Two Kanawha Family Court judges face opposition in the non-partisan election this spring. We endorse the incumbents.
Sharon M. Mullens has been a family court judge since 2009. She has experience in civil rights law, representing children and low-income families. To that, she adds a patient and understanding temperament, essential to presiding over the emotional family custody, child support and other disputes that end up in the court.
Rob Montgomery has been on the court since 2002. He also has a background in family law and served as a family law master in the previous system.
County voters will elect five family court judges in all. Also on the ballot are unopposed candidates Kenneth Ballard, Lera K. VanMeter and R. Joseph “Joe” Zak.
Seven circuit court judges are also running with no oppostion: Jennifer F. Bailey, Louis H. “Duke” Bloom, Tod J. Kaufman, Charles E. King Jr., James C. Stucky, Joanna I. Tabit and Carrie Webster.
Early voting starts Wednesday, April 27.