Tuesday, August 9, 2022

Meet Wendy White, Candidate for Circuit Judge

This post is authored and sponsored by the Wendy White for Circuit Court Judge Campaign. 

Wendy Wilson White is a new face in the election to be the next Hinds County Circuit Court Judge of the Seventh Circuit Court District, with a goal of sharing her story with every person she meets. The race is challenging, but the ability to relate to her community members makes the experience worthwhile. 

Born and raised in Jackson, White resides in the Pinehaven community in Hinds County with her husband and two young daughters. She’s busy as an Assistant District Attorney for Hinds County, and is a past chief prosecutor for the city of Jackson. Prior to earning her Juris Doctor from Mississippi College School of Law, White earned a bachelor’s degree at Tougaloo College in economics accounting and a master’s degree in finance at Clark Atlanta University. White hopes to fill the soon-to-be vacant seat of Senior Circuit Court Judge Tomie Green, retiring at the end of 2022 after serving 24 years on the bench. Also serving the seventh circuit’s judicial districts are judges Adrienne Wooten, Winston Kidd and Faye Peterson. White’s opponents are Debra Gibbs, Trent Walker and Bryant Guy.

On the campaign trail, White discusses how the role of mother and legal professional informs what she does on a daily basis because she identifies with the needs and concerns of her neighbors. White’s campaign platform “Redefining Justice” features what she calls “Three REs to Judicial Success.” She outlines re-focusing crime fighting efforts, re-evaluating mental health and re-educating the community as key tools in solving crimes and greater accountability through the justice system. 

“Everything I do hinges upon or has a direct impact on other people’s families, and I know how people feel about their children, I know how people feel about their siblings, I know how people feel about their parents, neighbors and friends, all of that matters,” White said. “You have to have some compassion for people in general, especially the family structure.”

The winner of the election on November 8 will not have an easy time solving problems in the county’s justice system, such as backlogged cases, minimal resources and an overwhelmed and understaffed Jackson Police Department. A recent report by CBS News mentioned 4 in 10 murders remain unsolved in Jackson, and police investigators handle double the number of cases than usual, resulting in lengthy investigations and slow communication. If elected to the bench, White will set bonds according to the law with the public’s safety in mind, and render justice in a more timely manner.

In her legal experience, White handles all types of misdemeanor and felony offenses. As future Circuit Court judge of a district encompassing 10 cities, she will do what she can to re-define and improve the system, encouraging the public to be more involved in crime fighting efforts like serving on juries and sharing tips with police. Jackson experienced its deadliest year in 2021 with over 150 homicides, and the city has recorded 76 homicides so far in 2022, according to a recent Associated Press report. A recent report by the Office of the State Auditor shows homicides in 2021 cost Mississippi taxpayers between $136.8 and $182.4 million.

“We need to slow down and think about the people behind these crimes,” said White, noting that juveniles are behind many violent crimes. “There are no victimless crimes, in my opinion. If we want to see a change, we have to give thought and consideration to the victims, because these crimes leave victims broken, and you have to question where these broken people go and respond (to their needs).”

In the years leading up to serving as chief prosecutor for the city, White worked as an advocate for residents of local mental health facilities and made sure their rights were protected. If elected, she envisions a mental health docket and mental health court involving mental health professionals on the front end. Mental health is just one underlying problem of Jackson’s crime issues, chief among them being the justice system’s structure of lenient sentencing and bonds.

“There is a fine line between mental health and criminal activity. A lot of times, what you see behind the crime we witness is some type of mental health deficiency,” White said. “In order for us to alleviate this crime (and) properly address this crime (and) hold people accountable, we have to address the mental health issues plaguing this community.” When it comes to re-educating the people - especially youth - White likens the process to parenthood, which she calls her greatest job. She wants to offer incentives to people who seektheir GED and complete their high school education.  

“Some of our children are of the mistaken belief that some of the things they do, they cannot be punished for,” she said. “If our children are finding themselves in the juvenile justice system, we missed a lot of opportunities. They have to be taught long before their introduction to the system what criminal behavior is and what it looks like, and what factors and circumstances they can be held accountable for.”

In another life, White sees herself as an interior decorator because of how “refreshing and fun” it can be as another way to express herself. For now, the judicial candidate will keep on pushing citizens to become more active participants in helping the local justice system improve on holding criminals accountable. “I am at a point in my life where I know I can make a difference based on the experiences I’vehad and how invested I am in Jackson and Hinds County,” she said.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.