I, John Mark Mitchell, am formally announcing my candidacy for re-election as your Justice Court Judge, Southwest District.

I ask you to consider my record of 20 years public service before casting your ballot in the 2007 election. I am 50 years old. I am a native and life-long resident of Pearl River County. I am the son of the late Roland Albert and Mary Ellen Bible Mitchell. I am married to the former Cindy Cagle, a native of the Nicholson community. I have one son, John Albert, married to the former Ashley Penton. I have two daughters, Samantha and Erin. I also have two grandsons, John Carson and James Ira. I am a member of New Palestine Baptist Church.

I am proud to say that I have had the privilege of serving the people in southwest Pearl River County as your Constable from 1987 until 1997. In a special election held in 1997, you elected me as your Justice Court Judge. In 2005, the City of Picayune appointed me as Pro Tempore Municipal Judge. As well as being your Justice Court Judge, I am currently employed as the Deputy Chief with the Picayune Fire Department. I have striven to provide the citizens in my district professional and courteous service during my time in office. I have been elected to serve five consecutive terms by the voters in Pearl River County, Southwest District.

As your Justice Court Judge, I will continue to serve the citizens in a professional, courteous and impartial manner. This is my solemn promise.

In considering my qualifications, I would like to point out that I have continued to upgrade my education and training since being first elected to serve you in 1987. For four years, I served on the Governor’s Board of Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training. I have completed the course in basic law enforcement at the University of Southern Mississippi and the training program at the University of Mississippi Law Center. Prior to my election to public office, I was involved in local law enforcement for more than 10 years. I have received numerous awards and certifications during my career. In 1998, I completed my Statutory Training at the University of Mississippi Judicial College for Judges. I also received National Certification through the National Judicial College and the Mississippi Judicial College.

To the natives of Pearl River County, let me say that serving you has been and continues to be an honor. I would like to welcome all of the new residents of Pearl River County, Southwest District, and ask for your support. I have dedicated my life to serving the citizens of Pearl River County. I ask you to give me your support and your vote. Please vote for me, John Mark Mitchell, in the 2007 election. As I said 20 years ago, before you first elected me, “I won’t let you down.”