Farrell McKelvey Wright enjoyed being a judge for the 4th Judicial Circuit. That’s one reason why she’s chosen to run for the No. 3 Circuit Court judge position.

Wright served as a Circuit Court judge for 2 1/2 years in the 1980’s and as the Wilcox County District Court judge for five years before that. Wright has experience with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, has worked with the Administrative Office of Courts, taught juvenile justice at Auburn University at Montgomery and worked on the governor’s special commission on child welfare services. &uot;I always stayed really involved with what the judicial system was doing,&uot; Wright said.

Wright said that she believed everyone should be treated fairly. &uot;People need their cases heard promptly and dealt with,&uot; Wright said. &uot;Sometimes justice delayed doesn’t feel like justice.&uot;

Wright addressed the crime issue at her declaration and noted that a judge could affect it both on the bench and in the community. &uot;I think judges should give appropriate sentences,&uot; Wright said. &uot;They shouldn’t just look at the crime, but also the circumstances. Giving strong sentences sends a message to the community that I care about it.&uot;

A judge can’t solve the crime problem by himself, but must instead work with members of law enforcement and citizens. &uot;In the community, all citizens must make their voices heard though elections and through letters to their representatives.&uot;

Wright noted that solutions to crime aren’t always found in the courtroom. A Circuit Court judge must ensure that juvenile programs exist. &uot;As a judge, I spoke to civic organizations and schools,&uot; Wright said. &uot;I explained the court system, penalties for crime, and I encouraged good behavior. I think that goes a long way in stopping crime.&uot;

According to Wright, the circuit needed counseling, drug, alcohol and gambling programs. &uot;That’s something that’s become more of a problem since I left the bench,&uot; Wright said of gambling. &uot;I’m a big believer in community and church participation.&uot;

Wright said that if elected, she would work with leaders in the circuit and determine what programs are functioning, where gaps exist and what needed improvement. &uot;In criminal court, people say that they’ll pay restitution, or whatever, but then they walk away and we don’t know if they have a job or can get a job,&uot; Wright said. &uot;We’re not really helping them. By telling them to just not break more laws, we’re not helping.&uot;

Wright added, though, that programs weren’t for everyone. A judge must determine who could be aided by a program, and who needed to be incarcerated. &uot;A judge needs to address the crime and remember the victim,&uot; Wright said.

Wright said she wanted the circuit’s future to be positive – another reason she was running for office. &uot;We shouldn’t expect things to get better if we’re not working toward it,&uot; she said. &uot;I want victims to be protected, and I don’t want them to think the court is ignoring them.&uot;

According to Wright, a Circuit Court judge ensures the speed a court docket moves. &uot;I think I can do a lot to ensure that happens,&uot; Wright said. &uot;A judge has a large say on how often dockets are set.&uot;

Wright was born and raised in Camden. She currently lives in the Possum Bend community. She teaches government, civics and history at Wilcox Academy in Camden.

Wright gained her bachelor’s degree in history from Auburn University and her juris doctorate from the Cumberland School of law at Samford University.

She has two sons – Andrew, 15, and James, 13.

Circuit Court Judge Marvin Wiggins is the incumbent for Place No. 3.