by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Attorney Adrian Soud has filed to run for the Circuit Court seat currently held by incumbent Charles Mitchell. Soud officially filed his paperwork with the State elections office Oct. 25, but he’s been thinking about succeeding his father on the bench for much longer.
“Some folks encouraged me to seek dad’s seat by appointment (that went to former State Rep. Mark Mahon), but I wasn’t interested in doing that,” said Soud, a partner with his brother Jeff in the Soud Law Firm in the Blackstone Building. “The timing was not right, but there were a number of people encouraging me.”
Mitchell intends to retire when his current terms expires at the end of next year. Mitchell’s retirement at the end of his term will create a vacancy to be filled by election rather than gubernatorial appointment.
“(Circuit Court) Judge (Bernard) Nachman and I are both retiring at the end of our terms,” said Mitchell, explaining that a state law prevents state judges from remaining on the bench very far past their 70th birthday, regardless how long they have been on the bench.
Mitchell said he intends to retire Jan. 5, 2009, giving him a 30-year career.
“I will probably come back and serve as a senior judge,” said Mitchell. “Everybody basically knows I can’t run again. I have enjoyed it.”
Soud comes from a family of public servants. His father, A.C., retired July 2 after serving 26-and-a-half years as a Circuit Court judge. His mother, Ginger, was on City Council from 1995-2003 and is a former Council president. She also ran for mayor in 2003. Soud said his family certainly has played a role in shaping his life and career and, to some extent, showed him the value of public service.
“That remains to be seen,” said Soud when asked if the name will help with recognition at the polls. “Obviously, I am proud of mom’s and dad’s careers and their integrity, both publicly and privately. Is it in my blood? To some degree all parents have an impact on their child one way or another. I have two brothers and I would be surprised if either ran for office.”
Soud said a judgeship is the most important elected office someone can hold. He said assuring someone’s rights are upheld is paramount regardless if it’s a civil, criminal or family law case.
“Whatever aspect it takes, the role of a judge is one that’s very important,” said Soud, who got his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Stetson University. “I am also running because the Fourth Judicial Circuit, around the state, has an excellent reputation. It is considered by many to have the finest, most efficient, highest caliber of judges.
“I am qualified to do the job and I am excited about the campaign.”
Mitchell could not be reached for comment. According to the Supervisor of Elections Office, his term expires Dec. 31 of next year. The election to replace him will be on the presidential ballot the first Tuesday in November.