Smith, Sikes announce for DA's seat
SIKES
Donna Golden Sikes, a Jefferson attorney, has announced her intention to seek the seat of District Attorney for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit in July’s elections.
Sikes has been an attorney for 17 years and has represented clients in many different areas of the law, from family matters, such as divorce, child support, custody and adoption, to criminal and bankruptcy matters, as well as disputes in non-litigation areas such as contracts, wills and real estate.
Sikes served as the attorney for the City of Arcade from 1993 through 1997 and successfully appealed cases on behalf of the voters to the Georgia Supreme Court. She also served as the attorney for the Jackson County Water and Sewerage Authority from 1996 through 2001.In addition to her legal career, Sikes has served as a member and president of the Jackson County Industrial Development Authority, Georgia Municipal Association, Northeast Georgia Legal Services, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Child Care Advisory Council on Mental Health and the Georgia Citizens Committee on Child Care.
“I decided to run for District Attorney of the Piedmont Circuit in 2006, after witnessing the abuse of power and utter contempt for the justice system from then District Attorney Tim Madison. I believe now - as I did then - that the people in Barrow, Banks and Jackson counties need a chance to select their own District Attorney in a free and fair election - not a political appointment.”
“I believe the people want a chance to choose their own District Attorney, and not just settle for what somebody has selected for us, “ she said. “ I have run and managed my law office as a solo practitioner for 17 years, and have learned the difference between delegating authority and accepting responsibility. I bear the responsibility for the ethical and professional behavior of everyone in my office. That’s exactly the kind of experience our District Attorney should have.”
Sikes received her law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1991, and was a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Georgia in 1978.
She lives in Jefferson with her husband and has one daughter and one grand-daughter.
SMITH
Former assistant district attorney Brad Smith, Hoschton, has announced his intention to seek the seat of District Attorney for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit in July’s elections. The position is currently held by Rick Bridgeman, who was appointed to the post following the resignation of former DA Tim Madison last summer.
“This July’s primary presents a significant opportunity for the people of the Piedmont Circuit,” Smith said. “It will be the first time in over 20 years they have had a choice for district attorney. I believe I present the best choice. Now more than ever the DA’s office needs experienced leadership - in both words and acts – in addressing the challenges of our criminal justice system.”
Smith is a graduate of The Citadel and University of Virginia and began his legal career in the Piedmont Circuit in 1997. While serving as ADA, he was put in charge of the Jackson County office. Smith resigned the position last year and is currently working in the Western Judicial Circuit, which includes Athens-Clarke County.
In addition to his legal career, Smith has also been the “voice of the Appalachee Wildcats” football team for the past seven years, is a supporter of the Peace Place battered women’s shelter and the Barrow County Relay for Life efforts. He is an active member of the Barrow County Republican Party and is the current secretary /treasurer of the Piedmont Bar Association.
Smith and his wife, Christine, have been married for eleven years, and have two sons: Aiden, 5 and Jacob, 3. They reside in Hoschton and attend Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit Church in Winder.
“I have raised my family in this community and committed virtually my entire career to serving this circuit,” Smith said. “I hope the citizens of the Piedmont Judicial Circuit will allow me the opportunity to return to their service once again as their District Attorney.”
