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Dear Editor:

There has been attention by the press recently regarding the campaign of the two candidates for Blount County Criminal Court Judge. One of the most significant aspects of the race is Judge Mike Meares's commitment to financing his campaign without financial contributions from anyone with whom there could even be the appearance of having a conflict of interest. Attorneys are obviously the most important of these potential donors.

This is in stark contrast to his opponent, Mr. Duggan, whose campaign, according to public record, is almost entirely underwritten by lawyers and elected Blount County officials including the Blount County Mayor and the Sheriff.

One should not assume that a candidate for judge receiving money from lawyers and public officials would then be influenced by those contributors to show favor one way or the other in judicial decisions. It does, however, cast a long shadow of doubt as to the ability of that judge to be fair and impartial. A judge looking over the bench day after day at those whose money helped put him there and who may be that fact be expected to rule one way or the other, is most certainly a conflict of interest.

We expect our public officials to be free from influence by others who may stand to benefit in any way from that influence. Of the many public offices we are privileged to vote for, a criminal court judgeship is among those held to the highest standard. This standard is defined not only by judicial decisions free from financial influence but political affiliation as well.

Should anyone being tried for a crime in Blount County stand before a criminal court judge and worry or wonder whether his or her attorney's money helped that judge get elected?

Should anyone being tried for a crime in Blount County stand before a criminal court judge whose political party affiliation may demand more devotion to it, its interests and its members than the devotion to fairness and justice to which that judge is sworn to uphold?

I support Judge Mike Meares in the upcoming election for Blount County Criminal Court Judge. It matters not to me if he is a Republican or a Democrat. It is my belief and the experience of those for whom he was an advocate as a criminal attorney as well as those who have come before his bench since his appointment by Governor Bredesen that, thankfully, it matters not to him in faithfully executing his responsibilities.

I truly hope that on election day Aug. 7 when in the voting booth, it will not matter to your readers, or their friends or any other voter either!

Find out how to keep Judge Meares on the bench to keep the fairness and integrity he has brought to the courtroom. www.mearesforjudge.com and at 865-681-0553

Lee Ann Fairall

803 Ray Ave.

Maryville, TN 37803