Running for Office: Juvenile Court judge, Section 2B, Adkins

• Advocate staff report
• Published: Aug 28, 2008 - Page: 8B - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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East Baton Rouge Parish Assistant District Attorney Gail S. Adkins said her “bid for judge is an obedient response to a spiritual calling to serve.”

Adkins is running for judge in Juvenile Court, Section 2B.

She has worked for nine years as assistant district attorney in the juvenile section of the District Attorney’s Office.

Adkins, a Democrat, will face incumbent Pam Taylor Johnson, also a Democrat, in the Oct. 4 primary.

East Baton Rouge Parish’s Juvenile Court district is split into two voting districts — 1A and 2B — divided by a jagged boundary line that runs north to south, cutting the parish roughly in half. Section 2B encompasses the western half of the parish.

Adkins said her work as a juvenile prosecutor has kept her aware of the issues facing teens in the parish and the need to ensure public safety.

“In juvenile court we are faced with unique and complex situations that require consistency, accountability, effective and sustainable programs and a focus on safety,” she said. “Business as usual just won’t do.”

Adkins said she is committed to bringing a balance of compassion and discipline to the court while restoring public confidence in the system.

“Collaborative efforts between the judge and the community will produce better results for children, families and the community,” she said.

After serving nine years in the Army, Adkins attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches where she earned a bachelor of arts degree.

She also earned a law degree from LSU Law Center.

Akins said her passion for youth has led her to serve on the Baton Rouge Bar Association Youth Education Committee, Greater Baton Rouge Teen Court, “Yes We Can” Education Initiative, Truancy Assessment Service Center, East Baton Rouge Parish Children and Youth Planning Board and she is a Sunday school teacher for youth.

She is also vice chairwoman for the board of directors of the Urban Restoration Enhancement Corp.; a board member of Louisiana Area Women in Ministry; a member of Kueleza Literary Club; The Destiny Group; and His Royal Court Liturgical Dance Ministry.