By Kathy Collins
With a strong sense of service, Shelton Bridges makes a great candidate for County Court Judge for Hillsborough County, Group 10. The election will take place on Tuesday, August 30.
“My parents reared me with a strong belief of service. After 16 years of practicing law, 11 of which required me to be in court every day, I see what makes a good judge. I want to be a judge that serves the people of Hillsborough County,” said Bridges.
Bridges graduated from the University of Florida with three degrees including a law degree and an MBA. He has worked in both the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office as well as the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office for a total of 11 years. He has tried more than 100 jury trials to verdict and has practiced in Federal Court as well. “The breadth of my experience is what makes me uniquely qualified to be a County Court Judge,” said Bridges.
Moreover, Bridges is a fifth generation Floridian who has resided in Hillsborough County since 2000. Bridges is an active member of his church, Hyde Park United Methodist Church, where he has taught children’s Bible Study for over 11 years. Bridges has always wanted to be an attorney, and he believes that being a judge is a calling. “I believe that in law, as in life, you have to treat people as you want to be treated. The lack of civility is a problem, and we need judges that bring the appropriate demeanor to the bench,” added Bridges.
The challenges of being a County Court Judge are unique in that it includes Small Claims Court where many litigants represent themselves. As such, a County Court Judge must be able to guide the process without giving legal advice. “A County Court Judge has to have a certain temperament and demeanor to help reduce the stress and make the system work,” explained Bridges.
Bridges added, “Being a judge is a privilege. A judge must treat everyone who comes before him with dignity and respect.” Bridges will not only bring a high level of legal experience and knowledge to the bench but a desire to treat others respectfully.
For more information on Shelton Bridges and his run for County Court Judge in Group 10, visit www.bridgesforjudge.com.
