Howell kicks off campaign for circuit judge
Published 9:08 pm Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Jennifer Howell of Decatur attracted approximately 200 supporters to a Campaign Kick-off Dinner at the Elks Lodge in Decatur Saturday night.
The supporters were treated to a barbecue meal and listened as Howell laid out her campaign platform as a candidate for Morgan County Circuit Judge, Place 1, subject to the Primary Election March 13.
- Howell
She and Eric Howell. both attorneys with offices in Decatur, are vying for the Republican Party nomination and the chance to oppose incumbent Judge Sherrie Paler, a Democrat, in the General Election Nov. 6.
Howell said a desire to give back to Morgan County is the reason she is seeking the GOP nomination.
“The very future of other people’s lives rests firmly in the judge’s discernment, convictions and ability to interpret law,” she pointed out. “This is a job that matters to you and to our county.”
A former prosecutor, Howell spoke about the importance of holding felony offenders accountable for their crimes, and her tough stance on crime.
She pointed out that she has practiced law in private industry as well as in private practice and said she would bring a fresh, unbiased perspective to the bench.
Howell credited her parents, Murray and Marcia Millwee, for her dedication and strong work ethic. “Both are retired from the state after 36 years,” she said. “They taught me that working hard matters, and that everyone could make a difference.”
Her father retired from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles and her mother retired as a teacher in the Decatur City School System.
Howell discussed the impact the economy has had on the court system, and said she is determined to help find ways to make the system operate more efficiently, so that cases can get to court more quickly.
“People come to the courts for justice, and after waiting sometimes for years for a final order in their cases, they just don’t feel like justice was done,” Howell stated. “Cases just need to be brought to court and dealt with sooner. These things matter to me and they matter to you and to our county.
