Athens attorney Eddie Alley believes his experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, special judge and educator makes him the best candidate to replace longtime District Judge Jerry Batts, who is retiring.

Alley, an Athens attorney and former assistant district attorney announced Tuesday he would be a Republican candidate for Limestone County district judge, Place 2, in the March 1, 2016, primary election.

“I believe my experience, my belief in fairness, and my Limestone County values give me the best understanding on how to serve our citizens as their district judge,” Alley said.

Batts is one of three Limestone judges who will not seek re-election next year. Circuit Judge Jimmy Woodroof Jr. and District Judge Jeanne Anderson will both retire.

Experience

A lifelong conservative and small businessman, Alley, 38, previously served as an assistant district attorney in the Limestone County District Attorney’s Office, where he handled thousands of misdemeanor cases in district court as well as hundreds of felony cases in circuit court, he said. He served as a special federal prosecutor for the administration of President George W. Bush and as both a special municipal judge for the city of Athens and a special probate judge for Limestone County, he said.

In addition to his legal work, Alley has served as instructor at numerous Alabama police academies, he said.

“Experience matters to the people of Limestone County,” Alley said. “If you’re running to serve them as district judge, it has to matter. I’m running because I know that I am the most qualified and experienced candidate in this race.”

Having served as a prosecutor, defense attorney, special municipal judge and an educator, Alley said he has seen the impact the district judge has on individuals from all sides.

“I have been truly blessed to serve and work for the people of Limestone County as both a prosecutor and attorney,” Alley said. “That experience has taught me the importance of fairness in these roles. I have developed a sense of responsibility and realize the importance a fair and impartial judge can bring to our system. The Limestone County district court serves our citizens during the most turbulent time in their lives. It’s important they come before a fair judge who is objective and experienced in all aspects of law. “

Dad’s influence

Alley said his first job was actually the most influential in his life.

“My dad lost his job and started his own business harvesting mussel shells from the Tennessee River,” Alley said. “I was just a young boy at that time, but my dad taught me the value of hard work. You had to get out there and work whether it was hot or cold, summer or winter. Nothing was given to you; you had to earn every dollar you made.”

Values

Alley said many of the decisions handed down by today’s courts do not reflect Limestone County values.

“I know the people of Limestone County are God-fearing, Christian people who appreciate the value of hard work and the traditional values we grew up on,” Alley said. “I’m running because I know my values are Limestone County values.”

Alley graduated with honors from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law. He is a past board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Athens and Rotary Club of Athens. He is a member of the Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, the Alabama Veterans Museum, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Fraternal Order of Police and a life member of the National Rifle Association.

He is married to Dr. Sharie Packa Alley. They have one daughter, Reagan, and are expecting their second child in November.