6th District Judge

Editor’s note: 6th District judge is a nonpartisan elected position. Candidate profiles have been edited only for spelling, grammar and punctuation, and otherwise appear as submitted.

ADDRESS 100 E. Second St., Owensboro, KY 42303

EDUCATION B.A. in political science, Kentucky Wesleyan College; Juris Doctorate from Northern Kentucky University

OCCUPATION 6th District Court judge (March 4, 2020-present)

ELECTED OFFICES HELD Appointed 6th District Court judge by Gov. Beshear on March 4, 2020

MISTY MILLER

What characteristics are needed to be a successful District judge?

District judges need a sense of fairness, compassion, work ethic, the ability to think creatively and adaptability for many types of cases.

Are there ways to make the District Court process more efficient?

Scheduling that avoids having participants in court all at the same time would improve the process and is a post-pandemic objective. We can also benefit from continuing online court appearances where possible.

How has your experience prepared you to be a District judge?

Before taking the bench in March, I served almost 14 years as an assistant county attorney, working in virtually every area of District Court, with an eye toward the position of District judge. I have prepared for this position and can’t imagine doing this job without that experience. I was very familiar with District Court and was able to hit the ground running. Having served the past seven months as District judge, I’m not only qualified; I now have firsthand experience as a District judge.

How would you work with residents who are unfamiliar with District Court, to ensure their needs are met?

Appearing before a judge can be intimidating for some people. Listening to them and walking them through the process typically proves very helpful, particularly now when court processes, like so many things, have been disrupted. Being understanding and creative when dealing with their cases is also essential. I find many people just want to be heard. I do that.

ADDRESS

418 Locust Court,

J. NICK PAYNE

What characteristics are needed to be a successful District judge?

A judge should always know and follow the law, but a great judge allows compassion into their rulings and knows that everyone deserves respect. A judge must be fair, open and humble when exercising this tremendous responsibility.

Are there ways to make the District Court process more efficient?

There is no shortcut to justice. Every case is significant to someone. While conducting court efficiently is important, that case still deserves the full attention of a judge willing to know its details. By maintaining a familiarity with placement and treatment options, available technologies, and with programs like Rocket Docket, I would be able to make court more efficient and effective.

How has your experience prepared you to be a District judge?

Practicing since 1999, I have the legal knowledge for the job. One of the reasons I am running for judge is, as a prosecutor, I have seen the increase in addiction and domestic and youthful violence cases in our community. District Court is the front line for safer for my family and yours.

How would you work with residents who are unfamiliar with District Court, to ensure their needs are met?

For many, District Court is their first and only experience in court. They are unfamiliar with procedures, options, and even rights. A judge must explain rulings and applicable law clearly. No one should leave court overwhelmed or disenfranchised.

DATE OF BIRTH Jan. 30, 1974

intervention in these cases. My legal and life experience will help make this community Owensboro, KY 42301

EDUCATION Owensboro Catholic High School (1992); B.S. in economics, B.A. in government, Centre College (1996); Juris Doctorate, University of Kentucky College of Law (1999)

OCCUPATION Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, 6th Circuit (2002-present)

ELECTED OFFICES HELD None

SPOUSE/PARTNER & CHILDREN Wife Whitney Adamson Payne; children Madeline and Silas