League of Women Voters of Blount County 2006 Candidate Survey

 

Name:  D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.                                    Phone:  865-273-5580

 

Candidate for         Circuit Court Judge, Division II

 

Please write your answers in the space provided or use a separate sheet, and return your survey in the enclosed stamped envelope. It is very important that you write legibly.  Please consider e-mailing your completed survey by requesting an electronic survey at rderycke@bellsouth.net     

The League of Women Voters will acknowledge receipt of your completed survey.

 

I. Qualifications and experience:

  1. Please list your diplomas and degrees, along with the areas of study.

 

Maryville High School

B.A., University of Tennessee

J.D., University of Tennessee

 

  1. What relevant experience do you have, including previous public offices held?

 

Law Practice 1978-1990

Circuit Court Judge 1990-present

 

  1. Please list local service and civic groups in which you have participated, including when and for how long.

 

Big Brothers and Big Sisters founding board—approximately three years in the 1980’s

Foster Care Review Board—approximately two years in the 1980’s

Boys and Girls Club, 2003-present, currently Chairman

Blount United Community Credit Union founding Board, 2005-present

Blount County Food Pantry, 2005-present

           

  1. Please indicate any business activities that could constitute a conflict of interest in the event you are elected.

 

None

 

 

  1. Name three leadership skills that you practice.

1.  Building consensus from varied views

2.  Listening to all information provided then making a decision

3.      Willingness to travel new paths

 

  1. What unique qualities, besides the above leadership skills, do you have to contribute to this office? 

 

I manage to stay calm in times of crisis allowing me to think.  I also understand there are a few true emergencies.

 

II. Questions about your understanding of the office you are seeking:

  1. What do you see as the three most important functions of this office?

1.  Allow litigants to be fully heard

2.  Promote prompt resolution of cases

3.  Know and follow the law

 

 

  1. What would you identify as the three most important issues facing Blount County in the future?

                  1.  Growth

2.  Interpersonal relationships

3.     Employment

 

  1. What can you do in this office to impact these three most important issues?

 

Impartially decide any lawsuit based on the law and the facts.  It is not a trial judge’s job to create policy.

 

 

III. Positions on specific issues of importance in Blount County:   Use a separate sheet to respond.

A.                 Means for insuring the fair and respectful treatment of all Blount County citizens, regardless of race, gender, religion or ethnic background, given recent concerns about racism and bigotry in our county

 

B.                 Promotion of greater diversity in our hired and appointed government officials and employees

 

C.                 Reconciling the potentially competing interests of growth/development and adequate infrastructure in our county, including the application of the Hunter Growth Strategy

 

D.                 The environmental impact of development and/or non-attainment status with the EPA

 

E.                  Identifying and resolving conflicts of interest of public officials

 

F.                  The consolidation of:

1.       city and county schools

2. city and county government

3. or a feasibility study on consolidation

 

G.                 Health care

 

 

All of the above issues could take the form of a case in Blount County Circuit Court.  If I expressed an opinion now, I would have to step aside as judge on that case.

 

 

 

 

IV.  Questions for CANDIDATES FOR JUDGE:   Use a separate sheet to answer these questions.

 

  1. How can a judge improve the safety and security of Blount County citizens?

 

A judge can insist on adequate courtroom security so that all involved in a trial are safe irrespective of the outcome of the case.

 

  1. What can be done to ensure the safety of and respect for victims of domestic violence or other crimes in your court?

 

There are laws passed by our legislators that provide protection for victims (such as pre-trial bail conditions) that I follow and enforce.  The primary responsibility for safety of citizens falls on the executive branch of government (law enforcement agencies).  As regards procedure during a trial, victims are allowed to remain in areas separate from defendants and their families.