I met Joe DeGaetano, who is running for Hamilton County Sessions Court judge, when I arrived at St. Jude School in 7th grade. Joe and I became good friends in high school at Notre Dame, and stayed in touch through college, when I went to Auburn and he went to Vanderbilt, and while he was in law school at Georgia. After 25 years, we remain close friends despite having our own families and careers to keep us busy. Our friendship will remain an important part of my life as we move through all the great things yet to come.
This summer, I have attended campaign events with Joe. After watching him speak to large and small groups and individuals, I have seen first-hand Joe’s interest in the concerns of the people of Hamilton County. Joe’s knowledge of the law, and how he can make a difference as judge, is impressive. His grasp of the problems facing this community is remarkable. His ability to relate to people of all backgrounds is striking.
I was proud to vote for Joe during early voting. This Thursday, Aug. 2, please vote for my friend Joe DeGaetano for Sessions Court judge.
Kristen Smith Levi
Ooltewah
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I have been friends with Hamilton County Sessions Court Judge candidate Joe DeGaetano for over 20 years. I first met Joe when we were both students at Notre Dame High School and neighbors in the Hidden Harbor subdivision in Hixson.
Over the years Joe has proven himself time and again to be one of the hardest working, intelligent, responsible, dependable, and trustworthy people I have ever known. He is a caring family man, trusted friend, and hardworking attorney. It is for these reasons that I feel Joe is the type of person Hamilton County needs as Sessions Court judge.
Citizens of Hamilton County, I urge you to make the right choice on Aug. 2 and vote for Joe Degaetano for Sessions Court judge. You will be glad you did.
Ben Underwood
Hixson
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I encourage everyone to review the qualifications of the candidates for Sessions Court judge. There is one candidate who graduated second in his law school class with a 3.9 GPA. There is one candidate who was appointed judicial law clerk for a senior judge on the United States Court of Appeals. There is one candidate who is on the Criminal Justice Act Panel, which is the group of attorneys with the required training and experience to be appointed by federal judges to represent indigent defendants. There is one candidate who was elected unanimously to chair the Tennessee Bar Association's Tort & Insurance Practice Section, which is a nonpartisan group that works to improve our tort system.
Guess what? It's all the same candidate: Joe DeGaetano.
Guess what else? Joe DeGaetano pledged not to accept any money from corporations, PACs, Super-PACs, or other non-humans, and he's not his own biggest donor.
Please vote for Joe DeGaetano on Aug. 2.
Eddie Rodgers, MBA, JD