Committee to Elect J. Wade Padgett

1355 Montrose Place

Evans, GA 30809

ph: (706) 855-7300   (706) 860-6076

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The Augusta Chronicle Endorse Wade:

Elect Whittle, Padgett

Sunday, July 18, 2004

Augusta Chronicle Editorial Staff

In two key Columbia County law-and-order related races, we enthusiastically endorse CLAY WHITTLE for re-election as sheriff and J. WADE PADGETT for election as chief magistrate judge.

We know that during his nine years as the county's chief law-enforcement officer, Whittle has stepped on some toes, but then the job entails making many tough decisions, both as an executive and law-enforcer. Not everybody's going to be happy with them.

But the bottom line is, Whittle has done an exemplary job overall. He's cut crime in the face of an exploding county population. His department is internationally accredited and has been widely acclaimed as one of the best in the country.

Clearly, it would be a shame to fire a sheriff with that kind of record. Whittle's opponent has tried to make the case that the sheriff is a poor businessman and has wasted taxpayers' money. But the best he can come up with is that Whittle may eat out a little too much on the taxpayers' cuff.

At best, that's a matter of opinion, certainly not a firing offense. What isn't opinion, though, is that in terms of law-enforcement experience, Whittle has it all over his opponent. And that's what's needed - a tough, experienced law-enforcer, not a penny-pincher. Keep Clay Whittle on the job.

Wade Padgett is the ideal choice for chief magistrate judge, also because of his experience. Indeed, it's as if he's been in training for the judgeship for most of his legal career. The 39-year-old family man with two children has been serving as an associate magistrate judge for the past decade, while also building his own practice. Before that he spent three years as an assistant district attorney.

None of his opponents can claim that kind of experience. And here's the topper: If he's elected, Padgett vows to cut his $53,000 statutory salary by 20 percent as the first step toward getting the magistrate's office budget under control. No other candidate has made that promise. Padgett's the man.

this letter appeared in the Augusta Chronicle:

Neighbor knows Padgett's good qualities

Well, it's election season again, and that means we are all treated to unending hymns of praise for this candidate or that, with everyone swearing on a stack of Bibles what fine human beings they are. There are, however, people who know the truth about a candidate, people who get the chance to observe them in "their native habitat," unguarded in their actions. I am referring to neighbors. A neighbor sees how a man treats his wife, how his kids respond to him, how he manages his household and whether or not his public image matches the private reality.

I was Wade Padgett's next-door neighbor for a number of years, and I can tell you the truth about him: He is absolutely one of the finest men I have ever known. He is a genuinely decent and generous individual, the kind of guy you could call at 3 in the morning for help and know he would come to your aid. He is a model of integrity and common sense, and he treats everyone with fairness and old-fashioned courtesy.

Despite his commitments to the magistrate court, to his law practice, to his church and community, he always puts his family first, which is all too rare these days. For those who are wondering where all the good guys have gone, Wade Padgett is your man. I hope you will join me in voting to elect Wade our next chief magistrate judge for Columbia County.

Ed Rees

Evans

July 18, 2004

this letter appeared in the Columbia County News-Times:

Endorsement: Wade Padgett, Chief Magistrate

Jan Wiggins, Chairman

Committee to Elect J. Wade Padgett

Editor:

The Magistrate Court is the entry level into the justice system. It's the first stop for anyone arrested. This court also decides civil suits involving damages of $15,000 or less. Additionally, it hears cases involving minor criminal offenses, distress warrants, county ordinance violations, bad check cases, and issues arrest and search warrants. The judges hear preliminary hearings and determine what cases need to go on to Superior Court.

When it comes to a candidate who is truly qualified for the job, there is no better candidate for chief magistrate judge of Columbia County than J. Wade Padgett. Padgett has held the associate magistrate judge position for the last 10 years. He has had first hand experience deciding thousands of cases and has worked with our county s law enforcement to uphold the values that make our community outstanding.

Wade is a man who cares. He will protect us from those who pose a threat. His experience in Magistrate Court has also afforded him the insight to know what policy and systems can be enhanced as our community grows. No one else would know this except an individual who has proven experience.

But it's not just that Padgett is the most experienced candidate. He is a trusted leader in our community, serving on several boards that work to enhance our quality of life. He volunteers with the Columbia County Recreation Department. He chaperones school trips for his children. He is a man of faith, committed to his church. He is a truly dedicated family man.

I am proud to call Padgett friend. I m proud of his accomplishments and his vision for our community. When elected on July 20, J. Wade Padgett will make you proud as well, as he continues to serve Columbia County with the enthusiasm and professionalism he has done so with for the last 10 years.

Jan Wiggins, Chairman

Committee to Elect J. Wade Padgett

Evans

July 18, 2004

this letter appeared in the Columbia County News-Times:

Re-election of Whittle, election of Padgett vital to community

Gerald W. Hargrove Sr.

Grovetown

Editor:

The integrity, professionalism and high standards that exist within the Columbia County law enforcement and judicial systems will be put to the test on July 20 with two very important races: the re-election of our sheriff and election of our chief magistrate judge.

We have been fortunate the last 10 years to benefit from the leadership and integrity of Sheriff Clay Whittle and Judge Wade Padgett. These two men have contributed greatly to our safety and security with fair treatment to all in Columbia County. We live in a clean, safe county. Why would we want to hand over leadership to "want-to-be's" instead of men with experience?

If Columbia County is going to continue the growth we've experienced the last 10 years because of being a safe place to live, we need to vote Whittle and Padgett into the offices they have contributed so much to.

Don't forget: These races will be decided July 20. Your vote for Sheriff Clay Whittle and Judge Wade Padgett is very important.

Gerald W. Hargrove Sr.

Grovetown

July 18, 2004

this letter appeared in the Augusta Chronicle:

Make Whittle, Padgett your choices

There has been a trend in Columbia County to accept everyone who runs as a Republican at his or her word. Labels, party affiliations and, sad to say, principles come and go in politics.

Two important contests offer the chance to elect people who are real Republicans and men of principle. Their opponents may be fine men, but credentials and experience matter. Before my corporate career, I was a state police captain, and have a master's degree in criminal justice administration. I also served as U.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell's Drug Free Georgia chairman for east Georgia, and as President Reagan's state criminal justice chairman in Mississippi.

Clay Whittle has done a good job building on the legacy of the late Sheriff Otis Hensley. Clay lowered the crime rate in Columbia County as our population increased. Obtaining official accreditation for the department and keeping career criminals out of the county, even as our material affluence and family prosperity grew, were achievements that required an experienced and tough leader. These achievements don't just happen. The department's reputation gives us deterrence, something we must guard zealously if we are to avoid the problems of neighboring counties.

In the chief magistrate's race, Wade Padgett is a fine young man, and brings 10 years of experience as associate magistrate. He is a former prosecutor, a friend to law enforcement and someone who will be fair, but will save his compassion for those who are victimized by predators. He epitomizes the type of character-driven public servants we need as judges.

People in our neighboring county look at our material affluence and spiritual wealth, and want a foothold here, a piece of the action and influence outside of their current domain. Clay and Wade offer the chance to make sure they don't export their influence to Columbia County.

Merle Temple

Evans

July 16, 2004

this letter appeared in the Columbia County News-Times:

Padgett is 'a person who epitomizes integrity'

Editor:

J. Wade Padgett has my endorsement for chief magistrate judge of Columbia County.

For the past 10 years, Padgett has served as associate magistrate, having been appointed to that position by Chief Magistrate David Huguenin. Padgett has presided over every type of case that comes before the magistrate court. He understands the day-to-day operations of the magistrate court and plans to maintain the quality of service established under Huguenin's tenure. Additionally, he has a clear vision of what is needed for the future growth and effectiveness of the office.

Wade worked as a prosecutor in the District Attorney's office, operates a law firm specializing in litigation and is a certified mediator in all types of disputes with additional certification in domestic relations actions. He volunteers at his church, coaches for the Columbia County Recrea-tion Department and is an active participant in Leader-ship Augusta. We are fortunate to have someone with Padgett's background and experience willing to serve as chief magistrate.

On a personal note, I was fortunate enough to meet Wade about five years ago when I was in need of a lawyer. We have since become good friends and have coached baseball together. Padgett is a trusted personal adviser. In all of my time with Padgett, I have known him to be a person who epitomizes integrity. In my opinion, a man with integrity acts the same even when no one is watching. Padgett has the courage and compassion that the office of chief magistrate judge of Columbia County requires.

Grant Rudolph

Grovetown

July 11, 2004

this letter appeared in the Augusta Chronicle:

If you can vote, vote for Wade Padgett

I may not be old enough to vote, but I know a good candidate for office when I see one. J. Wade Padgett would make a great chief magistrate judge.

I have played on coach Padgett's football, baseball, T-ball and basketball teams. He tells it like it is, and he plays by the rules no matter what the other teams and their coaches are doing. If he makes a mistake in coaching, he doesn't make up any excuses. He admits he did wrong.

Most of all, coach Padgett is fair. No matter how weak a player is, he lets that player participate as much as the best player. During practices, if a teammate is struggling, coach Padgett gives authority over to the assistant coach, and he takes the time to help the struggling player out one-on-one. The compassion and fairness he shows on the playing field would be characteristics that he would carry over to the courtroom.

After five years of being on coach Padgett's teams, he has helped me with my problems on the field, and if I were six years older, he's the man I would be voting for as chief magistrate judge of Columbia County. I think you should vote for him, too.

Barret C. Duncan

Evans

July 1, 2004

(Editor's note: The writer is a rising seventh-grader at Greenbrier Middle School.)

this letter appeared in the Augusta Chronicle:

Cast judgeship vote for Padgett

J. Wade Padgett is ideally suited to be Columbia County’s next chief magistrate judge. I have seen Wade demonstrate several qualities that make this statement true. First, Wade has experience as an assistant district attorney. Second, Wade is a practicing attorney as well as an associate magistrate judge. Lastly, Wade is a community leader with a true demonstrated love for this county.

Wade spent three years as an assistant district attorney for the Augusta Judicial Circuit. In this position, he specialized in jury trials and appeals involving violent crimes. During his tenure, Wade worked closely with the law enforcement agencies and developed a very good working relationship with officers from these agencies. The respect that Wade has for these officers and the respect that they have for him is still evident. I believe that this shared respect would prove to be an invaluable asset to Wade in the position of chief magistrate.

Wade is a practicing attorney and an associate magistrate judge. He has spent the past 11 years building his law practice. During this time, Wade has specialized in litigation. More specifically, Wade has spent these years handling numerous family law and domestic cases. In addition, Wade has presided over civil and criminal cases in his position as associate magistrate judge. This experience has provided Wade with the insight necessary to be chief magistrate.

Wade also is very active in the community. He is the past chairman of Leadership Augusta, coaches recreational sports teams, and is an active member of his church. He approaches all endeavors with dedication and loyalty and gives all tasks that he takes on his all.

J. Wade Padgett is, without question, the best candidate for Columbia County’s next chief magistrate judge. 

                                                                                                                     Mike Stanley

Evans

July 2, 2004

this letter appeared in the Columbia County News-Times:

Padgett’s ‘family values, experience’ make him best for judge

Editor:

I am pleased and delighted that J. Wade Padgett is running for the honored position of chief magistrate judge of Columbia County.

As a veteran realtor in Columbia County, I have had the opportunity to work with Padgett and his family on numerous occasions in both professional and personal capacities. Regardless of the reason, however, Wade has always been extremely professional, honest, and fair.

Wade Padgett has a supportive family and extended family. He also possesses strong family values. I believe that these family values, his extensive experience as associate magistrate judge of Columbia County, his knowledge of the law, an upstanding reputation and his understanding of the judicial needs of Columbia County make him the right candidate for chief magistrate judge.

I urge all citizens of Columbia County to make the right choice and elect J. Wade Padgett chief magistrate of Columbia County.

Gerry Bella

Evans

July 7, 2004

this letter appeared in the Augusta Chronicle:

Padgett has Traits of Fine Judge

I support J. Wade Padgett for Columbia County's chief magistrate, and encourage others to vote for him.

I know Wade through the Columbia County Recreation Department, where he was the volunteer head football coach for my son's football team for the past three years and basketball team for the past two years.

Wade impressed me from that first parent football meeting. He told us about himself and his philosophy. He wanted every boy on the team to love football. He placed primary importance on boys learning football, avoiding injury and enjoying practices and games, not on winning. He believed in supporting the boys in a positive manner, even to the point of commending a boy from the opposing team who did something well. He was particularly concerned with sportsmanship and teamwork. He also placed emphasis on taking time for school work, family, church and play.

Wade expected the boys to work. They were to focus on the skills being taught. Each boy was to improve his skills and learn how to be a team member. Wade regarded each boy as an individual and encouraged him to excel according to his abilities. My son enjoyed practices and games because the atmosphere Wade created was uplifting. The boys worked hard, but they received the emotional support they needed to do their best.

Wade has always lived by his philosophy. He has the right priorities and proper perspective. He teaches the boys values besides teaching them the sport. He treats every person with the same regard, showing respect, fairness and friendliness.

I know Wade's principles of respecting others, working hard and as a team member, and maintaining the right priorities will be manifest in whatever he does. A man of such character will serve us well as chief magistrate.

          Sue Tshishiku

Martinez

July 4, 2004

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