Candidates for Louisiana appeals judge discuss their goals and qualifications
Two candidates are vying for a state appeals court seat in Tuesday's elections.
State Rep. Tanner Magee of Houma and Lafourche District Judge Stephen Miller of Thibodaux are competing for a seat on the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal.
The two Republicans are running for the Division D appeals court seat being vacated by Vanessa Guidry-Whipple of Houma, who plans to retire when her term expires Dec. 31.
The state appeals court, based in Baton Rouge, handles cases from 16 parishes, including Terrebonne and Lafourche. Its judges serve 10-year terms.
The race will appear on all ballots across Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. For sample ballots, polling place addresses and other election information, visit the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office website at GeauxVote.com.
Here are the appeals court candidates' answers to the Daily Comet and The Courier's campaign questionnaire. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
What special skills, schooling, training or experiences best qualify you for this judge seat?
Magee: I am the only candidate that has or had an appellate court practice. I’ve recently argued and practiced before the First Circuit, and I began my career doing appellate work. I’m a member of the Judicial College, which works on educating judges, and I’m a frequent guest speaker for lawyers and judges for their continuing-education classes on law updates. Finally, I’ve spent the last seven years writing the law. No candidate knows and understands current Louisiana law as well as I do.
Miller: I am in my eighth year as a state district court judge. Before this, I was a felony prosecutor for nearly 12 years. I have spent approximately 28 years as a lawyer or a judge. I believe my legal experience best qualifies me for the seat. In addition, I believe my 20-plus years of marriage to my wife, Ann, and raising kids together have helped develop the required temperament.
What makes you the best candidate for the position?
Magee: Experience aside, the best candidate has to have a passion and love for the law. The best candidate has to have the right temperament and love to read — all attributes that I’m proud of. I’m the only candidate that has written appellate writs, briefs and memoranda before the First Circuit in the last 10 years. This kind of appellate practice is at the heart of what First Circuit judges do.
Miller: My legal and judicial experience and my commitment to the rule of law. The court of appeal reviews the work of trial judges, and I am in my eighth year as a judge.
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If elected, what are your three top priorities and how will you accomplish them?
Magee: I will be a fair, impartial judge who applies the law as written to the facts. I will apply the law not as I want it to be but as it is. I will restore the reputation of the First Circuit as the heart of Louisiana’s legal opinions. But most of all I hope I carry on the tradition of Judge Whipple, who I seek to replace. She was a young lawyer when she ascended to the bench and turned into the longest-serving appellate court judge in Louisiana with a sterling reputation.
Miller: Work hard. Respect the law. Respect the litigants.
List two endeavors in which you have demonstrated leadership in the community.
Magee: After Hurricane Ida, I worked tirelessly to bring relief efforts both private and public to Terrebonne and Lafourche. Because of these efforts, the state of Louisiana and FEMA created the first ever in the history of the United States temporary housing program. Second, I’ve authored the two largest infrastructure packages in Louisiana’s history without raising taxes that will bring much-needed road construction to the region, including La. 1 elevation. These projects will ramp up economic activity, increase public safety and improve hurricane evacuation.
Miller: Initiated Family Preservation Court in Lafourche Parish.
List two volunteer efforts for which you are most proud. What was your involvement, and what was the end result?
Magee: I serve and have served on multiple boards in the parish from TARC to the hospital. Serving the public is something I enjoy from private service to public service.
Miller: Served on the Lafourche ARC Board, am a volunteer fireman with the Thibodaux Fire Department, volunteered as the Drug Court judge for Lafourche Parish.
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About the candidates
Tanner Magee
Age: 42.
Native of: Houma.
Resident of: Houma.
Party: Republican.
Current occupation: Attorney, speaker pro tempore of Louisiana House of Representatives.
Work history: Over a decade representing a variety of clients across the spectrum of legal practice.
Previous public offices: State representative for District 53, elected 2015.
Education: Law degree, master's in public administration, bachelor of science from LSU.
Church: St. Francis De Sales Cathedral in Houma.
Contact: 985-655-0240, tannermagee.net, tmagee1@gmail.com.
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Stephen M. Miller
Age: 55.
Native of: Lockport.
Resident of: Thibodaux.
Party: Republican.
Current occupation: Lafourche district court judge, elected 2014 and 2020.
Work history: Private attorney for over 20 years; felony prosecutor, assistant district attorney from 2003 to 2014.
Education: Law degree from Tulane, bachelor of science from LSU, graduate of Central Lafourche High.
Church: St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Thibodaux.
Contact: info@stevemillerjudge.com, judgestevenmiller.com.
This article originally appeared on Daily Comet: Q&A: Louisiana appeals judge candidates discuss goals, qualifications
