There are many attorneys seeking the Sessions Court judge seat, sadly, vacated by the passing of Judge Bob Moon. 

I wish to share why I believe Gary Starnes is the correct choice for the next Sessions Court judge.  Clearly, all sessions court judicial candidates possess a law degree and passed the bar exam, so what separates these candidates? For me, the answers are only two factors, 1) life decisions, and 2) professional accomplishments.  

Gary Starnes’ life decisions depict a person that is committed to family, and embraces professional independence coupled with a strong work ethic. It is his actions, rather than his words, that I judge as a voter. 

Gary Starnes graduated from Lookout Valley High, married his high school sweetheart, and graduated from UT Knoxville Law School.  Today, Gary Starnes and his wife of 30 years, Carol, his adult children and grandchild are solid, and demonstrate what life choices are all about. 

Professionally, Gary Starnes worked for a large firm to get his start, but chose another path that defined his truly independent nature and strong work ethic.  Clearly, the easy choice would have been for Gary Starnes to remain in the security of a large firm or employer.  Instead, in 1991, Gary Starnes started his own firm with three young children to support and worked diligently to meet the payroll and grow his business. 

Gary Starnes has extensive judicial and trial court experience, and has served as a judge in both Hamilton County Sessions Court and Chattanooga City Court. He is well known to the community for his work as a special judge in Sessions Court and City Court, trial experience, and a long history of volunteering in the community.  

The International Brotherhood of Police Officers endorsed Gary Starnes for Sessions Court judge by unanimous vote after hearing from candidates. The Chattanooga Firefighters Association also voted voted to endorse him. 

The Chattanoogan.com readers’ poll also voted Gary Starnes the winner in the entire field of candidates.  I have never seen such an energized campaign for a judicial candidate; his volunteer base is the hardest working group. 

I believe Gary Starnes’ broad support is based on the fact that he is is the most approachable and hardest working attorney we have ever known. What you see is what you get with this candidate. 

Please join us in electing Gary Starnes for Sessions Court judge on Aug. 2, integrity we can count on.