NORMAN — Judicial candidate Jeff Bryant says it is time for 76-year-old Tom Lucas to retire as a Cleveland County district judge.
But seasoned judge Lucas says that his on-the-job experience, gleaned over 30 years in the courtroom, can never be surpassed.
“I think I am finally to the point that I understand what I am doing,” Lucas said matter-of-factly.
Bryant, 49, who is city attorney for the City of Norman, said when he has been “walking doors,” he found the age issue on the minds of voters.
“I think people are concerned,” Bryant said. “But I’ve got to say on the age thing, you can be 76 and hitting on all cylinders and you can be 49 years old and not hitting at all.”
Lucas is seeking his fifth term as district judge.
As a high school senior in Anadarko, Lucas said, he was privileged to know county judge Frank Limerick.
“At the time I decided I wanted to be a judge so that I would never have to retire,” he said.
Sixteen years ago, Lucas edged out sitting judge Pat Herron, and has held the office ever since. Since then, during the next three terms over a 12-year period, Lucas never drew an opponent.
On Nov. 2, voters will chose between Lucas and Bryant for the Office 3 district judge position. Voters in Cleveland, McClain and Garvin counties will see this judge race on their ballots, although the winner serves as a judge for Cleveland County.
Judge Lucas pointed out that Bryant’s experience has been limited primarily to city hall and municipal court.
Bryant said as city attorney, he has had the opportunity to work on an array of cases involving the City of Norman. He also has heard criminal cases such as assault and battery.
While city cases are misdemeanors, the more serious felony cases are tried in district court where Lucas serves. However, some city cases have taken Bryant to the courthouse.
Judge Lucas is proud of the Cleveland County drug court he helped start a decade ago. Lucas said when drug court was proposed, he had reservations.
A decade later, Lucas said the program has been a bright spot in rehabilitating some drug offenders. There are about 500 graduates of the program.
The program starts with an assessment as to whether the client is really a criminal. Some of those who end up in court are there because of their addiction, or because they are alcoholic, Lucas said, which is why they end up getting arrested.
“We estimate there is a 91 percent completion for those who go through drug court,” the judge said. This compares to a rate of about 65 percent or 70 percent of those released from prison who re-offend, Lucas said.
The successful clients are handed deferred or suspended sentences. In some cases where clients are very successful, their cases can be dismissed.
Lucas and Bryant are hesitant to criticize one another, noting that they have been acquainted for 16 years, since Lucas first ran for Cleveland County district judge. Bryant said he campaigned for Lucas in that first election.
The day after filing, Bryant called Lucas and they had lunch together.
The end result, Bryant said, was that both parties agreed they would take the high road when the votes came in and graciously support the winner.
Lucas has won the endorsement of several notable citizens in Cleveland, McClain and Garvin counties.
Pictured in Lucas’ campaign material are former OU football star Steve Owens, University of Oklahoma President David L. Boren and U.S. Congressman Tom Cole.
Although football legend Barry Switzer has a Lucas sign in his front yard, Switzer has made no contribution to Lucas’ campaign. The judge noted he had presided over a recent case involving Switzer, so it would not be a good idea for Switzer to publicly endorse the judge or to give him a campaign contribution.
Lucas estimates he will raise about $100,000.
Bryant said his campaign has raised about $30,000, and it may take another $20,000 including some of Bryant’s own money.
As of Aug. 8, Bryant had contributed $8,732 of his own money to the campaign. He had received one $1,500 and $1,000 contribution, while the others amounted to less than $1,000.
Bryant commented that if he wins the judicial post, he will actually be taking a pay cut. Bryant earns $135,000 a year with the city. State law sets district judge’s pay at $124,373 annually.
Numerous attorneys in the three-county area have contributed to Lucas’ campaign.
Bryant said he’s had some attorneys tell him that they would like to contribute to his campaign, but they feel they have to contribute to Lucas.
Lucas said he is complimented that a range of attorneys contribute to his campaign, and believes it is a measure of Lucas’ fair demeanor in the courtroom.
Bryant said he has practiced law for 24 years, with most of that service being as an attorney for the City of Norman. For the past several years he has been the lead city attorney.
Judge Lucas and his wife Crystal live in Norman. Together they have nine adult children from previous marriages. One of his daughters is deceased.
Bryant and his wife Sherry live in Norman with their four children.
