Peachtree City’s Municipal Court Judge Stephen Ott is in the race for Fayette County State Court Judge, which will be decided in the July 31 non-partisan election.
A local attorney and dedicated member of the community, Ott qualified Wednesday afternoon — the first day of qualifying — and will seek to unseat current judge Carla Wong McMillian — who was appointed to the position two years ago.
“I want to be Fayette County’s choice for State Court Judge,” said Ott. “I am committed to this county, and the value of life here, and I want to bring that commitment to the Fayette County State Court.”
“I want to serve Fayette County as the State Court judge because I believe people in this county deserve someone who will listen to their cases, decide them fairly within the bounds of the law, and also assist them in the understanding and use of our court system,” said Ott, a Fayetteville attorney. “I want to be Fayette County’s choice to serve on the bench, not Atlanta’s choice.”
A 1992 graduate of the Georgia State University College of Law, Ott came to Fayette County in 1995 to practice law. He was appointed as Municipal Court judge of Peachtree City in 2006 and again in 2009
Ott brings proven leadership and experience to the bench, having served the past six years as Peachtree City Municipal Court judge. He has initiated numerous programs in Peachtree City, resulting in cost savings for city residents.
“I believe a judge should be mindful of the costs to all involved in administering the court,” said Ott.
“In Peachtree City, I have reduced the costs of all aspects of the court function. I have cut down the time police officers and the public spend in the courtroom, and I have reduced the paper and printing costs involved with the court system.”
“One of my programs has resulted in almost 10,000 hours of community service time being spent clearing and improving Peachtree City,” said Ott. “And in this time of budget cuts, this program has greatly benefitted the city.”
For over 20 years, he has litigated civil matters, routinely heard in State Court,from injury cases to contract cases. His experience, skills and knowledge of civil matters will allow Stephen to preside over civil cases expeditiously and competently.
Ott is also dedicated to the community in which he lives. He has twice been elected by the attorneys of Fayette County to serve as president of the Fayette County Bar Association.
He is active in Kiwanis International and Fayette County Chamber of Commerce He has served on the Board of Directors for the Fayette County YMCA, Fayette County Counsel on Domestic Violence, and the American Cancer Society as Community Ambassador. He received the Chief Justice Award for Community Service in 2000.
Ott earned his undergraduate degree from Mercer University. He lives with his wife Macy and son Hunter in Fayetteville.
“Fayette County voters can make a difference in the future of this county on July 31,”said Ott. “For Fayette County’s sake, I am seeking Fayette County’s support to become their next State Court judge.
Follow Stephen on his website at www.stephenott.com.
Stephan Ott
Candidate for Judge of Fayette State Court
Fayetteville, Ga.