By BOB HIGH
Staff Writer

William C. “Bill” Gore Jr. abruptly ended his 30-year career in state courts Tuesday by retiring, a move that surprised many insiders and friends in the legal community.

The senior resident Superior Court judge in the two-county district of Bladen and Columbus counties sent his retirement letter to Gov. Mike Easley Tuesday afternoon.

His decision, known by very few before it happened, prompted many questions about his future, and Gore met the questions head-on.

“I have not been offered another position in state government, and I’m not expecting an offer,” the 55-year-old Whiteville resident said Wednesday afternoon.

He also said Wednesday morning that he hoped to eventually open a private law firm – in Brunswick or Columbus County.

There was no timetable by the obviously relaxed judge as he toured courthouse offices here.

Sudden move

Gore explained his sudden move. “My family knew I was considering it. I was in a trial in Cumberland County yesterday (Tuesday) and a settlement was reached at 4:30. That gave me time to get it done.
“You have to retire on the last day of the month, and that was yesterday. I didn’t want to wait another month. I had a court reporter come in and I dictated a letter and we faxed it to the governor,” the veteran judge said.

As he toured courthouse offices Wednesday morning, he joked about the response by some of the female clerks. “There’s no reason to cry. I’m not dying. I’m going to still be here.”

Gore then directed several clerks in a chorus of “Happy Birthday” to civil clerk Frankie Graham Boone.

“Having a courthouse without Judge Gore is like having peanut butter without jelly,” onc clerk quipped.

Praised clerks

“I couldn’t have done all the work without you,” Gore, accompanied by Clerk of Court Sheila Pridgen, told the civil and criminal clerks.

Gore began his state career in August 1977, after getting his law degree “with honors” from N.C. Central that year. “It was right after Elvis died,” the judge said with a grin.

“I never dreamed I’d be so fortunate to have such a judicial career. I was in private practice for a short time, then I was an assistant district attorney for two years.”

Gore was elected to his first job on the bench at age 28 when he became a District Court judge in 1980.
He spent 10 years as a district judge, six of them as the chief judge in the three-county area of Brunswick, Bladen and Columbus.

Case management

One of his major accomplishments was to bring to this Superior Court district the case management system, a program to set certain dates for felony cases to be tried or set for a plea. Defense attorneys and prosecutors, plus a judge, review each felony case once a month.

“I’ve been all over the state, and Columbus and Bladen counties are unique. Some of the best litigators and best people in the court system are right here at home,” he noted.

Cindy Hooks, the assistant criminal clerk, asked Gore who she would call if she had questions. “I’ve called you for many years,” she told him.

“Just call Jack (Hooks Jr.) until an appointment is made,” he told her quietly. Hooks, the other local Superior Court judge, is serving an appointed term that runs through 2008.

The governor will appoint a District Court judge or attorney from Bladen or Columbus counties to fill Gore’s slot, and Hooks inherits the post as senior resident judge.

Eligible judges

District Judges Tom Aldridge Jr., Jerry Jolly and Doug Sasser – all of Columbus – and Nancy Phillips of Bladen are the judges from whom the governor can choose. Any attorney in the two counties is also eligible.

Brunswick County was removed from the formula in 2006 when the court system was divided. Brunswick, with resident Superior Court Judge Ola Lewis, now stands alone.

District Court Judges Napoleon Barefoot Jr. and Marion Warren, both residents of Brunswick County, are not eligible for the position in the Columbus-Bladen district, although they continue to work in the two counties.

“I can’t say enough about Sherry McPherson, Denise Maultsby and Deborah Simmons in my office.
They’re great friends, and they’ve made a difficult job much easier,” the retiring judge pointed out
“I was eligible for retirement two years ago. It’s something I was thinking about recently, and I’m financially better off because of the new state budget. That situation helped me make up my mind,” Gore declared.

Longevity raise

He noted judges normally get a 4.85-percent longevity raise every five years through their 20th year. “I had my last one six and a half years ago.”

This year’s state budget included another longevity raise for judges with 25 years experience. “That had impact enough for me to decide to retire without looking back,” he explained.

Gore addressed the increase in crime in this area since he moved to the bench. “I’m discouraged that the war on drugs has been an absolute failure. The need by various people is driving the property crime increase. No one’s immune. My son was the recent victim of someone stealing electronic gear.

“There are no secret answers. We’re building new prisons and jails, but there’s a limit to what the state can do in this area.

“When I became a judge there was one day a month for child support court, and it was mixed in with other cases. Today, there’s a special day nearly every week,” he pointed out.

Juvenile problems

“Juvenile court was always once a month. Today, in some counties, there is a juvenile court each day. It’s a lack of parental responsibility that’s caused where we are today,” the veteran judge said.

Gore also said the “hardest thing” about being a senior judge was when “you have to do what is necessary, even if you offend the local bar. I look forward to mending some of those fences.

“I was always approachable, and I tried to treat everyone with respect,” he added.

Gore noted his family has been supportive of his decision, and he plans to travel and spend much more time with his wife, family and friends.

He said he wanted to thank the people of Columbus County for their confidence throughout his judicial career. He was elected to six terms as a judge, and his present term ends Dec. 31, 2010.

Pressure disappearing

“The pressures and burdens are dropping off,” the judge said with a sigh as he moved through the courthouse.

There was much speculation Wednesday that Gore would be tapped by Gov. Easley to held the state’s Division of Motor Vehicles, a post vacated two weeks ago by George Tatum’s resignation.

Tatum resigned under fire for allowing an improper vehicle title for an antique car, plus other problems.