Local attorney Doug Patterson has announced his intention to run for Limestone County District Judge, Place 1.

The seat is currently held by Jeanne Anderson, a Democrat, who plans to retire when her term expires in 2016. The Republican primary is set for March 1, but no other candidates have publicly announced for the position.

“My family has deep roots in the red clay in Limestone County,” Patterson said.

Patterson’s father, Brian Patterson, is Limestone County’s longtime revenue commissioner.

“Service is in our blood and has been for a long time,” Doug Patterson said. “I want to continue that service to our community because I know the responsibility that comes with it.”

He said he is running for the district judge seat because it’s a position that can affect change and better serve the values and principals of Limestone County. The Place 1 seat oversees juvenile court, juvenile dependency court cases, child support and other cases.

Patterson said the role the district judge plays in impacting families inspired him to seek the office.

“I’ve worked with District Judge Jeanne Anderson on hundreds of cases that have each had some impact on one of our citizens’ families,” he said. “As district judge, I’m always going to be tough, but fair. I’m going to do all I can to make sure we address the problems these kids and families face as early as we can to make sure they don’t continue in crime their whole lives.”

Background

Patterson was born in Athens and attended Athens High School. He later graduated from Athens State University and the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University.

He is married to the former Heather Wilder, also of Athens. They have two children, Bradson, 7, and Haley, 3. The couple is expecting their third child in February.

Patterson is a member of the Limestone County Republican Executive Committee and serves on the boards for CASA and The Arc of Alabama — Birdie Thornton Center. He is also a volunteer for both Hospice of Athens-Limestone County and the Limestone County Council on Aging.

Patterson said the values and lessons his father taught him growing up would remain with him as district judge.

“I want to continue to give back to our residents. I also want them to have high expectations for me because I do for them,” he said. “I’m going to work every day as district judge to make sure we meet those expectations.”