HR1435: HR1435 Aten, Judge Phinia; distinguish service and judicial leadership; commend

26 LC 129 1191 House Resolution 1435 By: Representatives Carter of the 93rd, Taylor of the 92nd, Hugley of the 141st, and Moore of the 91st A RESOLUTION Recognizing Judge Phinia Aten for her distinguish service and judicial leadership; and for1 other purposes.2 WHEREAS, Judge Phinia Aten has long been recognized by the citizens of this state for the3 vital role that she has played in leadership and her deep personal commitment to the welfare4 of the citizens of Georgia; and5 WHEREAS, she has diligently and conscientiously devoted innumerable hours of her time,6 talents, and energy toward the betterment of her community and state as evidenced7 dramatically by her superlative service as the Chief Judge of t he Magistrate Court of8 Rockdale County; and9 WHEREAS, in 2012, she made history as the first African America n woman to become a10 judge in the Rockdale Judicial Circuit; and11 WHEREAS, her judicial administration has meant increased court- to-community12 engagement, innovative educational opportunities, and exemplary judicial leadership13 demonstrated by her development and implementation of several unique court programs; and14 H. R. 1435 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1191 WHEREAS, she consistently demonstrates a passionate commitment to best practices in15 court management through the promotion of cultural and intellec tual public discourse on16 issues of justice and liberty as well as the fostering of civic pride and connection through the17 beautification of public space and support of trauma-informed litigation practices; and18 WHEREAS, her use of evidence-based court tools such as family violence and behavioral19 health assessments as well as mental health stabilization protocols have helped the Rockdale20 Judicial Circuit experience an impressive reduction rate in recidivism; and21 WHEREAS, Judge Aten is a national judicial leader; she was the inaugural president of22 NewRock Legal Society, a minority bar association serving Rockdale, Newton, and Walton23 Counties, and currently serves as District Five Director for th e National Association of24 Women Judges; and25 WHEREAS, she is a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation for26 integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and27 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this28 remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized.29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that30 the members of this body recognize and commend Judge Phinia Ate n for her efficient,31 effective, unselfish, and dedicated public service to the State of Georgia.32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized33 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Judge34 Phinia Aten.35 H. R. 1435 - 2 -