Editors’ note: The Republican candidates running for Superior Court will be featured in the May 2 edition of the Recorder.
Editors’ note: Some information appearing online differs from the print version. Primarily the paragraph on candidate Gregory Bowes. The Recorder apologizes for this factual error.
On May 6, the polls will open for Indy residents to cast their votes in the primary election. This year’s election for judges for Marion County Superior Court is one of the most anticipated contests. There are 16 seats up for election and the top eight Democratic and top eight Republican vote getters will be the candidates to advance to the general election in November.
Read on for more information on this year’s Democratic candidates.
Gregory Bowes
Bowes, whose run for judge is powered by the ideals of “Independence, Integrity, and Impartiality,” has served in various capacities in the Democratic Party since becoming a lawyer in 1985. As a City-County councilor, he co-authored the Smoke Free Air Ordinance and in 2006, he ran for and was elected Marion County assessor.
Annie Christ-Garcia
Christ-Garcia, who is currently seeking re-election, was appointed to the Marion County Superior Court by then Gov. Mitch Daniels on Jan. 29, 2007. In the past, Christ-Garcia has served as Master Commissioner for the Marion County Court system and in 2001 she became the founding judicial officer of the Indianapolis Community Court.
Barbara Cook-Crawford
Judge Cook-Crawford, was appointed to the Superior Court in August of 2010. She is currently seeking re-election. A survey conducted by the Indianapolis Bar Association revealed strong recommendations for judicial office. Sixty percent of respondents said they strongly agreed that Cook-Crawford demonstrates the proper temperament and demeanor expected of a judge.
Angela Dow Davis
Davis’ judicial experience includes serving as a pro tem (volunteer) judge in Marion County Criminal Courts. Her community involvement spans a variety of organizations and causes. From 2000-2013 she worked as sole practitioner at McClure, McClure, & Davis, practicing in the area of criminal defense.
David Dreyer
In November 2008, Judge Dreyer was re-elected for a third term as Marion County Superior Judge. His judicial highlights include; receiving a 92 percent approval rating in a 2008 Indianapolis Bar Association survey of local attorneys and being a founding member of the Sagamore Inn of Court.
Shatrese Flowers
Flowers, a graduate of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, currently serves as Master Commissioner with the Marion Superior Court, Criminal Courts 9, 14, 19, 24 and Civil Court 1. Prior to her current position, Flowers worked as assistant corporation counsel with the Office of Corporation Counsel. In an online statement, Flowers said that her “strong work ethic, legal experience, and dedication to public service” uniquely qualify her to be a highly effective candidate for Marion Superior Court Judge.
David Hennessy
Hennessy has served as a pro tempore judge presiding over a jury trial, and court trials. His legal accomplishments include serving as the judicial appointee for the Marion County Public Defender Agency and being named in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers ranking.
Christina Klineman
Since 2009, Klineman has served as a Master Commissioner with the Marion County Superior Courts. Her other legal experience includes working for the Marion County Public Defender’s Office and serving as a member of the Juvenile Detention Center Advisory Board.
James Osborn
Judge Osborn was elected to the Marion Superior Court in November 2008 and officially began his term in January 2009. Currently, Osborn serves as the associate presiding judge for the Marion Superior Court. As an active member of the Indianapolis community, he is involved in various organizations and causes including sitting on the board of directors of the Legacy House, a local non-profit that serves the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of adults and children who have been affected by violence.
Marcel Pratt Jr.
Pratt, who began his legal career in Pennsylvania, has served in Indianapolis as a public defender, private practitioner and pro tem judge. As a life member of the Marion County Bar Association, Pratt has presided over 100 trials. He is the husband of federal Judge Tanya Walton-Pratt.
Christopher Starkey
Starkey is an attorney whose focus is in the areas of employment discrimination, personal injury, and civil rights law. He has no previous judicial experience. A recent Indianapolis Bar Association Judicial Survey revealed that 71.9 percent of respondents voted “no” when asked if they would recommend him for judicial office.
