I, John Mark Mitchell, would like to offer my thanks to the citizens of Pearl River County for your continued support. Below you will find my announcement for re-election to the position of Justice Court Judge, Southwest District. Because of running unopposed in the 2011 election, I am using this announcement for the purpose of introducing myself to new citizens to Pearl River County as well as others who may not know me. It has been my honor to serve you in this position for the past 14 years. I look forward to serving the citizens of this great county in this position for the next 4 years. Once again, thank you for your continued support.

I am formally announcing my candidacy for re-election as your Justice Court Judge, Southwest District. I ask you to consider my record of 24 years public service before casting your ballot in the 2011 election. My name is John Mark Mitchell and I am 54 years old. I am a native and life long resident of Pearl River County. I am the son of the late Roland Albert and Mary Ellen Bible Mitchell. I am married to the former Cindy Cagle, a native of the Nicholson community. I have one son, John Albert, married to the former Ashley Penton. I have two daughters, Samantha Cooley, married to Jonathan A. Cooley and Erin Mitchell. I also have three grandsons, John Carson, James Ira and Conner Heath. I am a member of New Palestine Baptist Church.

I am proud to say that I have had the privilege of serving the people in southwest Pearl River County as your Constable from 1987 until 1997. In a special election held in 1997, you elected me as your Justice Court Judge. As well as being your Justice Court Judge, I am employed as the Deputy Chief with the Picayune Fire Department. I have striven to provide the citizens in my district professional and courteous service during my time in office. I have been elected to serve six consecutive terms by the voters in Pearl River County, Southwest District.

As your Justice Court Judge, I will continue to serve the citizens in a professional, courteous and impartial manner. This is my solemn promise. In considering my qualifications, I would like to point out that I have continued to upgrade my education and training since being first elected to serve you in 1987. For four years, I served on the Governor’s Board of Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training. I have completed the course in basic law enforcement at the University of Southern Mississippi and the training program at the University of Mississippi Law Center. Prior to my election to public office, I was involved in local law enforcement for more than 10 years. I have received numerous awards and certifications during my career. In 1998, I completed my Statutory Training at the University of Mississippi Judicial College for Judges. I also received National Certification through the National Judicial College and the Mississippi Judicial College.

To the natives of Pearl River County, let me say that serving you has been and continues to be an honor. I would like to welcome all of the new residents of Pearl River County, Southwest District, and ask for your support. I have dedicated my life to serving the citizens of Pearl River County. I ask you to give me your support and your vote. Please vote for me, John Mark Mitchell, in the 2011 election. As I said 24 years ago, before you first elected me, “I won’t let you down.”