Candidates for family, circuit judge talk qualifications, goals

When candidates for local political office came together recently for a League of Women Voters event, that included the ones running for family court judge and circuit court judge in Christian County.

Christian County gained a second family court judge after passage of House Bill 214 by the Kentucky General Assembly earlier this year, which means that spot needs to be filled and will be come the November general election.  One of the candidates for the non-partisan race is local attorney Katherine Demps, who says that family is very important to her, and she intends to serve those in need.

Judy Hall has been family judge before and is looking to reclaim the bench, saying it’s more than just a job, it’s a position of trust and grave responsibility.

In circuit court Division II, longtime incumbent Judge John Atkins is facing former Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Stephanie Bolen.  Atkins says he hopes his lengthy record as judge, of which he has served since 2000, proves that he’s the right person for the job.

Bolen says she has many goals if elected, but one of the things at the top of the list is a mental health court, to assist the many people living with undiagnosed mental illness.

The League of Women Voters will start their traditional debate forums this week, starting with candidates running for Hopkinsville City Council Monday afternoon, and continuing with other offices in the coming weeks—debates will be live streamed on the League of Women Voters Facebook page, as well as Spectrum channel 376.

You can listen to the candidates remarks in full down below.

Circuit Judge

Stephanie Bolen:

John Atkins:

Family Judge

Judy Hall:

Katherine Demps: