Judge donations discussed again

Dear Editor:

In response to Mr. Adams' published letter to the editor, and especially the headline suggesting that Judge Meares may be "selling justice," it appears that some straight talk is in order. Of course it would be better if candidates for judge could run for such a position regardless of political party -- that would make it so much more clean and voters could vote based upon the merits.

That said, Mr. Adams wonders if justice is for sale because Judge Meares prefers not to have donations from lobbyists or attorneys who may appear before his court. Well that is obvious - he wants no prejudice within his court, and I dare say that Mr. Adams would not want that either were he appearing in that court. To question Judge Meares' integrity on this issue is merely a unfounded political smear.

I hope that justice is not for sale. It has been the custom in this area for candidates for judge to accept donations from people associated with the courts. That Judge Meares prefers not to do that, only reinforces his integrity, and there is no implied intent to denigrate or disgrace Judge Duggan. While it is true that Judge Meares' website does ask for donations, so does Judge Duggan's. And it is very possible that both men donated to campaigns of other judges in the past, never with any intent to curry favor in the court. But perhaps change is refreshing - why can't both candidates prefer not to accept donations from anyone who does business before their court?

As to when and how Judge Meares was appointed, Mr. Adams seems troubled that that was done by our Governor, who happens to be a Democrat. This being a Republican County and I an Independent, that should not come as any surprise - it is the law and Governor Bredesen made an outstanding choice. That surely does not make Mike Meares a political animal or Governor Bredesen a "politician-in-chief." Get over it Mr. Adams. Your suggestion that the ugliness and demeaning style in this campaign be stopped, would best be served if you abstained from writing attack letters and instead promoted your candidate.

But of course that seems to be the Republican way.

Judge Meares is a man of integrity. He is promoting political and financial integrity - nothing more. It is a difference between the candidates, and I invite Judge Duggan to do the same.

Jon Nitkowski

3905 Riverview Drive

Maryville, TN 37804