Andy Crawford is running for the Piedmont Circuit Judge seat to replace Judge Currie Mingledorff. Read Crawford's response to the Mainstreet Newspapers candidate questionnaire below:
If you are the challenger, or running for an open seat, what do you hope to accomplish if elected to this position? What would you do differently from what’s being done now or in the past?
The justice system has never faced more challenges. Many current events are eroding trust in the judicial process. Locally, we are facing a wave of growth that stretches our resources and increases crime near our homes. As a prosecutor who grew up in Jackson County, I have seen these developments firsthand with friends and neighbors, as well as in the courtroom. It is important for people to have faith that justice is being done in our community. As judge, I will serve with integrity, always abiding by the Constitution and the rule of law. Politics will have no place in my courtroom. Everyone will receive their day in court, and if found guilty there will be appropriate consequences.
My goal is to shepherd our local justice system through this period of growth so that it will be the kind of community my children will want to one day raise my grandchildren. That is going to take innovation, such as investing in technology so parties can more easily present their cases in court, configuring calendars to make sure emergency matters like custody modifications and protective orders can be heard quickly, and encouraging parties to participate in mediation to help move cases off an increasingly busy docket. The goal is to make sure every citizen has access to the justice system when they need it.
Some play politics by saying the system is broken. The truth is our local justice system is made up of hard-working individuals who show up every day to ensure justice is achieved. As judge, I want to make sure our local system continues to improve, and is not infected with the issues we see other places.
Why are you the best candidate for this position?
I have spent my entire career litigating the most serious cases that come into superior court. I have prosecuted thousands of cases, achieving jury trial convictions for murder, special victim crimes, domestic violence, and drug trafficking. For over a decade, I have been the prosecutor in Judge Mingledorff’s courtroom advocating for victims and seeking justice for our community. As he retires, I am seeking to bring my experience from the prosecutor’s table to the bench. Judges bear the weight and responsibility of making decisions that will impact people for the rest of their lives. I have the endorsement of all three sheriffs in our circuit because they know firsthand my experience in making tough decisions and ensuring justice is done.
What is the most important issue you see that involves the position you are running for?
Crime inevitably increases as population grows. Over the last decade I have seen my caseload increase with every type of crime, but especially crimes related to methamphetamine. In order for this to continue being the kind of community where we want to live, work, and raise a family, we need to address this plague. Drug addiction drives up other crimes, such as theft, domestic violence, and sexual assault. The courtroom is too often a revolving door, and people are victimized by repeat offenders. A judge’s job is to make sure that every person receives their day in court, and can avail themselves of their rights to due process, the assistance of counsel, and a jury trial. If convicted, a judge needs to ensure that justice is done. For a first time or youthful offender, that may mean paying restitution, getting drug or mental health treatment, and a chance to fly straight. For a repeat offender or someone convicted of a serious crime, that could mean much more serious consequences to ensure the safety of our community and deter further crime.
Tell voters a little about yourself and your background:
I grew up in Jackson County. I am a graduate of Jackson County High School, and went on to UGA where I met my wife, Allison. Upon graduating from law school, we returned to raise our family in my hometown. She works for the Jackson County School System, and together we have spent our careers in public service. We have three daughters. We attend Corner-Stone Baptist Church in Jefferson, where I serve as Elder and Treasurer. I am also a member of the Barrow Area Rotary Club, volunteer with iServe Ministries, am a graduate of Leadership Barrow through the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce, and served as President of the Piedmont Bar Association in 2023. I have also coached mock trial at Jefferson High School, am on the board of the Jackson County Athletic Hall of Fame, and have coached numerous sports for the rec department.
I have spent my career prosecuting felony cases in Jackson, Barrow, and Banks counties. During my time as Assistant District Attorney, I have chaired the Jackson County Child Fatality Review Board, served as the prosecutor for the Piedmont Circuit Drug and Mental Health Courts, sat on the Domestic Violence Task Force, and was appointed solicitor for the city of Jefferson.
How do you see the role of judge evolving in the coming years? What are your plans for both the internal administrative aspects of the local judicial system and for how the court deals with crime concerns that seem to plague the area?
A superior court judge, while important, is only one piece of a complex justice system. I have spent years working with elected officials in every courthouse in the Piedmont Judicial Circuit. Each county faces their own unique logistical, fiscal, and bureaucratic challenges to administer justice for its citizens, and a superior court judge will need to work with local leaders to tackle the issues that come with an increasing population, more crime, and higher caseloads. Our circuit has had the same number of superior court judges since 2013, but our circuit population has grown by approximately 25% during that time. As the growth continues, our justice system must be proactive and innovative. Greater efficiency will allow more time for jury trials, and opportunities for defendants, victims, and civil parties to receive the justice they deserve.
Please visit votecrawford.com to learn more, or call me at 706-363-0439 if you have any questions.
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