I was concerned with the news of Walker County State Judge Bruce Roberts’ dismissal of 53 cases, for no apparent reason, and what he called a “spurt of the moment decision.” Judges are allowed to throw out cases for good reason, but the wholesale dismissal of 53 cases, where lawbreakers were ready to plead guilty and pay their fines, is unfair to the citizens of Walker County.
Considering he just lost his reelection bid, one must wonder if he did this out of spite. All Walker taxpayers should be concerned. Roberts has already dismissed cases or failed to levy fines at a historic level, and has the court revenue behind by close to a quarter million dollars. If he continues his mismanagement through Dec. 31, court revenues could be down by about ¾ million dollars. The revenue shortages will be made up by the taxpayers.
Local taxpayers, and all elected officials of Walker County should demand an investigation by the state. I personally think he should resign immediately. His resignation, or removal, is the only hope for the Walker County tax payers being saved from paying a ¾ million dollar revenue shortage through property tax hikes.
Bill Murrow
Rossville