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July 27, 2012

Candidate profiles: Cope says her experience matters

Victor Miller victormiller@daltoncitizen.com

Kaye Cope has a simple response when told some of her challengers for the magistrate position she holds in Whitfield County say it’s time for a change.

“Why change something that’s not broke?” she asks. “I think the Magistrate Court is working better than it has in a long time. We all get along together.”

Cope has served as a magistrate judge for 28 years. The court handles civil claims of $15,000 or less, certain misdemeanor criminal offenses, county ordinance violations and some deposit account fraud cases. Judges can issue arrest and search warrants, and the court handles preliminary hearings and summonses.

The position is nonpartisan. Cope faces Phillip Croy, Don Allen Garrett and Jerry Leonard in Tuesday’s election.

Asked why voters should return her once again to the position, Cope said, “My education, my background with the different court systems, my ability to continue to do the job.”

A native of Whitfield County, Cope has a criminal justice degree from Jacksonville State University. Prior to becoming magistrate judge, she worked in the district attorney’s office as a warrant track systems coordinator. She also worked as a clerk in the Whitfield County Probate Court and served an internship with the local state probation office.

Cope noted magistrate judges receive 20 hours of training each year.

“So I’m recertified every year,” she said.

Asked how she views her role as a judge, Cope said, “I take everything very seriously because it may not seem to be a difficult situation but the person that’s in that situation, it is difficult for them. So you have to be understanding and kind. We can’t tell them what to do but can kind of lead them through the process.”

Cope, who serves on the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters, is the daughter of the late Mary Ruth and James Carson Cope. She lives in Dalton and has three brothers — Don, Larry and Bucky — who all live in Whitfield County. She is the widow of Robert Keith Smith, who passed away in February.

“Despite this recent loss, I assure the citizens of Whitfield County that I am prepared, eager and ready to seek re-election and totally committed to continue serving as your best choice for magistrate court judge of Whitfield County,” Cope said when she announced her decision to seek re-election.

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