Marshall County District Judge Hugh Flanagan today officially kicked off his campaign for District Judge of Marshall County.

“Ten months ago Governor Bentley asked me to serve as District Judge for Marshall County. Since then I have worked hard each day to render justice and make sure that everyone gets a fair hearing in my court,” stated Judge Flanagan.

“I have a conservative judicial philosophy and I believe that has been evident in my record as judge. It’s my job to strictly adhere to the law as it is written and not to legislate form the bench. That is what I have done. In many ways, I am like an umpire. I don’t make up the rules. I just call balls and strikes,” said Judge Flanagan. “As Judge I have tried to live up to the standard setby Judge William Jetton and Judge Liles Burke who resided over this same courtroom before me. It is a responsibility that I take very seriously. I hope voters will look at my record as judge and give me the opportunity to continue to serve them for the next six years.”

Arab attorney Clint Maze weighed in on the campaign, “Judge Flanagan has proven himself to be an excellent judge. He has very quickly earned the respect of the bar because he treats everyone who comes before his court fairly and rules according to the law,” stated Maze. “I know both gentlemen in this race, and respect them both, but I am supporting Judge Flanagan because of what I have seen firsthand of him as a judge. Judge Flanagan’s judicial experience makes him perfectly equipped to serve a full term,” concluded Maze.

When asked about the difference between himself and his opponent Judge Flanagan responded that experience was the difference. “I’ve often heard that you never know what type of judge a lawyer will be until they actually put on the robe and have to start making the hard decisions. I am the only candidate in this race with judicial experience. My record is clear. The people of Marshall County can look at my record and know what kind of judge I am,” responded Flanagan.

In November of 2011, Judge Flanagan established the Marshall County Volunteer Mediation Program. The Volunteer Mediation Program is aimed at improving the legal process for difficult child custody cases, by giving families an alternative to a traditional trial.

“Child custody cases are often very difficult for the families involved, especially the children. The Volunteer Mediation Program will give families another option through which to settle their disputes. Our hope is that through the optional mediation process, fewer families will be torn

apart and more children will be spared from the often adversarial and damaging process of a traditional custody trial,” stated Judge Flanagan.

Judge Hugh Flanagan was appointed Marshall County District Judge by Governor Robert Bentley on March 11, 2011. He earned his law degree and MBA from the University of Alabama. In addition to his courtroom responsibilities, Judge Flanagan is a member of Guntersville Rotary Club and the Guntersville Lions Club. Judge Flanagan also serves on the Board of Directors of Marshall County RSVP, a non-profit organization which pairs retired senior citizens with community service opportunities throughout Marshall County.

Judge Flanagan and his wife, Jessica, have two children: Conner and Carlyle Grace. They are active members at Guntersville First United Methodist Church, where he serves as an Usher and Jessica teaches Children’s Church.