Jackson, White running for associate judge

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Republican voters in the Aug. 2 Primary Election will have two candidates to choose from for Associate Circuit Judge, including the incumbent, John J. Jackson, and a challenger, Tyler J. White.

The winner will be the presumed next judge following the November election, since there are no Democratic candidates.

The candidates were given surveys to be filled for publication in the Palmyra Spectator, and their answers follow:

John J. Jackson

I am 62 years old and was born and raised on a small family farm in rural Missouri. I have worked my entire life including before, during and after college. 

I received my undergraduate and Jurist Doctorate Law Degrees from the University of Missouri – Columbia.

In 1985 I moved to Hannibal and worked in private practice with the law firm of Rendlen, Ahrens, Browne and Rendlen.

In 1990 I was elected prosecuting attorney of Marion County and re-elected in 1994. 

I was appointed Marion County Associate Circuit and Probate Judge in 1996. In 1998 I was successfully elected in a contested race, and I have been re-elected every four years since.

I have been married 34 years to my wife, Debbie, who was born and raised on a small farm in Ralls County. 

We have three adult children, Amy, Adam and Alex, all successfully employed and living on their own.

Why seeking election/re-election to this office?

I enjoy serving the people of Marion County and look forward to continuing to serve as Judge. 

The people of Marion County are its greatest asset and they deserve an experienced judge who will represent all the people of Marion County fairly and impartially. 

I will continue my dedicated, hard working service this office requires while preserving a focus on prompt and fair resolution of all legal matters. I will continue to protect the community and taxpayers of Marion County.

Why do you believe you are well suited for the position? What do you consider your qualifications?

As your Judge, I believe my record speaks for itself. I have demonstrated that I know and appreciate all the people of Marion County, judging them not by their position in the community, but by the law and the facts and using common sense. 

I will continue the dedicated, hard-working service this office requires while preserving a focus on prompt and fair resolution of all legal matters. 

I will continue to treat the citizens of Marion County fairly, equally and individually in the courtroom with no bias, prejudice or favoritism and continue the honesty and integrity the office requires.

I have dedicated my life to public service. As your judge I have been available to law enforcement, prosecuting attorneys, mental health providers and domestic violence shelters at all hours and will continue to do so.

I have both practiced and been a judge regarding civil, probate and criminal law.

This associate judge position requires extensive experience in all legal areas not just one or two.

I consider it a qualification which the voters have a right to know that as an attorney I have never violated the Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers and as a judge I have never violated the Code of Judicial Conduct. 

I have never been arrested, plead guilty to a crime, nor have I ever had my records expunged to prevent public access.

I am committed to being the best possible public servant I can be and would like to continue serving as your judge with honesty and integrity.

What particular issues do you want to address if elected?

I will continue to protect victims. I must identify persons charged with crimes who are likely dangerous, and do my best to ensure that they are not free to injure or harass victims or witnesses.

I will continue to rule on all cases after hearing all the evidence and giving all parties the opportunity to be heard; and ruling on all cases in a prompt and fair manner.

Editor’s note: Tyler J. White did not respond to our survey.