Since 1986 Linda Bostick Ray has made it her life’s mission to serve the people of Anderson County.
As Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Ray served for 20 years until she was elected Anderson County Judge in 2006.
In both offices Ray made history being the first woman justice of the peace in the county, and the first woman to serve as county judge.
After her term ends on Dec. 31, 2010, Ray said that will be it for her in public office.
“My age and years of service have put me in a position where I am ready to retire,” Ray said.
Ray said she will continue in office until the end of her term next year.
She was first elected as Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace in 1986. Much has changed over that time, many of the changes Ray said she was happy to have played a part.
“I am proud of the way we have advanced technology wise,” Ray said. “When I was justice of the peace we moved from an old building to a new building (in Elkhart.)
“While county judge we completed construction of the jail and gone through a major hurricane and a tornado.”
Perhaps the thing Ray is most proud of is the way the commissioners court has worked since her time in office.
“With a lot of help and cooperation with all of the commissioners we brought some civility and normalcy to the court,” Ray said, referring to some turbulent years before she took office. “Sometimes we agree to disagree, but we all get along.”
The past year has been a little rough dealing with sinking revenue, but Ray and the commissioners were determined not to raise taxes on the public which is having to deal with a battered economy.
With all of that to worry about, Ray said she worked on focusing on her job instead of trying to keep her job.
As she gets ready to enter her last year of public service Ray said she will miss the people she has worked with and gotten to know over her time in office.
For the person who takes her place, she gives this bit of advice, “Just be fair and treat everyone the same.”
Local News
Ray won't seek another term as county judge
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