The 55-year resident of Walker County belongs to the Auxiliary of the Gideon’s International, Walker County Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Library, Center Post Community Center and is active with Hope Productions, a Christian children’s ministry.
She graduated from LaFayette High School in 1969 and began in the court system a decade later.
“Having lived and worked in Walker County for most of my life, my values are deeply rooted in honesty, integrity and fairness,” Thompson said.
Since being appointed as a magistrate in 1983, she completed 600 hours of training with the Magistrates Training Council and The Institute of Continuing Judicial Education
She has also completed coursework through the National Judicial College pertaining solely to the duties and operation of the magistrate court.
“I am the only candidate with any experience in the duties or operations of the magistrate court and I have been performing these duties on a daily basis for over 28 years,” Thompson said.
Thompson was appointed to succeed chief magistrate Jerry Day for his unexpired term when he retired in January 2011, by the chief judge of the superior court of the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit
While judges can’t make campaign promises other than be fair and impartial, the judge’s office has set up a website. Residents can download forms, view a video about preparing their case and get general information about the court. An online system to pay filing fees is also in the works.
“Voters should know that judges cannot give legal advice or discuss a matter with them that may be filed in this court,” Thompson said. “However, we do have clerks that may answer general questions and explain questions about forms.”
Form are also available online at walkermagistrate.us.
Thompson said she is uniquely qualified for the position due her approach to leadership, ability to encourage teamwork and her understanding that the office will become more efficient with improved processes and technology.
She is currently working on a project to allow fines to be paid online.
She is a member of the Woodstation Baptist Church, where she currently serve on the Hospitality Committee.
Her professional business experience spans from 1969-72 as a bookkeeper with Bryants Lumber Co. and from 1972 -78 with Provident Insurance Co. as an analyst.
Voters can contact her by phone at 706-638-1217 or by email at judgethompson@walkermagistrate.us.
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