Elections 2012: Patty Walters Laine

NAME: Patty Walters Laine

POLITICAL PARTY AFFILIATION: Republican

OCCUPATION: Attorney

1) Why are you running for this office?

I am running for Probate Court Judge so that I can serve Hall County and make our Probate Court a place where each person receives the help they need from the Court in a professional and respectful manner for many years. I have been helping my own clients navigate the Probate Court after the death of a loved one or to obtain a Guardianship or Conservatorship over an individual who cannot make decisions for himself or herself. I see how frustrated they are with some of the processes and I will take my compassion into the Court to help make the necessary legal process easier. I have the skills necessary to do this job well – better than any other candidate.

2) Is the first time you have run for political office? (If "no," please explain.)

Yes, this is the first time I have run for a political office.

3) What qualifications for the office do you bring to the campaign?

I certainly meet the qualifications required by law to run for Probate Court Judge. My combination of professional and personal experiences is what makes me the best qualified candidate. I spent two years as a law clerk/staff attorney for five Superior Court Judges researching issues, overseeing adoption petitions, as well as helping them to decide cases and helping run their courtrooms. I have spent the last ten years in private practice in Gainesville specializing in real estate, estate planning, and probate work. I have managed my practice and earned the respect of many clients through the years.

I have a heart for service and spend my time volunteering to make our community a better place through Girl Scouts, my church at Redwine United Methodist, and Gainesville Phoenix Woman’s Club. I gave over 150 hours of my time in the past year alone. I have a giving spirit and am a compassionate person. I have been called, “the picture of integrity” by one of my clients. Having such high moral character, honesty, compassion, and the ability to be impartial will make me an excellent Probate Court Judge.

I have many additional attributes that make me especially qualified for this job. Among these are my attention to detail which is necessary in handling administrative duties of the Probate Judge as well as deciding cases. I also have experience handling money and budgeting from serving on the finance committee at my church as well as performing payroll services for three locations of a local business. I’ve been able to manage people through leadership experiences as a Girl Scout leader and in my Woman’s Club. All of these experiences should illustrate that I understand the value of hard work and am willing to do it.

4) What do you see as the biggest concern/issue facing the office?

From talking to my clients over the years and now the citizens of Hall County during this election cycle, the biggest concerns are regarding customer service. Most people want to have an office that is easier to use. From the simplest concerns of having a live person answer the phone rather than a machine to larger issues with obtaining a Weapons Carry License, citizens are seeking compassion, concern, and respect. Their time is valuable. I believe that the taxpayers and citizens of Hall County deserve an office that puts customer service as a high priority and doesn’t cost any additional tax money to make the changes necessary.

5) Are there any specific changes you would like to undertake if you are elected?

I would certainly like to guide the office toward a more service oriented experience for citizens. I think we could make records easier to find and copy, have more personal service on the telephone, and streamline the obtaining of a Weapons Carry License by at least one or two steps without additional expense to the Hall County budget. These would be the easier changes.

I would also like to make the Probate Court a more efficient part of the Hall County Court system. By updating technology we should be able to add to the customer service as well as allow the Court to operate more efficiently. If the Court is operating efficiently, the Probate Court would be able to take on services like weddings that are being handled by the Magistrate Court. The Magistrate Court calendar is full and this would ease the burden in that Court and ideally allow them to be able to handle their caseload better. I intend to be a Judge who is available to assist in whatever way necessary to make our entire court system operate more smoothly and efficiently.