FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Fayette County Circuit Judge Tom Ewing has announced that he will seek election to another term in 2024.
According to a press release, the current Circuit Court Judge in Division II of the 12th Judicial Circuit, Tom Ewing, officially announced on Thursday that he intends to seek re-election to the position of Circuit Court Judge for Fayette County.
The Honorable Judge Ewing had previously been elected to serve the unexpired term of retired Circuit Court Judge John W. Hatcher, Jr.
Judge Ewing explained his desire to continue serving.
“For nearly five years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving the people of Fayette County. When I started, this job was outside of my comfort zone. The position is challenging,” Ewing stated.
“I have to make some tough decisions, and I fully realize that these decisions affect people’s rights and liberties and impact families. Fortunately, I have a great staff around me, and I’m blessed to work with them everyday.”
“At my investiture, I told everyone that putting on a robe did not instantly make me smarter and didn’t mean that I had all of the right answers all of the time. I have certainly learned and grown over my time as judge.”
“Specifically, I have grown comfortable with the fact that not everyone will agree with every decision I make, but I have proven that I will put in the time and effort to make a fair decision based on the facts and law in that case.”
Judge Ewing says that he has found the position to be rewarding, despite its challenges.
“Regardless of the challenges, I have found being a judge to be extremely rewarding. To me, it’s the essence of public service. I get to help solve problems people cannot solve themselves.
Although you may not think of the position this way, I get to help people during low points in their lives, especially in this day and time when so many in our communities are drug-affected,” Ewing stated.
“Sometimes that help may be prison, but sometimes its rehab, treatment court, education, job-training, mental health treatment, or community service. I get the opportunity to show compassion and give second chances when warranted.
“However, I must also hold people accountable for bad choices and decisions and obviously there are some situations where the public interest requires that I impose serious and drastic consequences.”
While on the bench, in addition to starting the family treatment court, the teen court, and truancy and diversion programs, Judge Ewing has worked on juvenile justice issues at the state – level as a commissioner on the Juvenile Justice Commission.
Judge Ewing frequently presents on juvenile justice and abuse and neglect topics and was heavily involved in the efforts to develop a comprehensive process for determining juvenile competency to stand trial.
“From my time in office, I am excited about the growth of our adult drug court program and the creation of the family treatment court, the teen court, and the truancy and diversion programs, Ewing explained.
“The people leading these programs are dedicated, caring, and do amazing things. We have seen some successes in these programs. believe these programs are having a positive impact on this community. I welcome the opportunity to continue to work with these programs.”
