Ex-Councilman Mike Jameson to run for open judgeship

Former Metro Councilman Mike Jameson intends to run for the judgeship that opened following the recent death of Davidson County General Sessions Judge Leon Ruben, the former District 6 council representative confirmed Monday.

“Judge Ruben was a phenomenal judge and a great man, and it would be an honor to succeed him on the bench,” Jameson said.

Ruben, a former councilman who had served as a general sessions judge since 1981, died Friday. He was 77.

For the last eight years, Jameson held the council’s District 6 seat, which includes the East Nashville neighborhoods of Lockeland Springs and Edgefield. Term-limited, Jameson left the council last month. Peter Westerholm was elected to replace him.

In 2008, Jameson sought the Davidson County Fifth Circuit Court judgeship that opened when Judge Walter C. Kurtz retired. Then-Gov. Phil Bredesen instead appointed Nashville attorney Joe P. Binkley Jr. to fill the position.

The council is tasked with appointing Ruben’s replacement in a process similar to the way members recently tapped Howard Gentry as Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk to replace David Torrence who resigned.

Vice Mayor Diane Neighbors is set to announce the vacancy at the Oct. 18 council meeting, according to council attorney Jon Cooper. From there, the council would begin accepting nominations, which can come from citizens outside the council.

Nominations then go to the Nashville Bar Association, which will conduct a poll among its members.

Cooper said the council would likely vote on Ruben’s replacement by the second council meeting in November.

Jameson is a member of the Nashville law firm North, Pursell, Ramos & Jameson, PLC.
Given his ties to many who serve on the 40-member council, Jameson figures to be a formidable candidate for the open judgeship.

Following his council tenure, Jameson had started writing as a columnist for the Nashville Scene, owned by SouthComm, The City Paper’s parent company.