On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Elizabethton Star reported that incumbent Jason L. Holly successfully won reelection as the municipal judge of Elizabethton, defeating challenger Teresa Murray Smith in the recent general election. Holly garnered 3,030 votes compared to Smith’s 1,876, despite facing significant challenges due to a suspension of his law license by the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Board of Professional Responsibility.

Holly’s suspension arose from his failure to respond to three misconduct complaints, a situation clarified by Sandy Garrett, the board’s chief disciplinary counsel. Garrett emphasized that the suspension was not a result of any misconduct allegations but rather due to Holly’s lack of communication with the board. Following the suspension announcement, Holly is prohibited from accepting new cases and must stop representing existing clients by November 27 unless his situation is resolved.

Murray Smith expressed disappointment regarding the election outcome, highlighting her concerns about the integrity of Holly’s professional standing in light of his suspension. She stated, “I am disappointed that the integrity of my professional career as opposed to his… did not seem to matter to the voters,” while acknowledging the voters’ decision and the need for the city to address the implications of having an elected judge who cannot currently serve.

Holly was initially appointed as interim city judge in February 2020, following the passing of T.J. Little Jr. He faced a setback in August 2020 when he lost a write-in campaign for Little’s unexpired term to Smith. However, Holly later won the municipal judge position in the November 2020 election.

The municipal judge position is vital to the city’s judicial system, as city judges in Tennessee must be licensed attorneys and are regulated by the Board of Judicial Conduct. The recent election results will necessitate further action from the city to manage the implications of Holly’s suspension, as he is set to be sworn in alongside other newly elected officials on November 26 at City Hall.

 

 

Source: Elizabethton Star