Voters in Clay, Duval and Nassau counties will vote in this non-partisan election of a judge to a six-year term in the 4th Judicial Circuit, Group 1. 

Four candidates will appear on the Aug. 14 ballot and one write-in candidate qualified for this non-partisan post:

Melina E. Buncome

AGE:  47

FAMILY:   2 college-age children

OCCUPATION:  Attorney in the Capital Crimes Unit at the Public Defender's Office

EDUCATION:   J.D., Nova Southeastern University Sheppard Board School of Law;
A.A., El Centro Junior College; B.A., University of the Virgin Islands

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE:  Never ran for office

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP THREE ISSUES IN THIS RACE?

• "Three qualities a judge should have is Intergrity, Respect and fairness. Everyone that appears before a judge should expect and receive respect, be treated fairly and know that the integrety of the judicial system is being upheld."
  
  

HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP VOTERS IN A WAY OTHERS IN THIS RACE CAN'T?

• "As I have ran in this race, voters have received honesty. I have explained the importance of having a fair judiciary and the importance of voting. Being involved in the community is seen in my community service. Both in the legal community , the education community and the social community."

WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR ACCOMPLISHING AFTER SERVING IN THIS OFFICE?

• "The community will remember that I listened, respected all of the people who came before me and I was fair regardless of social, economic or cultural background."

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:  BuncomeForJudge.org

Brian Davis

AGE:  59

FAMILY:   Wife of 35 years, Tanya; 2 adult children; 4 grandchildren

OCCUPATION:  Circuit Court Judge, 4th Judicial Circuit

EDUCATION:  B.A. Princeton University, 1974;  J.D. University of Florida, 1982

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE:  18 years as a non-partisan constitutional officer

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP THREE ISSUES IN THIS RACE?

HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP VOTERS IN A WAY OTHERS IN THIS RACE CAN'T?

• "For over 18 years I have actually been fair and respectful in the administration of justice."
  

WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR ACCOMPLISHING AFTER SERVING IN THIS OFFICE?

• "Equal justice under law."
  

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:  JudgeBrianDavis.com

Donald B. Mairs

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:   MairsForJudge.com

This candidate has not responded to WJXT/News4Jax.com's questionnaire.

Greg Messore

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:  RunningForJudge.com

This candidate has not responded to WJXT/News4Jax.com's questionnaire.

Gerald L. Wilkerson

Write-in candidate candidate's name will not appear on ballot

AGE:  43

FAMILY:  Married with two children, ages 9 and 7

OCCUPATION:  Attorney, self employed at the Law Office of Gerald Wilkerson

EDUCATION:  B.A. English with honors from Florida International University, 1996;  Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Florida, 2000

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE:  None

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP THREE ISSUES IN THIS RACE?

• "Judicial races are non-partisan and really do not focus on issues except whether the person is qualified to decide cases in a temperate, fair, and empathetic manner.  The bench is always in need of those individuals who are well-rounded, and who know what it is like to run a business, manage finances, and raise children. I possess all of these qualities. Most importantly, I love people, and people are what this job is about."
  

HOW DO YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP VOTERS IN A WAY OTHERS IN THIS RACE CAN'T?

• "There have been judges who lack empathy and are out of touch with the common man. I come from very humble beginnings. I served my country in the military, and by doing so illustrated my commitment to this nation. I know what it is like to be poor, being raised in low-income housing in Miami. I know what it is like to struggle in business, maintain a busy calendar, and still be there for my little boys. I believe I am by far the most well-rounded candidate in terms of experience and background. As a Circuit Court Judge I would preside over family, criminal, civil cases. I have significant experience in all of these areas, whereas my opponents do not."

WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR ACCOMPLISHING AFTER SERVING IN THIS OFFICE?

• "I want to be remembered for being intelligent, and fair."

CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:  None