Carpenter has been with the sheriff’s office for more than 30 years, three of which were as a lieutenant at the jail and he spent 17 years as a road patrol officer. He also worked five years in nuclear security at the Tennessee Valley Authority Sequoyah Nuclear Plant. Carpenter has not previously held political office.
Carpenter told the Walker County Messenger about his goals should he be elected Walker County probate judge.
“After giving myself six months in office to settle in, I would like to open the office on the first Saturday of each month for half a day to be more available to the people who have to work Mondays through Fridays,” he said. “If successful, I would consider opening a second Saturday during the month.”
Carpenter added he would make judgments in a timely manner. He also spoke about potential obstacles to achieving his goals.
“If (we were to open for) a second Saturday, I would need to work with the commissioner’s office and the Superior Court judge. I would also have to work with the sheriff’s office for issues concerning fingerprinting for gun carry permits,” Carpenter said.
The probate judge candidate said he has “hands-on experience in dealing with guardianships and estate issues through my law enforcement career.”
“I have assisted with guardianships of inmates, the misuse of guardianships in regards to finances and treatment,” he said. “I have also handled estate disputes throughout my career.”
In answer to a Walker County Messenger questionnaire, Carpenter said the lack of growth and unemployment are the most pressing issues for LaFayette at this time. He added if elected to office, he would prioritize the following: integrity of the office, making ethical and moral decisions, and (providing) equal and fair treatment to all citizens.
The candidate said he has lived in LaFayette for about five years, and has lived in Walker County “most of my life.” Carpenter said he was a “military brat,” and that his father served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His family moved back to the area in 1965, he said.
Carpenter graduated from Gordon Lee High School in 1972. Carpenter received an associate of arts in liberal arts from Dalton Junior College and earned a bachelor of science degree from Berry College in 1976.
He is active in a number of organizations, including Crawfish Springs Masonic Lodge #300, Eastern Star, York Rite Bodies in Chickamauga, the Alhambra Shrine in Chattanooga and the Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club –Blue Knights Georgia 9.
Carpenter said he lives by the philosophy, “Be true to your friends, your word and your work.”
His favorite quote is “Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are,” attributed to John Wooden.
Carpenter listed his favorite movies as, “Facing the Giants,” “Ghost Rider,” Heartbreak Ridge,” “Midway,” and “Remember the Titans.” He includes as his pastimes riding his motorcycle, classic cars and following University of Georgia football.
Carpenter and his wife, Elaine, own two cats.
Voters may contact Carpenter by phone at 706-639-9467 or through e-mail at jwcarpenter@windstream.net.
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