Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Gary was born and raised in Kingston, a coal-mining town in the mountains of the northeastern Pennsylvania. The oldest of four sons born to Edward and Ruth Gavenus, his parents instilled in him the virtues of honesty, hard work, and a strong faith in God, which have guided him throughout his life in all his undertakings.

Gary graduated Cum Laude from Dickinson College with a Bachelor of Arts degree with Majors in Economics and Philosophy. He received his Juris Doctorate Degree from Wake Forest University.

He is currently serving his eighth year as an Assistant District Attorney in this district.  In that capacity he has prosecuted cases in all five counties and has been the lead prosecutor responsible for the prosecution of all Superior Court Criminal cases in two of the five counties.   In addition to his experience as a prosecutor, Gary has over twenty additional years of experience in all facets of Superior Court practice.   He has represented such Clients as the Town of Banner Elk, Avery Health Care System, Inc., Avery County Partnership for Children (Smart Start), the Avery County Department of Social Services; Mayland Community College; and was the Child Support attorney for Avery and Mitchell Counties. 

He has served as a Little League Coach and Board Member, Cub Master and Boy Scout Volunteer, and Rotary Club President. He is a current member of a Community Child Protection Team, Child Fatality Prevention Team, the Criminal Justice Partnership, and the 24th District Steering Committee Juvenile Justice Treatment Continuum.

He is married to Suzanne Biggs Gavenus, a Clinical School Social Worker and former guidance counselor at Mountain Heritage High School. Gary has three children, Garrett age 18, Noah age 13 and Gillian age 8.  He and his family are members of the First Presbyterian Church in Burnsville.

I am a candidate for Superior Court Judge for the 24th Judicial District. Of the three current candidates for the two positions, I am the only candidate with experience in the prosecution of criminal cases.

My entire legal career has prepared me for the position of Superior Court Judge. From my beginnings as an Associate Attorney General for the State of North Carolina; to over twenty-years of experience as a trial attorney and general practitioner; to my current almost eight years as an Assistant District Attorney.  I have the extensive trial and practical experience and knowledge of the law that is essential to capably and efficiently handle the duties and responsibilities of a Superior Court Judge.

Beyond my experience, I have the temperament and attributes necessary for the important position of Superior Court Judge. Throughout my career as a prosecutor and private attorney I have always strived to be honest, forthright, fair and courteous with all those I come in contact with, from the public to the judiciary and members of the bar. I assure you that I will bring each of these qualities to the bench.  I will also bring to the position integrity, a strong work ethic, a thorough understanding of the law, a strong conviction in the principles of fundamental fairness and justice, and a duty to uphold the Constitution of North Carolina and the United States. I will seek to continue to improve the efficiency of the Superior Court system by working closely with court personnel, law enforcement, the judiciary and members of the bar.  All judgments and rulings I render will be well reasoned, fair and just to all concerned.  

I sincerely appreciate your careful consideration of my candidacy and ask for your vote on November 2.