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ZEBULON - This is a four year seat that is currently held by Incumbent Marcia Callaway-Ingram who is running for re-election. Incumbent Marcia Callaway-Ingram and Challenger Phil Hammond have qualified to run for this office.
I am uploading 500 word or less candidate statements as I receive them at editor@pikecountytimes.com.
Phil Hammond, Challenger
I am Phil Hammond and I am seeking the office of Chief Magistrate Judge for Pike County. I have been a resident of Pike County for the past 12 years and have life-long family ties to this community we are privileged to call our home.
I am the son of Sarah Hammond and the late Elmo Hammond, the grandson of the late John Lee and Estelle Hatchett of Pike County and Elmer and Minnie B. Hammond of Thomaston. I am a 1982 graduate of R.E. Lee High School and hold an Associates of Criminal Justice Degree from Southern Crescent Technical College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from American Intercontinental University, and a Master’s Degree in Theology with an Emphasis in Pastoral Ministry from Grand Canyon University.
My wife Carol and I have been married for 25 years. Between us we have five children and eight beautiful grand-children. We are active members of Rock Springs Church where I serve as a Deacon, Hospital/Family Ministry, Adult Class Leader, and substitute Sunday school teacher. I currently hold my First Year License to Preach through the Congregational Methodist Church and am continuing in the Ordination Process through Rock Springs Church.
I am a 28 year certified police officer for the State of Georgia and have over 2300 hours of P.O.S.T Training. I currently serve the Griffin Judicial Circuit as an Investigator for the District Attorney’s Office. I am currently assigned to both Pike and Upson counties with the added duty of Victim Witness Advocate for the victims of crime in Pike County. I am also Chairman of the Child Fatality Review Committee and am a member of the Pike Collaborative a Community Resource Network.
As your next Chief Magistrate Judge, I will:
• Be available 24/7 to assist law enforcement faced with exigent circumstances which need immediate judiciary action.
• Streamline the duties and responsibilities of the office to provide the most efficient and effective service possible.
• Focus on the expressed duties of the magistrate court both civilly and criminally so as to not over-burden the superior court judges.
• Be accessible and have an open door policy to assist you.
• Work with all city, county and government offices to better serve you and promote a spirit of unity throughout our community.
• Utilize current technology to make forms, filings, fee schedules and other important Magistrate Court information accessible to you 24/7.
• Work with school administrators, civic organizations and other entities in the county to determine the pulse of our community for a stronger Pike.
The Justice System is just that, a system and when each entity of that system is allowed to do their part the system works. I want to be civil, consistent and certain that citizens’ constitutional rights are protected, the law is applied equally and justice is ultimately achieved. That is my heart. Please Vote, Support and Elect me as Your Magistrate Judge: A Step in the Right Direction. Thank you.
You can contact Phil at 770-845-9185.
Marcia Callaway-Ingram, Incumbent
I am Marcia Callaway-Ingram, Chief Magistrate of Pike County, and I ask you for your continued support and prayers, as well as your vote in the upcoming election in May.
If re-elected, I will continue:
* Preserving our Constitutional Principles;
* Protecting our system of checks & balances; and
* Providing Judicial Independence in our government.
We maintain a lean and efficient Pike County Magistrate Court and are good stewards of your resources. I work for peaceable solutions while standing firm for the independence of the Judiciary; defend the boarders of the Judiciary when invasion threatens governmental accountability and balance; and conserve resources while providing a fair, just, accessible, efficient and courteous public service.
While a magistrate remains on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days per year, we have found that reserving specific times each day to handle law enforcement needs is preferred by most law enforcement, citizens, judges and Court personnel alike. Nonetheless, our magistrates remain flexible, reporting for duty when duty calls, regardless of the day or time.
Superior Court Judges may appoint Magistrates who are also experienced attorneys and members of the State Bar of Georgia to assist in hearings in certain cases that would otherwise require a party or law enforcement officer to locate a Superior Court Judge in another county. As our Superior Court Judges also conduct trials in Upson, Spalding and Fayette, the ability to appoint me to handle certain hearings and/or warrant applications is a bonus to both the Superior Court and those in need of emergency access to a judicial officer. As a member of the State Bar of Georgia (since 1991) and seasoned attorney, I have been so appointed, and gladly serve in expediting these cases.
Again, I ask for your vote to re-elect me, Marcia Callaway-Ingram, as your Chief Magistrate for the upcoming term. If you would like to learn more about our current offerings and abilities in your Magistrate Court please visit magistratepikega.com, the website we have created to help our citizens’ access Magistrate Court services and learn more about the services we offer. For more information about me, please visit marciaformagistrate.com.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Marcia J. Callaway-Ingram
Chief Magistrate