The Honorable Carol Jones Russell, who is currently a Hattiesburg Municipal Court Judge says she is running for Forrest County Youth and County Court Judge despite a local newspaper saying she isn't. Over 50,000 local residents received a local newspaper that read, "Four candidates are seeking the County and Youth Court Judge Position in Forrest County." Judge Carol Jones Russell name was left out and not included.
This immediately stirred an uproar in the community outraging thousands of Judge Carol Jones Russell supporters, community organizations, and the community in general in what many believe was done intentionally as a result of her not only being the favorite to win the Youth and County Court election by some political scientists but because Carol Jones Russell, who was appointed by both a democratic and republican mayor, Hall of Fame Inductee democratic Mayor Johnny Dupree Ph.D in 2012 and recently reappointed by republican Mayor Toby Barker in 2016 (as pictured above), is the only African American Female in the race for Forrest County Youth and County Court Judge. Carol Jones Russell is also the only sitting female judge, and the only current judge of two courts, Muncipal Court and Truancy Court.
Carol Jones Russell is the niece of her mentor, the first African American ever elected in Forrest County, the Honorable Judge Deborah Gambrell, Chancellor of the 10th District Chancery Court, whom was first appointed by Republican Governor Haley Barbour on January 11, 2011. Chancellor Gambrell, one of the most respected women in Mississippi, has been the recipient of several awards, including 2 Woman of the Year Awards plus the "Thank You" Award by the Girls Scouts of America, and has served on several Board of Directors, including President of The YMCA Board of Directors, United Way, Dubard School, and Forrest General Hospital Foundation. Chancellor Gambrell is running unopposed.
Carol Jones Russell is not only a City of Hattiesburg Municipal Court Judge, she’s also the current Truancy Court Judge. As the Truancy Court Judge, she deals directly with the local kids and their parents to find out why kids have missed so many days in school. This court directly holds parents accountable which by law can lead to time in jail. However, the Judge Carol Jones Russell in most cases works with the family to help get their kids back in school and the family back on its feet. Serving as the Truancy Court Judge, dealing with kids and their parents, gives valuable experience to help serve as Youth Court Judge.
Carol Jones Russell Campaign says despite having an unfair disadvantage by the local paper, they are still focusing on the campaign's main message, "The 4 P's." They are:
Promoting Success: Success stories and support systems can encourage individuals to not only be better, but also to do better.
Preventing Problems: Providing proper services helps prevent future problems.
Pursuing Trust: Establishing trust in the judicial system for children and families is key to positive change.
Partnering with the Community: Engaging our community can help provide valuable resources for children and families.
We asked 100 different youth around the community, "Who is Carol Jones Russell?" 8 out of 10 said ‘the new judge of Youth Court.’ Many are familiar with Carol Jones Russell because aside from her judicial experience as a judge, she is currently the Forrest County Youth Court Parent Representative in Youth Court and the Forrest County Chancery Court Guardian Ad Litem, fighting for families and protecting kids in the Pine Belt.
Carol Jones Russell serves on the Board of Directors of the Hattiesburg YMCA and the Hattiesburg Public School District Foundation. She's also a member of the Rotary Club of Hattiesburg, Pine Belt Leadership Steering Committee Member, and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Graduate Chapter.
Carol Jones Russell is also the former District Director of the Magnolia Bar Association, the Vice President of the South Central Mississippi Bar Association, Mississippi Bar Association, Women in the Profession Committee, and the Hattiesburg Area Young Lawyers Association.
Carol Jones Russell, a University of Southern Mississippi Alumni, BSBA, Highest Honors 2003, is also graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law, Juris Doctorate, Cum Laude, 2008, and Hattiesburg High School in which she received the highest honors in 1999.
The local newspaper did say it was in accidental error and after talks with community leaders have agreed to make steps to acknowledge their mistakes each day until the election. Carol Jones Russel is running against Robert Davis, Pamela Castle, and Jim Johnson.
"I have dedicated my entire legal career to fighting for families and children, and I have worked hard to gain the knowledge and expertise to serve as your County and Youth Court Judge!" says Carol Jones Russell. She went on to say, "I will bring judicial experience, fairness, compassion and intergrity to the court. On November 6, vote Carol Jones Russell for County and Youth Court Judge. Thank you for your support!"
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