, the son of George W. Sutton, Jr. and Irene Ferguson Sutton. My father was an attorney in Canton, NC in the early part of the 1970s, but he passed away when I was six weeks old. My mother re-married Joe Noland when I was seven years old. Joe worked over forty years at the Dayco plant in Waynesville. My mom and step dad had six children between them and each of the six of us had experienced the death of one parent by the time my mom and step dad were married. I had the unique experience of being part of a non-traditional family, made up of half brothers, half sisters, stepbrothers and stepsisters. Despite this fact, my parents, Joe and Irene, did an amazing job of making us a united family.

I graduated from Tuscola High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  I returned home and began teaching fourth grade at Clyde Elementary School and coaching girls basketball at Tuscola High School. Teaching opened my eyes to the diversity of family backgrounds as well as the challenges many of our local families face.

Since graduating from North Carolina Central University law school I have been working at the law firm of James Weaver Kirkpatrick, III, P.A. in Waynesville. I have represented clients in the areas of estates, criminal, civil and family law. Currently, the majority of the cases I handle are civil litigation matters. As an attorney I often learn about the problems that weaken our society and trouble the human spirit.

I reside in Waynesville with my wife, Kelly.

Our communities are strengthened by the District Court providing a forum for the effective resolution of conflict. The decisions made in District Court affect the everyday lives of our families and children.  A District Court Judge should have experience in the courtroom in the areas of conflict the Judge is called upon to help resolve.  Equally important, is an understanding of the families and children whom reside in our communities.  I am a native of Haywood County whose family has been here and in surrounding areas of Western North Carolina for generations.  I have worked with our families and children as an attorney, teacher, as President of the Clyde Youth Organization and in a leadership position at Crabtree United Methodist Church.  Throughout all the opportunities I have had in my profession and our community, I have been fair and objective and treated all persons with respect. I possess the legal background, the understanding of our communities' families and the temperament to best serve as District Court Judge.

As District Court Judge, I will carefully consider each case according to its merits. A final judgment requires balance of the proven facts of the case with the application of the law after all parties have made a complete presentation of their position. And, when the facts of a criminal case require, I will sentence someone to jail in order to provide for the safety of the children, the families and the public of Western North Carolina.

I am asking for the vote and support of all registered voters of the 30th Judicial District.