Dear Editor: This upcoming week is celebrated across the nation as Constitution Week, to honor the signing of our U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments of the Constitution, includes such fundamental rights as citizens’ freedom of speech and entitlement to fair trials.  As a well-respected trial attorney and former journalist, I certainly have great respect for diverse opinions and individual perspectives on any given issue, including the political process. 

However, the insinuation that the verbiage on my yard signs is intended to mislead our community, rather than educate them that the position of Chief Magistrate is a judgeship, is quite ridiculous. I am committed to raising the quality of justice, fairness, competency and efficiency in our magistrate court through implementation of the highest ethics, smart practices and community involvement. I believe in the intelligence and common sense of Rockdale voters and trust that you all know the difference between an opinion and a fact when you read one in the newspaper. If I am fortunate enough to be elected a Rockdale judge in November, please know that I will respect every voice but I will only rule based on the facts and the law.

Phinia Aten
Conyers