Boyd Patterson
Boyd Patterson, who served for a year and a half as the city's anti-gang czar, has picked up papers to run for Criminal Court judge in the election March 1.
Mr. Patterson was among three initial finalists for the vacancy created with the retirement of Judge Rebecca Stern in Division 2.
However, Governor Bill Haslam later called for three more names to be presented by a judicial selection panel.
He was given those names and still has not made a selection.
Officials said that if an appointment is not made by next Monday that the governor will then be free to name someone of his own choice - outside of the selection committee process.
District Attorney Neal Pinkston was earlier asked to take the job, but turned it down, it was stated.
Mr. Patterson has been a prosecutor for 12 years in the DA's office.
He said, "I am very interested in impacting public safety and in helping people turn their lives around who wish to do so.
"I am proud that I have stood up for victims in Hamilton County now for over a decade. I look forward to applying on the bench that experience and the knowledge I gained while working with the Gang Task Force.
He will be running in the Republican primary on March 1.
The person appointed to the judgeship by Judge Haslam will have a term that runs to early next year, then must run for election to stay in office.