Judge Tom Greenholtz Launches Campaign To Keep Division II, Criminal Court Seat

  • Monday, October 12, 2015
Criminal Court Judge Tom Greenholtz on Monday announced the launch of his campaign following his appointment by Governor Bill Haslam to fill the vacancy created by retiring Judge Rebecca Stern.

Judge Greenholtz said, “Having earned the trust of the governor, I now work to earn the trust of the citizens of Hamilton County. The safety of our community and its property is the priority of this Court’s work.  Guarding our fundamental Constitutional values and the equitable application of the law, I will place a strong emphasis on addressing the causes of crime with work in and outside the courtroom.”  

Governor Haslam appointed Judge Greenholtz to the bench after his Council on Judicial Appointments recommended him and two others from a field of 11 applicants.  The months-long process to fill the vacancy involved an extensive application and interview process with the Governor’s Council, completion of a TBI security background check, and in-person meetings with Governor Haslam and his staff.

In making this appointment, Governor Haslam noted, “I am pleased to appoint Tom Greenholtz to this important position. His background, experience and involvement in the community all help qualify him, and the 11th Judicial District [which includes Hamilton County] will benefit from his service on the bench."

Leading the campaign committee, Elect Judge Tom Greenholtz, will be Campaign Chair Mickey Barker, who is the retired Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court, and Campaign Treasurer Fred Decosimo of the accounting firm, Elliot Davis Decosimo.

Justice Barker said, “Tom and I have been colleagues across the years.  He worked as my law clerk on the Tennessee Supreme Court.  He has also taught constitutional law at UTC for more than a decade, and he has led in addressing issues with our at-risk youth both in our community and professionally within the courtroom. Hamilton County deserves such talent and commitment serving to protect its citizens in the role of Criminal Court judge.”

His campaign said, "For the last decade, Judge Greenholtz practiced in the firm Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, one of Chattanooga’s most established firms. He has made his career handling highly complex criminal and civil cases, jury trials, and appeals. He is experienced in advising and representing clients in areas of municipal and government law; business, commercial and banking litigation; employment law; and antitrust compliance.

"Judge Greenholtz has a strong commitment to community service, and he has served with several organizations dedicated to helping at-risk children, individuals, and families.  He has served as board chairperson of Chambliss Center for Children, and he presently serves as the President of the Orange Grove Center board.   Judge Greenholtz also volunteers with the United Way of Greater Chattanooga and is a member of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga."

Judge Greenholtz said, “My pledge to the citizens of Hamilton County is that I will be fair and firm in accordance with the rule of law, while ensuring compassion and understanding in appropriate cases. The victim, the accused and our entire community will find that their criminal courts reflect the integrity demanded to see that justice is accomplished.”

Judge Stern won re-election in August 2014 prior to her February retirement announcement, requiring a gubernatorial appointment to fill the vacancy, followed by the special election set to appear on the March 1 primary ballot.  Early voting in Hamilton County is set to begin Wednesday, Feb. 10.

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