By Michelle Price
Special to the UCBJ
COOKEVILLE – Joy Buck Gothard was sworn in as Cookeville City Judge on Dec. 16 during the city council meeting. Gothard will fill the seat vacated by the retirement of Judge David Ledbetter.
“I appreciate being asked to serve in this capacity. David Ledbetter’s been my mentor in a lot of ways. We had 18 years in a great law practice together,” said Gothard. “I’ll do my best to try to keep things in the road and make you proud.”
Gothard will serve the remainder of Ledbetter’s term set to expire July 1, 2023. She previously served as the Special Judge in Ledbetter’s absence.
“I don’t think I will serve as long as he has,” Gothard joked. “When I’m 100, which will happen in less than 42 years, I’ll probably go to the house.”
The council appointed Dana Looper to serve as Special Judge in Gothard’s absence.
