Gene Barton
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Gene Barton, an attorney from Okolona, Mississippi, is running for the 3rd District's 1st seat on the Mississippi Supreme Court. He is running against incumbent Ann Lamar.
In July, with four months left in the Supreme Court elections, Barton's campaign finance report in mid-July show that he loaned $42,000 to his campaign, along with $75,000 in credit card debt, as he seeks to raise funds for the campaign against Lamar.[1]
Biography
Gene is a lawyer of 30 years, educated at the University of Mississippi. He and his wife, Cindy, have eight children and four grandchildren. Gene is a member of the First Baptist Church in Okolona, MS.
Gene's parents were well-known figures in their community. Wade Barton, Gene's father, was President of Citizen State Bank of Tupelo in the 1960's, which later became First Citizens National Bank. Nell Bishop Barton, Gene's mother, was no stranger to the banking industry herself. Nell's father served as Mayor of Forrest, MS as well as President of a local bank, which later became Community Bank. Wade and Nell actually met at a bankers convention. Gene's parents were both active in the community. Gene's father served on the executive board of North Mississippi Community Hospital in the 1960's. Wade was also involved with the Federal Reserve system by appointment. Gene's mother, Nell, was an active charter member of the Junior Auxiliary. Nell was also hired as Director of the United Way in Lee County. She later served as President of the Red Cross Lee County chapter.
Gene's paternal grandparents were from Monroe County, and his maternal grandparents were from Scott County.
Legal Education and Experience
Education
Barton received his B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Political Science and English from the University of Mississippi in 1975. He received his Juris Doctor from the same institution in 1977. He was probably the youngest to graduate in his class.
Experience
Barton was elected City Alderman in Tupelo, Mississippi in 1985. As a trial lawyer and appellate lawyer, he has been admitted to practice in all Mississippi Courts. This would include Justice Courts, Chancery Courts, Circuit Courts, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court of Mississippi, Federal Courts, Northern District of Mississippi, Southern District of Mississippi, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and U.S. Supreme Court. He has represented both prosecution and defense. He has been a prosecutor for 5 years; He is a member of the Mississippi Prosecutor's Association. Barton is presently both the City Attorney and City Prosecutor for the City of Okolona, MS. He has been a public defender for 10 years.
Gene was a member of the Common Cause Organization. He actively worked against weakening the ethics laws in the State of Mississippi.
During the time Gene served as City Alderman he was involved in getting the Barnes Crossing area annexed in Tupelo, MS. He also worked closely with the Mayor and City Attorney to get get the City water shortage problem solved. Gene also worked hard to fill a campaign promise to get a park built. He kept he his word and people still enjoy the Theron Nichols Park today.
Judicial Philosophy
Gene Barton is neither anti-big business, nor pro-plaintiff. Gene is pro-justice. He is fair, unbiased, and un-bought.
External Links
- Gene Barton's Blog
- Mississippi Supreme Court Election Information
- Campaign Finance Report
- Follow the Money: Gene Barton.
- Rivals outraise sitting justices
