Published: April 30, 2008 10:51 am            

Floyd County Superior Court 3: Three Dems vie for new judgeship

Three Democrat attorneys, two with more than 20 years of experience, are campaigning for a spot on the November ballot in hopes of ultimately becoming judge of Floyd County Superior Court No. 3.

The new court, which takes effect in 2009, is being created to reduce the caseloads of the existing Floyd County Court, Floyd Superior Court and Floyd Circuit Court. The three Democrats vying for the nomination are Richard Bolin, Maria Granger and Stan Robison.

Bolin has practiced law for 35 years, and Robison started 25 years ago. Both emphasize their extensive jury-trial experience. Granger began her career 13 years ago as a prosecutor and has been in private practice for eight years. Both Robison and Granger have served as judge pro tem; Robison since the 1980s.

Bolin, a former Peace Corps volunteer, noted he has almost exclusively devoted his career to trial work. He also has performed extensive appellate work.

“Peace Corps gave me a world view I wouldn’t have had otherwise,” Bolin said. “It was an invaluable life experience.”

Bolin said this, along with other jobs before becoming an attorney, and also being from Floyd County, further enhance his ability to serve as judge.

Though Granger could not offer any specifics about jury trials she said she has argued, the candidate noted that she did argue one during law school and has done “some” since. She also serves as an Indiana Supreme Court hearing officer and a referee in Scott County Court, and teaches business law at Indiana University Southeast.

“I am uniquely qualified to be judge of this new court,” Granger said. “I have worked from every angle of service that would need to be provided.”

Robison argued his first jury trial within two weeks of becoming an attorney, and also has practiced at the federal level.

“I’ve done far more appellate work than my opponents,” Robison said. “In addition, my federal experience and overall career set me apart from the other candidates.”

Robison also noted his pro tem judge experience allows him to personally experience what works and what does not work in Southern Indiana courts.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.