Although the results were not as we had hoped, we can all know that we have run well, worked hard, given our best effort.  Your devotion and selfless giving are truly appreciated and remembered.  Susie and I are grateful.

We know everyone is ready to have the pre-campaign beauty return to our mountain landscape as soon as possible, so I’ll be collecting signs from all over the county until they are all cleaned up.  If you have signs, or could collect them in your neighborhood, and will call or email me I will make arrangements to take them off your hands.

It is hard to express the gratitude we feel after these weeks of campaigning.  The support and kindness of so many is truly humbling and a deep blessing to us that we will never forget.  We will treasure these acts of yours in our hearts and sincerely rejoice in the memories of each one of you who have helped and given so well and so freely.  May the richness of your blessing be returned to you by God, as only He can.

With sincere thanks,

Jay

20 October 2010

Dear 28th Judicial District Colleagues,

We are writing to urge your support of Jay Watson in his race for District Court Judge. He is running for the seat presently occupied by Judge Shirley Brown.

Jay has practiced law in Buncombe County for the past 15 years. He is a partner in the firm of Watson Bailey Ciochina, LLP and is admitted to the State Bars of North and South Carolina. He is certified as a Superior Court Mediator in both states. Since beginning practice in Asheville in 1995, Jay has handled civil and criminal matters, in state and federal courts on the district, superior and appellate court levels. In addition to appearing regularly in Buncombe County courts, Jay appears in court throughout western NC, and has agreed to be on the court-appointed list in Madison County. In Madison, attorneys are appointed for indigent litigants in juvenile and Department of Social Services as well as criminal cases. As a consequence, Jay regularly represents clients in Madison County District and Superior Court, in criminal, DSS and juvenile cases. He is very experienced in the work of the District Court.

Prior to practicing law, Jay worked with the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission, under the North Carolina Department of Crime Control & Public Safety in Raleigh. While serving the Crime Commission he provided oversight, training and review to U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance grant programs of multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task forces operating Special Prosecution Task Forces, Drug Enforcement and Investigative Task Forces, Sting Operations, and Criminal Justice Education Programs throughout the state of North Carolina. Always working to better learn and understand the jobs of those he served, he was often in the field consulting and assisting law enforcement officers.

Those of us who have worked with and against Jay in court know him to be calm, thoughtful and prepared as an attorney. He can be firm without being offensive. He understands that all participants in the legal system have a job to do and he recognizes the dignity inherent in those jobs. All of the great judges we have known have shared these traits.

Thank you for considering Jay, and we ask that you join us in our support of Jay Watson for the Buncombe County District Court bench.

Sincerely yours,

Sean Devereux

If you can assist with any of the following, please let us know.

1)  Straighten or move a sign if you notice it can be resituated for better viewing.
2)  Let us know if you identify a polling place or area that needs a sign.  We also have signs to deliver to you if you call or send us an email.
3)  Talk with your colleagues, friends, family and neighbors about Jay. Send an email, facebook message, or tweet to everyone you know in Buncombe County.   Remember to include in your messages the link to this website:  Elect Jay Watson.com.

You may have ideas that haven’t occurred to us, so please let us know if there is anything more you think we can do to help elect Jay.  Pat yourself on the back for a job well done so far!  We’re doing great, so please keep up the good work and keep spreading the word: VOTE JAY WATSON FOR DISTRICT COURT JUDGE.  Thank you for all your support.

Jay

(and Committee to Elect Jay Watson, District Court Judge)

Jay will appear on the ballot in the general election November 2.  Early voting begins October 14.  If you are not registered already, be sure to register before the deadline.  Make sure your friends and family are registered and turn out to vote for Jay for District Court Judge.  For more information, visit the website for NC State Board of Elections.  See information from the website regarding deadlines below.*

Who may vote for Jay?

All registered voters in Buncombe County.

How will Jay appear on the ballot?

Jay will appear as “John Jay Watson” under District Court Judge on the ballot.  He will appear by his opponent, Shirley Brown, and you must mark the ballot by “John Jay Watson” to cast your vote for Jay.  Selecting a Straight Party Ticket will not cast a vote for Jay or any of the judicial candidates.

Are you Democrat, Republican or Independent?

Judicial races are non-partisan.  Jay has talked with voters of all party affiliations and is pleased to find that he has support from Democrats, Republicans and Independents.  Voters of all affiliations have recognized and expressed appreciation for the experience and temperament which he will bring to the office and have offered their support and encouragement.

* Deadlines to Register to vote in North Carolina. The deadline to register to vote in NC is 25 days before the day of the election (October 8, 2010). Forms that are received by the county board of elections office or postmarked by the deadline are accepted as valid applications for the upcoming election. Also, agency and DMV voter registration transactions that are completed by the deadline are accepted as valid for the upcoming election. Applicants will be notified by the county board of elections of their precinct and polling place assignments.

Individuals who miss the registration deadline, if qualified, may register in person and then vote at a one-stop voting site in the person’s county of residence during the one-stop absentee voting period, which begins the third Thursday before an election and goes through the last Saturday before an election.

Thanks for your support and keep spreading the word – VOTE JAY FOR DISTRICT COURT JUDGE.

GoAnimate.com: Jay For Judge

A judicial candidate is not required to compete in the primary election unless there are more than two candidates for the same judicial seat. If there are more than two candidates for the same judicial seat, all of the candidates for that seat must compete in the primary, and the two candidates emerging with the most votes, proceed to the general election in November. I am a candidate for a judicial seat in which there is only one other candidate, so neither I nor my opponent had to compete with the primary race.

In November, you will see my name – “John Jay Watson” – on the ballot next to my opponent, Shirley Brown. You may vote for one of us. Remember, judicial races are non-partisan. So, whether you are Democrat or Republican, voting a straight ticket only will not cast a vote for a judicial candidate. To vote for your judicial candidate of choice, you must look down the ballot, find the candidate’s name, and mark the ballot. Likewise, if you are registered Independent, Unaffiliated, or other, to vote for your judicial candidate of choice, you must look down the ballot, find their name, and mark the ballot.

On November 2, look down the ballot, find “John Jay Watson” on the ballot, and vote Jay for District Court Judge.

Thank You.

Please remember and support our men and women serving overseas in the Armed Forces.

Since returning to Buncombe County in 1995, I have had the privilege of serving our community as a lawyer, and assisting many individuals, families and business owners with some of the most challenging issues of their lives.  Previously, I worked with the N.C. Governor’s Crime Commission under the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, where I worked closely with law enforcement agencies all across N.C.  The experience I have gained over the years has given me a genuine appreciation for those who serve in the criminal justice system, and a concern for those who look to our judicial system for protection and guidance.  I am now seeking to serve as District Court Judge, and am asking for your vote of confidence once more.

The cases heard by the District Court involve matters of crime, family, juveniles, and private disputes – they are cases which deeply affect the lives, and the livelihood, of our local community.  Every week hundreds of cases are brought before the courts in Buncombe County.  Each case, and the lives those cases represent, should be considered impartially, with patience, wisdom and knowledge.  It is likely that each of us, at some time, will have a friend or family member involved in a court case.  At such times, we want the confidence of knowing that the court will act fairly, with dignity, and hear the case impartially.  I am seeking to serve as a District Court Judge because I hope to assist with these difficult matters, and to have a positive influence in our community.

I have always worked to treat clients and colleagues with integrity and respect, and as judge I will discharge my duties in a manner appropriate and respectful of the office and the people it serves.  I respectfully ask for your support, and I thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Sincerely,