Nick Payne, a prosecutor with the Daviess County Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, is running for Daviess District Court Judge for Division 3.
The seat has been vacant since Nick Burlew retired in December. Someone will be appointed to the position within the coming weeks, but the seat will still be up for election in November.
“I believe that I have the experience, temperament, and compassion needed for the job,” Payne said. “In over 20 years of practicing law, I have seen the difference a good judge can make for those in front of them.”
Payne said District Court sees a variety of different cases, and he believes he has the experience to handle them all.
“Most importantly, I see District Court as the crucial first line of intervention for cases of domestic violence, juvenile crimes, and addiction,” Payne said. “These cases can destroy lives and futures more so than any other cases. I have the experience, knowledge of the law and available resources to help make our community safer and to provide a lifeline for those who need and want it.”
Payne said if elected, his main goal will be to make the process more open and inclusive for all those who appear in his courtroom.
“With its large and diverse dockets, District Court is the only exposure to the judicial system for many participants,” Payne said. “Many are not experienced, and all too often they are overwhelmed by the entire process. They are unfamiliar with procedures, options, and even their basic rights. A judge needs to be willing to listen and to give each case their full attention. A judge must explain rulings and applicable law clearly.”
In addition, he hopes to expedite and relieve the backlog of cases of District Court.
“I will monitor cases closely and avoid needless delays which can clog the system and frustrate participants,” Payne said. “These delays can sometimes even prevent those in need from getting timely help and assistance for addiction or mental health issues.”
Payne said his 20+ years of legal experience makes him well-qualified for the position.
“With experience as a public defender, a prosecutor, and a judicial clerk, I have seen all angles of the judicial process and have a firm grasp of the procedures that can help expedite the judicial process,” he said. “I have a working knowledge of the law and realize it is ever-changing. I understand that within the boundaries of the law there is room for life experience and compassion to help aid in a judge’s role in providing justice to those in front of them.”
Payne was born and raised in Daviess County. He graduated from Owensboro Catholic High School in 1992, has a double major in economics and government from Centre College, and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1999. He clerked for a judge and worked as a public defender in Lexington after law school before coming back home to Owensboro in 2002 to become an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney.
Payne is married to Detective Whitney Adamson Payne of the Owensboro Police Department, and together they are raising two children, 8-year-old Madeline and 6-year-old Silas. They are members of Sts. Joseph and Paul Church. Payne said he volunteers at the church and with various youth sports, and he is a board member of the St. Joseph Peace Mission for Children.
“I am not a politician,” Payne said. “I am a career public servant from Daviess County who wants to continue that career in public service in my hometown as a District Judge. Being a Judge carries with it a weight of authority that makes many forget that they are simply a public servant. In my career, I know the difference a good judge can make in a courtroom and in the community. As District Judge, I know I must always follow the law, but I can use my knowledge of the law mixed with compassion and a lifetime of familiarity with this community to help me make fair and expedient rulings.”
