BY DAVID BELL
FOR THE OBSERVER
LEE COUNTY — Auburn attorney Kris Patton is the lone Democratic candidate for District Judge of Lee County in the March 5 Presidential Primary election. Patton is seeking to replace Judge Russell Bush, who is retiring at the end of this year.
A native of Rogers, Arkansas, Patton earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hendricks College before obtaining her law degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She and her family moved to Auburn in 2014, when she joined the law firm Akridge and Balch P.C.
“My husband was working at the University of Arkansas and transferred to a similar position at Auburn University,” said Patton. “We immediately fell in love with this community and its people.”
Patton is a Department of Human Resources (DHR) attorney and a Deputy Attorney General. She is also licensed for the Middle District of Alabama in Federal Court.
“I have represented individuals from all walks of life in a variety of situations; from corporations and landlords to indigent families and as guardian ad litem for children.,” Patton said. “I understand the weight, concern and anxiety litigants carry when they walk into an unfamiliar building and put their case in the hands of a total stranger.”
Patton said she decided to run for District Judge because she felt she could bring versatility to the Lee County judicial system.
“Our court system is overrun with cases, and getting them to trial in a timely manner can be an issue,” said Patton. “Because I have a strong background in family and juvenile law, I offer flexibility to our local judicial system. I can handle a different type of caseload, which should help alleviate the backlog we are currently experiencing in other courtrooms.”
For example, because of their similarity, some cases in Circuit Court could also be heard in District Court. The transfer of cases between the two could be handled administratively without legislative action.
“I have already proposed this arrangement to several of the other court judges and they have been receptive to the idea,” added Patton.
“My whole life has been service-oriented, doing whatever I could to help those around me,” Patton continued. “The law has provided me the most practical path toward continuing that service on a broader scale.”
Patton described herself as fair-minded with a passion for justice, and, if elected, said she will bring understanding and compassion to the bench.
She and her husband have two children, and the family enjoys Auburn football, horse-back riding and boating. They are active members of Auburn United Methodist Church.
Patton will face the winner of the Republican Primary in the Nov. 5 General Election.