I, Joel McCormick, life-long resident of Dade County, announce my candidacy for re-election to the office of Chief Magistrate.

I am the son of Mr. and Mrs. B.C. (Mac) McCormick of Rising Fawn. I am married to June Forester of New Salem. We have two children, Carter and Canaan.

I would appreciate your vote and support in the upcoming election as it has been a privilege, as well as an honor, to have served the citizens of Dade County during the past term.

The trademarks of my tenure as Magistrate Court Judge are efficiency and fairness. My philosophy is to treat everyone the same and give them a fair hearing.

The Magistrate Court is open to the public, with or without an attorney. The court handles misdemeanor criminal and civil claims up to $15,000.

My main goal when taking office was to make the Magistrate office a place that was open, informative, helpful and user friendly for the citizens and businesses of Dade County. I think along with the help of assistant Magistrate Judge Charles Morgan, we have succeeded in doing that.

The implementation of a new computer program has streamlined the office making it more responsive to residents, and bringing Dade up–to–date with other counties across the state. In 2011 alone, the Magistrate Office collected $80,913.87 on behalf of the residents and businesses of Dade County.

I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Dade County and respectfully ask again for your continued support and vote on July 31, 2012.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at (706) 657-4113.