From left, Hamilton County Administrator of Elections Kerry Steelman, Judge D. Marty Lasley and his wife, Kelly Lasley.
Soddy Daisy City Court Judge Marty Lasley filed his qualifying papers to run for re-election on Monday. No one else has picked up papers for this race.
Judge Lasley said, “Almost two years ago, the citizens and voters of Soddy Daisy entrusted me with the position during the August 2012 election to fill the remaining two years of Judge Norton’s eight-year term.
"From the day I was sworn in to office, I found the Soddy Daisy City Court to have been run well, which is a tribute to former Judge David Norton. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve.
"During the last 17 months, I have continued to run Soddy Daisy City Court efficiently, effectively, orderly and justly. Much of our success is due to the very best city court clerk in Tennessee, Ms. Lena Curtis, the rest of city of Soddy Daisy staff and the court officers.
"Further, I’ve had the cooperation, support and encouragement of all of Soddy Daisy’s elected and appointed officials. I pledge to do my part to continue the stable and good government our town has enjoyed.
"Finally, I’ve observed, and the court has benefited from, the high level of professionalism from the Soddy Daisy police officers. I believe our community would also be proud of the depth of compassion and concern for those the police officers serve, and those they arrest.
"The Soddy Daisy City Court Judge position is a serious office with great responsibilities. I pledge my very best efforts to continue to be fair, impartial, respectful and courteous to everyone who appears before our court.
"I also pledge to address some concerns that anyone who observes our court on a weekly basis would have. We have too many ensnared by drugs. We have too many high school dropouts. And we have too many with few or no life skills.
"A criminal court must first address justice for the crimes committed and protect the safety of the community, but I promise to try to provide encouragement and resources for anyone who truly desires to make a new start.
"I am asking the citizens and voters of the city of Soddy Daisy for the privilege of serving a full eight-year term by re-electing me in August.”
Judge Lasley is currently running unopposed and he will be on the ballot Thursday, Aug. 7.