Meet Lynda Jones, candidate for Davidson County General Sessions Judge, Division IX

David Plazas, Nashville Tennessean
·3 min read

The Tennessean Editorial Board asked candidates first surveyed Nashville School Board candidates for the Davidson County primary on May 3. The winners of the partisan contests and the independents are now competing in the Aug. 4 county general election. Early voting started on July 15.

More: Learn about candidates running in the Aug. 4 Tennessee primary election | Editorial

Biographical Information

  • Name: Lynda Jones

  • Age: 57

  • City or town: Nashville

  • Education: University of Tennessee at Knoxville Communications with honors , 1986 and JD from University of Memphis , 1989

  • Job history: Private law practice for 23 years , 8 years as a judge

  • Family: Widowed with one child

Lynda Jones, candidate for Davidson County General Sessions Judge, District IX
Lynda Jones, candidate for Davidson County General Sessions Judge, District IX

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10 questions for the candidate

Which office are you running for?

General Sessions Judge, Division IX

Why are you running for this office?

I love my job and wish to serve another 8 years if voters will allow me to do so.

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What makes you qualified to hold this office and better qualified than your opponent(s)?

30 years as a licensed attorney and 8 years of experience on the bench hearing thousands of cases. Serving as the president of the statewide association of Judges and District 6 director of National Association of Women Judges, crafting policy for the state, reforming bail best practices, solving problems in criminal justice such as creation of a court for those people temporarily experiencing homelessness.

If you are elected (or re-elected), what are your top 2 to 3 priorities for your new (or next) term in office?

To continue collaboration and working on solutions to improve the justice system.

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What are you hearing most from voters about what they want you to accomplish, if elected?

To be fair, to be mindful of those experiencing poverty, to be aware of racial injustice

What about your specific legal experience makes you a qualified candidate for this judicial position?

My 23 years experience representing the working poor and small business prior to joining the bench, my compassion and empathy, my nonprofit work , my trial skills, and the confidence of my colleagues in selecting me to lead them both locally, statewide and nationwide.

What do you believe are the most important qualities that a judge or judicial candidate must bring to the bench?

Empathy and knowledge of the law.

What else do you want voters to know about you that will help them make an informed decision on election day?

I have devoted my entire life to the study of law and service to others . It is my passion. The recent death of my husband unexpectedly enriched my life and gave me a depth of clarity that is difficult to put into words.

For all candidates: A "fun" question: When visitors ask you, "What should I do in Nashville?" what are the top 2 or 3 things or places you recommend?

Visit House of Cards or Fifth and Broadway for a meal, see the NMAAM. Catch a game of pro soccer, football or minor league baseball and visit the women's suffrage monument (at Centennial Park) or suffrage library exhibit (Downtown branch of the Nashville Public Library). Not necessarily in that order.

Will you commit to being civil in how you present yourself and the way you interact with opponents and others? (Our definition of civility is being a good, active, honest and respectable citizen)

Yes

Call Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas at (615) 259-8063, email him at dplazas@tennessean.com or tweet to him at @davidplazas.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville Aug. 4 election: Lynda Jones, candidate, Gen. Sessions Judge