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Blount Today had excerpts of a public letter from Judge Mike Meares to David Black in response to a personal letter Black previously sent to Meares and also copied to Blount Today.

The full text of Judge Meares' letter is attached.

Another excerpt:

I believe in the principles and ideals of our Constitution and our legal system and I will do more than anyone else to bring those high ideas into practice. Almost every day now I read and re-read Canon 2 of the Judicial Code of Conduct and question myself about whether my actions will promote "public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary."

These are the values Blount County citizens and voters should seek in our judges.

Early voting for the Blount Co. General and State Primary election, through Jul. 29th: 3217

Republican primary: 2525
Democratic primary: 669

In the February primary, there were 4577 early votes cast, 18.4% of the total. Total turnout was 24,880, 35.6% of registered voters.

In the 2006 August general, there were 3852 early votes cast, 24.9% of the total. Total turnout was 15,464, 20.5% of registered voters.

Early voting continues through Saturday at the following locations and times:

Election Commission Office
383 Court Street
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Everett Gym
3185 Everett High Road
Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
No Saturday voting

Pellissippi State Technical Community College
1010 Middlesettlements Road
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
No Saturday voting