Two New Albany attorneys are facing off to become the first judge of the newly created Floyd County Superior Court No. 3. The campaigns have focused on what type of experience is most important for a judge.
Republican Rick Fox, 53, boasts 21 years of experience in the courtroom and has represented various agencies at different levels of government. Democrat Maria Granger, 53, says she already has judicial experience as a Supreme Court Hearing Officer and taught Business Law at Indiana University Southeast.
Fox has accused Granger of not having enough jury trial experience.
“I’ve tried criminal and civil jury trials as well as have had many cases in the Indiana Court of Appeals,” Fox said. “I think that distinguishes my record from (Granger’s) record.”
Granger said that she has tried about 10 cases before a jury, but also manages more than 600 cases per year as Hearing Officer.
Fox also would like to bring fellow attorney Steve Gustafson on board to help with drafting cases or decisions. He said this is a way to help speed up the court. He said Gustafson is one of the best appellate attorneys in the state, which would make it less likely that decisions will be reversed.
Fox admitted though that the county council would have to approve a new position.
Granger said she believes that hard work and her judicial experience will help ease the caseload.
“I’m very confident in my ability,” Granger said. “I don’t need to bring anyone else in.”
Granger defeated Stan Robison and Rich Bolin in the primary race, while Fox ran unopposed. Fox ran six years ago for Floyd County Superior Court No. 1.
Granger said an important issue facing the courts is being tough on repeat and violent crimes.
“There is intense concern about what happens to repeat and violent offenders,” Granger said. “I want voters to know and understand that we’ll hold those offenders responsible.”
Fox supports stricter enforcement of parenting time, or court-ordered visitation.
“The court should take an aggressive position on parenting time, just like it takes one on child support cases,” Fox said.
Floyd County
Attorneys battle to become judge of new Floyd County court
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