Mike Jameson, the former East Nashville Metro councilman, has picked up the endorsement of the Service Employees International Union Local 205 in his bid to be appointed Davidson County General Sessions judge.
“To me, the Service Employees International Union represents the little guy –– the very type of person I would hope to serve on the bench,” Jameson said. “So I'm thrilled and honored by their endorsement.”
SEIU Local 205 represents Metro workers. Jameson and nine others are vying for the General Sessions judgeship that opened following the death of Judge Leon Ruben last month. The Metro Council is set to pick a replacement Nov. 15.
“During two terms on the council, Mike has served with fairness, respect, and empathy for the needs of his constituency, including our members,” Doug Collier, president of the SEIU Local 205 wrote in a letter to council members Tuesday.
“While not every council member agrees on every issue, it was Mike’s demeanor during difficult debates that most impressed us,” he continued. “He was thoughtful, fair, and always respectful of others’ opinions. Those are the qualities our members value in a judge.”
Jameson served East Nashville’s District 6 from 2003 through 2011. He is an attorney at North, Pursell, Ramos & Jameson, PLC. In 2008, Jameson sought an open Davidson County Circuit Court judgeship, but then-Gov. Phil Bredesen appointed Nashville attorney Joe P. Binkley Jr. instead.
“General Sessions courts are often the only exposure to the court system that the public has,” Collier wrote. “Therefore, it is important that their experience be one of being judged fairly, honestly, and respectfully. Mike has clearly demonstrated that ability.”
Other attorneys who have applied for the General Sessions judgeship are: Rachel Bell; John “Jack” P. Brown III; Tremecca Doss; Blake Freeman; Larry Hoover; Lynda Jones; Andrei Lee; Rosemary Sexton; and Paul Walwyn.