THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 27, 1994 TAG: 9410270470
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY MASON PETERS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Medium: 78 lines
Five area sheriffs and one sheriff-to-be praised District Court Judge James Carlton Cole Wednesday and promised election support, but his Republican opponent, James A. Beales Jr., was quick to call it ``an extremely unfortunate intrusion'' of politics into the judicial system.
Also endorsing the judge was District Attorney Frank R. Parrish, who concluded his remarks at a Wednesday gathering of Cole supporters by saying ``both heart and mind persuade me that J.C. Cole is the man for the job.''
The only sheriff missing from the seven-county 1st Judicial District where Judge Cole is on the bench was W. Norman Newbern Jr. of Currituck County. But Newbern, called away to the Eastern Shore on business, sent a message of support for Cole to the ``endorsement luncheon'' for the judge at the Elizabeth City Holiday Inn.
When word of the sheriffs' lunch with Cole was announced earlier this week, Beales, an Elizabeth City attorney who was unopposed in the Republican primary for the judgeship now held by Cole, quickly faxed a ``response to endorsement of J.C. Cole'' to local media.
Beale's disparaging words came in time to create a few strained moments in table conversation among a room full of law enforcement representatives at the Holiday Inn.
Cole won the Democratic nomination for the judgeship in the May primary and was later appointed to serve out a vacancy on the court by Gov. James B. Hunt Jr.
``I believe that politics has absolutely no place in the courtroom,'' said Beales' statement.
``I stand for a completely independent judiciary untainted by endorsements or financial contributions from those who might regularly appear before a judge . . . ''
Beales' remarks caused Cole, sitting across a table from four sheriffs - one of them a Republican like Beales - and one sheriff-elect, to interrupt the luncheon with his rebuttal.``I have never, nor would I ever, allow my role as a judge to be influenced by politics.
``I view politics as a means of helping people.
``My own experience in law enforcement has taught me that the war on crime is not a political issue; law enforcement is a bridge between an orderly society and a disorderly society, it is not a question of black politics, or white politics, or Democratic politics or Republican politics.''
When Cole finished without mentioning Beales by name, the law enforcement officers across the table each announced confidence in Cole.
The sheriffs were Bert Austin of Dare County, Joe G. Jones of Camden County, E. Elmo Benton of Gates County and Fred Spruill of Chowan County. Spruill is a registered Republican.
David Lane, sheriff-elect of Perquimans County, also announced his support for Cole, as did James R. Staley, a senior deputy sheriff of Pasquotank County, who represented Pasquotank Sheriff Davis Sawyer. Sawyer's wife is in Albemarle Hospital.
``Sheriff Sawyer directed me to convey his endorsement of Judge Cole,'' said Staley.
Randy Cartright, Democratic nominee for Pasquotank sheriff in the Nov. 8 elections, also pledged his support for Cole. Sawyer is not seeking re-election.
In Currituck, Susan Johnson, Sheriff Newbern's secretary, said she had been instructed to convey Newbern's ``enthusiastic support'' for Judge Cole.
It remained for District Attorney Parrish, a scholarly prosecutor, to conclude the testimonial luncheon for Cole with panache:
``Knowledge of the law is essential to being a judge; J.C. has that,'' said Parrish.
``Willingness to apply the law fairly and honestly is essential; J.C. has that.
``A knowledge of human nature is invaluable; J.C. has that.
``A sensitivity to others, grounded in kindness and courtesy, is essential; J.C. has that.
``A willingness to be firm when necessary is a must; J.C. has that.
``And he has my vote, my allegiance, and my support.''
KEYWORDS: ELECTION NORTH CAROLINA by CNB