11/15/2021
**The Renewal - Burn, plant and fertilize**
For 7 years 5 months, I quietly served as a part-time Municipal Court Judge at the City of Mauldin. My only desire was to serve with dignity and integrity; while treating those before me with dignity and respect. Those that deserved a lenient ruling received it. Those that deserved the hammer received it. Both were always treated with respect. (See attached letter). I walk away today having resigned knowing I made a difference the right way. I didn't complain about the house being on fire from the outside... I entered the house with a hose to extinguish the flames from the inside while sitting at the table. It has been an honor to serve the citizens of the City of Mauldin. I am forever grateful. My headstone can now saw Former Judge.
As I close this door and open new doors... I would be remise not to encourage others to chase their dreams despite their circumstances, former mistakes, family ties or background. Who would have ever guessed that little ole me that was raised in the backwoods of South Carolina (Who said "Nothing good ever comes out of Carlisle?"), didn't grow up with a "silver spoon" and was a walking statistic would ever ascend to the bench? Me... I am who thought these things were possible... Along with those in my family and community who believed in me despite the odds. Folks... It's never too late or impossible to achieve your most outlandish dreams. Just shoot for the stars... If you land on the moon... That's still a nice destination.
As I move forward with a shift in focus and "renewal", please know that I'm shooting for the "stars", taking chances and pressing the gas pedal to the floor. Time waits for no one... Therefore, I'm reclaiming and maximizing my time left here on earth... After being muted and limited for 7+ years, I can now concentrate on being an advocate for the voiceless, take up community causes and/or issues publicly, venture back into politics and build a law firm of regional influence. In other words, I'm shooting for the 🌟 s.
Onward & Upward!
Judge D-Mob...OUT!