Former Scottburgh Primary pupil runs for judge in United States
As a parent and a former prosecutor, Mrs Wallace knows when discipline and correction are needed.
FORMER Scottburgh local and now Montgomery County Juvenile Court Judge hopeful, Helen Wallace, announced that she is running for retiring Judge, Nick Kuntz’s current position.
Attorney at law, Mrs Wallace was born in Durban. However, her parents, Joe and Sandy Williams, relocated to Scottburgh in 1974 and she attended school at Scottburgh Primary until the age of seven.
Many might recall Mrs Wallace’s grandparents, William and Beryl Simpson, who also resided in Scottburgh.
At the age of seven, Helen emigrated to the United States along with her three sisters, Mary-Anne, Susan and Sally in 1979 and received her citizenship in 1987.
With nearly 17 years of juvenile law experience as a prosecutor, defence attorney and guardian ad litem in the Ohio Montgomery County Juvenile Court, Mrs Wallace has served in many roles and many trials, preparing her well to take on the role of judge.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Former South Coaster Reevana makes top five in Mrs SA contest
If elected, Mrs Wallace will do what all determined, multi-tasking parents would do – provide the supportive services that help families in turmoil move forward, while providing the strong guidance and discipline that lays the solid foundation for personal responsibility.
As a parent and a former prosecutor, Mrs Wallace knows when discipline and correction are needed.
“My first priority is keeping our neighbourhoods safe and holding juveniles responsible for their actions,” she said.
Through her extensive experience in the juvenile court and as a mother of two, one of whom is dyslexic (an all-too-common learning difficulty that affects 15-20 percent of the American population), Mrs Wallace knows that the challenges a student faces in the classroom or at home can often lead to delinquency or dropping out, devastating his or her chances of a successful life.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: Former South Coast couple robbed in Manhattan apartment
Mrs Wallace wants to integrate educational tutoring in the court system, knowing that supporting the education of vulnerable youth and making sure they stay on track is the best investment a community can make.
“Finally, having a woman on the bench of the Montgomery County Juvenile Court in 2019 will send a strong, powerful message to everyone, including our sons and daughters, that not only are women’s voices heard today, but respected and honoured in our community as all voices should be,” she said.
Mrs Wallace lives in Washington Township, Ohio, with her husband of 19 years, her children, three rescue dogs and two cats.
For the past 12 years, she has owned and run a successful, growing family law practice in the Dayton community.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
