Melissa Calhoun speaks on running for Effingham County state court judge

EFFINGHAM, Ga. (WTOC) - The Georgia primary runoff is less than a week away.

Positions for tax commissioner and state court judge are on the table in Effingham County.

WTOC spoke with the final candidates in the running for state court judge.

Here’s what Melissa Calhoun said about why you should pick her.

Melissa Calhoun said she’s ready to step back into the courtroom as Effingham County’s state court judge.

She previously worked as the juvenile court judge for Effingham and Bulloch counties.

Calhoun said her experience in that position has prepared her to take on this new role.

“There are so many different factors. It’s kind of the whole wheel working together to make it run. And when you know how to do that, then it makes life much easier for the people coming in,” said Calhoun.

Calhoun has been presiding over children and teens since 2019.

Now, she says she’s ready to make a difference for even more people who have to come to court, especially those in Effingham County.

“It is probably the first instance people will have along in our community with the court system. And I think that we need to have a court system that, in State Court, that is respectful to people. Doesn’t give the lip service to it, but actually follows through and does that,” said Calhoun.

Calhoun said she joined the running for state court judge because she wants people to have trust in the court system again.

In order to do that, she said she’s focused on making sure the state court is run as both fair and efficient.

“One of the things that needs to be dealt with is we need to have some continuity. Sentencing should not be dependent upon the election cycle. What we need to do is find out what is right and what is fair,” said Calhoun.

Calhoun said she wants to work with all parties involved in the court system, like the solicitor general’s office, in order to make lasting and positive changes to the state court system.

She also said her 35 years of experience in the field has taught her not only how to think outside of the box to find solutions in court, but also how to help fix the larger justice system.

“Right now, I think that I’m the person that can bring those changes, positive changes, to Effingham County. And a different perspective,” said Calhoun.

That’s why Calhoun said she’s hopeful you’ll mark her on your ballot.

To read about Steve Yekel, Calhoun’s opponent, click here.