I first met Tom Greenholtz in 1995 when he was student of mine in a constitutional law course that I taught at UTC as an adjunct. Tom was an outstanding student, and I encouraged him to continue his legal education at the University of Tennessee College of Law. Tom graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1999, summa cum laude. He was executive editor of the Tennessee Law Review, and was selected for membership in the Order of Coif, the highest academic honor a law student can achieve. Upon his graduation from law school, I employed him as one of my two law clerks. At that time I was serving as a member of the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Tom worked for me for three years and proved to be one of the finest law clerks I ever had in my years as an appellate judge. His legal writing was superb, his analytical skills amazing, and his temperament and collegiality excellent. Tom left my office to go into private practice in 2002.
When I retired as Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court in September 2008, I joined the law firm of Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel. Interestingly, Tom was a member of the firm at that time and his office was three doors down from mine. I have seen him almost every day and have kept up with his legal career through the years. I can think of no better person suited by temperament, education, maturity of judgment and knowledge of law to serve as criminal court judge. Judge Tom Greenholtz is "the real deal".
Since Governor Haslam appointed him to the Court in September 2015, Judge Greenholtz is already being recognized as a top flight jurist. He is an outstanding civil servant and will apply the law firmly but fairly.
I encourage his election on March 1 without reservation.
William M. "Mickey" Barker
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I was sitting at home and the doorbell rang. I opened the door and this attractive lady said my husband Tom Greenholtz is running for Criminal Court judge and we would appreciate your vote.
"Any candidate that is endorsed by former State Supreme Court Chief Justice Mickey Barker has our vote ," I responded. Vote for Judge Greenholtz in the March primary.
Douglas Jones
Ooltewah
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Interestingly, I first became acquainted with Tom Greenholtz as an adversary as he argued a legal case before Chancery Court and the Tennessee State Appeals Court. After my election to the Chattanooga City Council I had opportunity to research, tour and then support the Chambliss Center for Children; it was then I became reacquainted with Tom during his term of service as chairman of the Chambliss Center for Children Board. Later, I worked with Attorney Greenholtz during mediation efforts to settle lawsuits against the city of Chattanooga. Thus, my conversations with now Judge Greenholtz have been varied: professional, personal and casual.
Tom and I have discussed our shared passion for community service, especially with those who are disadvantaged. Serving in public office requires a commitment of time and effort in one’s elected position.
One way a voter can discern an office-seeker or office-holder is to observe the record of community service over and above the typical, anticipated activities of the office he or she seeks.
I believe Judge Tom Greenholtz was selected to fill the vacancy in Criminal Court not only based on his excellent legal abilities, but also his devotion to his community through service at the Orange Grove Center and the Chambliss Center for Children. Yes, being a good judge requires judicial temperament and legal skill. But, our community’s economic development is at risk if our crime is not minimized which involves addressing our at-risk youth and underlying causes of criminal behavior. The Criminal Court must have a public servant who clearly understands that connection is more than just hearing cases and sentencing criminals.
I am honored to endorse Judge Tom Greenholtz for Criminal Court judge. He has already proven his abilities during the past few months on the bench. He is certainly qualified to serve in the courtroom and has proven to be equally committed to service beyond the court bench. Join me in voting for Tom Greenholtz.
Larry Grohn
Chattanooga City Council