In an earlier editorial we extolled the virtues of Superior Court Judge Samuel D. Ozburn who has been nominated by Sen. John Douglas to fill a soon to be vacant spot on the Georgia Supreme Court.

 In today’s paper there is a story that includes comments from some of his many colleagues and friends here in Newton County who also praise his virtue and professional qualifications.

 Judge Ozburn has served his community as a Superior Court judge since 1995; during that time his record of responsible nonpartisan work on the bench has been remarkable.

 In spite of the many hours each week that he spends on the bench, "Sammy" still takes time to be involved in his community as an active member of the local Kiwanis Club and the local Salvation Army board among other worthwhile civic endeavors.

 He has recognized that the youth of the community need to understand the value of justice and, therefore, has created a program where school children can learn the workings of the justice system from the inside.

 In working with local sheriffs’ departments, he has gone out of his way to rehabilitate people who have been found guilty in his court. He allows low-risk inmates to be in a work-release program instead of behind bars. Incarceration is very costly for taxpayers and does nothing for prisoners’ rehabilitation.

 Soon, Judge Ozburn’s nomination will be reviewed by members of the Judicial Nominating Commission. Their recommendation will be passed on to the governor for his review and nomination.

 We recommend, without hesitation, the endorsement of the Honorable Judge Ozburn by the Judicial Nominating Commission and the quick approval of that nomination by Gov. Sonny Perdue. We look forward to the entire state of Georgia enjoying the same fair and honest judicial decisions that he has issued for the last 14 years here in Newton and Walton counties.