Johnathan Minga answers “the 5 Ws” regarding his Candidacy for General Sessions Court Judge.

 

Who?

I am Johnathan Minga. I am proud to say I was born, raised, and other than 3 years for law school, have always lived in Washington County. I am 40 years old and fortunate enough to have met my wife, Christina, in 2003 at ETSU and even more fortunate to marry her in 2009. We have an amazing son, Hudson (9), and joyful daughter, Heidi (1), and our loving Labrador, Neely.

According to family research, I’m an 8^th generation East Tennessean. My grandfather, Andrew Minga, was a farmer in Washington County and his wife, Axie Minga, worked at Parks Belk. My dad, Ronnie Minga, left the family farm to serve our country as a Marine. After that, he gave 38 years of hard work and his right hand to Eastman Chemical Company. His hard work and dedication to the job no matter the adversity served as inspiration to me during my formative years. Whether in the classroom, on the ball fields, or eventually in my legal career, I’ve never shied away from hard work or long hours.

From the time I became an attorney in 2008 to now, it has been a privilege to serve the people of Washington County. I have experienced success in my career and have experienced loss. Above all else though, I served my clients. I pride myself in knowing that if you were to ask another lawyer, a judge, or any former client; they would all agree that my professionalism and preparation was paramount and that my clients received the best possible representation.

I have been fortunate enough to work alongside some of the best attorneys in the area. I started with Mark D. Slagle and Associates which later became Slagle & Finney. I learned so much in those 5 years about practicing law with civility and integrity. After Mark’s tragic passing, I joined Herndon, Coleman, Brading, & McKee. Working diligently in one of Washington County’s oldest and most prestigious firms, I gained even more important experience and was proud to achieve the title of partner. I am currently enjoying the opportunity to work together with the legendary Tony Seaton. Tony is as charitable with his time as he is with his legal knowledge, and I am honored to have been able to assist the people of our area dealing with serious injuries. As a Tennessee Supreme Court Family Law Mediator, I was trained in dispute resolution. This allowed me to develop skills to determine the barriers to resolution and gain perspective on what is truly important to people engaged in lawsuits.

As I have progressed through my legal career I have always been especially devoted to my family, faith, and my community. Whether coaching my son’s sports teams, serving on non-profit boards, or spending time with my amazing family, I always focus on a work-life balance that keeps me motivated and dedicated to all important aspects of each.

In closing, I believe in truth, fairness, and personal responsibility. I believe in people as much as I believe in justice. Both can be served in a firm and respectful way. A trusted mentor recently remarked, “you can’t go wrong doing the right thing.” If I am elected, I will endeavor for people to leave the courtroom knowing they were heard and they were treated fairly, whether the case was decided in their favor, or not.

 

Why?

In 1985, a Judge in Washington County made a tough ruling in a family case. He listened to the facts, applied the law, and thankfully did what he felt was in the best interest of a 4-year-old child. I was that child and that Judge’s decision set my life on a path that has led me in large part to where I am today. That Judge, and many others I have met in my career since, have set the example of the positive impact that can be made by good people making reasoned decisions.

I’m seeking this position because the position is important. Washington County deserves to have a compassionate and competent Judge on the General Session Court bench. I want all of our children to grow up in a safe community where we all have confidence in our local justice system. Cases need to be handled efficiently, fairly, and accurately. My pledge is to treat others as I would want my family and myself to be treated.

I understand the issues and I understand the job. I am not afraid of making an informed, fair decision. I believe there are two kinds of candidates: those who WANT the job and those that want to DO the job. I want to do the job and to do it the right way.

 

What?

I am a Republican Candidate for General Sessions Court Judge, Part III.  General Sessions Court has 3 main divisions in Washington County – civil, criminal, and juvenile.  Each of the 3 divisions are important and stand alone in their own right, and a Judge should have practical, legal experience in all 3 divisions.  Over the course of my law practice, I have handled every type of case that can be filed in General Sessions Court.  I have represented countless parties in all 3 divisions.  Whether it be civil cases – such as personal injury or property claims, landlord-tenant, breach of contract, orders of protection, criminal cases – from traffic offenses to misdemeanors to felonies, or juvenile cases – from child custody, child support, termination of parental rights, to dependent/neglected or unruly/delinquent children, I have the real-life trial experience and I won’t have to learn on the job. I will hit the ground running.

 

When?

The Republican Primary Election is May 3, 2022.

Early voting period is April 13, 2022 – April 28, 2022.

The General Election is August 4, 2022.

Early voting period is July 15, 2022 – July 30, 2022.

Absentee and Military Requests please visit the Washington County Election Commission website at http://wcecoffice.com/, by phone at (423) 753-1688, or at 100 E. Main Street in Jonesborough.

 

Where?

ALL of Washington County (including all cities and communities).  If you are not registered or do not know where to vote, please contact the Washington County Election Commission at http://wcecoffice.com/, by phone at (423) 753-1688, or at 100 E. Main Street in Jonesborough.

 

I very much appreciate your prayers, your support, and your votes in 2022 and beyond.