Meet Steve Townsend candidate for Georgia House District 8
Election, Election 2020 May 14, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – With the Georgia Primary less than a month away, Steve Townsend (R) hopes his message of principled politics, religious freedom, and small business liberties win over voters in Ga-8.
Townsend entered the race in the eleventh hour. He just made the Friday deadline on March 6 because he was only approached about running on Thursday, March 5.
Conceding, he didn’t have a lot of time to think about the prospect of becoming a representative. Townsend started making phone calls and praying about it.
“People kept saying go for it,” said Townsend. “The Lord began to confirm over and over to run this race.”
One of the calls he made was to current District 8 Rep. Matt Gurtler who Townsend considers to be a good friend. Gurtler encouraged him to enter along with several other Rabun Republicans. However, Gurtler hasn’t endorsed Townsend at this point.
According to Townsend, the rest of District 8 has responded with enthusiasm to his bid even though no one can meet because of the coronavirus shutdowns. Social distancing presents unique problems to all those seeking office in 2020, but Townsend believes people are beginning to resonate with his message.
One could feel the animation in his voice when he spoke about representing the “good old, rugged individuals” found in the North Georgia mountains and his plans for the area.
The biggest issue facing Union, Rabun, Towns, and White is the economy. Townsend commended former Gov. Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal for incentivizing Georgia for businesses but believes more actions could be taken to make small businesses more lucrative. Namely, eliminate the state income tax to put more money back in Georgian’s pockets. Sales tax would be used in place of the income tax. People would only be taxed on what they spend.
“If people have money in their pocket, they still spend it,” explained Townsend. “People would still put [money] in the economy if we eliminated income tax.”
Townsend believes that Georgians and Americans, in general, are taxed too much and only 40 to 50 cents of every dollar ends up in a person’s personal bank account. He also spoke about providing tax relief to retirees who live on a set income and many of whom live in the mountains. As a country, Americans need to “cut down the appetite of the government,” and tax reform is how Townsend wants to accomplish it.
Also, now that Georgia’s slowly returning to normal, he said now is a good time to find new opportunities for the mountains. Up here, people can spread out and take advantage of all the space safely.
Additionally, during the times of “cancel culture,” when individuals and businesses are bullied for voicing differing opinions, Townsends wants all businesses to have the right to operate according to the owner’s belief systems. Yes, he means if a gay couple requests a cake with sayings on it that contradict the baker’s beliefs, then the baker can refuse to fill their order.
“Good, conservative business owners have the right to stick to their beliefs,” affirmed Townsend. He brought up the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which grants owners the protection to operate according to their “conscience and deeply held religious beliefs without fear of attack or repercussion.”
Another principle that Townsend doesn’t believe will win him any favor with Georgia House Speaker David Ralston is his support of HB 982 or Hailie’s Amendment. The bill would change the legislative leave clause and eliminate trial continuances for sexual and violent crimes.
As the interview progressed, it became apparent that Townsend doesn’t necessarily approve of everything Ralston does in the General Assembly.
When questioned about his ability to work with Ralston, he said, “I’ll work with him; I’ll work with anybody. I’m a preacher I’m used to working with people, but would he be willing to work with me?”
Townsend also suggested that the group of Stan Gunter supporters in Rabun County are also Ralston supporters and that the speaker would like for Gunter to win the race. Gurtler expressed a similar line of reasoning before he decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives District 9.
However, Gurtler earned the reputation of “Dr. No” because he often wouldn’t compromise with his fellow legislators to move agendas forward.
When pressed if Townsend would continue this tradition of no votes, he conceded that District 8 shouldn’t suffer because of political squabbles.
“I would represent the whole Eighth District not just my own personal agenda,” he said. However, if he felt something was morally wrong or sent Georgia into debt, he would be compelled to vote against it.
Townsend agrees with the job President Trump as done so far even if Trump wasn’t his first choice in the primary. Trump keeps his promises, which you don’t see from politicians expounded Townsend.
As for Townsend’s background, he moved to Clayton, Ga on Jan. 1, 2001, and served as a preacher for 14 years. After resigning he thought he would go to another church, but he ended up at Write Your Congressman, an organization dedicated to informing elected officials on the opinions of their constituents. He and his wife have five children, three daughters and two sons.
Townsend with family minus the eldest daughter.
The Georgia Primary takes place on Tuesday, June 9. Please find out from your local election office about any special protocols in place due to COVID-19.
Read our interview with the other District 8 Stan Gunter, here.
Candidates make their case at Union GOP meeting
Election, Election 2020, Politics February 18, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Several Republican candidates spoke to Union County GOP members in hopes of gaining their vote in the upcoming 2020 primary.
Judge Stan Gunter, now running unopposed for State House District 8, stated that he didn’t want to take anything for granted. He has heard rumors of a Democrat entering the race.
Gunter also confirmed that neither Rep. Matt Gurtler nor organizations representing the current Rep. contacted him before entering the District 9 race. “[I assume] they’ll find someone,” he said.
The Former Chief Superior Court Judge addressed his vision for District 8.
Gunter at his retirement party from the Enotah Judicial Circuit Superior Court.
“Georgia has been the number one state for business for the last seven years. So, we’ve got a good climate. We have a lot of good tourism up this way. I’d like to see growth continue, but controlled growth. I’ve been in Gwinnett County when it was going crazy. We don’t want that,” advocated Gunter.
Gunter also spoke in favor of strong public schools but believed people should have the option to educate their children in the way they see fit. His other positions included pro-Second Amendment, pro-life, as well as to an extent Constitutional carry (open carry).
“I have some questions mainly with law enforcement about how it would be treated. I know it’s in several states, and it seems to work fine. But, I do have some questions about it. I would say some limitations would be a private business, even like Walmart. If they don’t want you to open carry in there, they have the right to do that. I also have concerns about having guns where it’s dangerous to have them like a courtroom,” explained Gunter.
State Senator John Wilkinson for Congressional District 9
State Senator John Wilkinson discussed his candidacy for the open District 9 seat, and when asked why he wanted to go to Washington D.C, he said he wanted to “try.” In other words, Wilkinson expressed a desire to change D.C.’s culture through relationships and returning to limited government.
“When I look at America, if you look at the history of our country, I think about my dad. When he was nine years old, he moved to the farm where I live in 1936. He moved into a house that had no insulation, no heat, no air condition and they just had to struggle to get by working at the sawmill. He went to school. He was elected School Superintendent. He provided [us] with a better life. We had a much easier life than my dad had growing up. Every generation of Americans has had a better lifestyle than the generation before. I’ve got those five grandkids. I think it’s going to be a challenge for them to say they grew up in an America better than my dad grew up in. I want this to be a better America for my grandkids,” Wilkinson explained to the room.
Courtesy of Wilkinson campaign.
Wilkinson understood that while he’s just one person, but he believed that through relationships and striving to make that difference, something could be done.
Additionally, he stated closer you can keep the government to the people the better. The government should be limited like in the Constitution.
The first bill Wilkinson introduced was to repeal other bills that he felt hindered Georgia’s progress. “I don’t think we need any more bills or regulation in Georgia.”
When asked about eliminating the Department of Education (DOE), Wilkinson agreed that the federal DOE didn’t need to interfere with local or state policy, citing that the department didn’t exist until the Carter Administration.
Speaking to the national deficit, Wilkinson asserted that the country needs to start by passing a balanced budget. Continuing resolutions won’t solve the problem.
Wilkinson affirmed his stance as pro-Second Amendment and in favor of Constitutional Carry (open carry). He stressed the importance of involving law enforcement because officers are the ones risking their lives in these situations.
Wilkinson told the room if they really wanted to know who he was, he accepted Christ when he was eight years old. Anyone can find him teaching Sunday School class in the same church he grew up in.
Incumbent Sheriff Mack Mason
“We’re trying the best to run this county as we can,” said Sheriff Mack Mason. “We’re the ones doing the job. The grand juries, the DA will tell you just about all the time, it’s the city police and county sheriffs bringing the cases in this county.”
Courtesy of UC Sheriff’s Office
Mason’s running unopposed for this third term as sheriff of Union County.
“I welcome [an opponent] if they [run]. It will be the worst thing that they do. The records we can pull out. The job that we’ve done. I appreciate being in this job right now. I got here by God’s grace. I’m going to leave the same way. I try to do the very best I do. We have some of the finest people and they’re highly disciplined.”
The sheriff also confirmed his pro-second amendment stance and announced March 10 as the date for the annual meeting for the Union County Gun Club at the Haralson Civic Center.
Gurtler leaves 8th District voters hanging in limbo
Election, News February 11, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – With candidate qualification just three weeks away, House Representative Matt Gurtler continues to leave 8th District voters in the dark regarding which office he will pursue. Whether Gurtler will choose to remain the incumbent in the State House race or move toward a bid in the 50th State Senate or 9th Congressional districts remains a mystery.
As constituents question the elected official’s delay, it begs the question: What exactly is Gurtler waiting on?
Gurtler alluded to a potential State Senate, or U.S. Congressional House run, in a Feb. 4 social media post. “With the announcement of Congressman Doug Collins seeking the U.S. Senate seat, as well as our State Senator John Wilkinson’s seat opening up, I wanted to answer all your questions about whether I’m considering a run for either seat, the 9th Congressional or the 50th State Senate,” Gurtler stated, adding that he was “weighing my options.”
Last month, the second-term representative received substantial backlash on social media following a controversial “no” vote proclaimed to honor President Trump and the U.S. military. Challenging candidate Stan Gunter took aim at the self-professed conservative’s history of opposing Republican-backed bills at the State Capitol.
In turn, Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw weighed in on the matter at the Towns County Republican Party meeting on Jan. 16, shining a spotlight on Gurtler’s unpopular position with conservative officials in the State House. “This isn’t the first time that a vote like this occurred,” Gunter publicly reminded. “You can imagine what he does to his relationships with other Republicans because this bill went down the party line. The Democrats all voted against it, and he joined the Democrats.”
In response, Representative Gurtler issued a Feb. 6 rebuttal reminiscent of his 2018 campaign rhetoric. “The establishment, lead by (House Speaker David) Ralston himself, never give up, and unfortunately, because they’ve been in power for so long (back when many of them were Democrats), they have endless resources….” Gurtler stated in part. “Unfortunately, my opponent has decided to carry on the establishment torch.”
In a Feb. 6 statement to FYN, Gunter said that he is focused solely on the 8th District House. “I’m running my campaign as if (Gurtler) is still in it, which he is,” Gunter said. Gunter issued the statement following the news that Gurtler confirmed a low-profile visit to Washington D.C.
With time narrowing in, the elected official will have to reveal his hand sooner than later, announcing whether he wishes to continue representing the citizens of the 8th House District or attempt to secure a seat elsewhere.
Additional information can be found by clicking the highlighted links above.
Continue to follow FYN for campaign developments as Election 2020 approaches.
Gurtler remains tight-lipped, visits DC as qualifying nears
Election, News February 7, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga.- State House Representative Matt Gurtler, the incumbent in the 8th District race, continues to hold a clenched grip on his plans, seemingly wavering between whether to seek a third term in the State House or move toward a potential 50th State Senate or 9th Congressional District run. FYN received information that Gurtler was not in attendance at legislative sessions in Atlanta earlier this week, along with a tip that Gurtler was visiting Washington D.C. Gurtler confirmed on Wednesday evening that he was, in fact, in Washington. “I had an opportunity to meet with some great conservative leaders,” Gurtler told FYN in a brief statement.
Gurtler did not indicate if he has reached a decision, however, on which office he will seek. “I’m still praying, and making sure to get back to all those who have contacted (me) about the open seats in our beautiful mountains, especially my family, friends, and neighbors of the 8th District. I’m grateful for their support and input,” Gurtler said.
FYN reached out to 8th District House challenger, Stan Gunter, for his thoughts on Gurtler’s apparent indecisiveness. “There’s a lot of planning involved if (Gurtler) runs for the 9th Congressional District,” Gunter said. “I’m focused on this race. I’m running my campaign as if he is still in it, which he is.”
On Feb. 4, Gurtler indicated on social media that he has yet to reach a resolution, listing the 8th District House, the 50th State Senate, and the 9th Congressional District seats as options. “Whatever we decide to do and whatever seat I run for, or if I simply run for reelection, the purpose is always to continue the fight against the establishment and to defend our Constitution,” Gurtler stated in part. “Of course, my priority will be to serve my district and the People of Georgia as your State House Representative during the 2020 session. I will be sure to inform you once a decision is made, very soon.”
With qualification just weeks away, Gurtler is expected to announce the office that he intends to pursue in the near future.
Continue to follow FYN for local, state, and national election coverage as the May 19 primary approaches.
Gurtler indecisive on which seat to seek
Election, News February 3, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Matt Gurtler, the 8th District State House Representative, issued a statement to FYN on Feb. 2, remaining seemingly indecisive on his next political move.
“I am considering a run and weighing my options for the 9th Congressional or the 50th State Senate seat,” Gurtler told FYN. “It is very rare for both seats to open up like this at the same time and is something we did not expect. My family and I are praying about this very important decision. Thank you to everyone for their support and encouragement these past several days. Whatever we decide to do and whatever seat I run for, I will continue to fight the establishment and defend our Constitution.”
With qualifying drawing near, Gurtler has a mere month to decide whether to attempt the retention of his 8th District seat or seek candidacy elsewhere. Qualification takes place during the first week of March, with the primary election set for Tuesday, May 19.
The 9th Congressional seat opened as a result of United States Representative Doug Collins’ aim toward the Georgia Senate. The 50th State Senate office opened following Senator John Wilkinson’s decision to seek the seat vacated by Collins.
Click to read: Who is eyeing Collins’ Congressional seat
Gurtler, the 8th District incumbent, has been challenged in the State House race by Stan Gunter. Gurtler was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2016, serving Towns, Rabun, Union, and portions of White counties. As of Wednesday, Gunter stated that he expects Gurtler to remain in the race, “anticipating (Gurtler) to qualify for (District 8) and be in the race in March.”
Gurtler declined an FYNTV.com interview prior to reaching a decision.
The 9th Congressional District consists of Banks, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White and portions of Clarke, Forsyth, and Pickens counties. The 50th Senatorial District includes Dawson, Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties.
Continue to follow FYN for political coverage as 2020 election developments occur.
Gunter calls out Gurtler’s NO vote on Trump resolution
News January 17, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Stan Gunter, a challenger in the 8th District State House race, spoke with the Towns County Republican Party Jan. 16, reading House Resolution 882 meant to commend President Trump for his leadership, and the United States military, for taking down worldwide terrorist Qasem Soleimani.
The resolution was met with applause, but the mood quickly shifted when Gunter informed the local GOP that 8th District Representative Matt Gurtler voted against the resolution that very day. “That is a perfect example of why I got into this race,” Gunter said. “This isn’t the first time that a vote like this occurred. You can imagine what he does to his relationships with other Republicans because this bill went down the party line. The Democrats all voted against it, and he joined the Democrats.”
Towns County Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw, who attended the meeting, asked candidate Gunter to touch upon the Hurricane Michael Relief Bill that Gurtler opposed 162-1 in 2018, drawing similarities between Gurtler’s most recent controversial vote.
FYN spoke with Gunter following the meeting, asking the State House candidate to weigh-in further on Gurtler’s obstinance toward House Resolution 882.
“The vote is obviously against President Trump and our armed forces, and I don’t understand why he would vote against something like that and vote with the Democrats,” Gunter told FYN. “It’s a party-line vote, but he’s voting with the Democrats. I don’t know what that says. I think that creates the problem with other Republicans down in the legislature, and that’s why he can’t get anything done. He’s antagonistic by the way that he votes, and he ruins those relationships.”
House Representative Gurtler indicated Friday morning that he intends to issue a press release on the hot topic.
Rep. Gurtler Kicks-off 2020 Campaign and Addresses Criticisms
Election, Featured November 21, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Incumbent Georgia District Eight State Representative Matt Gurtler officially kicked-off his 2020 campaign on Nov. 19 and addressed comments made by his opponent about the representative’s effectiveness in the state capitol.
Gurtler spoke to a crowd of supporters at the Pat Haralson Civic Center and fielded questions about Georgia’s General Assembly, the Republican Party, and his goals while in office.
The state representative and establishment Republicans have a contentious relationship. They continually butt-heads over bills due to government or budget growth.
“If a bill grows government, you vote no. If it violates the constitution, you vote no,” stated Gurtler, who originally ran in 2016 to bring principles back to politics.
According to Gurtler, his position to follow the ideas of limited government earned him a lot of heat within the capitol.
He called out fellow Republicans during his speech saying, “The largest tax increase, in Georgia’s history, passed under a Republican regime.”
The budget receives a lot of attention from Gurtler. When he started as an aide, he saw it growing every year. Originally, it was $19B, and now it is $30B. One reason for the ever-expanding budget is the movie industry in Georgia. Hollywood receives massive tax incentives to come to the state. The influx of the film industry into the state also threatens to flip it from Red to Blue, which can be seen in every election cycle. Most notably in the 2018 Governor’s race, where Democrat Stacy Abrams only lost by 1.4 percentage points.
District Eight Representative believes those elected to the General Assembly should stop cow-towing to Hollywood and start looking into how to aid local Georgians.
Rep. Gurtler hosted supporters at Pat Haralson Civic Center.
“I do vote no a lot,” explained Gurtler, “That first year was pretty tough, a lot of threats and intimidation, all kinds of tactics from leadership and establishment, used against me to get me to falter and come to their side.”
After the first three months of alleged intimidation, leadership left Gurtler alone, and he gained some respect from his colleagues for not changing his position.
However, his tendency to vote no serves as a point of contention with his 2020 opponent retired judge Stan Gunter. Fetch Your News asked Gurtler to respond to Gunter’s challenge that Gurtler is hard to work with, causing constituents to seek out Senator Steve Gooch for assistance.
“This is the same tactic that was used last time against me. It’s a falsehood,” admonished Gurtler, “If what my opponent says is true, that you’re voting off principle, and district money is being taken away, wouldn’t that prove we have a corrupt government?”
Gunter previously stated he has better connections in the capitol and that Gurtler’s positions have hurt the overall welfare of District Eight.
“Of course, my opponent is the establishment candidate because the establishment is going to behind him. The same people who supported my last opponent will be supporting him…The culture of the capitol, in my experience, is pretty corrupt. People come in with the greatest intentions and through fear and intimidation falter to the establishment,” said Gurtler.
He’s very open about establishment Republicans corrupting the party’s ideals, citing Speaker Ralston’s continuances scandal from the past legislative session as part of the problem. The District Eight Representative is one of ten who signed the resolution stating that the multiple continuances issued by Ralston reflected poorly on the Georgia government and the Republican Party.
Previously, Governor Nathan Deal and Ralston campaigned against Gurtler in 2018 – a move typically unprecedented in Georgia politics. Still, he has faith in his constituents, “The people have spoken twice now, overwhelmingly, winning by 20 points the last two elections, so we’re going to continue doing that, continue to lead by example, and that’s why we’re here.”
Stan Gunter Announces Candidacy for District 8 State Rep.
Community, Election, News November 4, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – A week before his official campaign kick-off event, Judge Stan Gunter sat down with Fetch Your News to discuss his reasons for running for Georgia’s State House of Representative Seat in District Eight.
The honorable Gunter has spent his life in service to the state of Georgia and North Georgia in particular, as the district attorney and then a superior court judge. He retired from his judgeship at the end of September 2019 after he felt that he’d accomplished all his goals in the position. Before either of these roles, he worked in Governor Harris’s office as an assistant executive council and then executive council, one of only two law positions required by the state of Georgia for the governor’s office.
Due to his professional history, Gunter has spent a lot of time reviewing legislation and understanding how the legislative and executive branches interact with each other.
He admits that his history might make him appear as the “establishment candidate.” However, he hopes that his record speaks for itself.
“With the experience and knowledge that I have of the state capital, I am offering myself to the citizens, and it will be their choice,” stated Gunter, “I hope that they chose me.”
Gunter believes that his past in government puts him in a good position to “hunt down” the resources that North Georgia needs.
Citing infrastructure, or roadways, as a big area of potential improvement due to District Eight’s heavy tourism market, he wants to find ways to “keep traffic moving” and eliminate current existing difficulties.
Additionally, if elected, he hopes to find funds that allow law enforcement to adequately cover areas like Blood Mountain and Richard Russell Scenic Hwy. Currently, motorcycles use the loop almost like a raceway.
Taking a moment to criticize incumbent Representative Matt Gurtler on this front, Gunter claims that officials in Rabun County have gone around Gurtler to secure funding for road improvements.
“He votes no a lot, and I think that’s caused a problem with the State House and his peers down there. I don’t see how he can repair the damage to get anything passed to bring money back to the district,” commented Gunter on Gurtler’s governing methods.
The former judge believes he can get money back here because currently, District Eight’s state tax dollars are going to other areas. Gunter seems dedicated to finding opportunities to bring money back to the mountain counties, whether for roads or buildings. He trusts that his contacts can help him accomplish these goals and strengthen North Georgia’s future.
He admits that he agrees with Gurtler on all national talking points, such as Second Amendment Rights, taxes, small government, abortion, and education. The issue is more how Rep. Gurtler has handled himself in the legislature and his effectiveness moving forward.
“We’re blessed in North Georgia with teachers who do a great job. It doesn’t hurt for folks to have homeschool or private school [options]. I think competition is good for anybody,” Gunter stated.
All the counties in the district currently have strong public school systems.
Acknowledging that he switched parties in 2006 from Democrat to Republican, he adds “I’ve always been a conservative. Even when I worked in Gov. Harris’ office, and they brought up the Second Amendment, I wondered why they were so concerned with people having guns.”
Originally from Habersham County, he moved to Union County, where he and his wife, Rita, raised their family, two sons. They now have five grandchildren – three girls and two boys.
“The people of North Georgia have trusted me for more than 20 years as DA and judge,” said Gunter, “I’m asking them to trust me one more time. I can do this job. I have the experience, the knowledge, and that’s what I want them to know.”
Gunter’s candidacy kick-off event is Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Brackett Community Room, behind United Community Bank, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Chief Justice Gunter retires and three are nominated to fill his seat
News, Police & Government October 2, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Superior Court Chief Judge N. Stanley Gunter officially retired on Sept. 30 and three –one judge and two lawyers – have been nominated to take his place.
“My experience as a superior judge, it’s been great,” said Gunter, “I’ve enjoyed my colleagues that I’ve worked with, especially the two [judges] that are in this circuit.”
He expressed a true enjoyment for the role and the cases he heard over the years. Gunter became a judge in 2012 and earned the chief judge title in 2018 after Chief Judge Murphy C. Miller resigned. The Enotah Judicial Circuit consists of three Superior Court Judgeships.
“I really hate leaving it, but at the same time, this is the right time for me and for my family,” stated Gunter.
Judge Raymond George and Judge Joy Parks remain on the bench. Governor Brian Kemp will fill the appointment.
Enotah Judicial Circuit Nominees
Judicial Nominating Commission nominated three individuals to fill the position.
- Jeremy D. Clough – Judge, Juvenile Courts, Enotah Judicial Circuit.
- T. Buckley “Buck” Levins – Senior Assistant District Attorney, Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit.
- Kerry B. Morris – Special Assistant Attorney General, Department of Family and Children Services; attorney, Law Office of Todd L. Lord.
Gunter told Fetch Your News that he has full faith in the Governor’s ability to choose the right person for the job and in whoever gets the job.
“I think all three of them are qualified, good temperament, knowledgable…I don’t think the gov. can make a mistake,” explained Gunter.
Gov. Kemp is expected to decide by the end of the year. The term has three years before the new judge would need to run for the office. Kemp does have the ability to pick someone, not on the nomination list. All nominees have ties with the Enotah Judicial Circuit.
Clough started in Enotah’s DA office in 2003 until becoming a juvenile court judge in 2015.
Levins also served in Enotah’s DA office until being transferred to the Tallapoosa Circuit earlier in 2019.
Morris spent eight years as a senior assistant to the district attorney in White County and is now working in private practice.
Judge Gunter’s History
Before serving as Superior Court Judge, Gunter spent over a decade as the Enotah Judicial Circuit’s District Attorney before he left office in 2010. He accepted a position with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of Georgia, where he remained until applying for the vacant judgeship in 2012. Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Gunter to the position.
County officials all turned out for Chief Justice Gunter’s retirement party.
Gunter passed the Georgia State Bar in 1986, and his father World War II Veteran and Mountain Judicial Circuit Judge Jack Norman Gunter swore him in to practice law.
The Mountain Judicial Circuit consisted of Union, Towns, Rabun, Stephens, and Habersham until Union, Towns, Lumpkin, and White formed the Enotah Judicial Circuit in 1992.
The reasoning behind Gunter’s retirement consists of multiple reasons family, economics, and health. He became eligible to draw retirement in May after his 60th birthday.
Gunter wants to spend more time with his family but is firmly committed to remaining in Union County with his wife, Rita. They have lived here for 37 years.
On Oct, 1, Raymond George became the Chief Superior Court Justice for the Enotah Judicial Circuit.