IN BRIEF: Rockdale County Superior Court Chief Judge David Irwin announced he will be running for re-election for a fifth term in the nonpartisan position. "It has been my privilege to serve as a Superior Court Judge for the past 15 years and I am hopeful that I will have the opportunity to continue in that capacity. It is my goal to continue to provide the citizens of this community and State the right to have their disputes resolved fairly in an efficient manner," Irwin said in a statement.

Irwin, 57, was first elected as Superior Court Judge in 1998. Prior to his election, he practiced law for 17 years in Rockdale County, focusing on criminal, civil, family and personal injury. He was a partner with the firm, Barksdale Irwin Talley & Sharp from 1985 to 1996 and a solo practitioner from 1996 until he was elected judge. He is a former Public Defender with the Rockdale Judicial Circuit and also served in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1991 to 1992. He was active in the State YMCA and Rockdale Cares, Inc., a non-profit organization that serves mentally challenged individuals. Irwin is a member of the Council of Superior Court Judges and serves on the council's Personnel Committee.

Irwin grew up in Dawson, GA, and earned his B.A. degree from North Georgia College and his law degree from the Mercer School of Law. He and his wife, Lisa, a retired Rockdale teacher, have been married 33 years and have two adult children who were educated in the Rockdale County Public Schools system. The Irwins are members of Conyers First United Methodist Church.

The candidate qualifying period for local, state and federal candidates is March 3-7 this year. The nonpartisan election and partisan primaries are May 20.

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