From: Ryan Smith
Tuscon, Arizona
Bartholomew County residents,
Becoming judge is a big step in someone’s law career. It takes a person with experience, integrity and an extreme interest in their community.
I’ve known Scott Andrews for over 45 years, as our parents were friends prior to either of us being born. In my lifetime knowing Scott, he has always participated by doing more than just the minimum. In high school, he was a three sports letterman, was involved in the school newspaper, and excelled in everything he did.
When I left town in 1996 to pursue a career in the military, Scott and I never lost touch. We are still best friends and try to see each other’s family every year. To me, this highlights Scott’s loyalty to relationships and represents exactly what the community needs in a judge.
Scott has been involved in the community ever since I can remember. I can still remember him as a camp counselor at Camp Lakeview nearly 25 years ago. He has always been involved at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and School, and continues to be involved in Camp Lakeview. Again, this shows his loyalty and commitment.
Even now, Scott is appointed by the prosecutor to take part in the Bartholomew County Drug Recovery Court, which is a much-needed program for the community. It’s clear to me that Scott’s experience surpasses all of the other candidates.
He’s worked closely for a federal judge, he’s been a deputy prosecutor, and he’s worked for a large law firm in Indianapolis. He’s been a partner in a local firm, and now owns his own local practice. Scott has 20 years of actual legal experience handling all types of cases. You name it, he’s probably handled it. That’s real legal experience.
Columbus, Indiana is my hometown and I am a proud Hoosier. I cannot wait to move back once my military career is over. Columbus is more than a city to me, it’s my community. I know it’s currently been a stressful time for all candidates due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
I recently read a letter to the editor where a former judge was supporting another candidate. I have no problem with that. However, my concern is the unnecessary negativity displayed to the other candidates in that endorsement when insinuating that the other candidates were merely listing bullet points and were not experienced enough to be judge.
Fortunately, we have a community that can see right past that, and understands that a judge needs to have both life experiences and broad legal experience. I can honestly say that Scott Andrews is 110% qualified to be a judge due to both his life experiences and his legal experience. His passion for our community and his integrity to do what’s right shows the type of person he is; the type of person he has always been. I should know, I’ve technically known him since before he was even born.
I enthusiastically encourage everyone to vote for Scott Andrews for judge of Superior Court II.
Editor’s note: This letter is paid political content
