Guntharp
For
Justice Court Judge
Why do I want to serve you, and what do I believe are my qualifications?
First,
A few months ago there was a large article in the Tupelo Journal concerning the Justice Court Judge system now and how it was created to replace the old Justice of the Peace system. The reason for the change was more accountability to you, the tax paying citizens. The article also referred to the current incumbent judges, their qualifications, as well as, the ones who have broken the laws of the State of Mississippi, and been reprimanded by fines and/or suspensions by the Commission on Judicial Performance or the Mississippi Supreme Court. I totally agree with the change, because it encourages more integrity and you deserve better.
Second,
Meeting with numerous voters within my district, I was told of attitudes and actions deemed to be unacceptable. Often when a person has been in office too long, those things may occur. Remember the definition of insanity is: "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." Let us work together to insure this election will produce different results.
Third,
As a bi-vocational minister and former police officer, I have served on both sides, with INTEGRITY. I have always had a passion for people and want to help them, if afforded the opportunity. I reach out to people wherever I go. Through the years as I meet people, I always say to them, if you need me 24/7, day or night, call me. It is not always convenient, but when we need someone, that is the time to call.
Fourth,
The Justice Court Judge deals both with criminal court and civil court. My law enforcement and business owner experience, as well as my degree in Accounting and Management would give me an advantage in dealing with both areas.
Fifth,
Having ministered in several prisons and jails, I know of the hurts of so many and the desires of some to do/be better. If I can help keep some out of jail or prison by being firm, but with alternative punishment, I will. On the other hand, I will be tough on those in our society who believe they are above our laws.
Sixth,
I will have an open door policy to help if possible, but will operate within the guidelines and laws of the State of Mississippi.
Last,
I was born in Vicksburg, MS and grew up in Booneville where my dad was pastor of East Booneville Baptist Church, but we farmed, owned Guntharp Fertilizer and Chemical Company, as well as Booneville Grain Co. to make a living.
Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor of Business Administration, with a double major in Accounting and Management from Athens State University and a graduate Diploma in Theology from Emmaus Road Ministry School. In real estate, I pursued professionalism and earned a SRA-Senior Residential Appraiser designation in appraising; a CRS-Certified Residential Specialist, ABR-Accredited Buyer Representative, and GRI-Graduate Realtors Institute in real estate sales. I have had an additional eighty courses and seminars in law, ethics, negotiation, counseling, sales, and appraising, etc.
Experience:
Self employed most of my life as a counselor, minister, and in real estate as a broker, developer, builder, and appraiser. Years ago, when the market took a nose dive like the last two years, I became a police officer for four years in Decatur, AL; also serving as a special deputy.
Service:
Honored to have served on several boards and helped in fund raising, including: The Better Business Bureau; Kiwanis Club, also served on committees; Morgan County Board of Realtors, also served on several committees; and Pregnancy Resource Center-Sav-A-Life. I belonged to the Chamber of Commerce where I served on several committees.
Honors:
Who's Who in the South and Southwest
Who's Who in Business and Finance
Political:
I have always been a Republican, served and contributed regularly to the Local, State and National organizations. The reason I am Republican, is as a Christian and follower of Jesus Christ, I can not and will not vote for a platform that is pro-abortion and pro-homosexual. I should and will love the sinner, but hate the sin.
I WANT to be your judge! The ONLY thing that I will say about my opponent is that the day of qualifying, he switched to the Republican Party in hopes of getting re-elected.
Please remember to tell all your relatives, friends and those you meet to vote for Grady Guntharp. If they want information, give them this web page: www.guntharpforjusticecourtjudge.com Call me if you desire: 662.346.1576
They MUST pickup a Republican Ballot on election day, August 2, 2011, because all of us running in District 1, are running as Republican.