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Brief Bio about yourself

Judge Pat Hess, Juvenile Judge for fourteen years, seeks re-election. She graduated with honors from UTK with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a law degree. Before law school, she taught high school. Hess has trained other judges and professionals for the National Council of Juvenile Judges, the State of Georgia, and various Tennessee agencies. Hess has been selected by the Administrative Office of the Courts, Tennessee State University, the Department of Education to serve with various projects regarding children. Judge Hess received YWCA’s Tribute to Women Award for Excellence in Government/Law. Numerous Anderson County programs, including CASA, VORP, and Visitation Mediation owe their start in part to Hess’ efforts.

Why are you running for office?

Four challengers accompany the salary increase that will start next term. Unlike my opponents, this judgeship is neither a political stepping stone nor about money. In fact, I was the only person to publicly announce that I would run for Juvenile Court Judge before Commission approved the salary increase. The others’ silence at that time speaks volumes.

I run for re-election to assure the best for our children.

I run for Baby Doe, the baby abandoned at a local church, needing medical attention. I saw Baby Doe last week, happily babbling in the arms of new parents.

I run for Amanda, a four-year-old found roaming the streets. She proudly showed officers her skill in opening cans and caring for her baby brother. Mom was passed out. The only cooking in the house was meth. A CASA assured that Amanda and her brother did not spend long in foster care.

I run for Jake, whose back shows permanent scarring from repeated strikes with a whip. Jake’s soul, however, bears the deepest scars.

I run for Danny, who was caught drag racing and Steve, who bashed mailboxes. They were showing off. But coming to court opened their eyes. Danny hadn’t considered the loss of his license. Through the Victim Offender Mediation Program, Steve faced his victims and put up new mailboxes. Neither youth will re-offend.

I run for Kim, who decided at sixteen to report her uncle’s weekly rapes despite anger from relatives for revealing the family secret. She now dreams of being a psychologist to help others.

I run for Walter, who has a dream and God-given talent but won’t make it unless he breaks free from the cycle of criminal activity of friends and relatives.

While names were changed, this is a sampling of the stories of young people I meet as your Juvenile Judge. I run for re-election to work for good endings to these stories.

Please state your three top priorities.

1) To make the best and correct decision in each child’s case, upholding the principles of honesty, faithfulness, impartiality, and respect for all persons before the court.

2) To work hard with others to speak up for children and to promote positive change.

3) To constantly improve both the quality and efficiency of Court services consistently with national standards.

What are the most important functions of Juvenile Court?

The most important function of Juvenile Court is to do what’s right for the child before the Court at that moment. I strive for the best and correct decision in each case.

Another important function of the Juvenile Court is to work hard with others to speak up for children and to promote positive change.

A final crucial function is to constantly improve both the quality and efficiency of court services. We take our responsibility as good stewards of your tax dollar seriously.

What is your philosophy on how to best handle juveniles with multiple felony arrests?

Based on my eighteen years experience in Juvenile Court, youth offenders must face accountability and graduated sanctions to prevent them from becoming adult offenders. This nationally recognized approach of toughening consequences sends a clear message to repeat offenders.

On all juvenile justice and criminal issues, experience sets me apart from my challengers. My opponents have either no experience with juvenile offenders or only token experience. The upcoming term presents exciting opportunities in Juvenile Court because all candidates for D.A. express a renewed interest in Juvenile Court. I am the judicial candidate most capable of seizing that opportunity.

What makes you the best choice for the office?

18 years in Juvenile Court means that I know what works to protect children, hold offending youth accountable, and strengthen families. I work hard with others for positive change, as shown by my track record in our community with VORP, CASA, and visitation mediation. My efforts to speak up for children extend from individual cases to state and national efforts. In contrast to my four challengers who have only token or spotty experience, I have vast knowledge and experience in all areas addressed in Juvenile Court.