South Georgia Superior Court candidates urge voters to come out for runoff

ALBANY — With less than two weeks left before the July 26 runoff election in which voters in the South Georgia Judicial Circuit will decide who will replace retiring South Georgia Superior Court Judge A. Wallace Cato, candidates Heather Lanier and Ryan Cleveland both say they hope voters understand the importance of the election.

The two candidates enter the runoff following a close May 24 primary election in which they edged out a third challenger, Mike Bankston. Cleveland led the way in that race taking 34.8 percent of the vote, slightly higher than the 34.5 percent captured by Lanier. Bankston was eliminated after receiving 30.6 percent of the vote.

Although Cleveland and Lanier had strong enough showings during the primaries to make the runoff, both candidates understand that it will be difficult to count on all 11,783 voters who came out on May 24 to return to the polls two months later.

In discussing the upcoming runoff each of the two candidates shared their concerns about potentially low voter turnout in Baker, Mitchell, Decatur, Calhoun and Grady counties, and said rallying voters to the polls is an important part of their campaign strategies.

“Based on history, there’s going to be a drop-off in the numbers (of voters), but my job is to let people know how serious this race is,” Cleveland said. “Superior Court, maybe more than any other court, touches people’s lives in many ways. From family court, to domestic law, to criminal proceedings, it affects so many people.”

Lanier agreed saying a large part of her strategy is appealing to the voters in those counties, many of whom, with the exception of those in Calhoun County, who also have to vote in a Coroner’s office runoff, would be voting only in the judge’s race.

“Superior Court touches so many aspects of people’s lives,” said Lanier. “From the criminal prosecution aspect and ensuring people’s rights are protected, to dealing with contract issues, divorces and child custody hearings. It’s a wide range of areas that a Superior Court judge touches that impact a citizen’s life. It’s a very important office.”

Although both candidates are focusing on voter turnout, convincing voters they are the more qualified candidate for the job is still the most important aspect of their respective campaigns.

Cleveland, who relocated to Georgia in 2001 and to Decatur County in 2005 after spending time in Washington, D.C., said he believes it’s the experience he would bring to the bench that sets him apart from his competitor.

“I’m pleased with who my opponent is,” said Cleveland. “I think now there’s a distinguishing factor in terms of experience. I’m the one in the game that can say that I’ve got a wide variety of experience under my belt, and all of it in this circuit.”

During his time in Southern Georgia, Cleveland has served as the city solicitor in Bainbridge, Decatur County solicitor general, a position he gave up to run for the Superior Court judgeship, and in private practice.

Cleveland said he has served as both a prosecutor and as defense council on a variety of criminal cases, and also has experience with civil cases, adoptions, family law and estate planning.

“I think I have well-rounded experience,” he said. “I have the experience to understand that a judge needs to look at the facts and be dispassionate and rule by the law. So it really comes down to experience. I’d be able to take the bench day one.”

Lanier, who currently serves as Dougherty County Judicial Circuit deputy district attorney, also brings a wealth of experience to the table, having prosecuted all levels and types of crimes including those in Juvenile Court and State Court, domestic violence, driving under the influence, theft, traffic offenses and homicide. A lot of that experience also came in the South Georgia Judicial Circuit, where she formerly served as a senior assistant district attorney.

“I think I can bring varied experience to the office,” said Lanier. “I have far more courtroom experience than my opponent.”

In addition to her experience, Lanier also has influential people in her corner, as both present Dougherty County District Attorney Greg Edwards and past Dougherty County DA Ken Hodges have publicly announced their support for her candidacy.

“I am very honored to have the support of two dedicated public servants like Mr. Hodges and Mr. Edwards,” Lanier said after their endorsements. “I’ve had the good fortune of learning from both of them and putting those skills in practice, and I hope to be able to do so as the next judge in the South Georgia Judicial Circuit.”

Although Cleveland said he’s privately received support from influential supporters in the region, nothing has been done publicly, which is something he said is part of his campaign strategy.

“I do plan on doing a series of spots of everyday men and women coming out for me, ” said Cleveland. “I think keeping the appearance that I’m not beholden to anyone is important. I think I’ve kept that to a minimum. I’m for everyone. I’m not just for law enforcement, I’m not just for any one group. I stand for the common, everyday person that is affected by this court.”

Lanier also touts a strong connection to the citizens of the circuit, pointing out that she believes her lifelong connection to South Georgia will inform her ability to serve. In fact, she said her being from the district is one of the things that will sway those who supported Bankston in the primary to vote for her later this month.

“I think some of the things that drew (his supporters) to him we have in common,” said Lanier. “Things like our courtroom experience, being from South Georgia, going to Georgia schools, those are some of the things I’ve highlighted. I am South Georgia born and raised, unlike my opponent. I was born in the circuit, grew up in the circuit, live in the circuit. I’ve practiced in the circuit, I own a business in the circuit, run a farm in the circuit. I’m personally invested in the success and well-being of my home community.”