Speaker, Judge Marvin S. Arrington, Jr.

by Shannon Price

Judge Marvin S. Arrington, Jr. knows one thing; it will take a concerted effort from Atlanta citizens to save our city. As a life long resident, he has a vested interest in the city’s welfare.

Judge Arrington was born at Grady Hospital and grew up in Grady Homes. He played football at Turner High School and received his undergraduate degree at Clarke University. He obtained his degree in law from Howard University. After an illustrious career in law, he was appointed to Fulton County Superior Court by Governor Roy Barnes in January 2002.

Judge Arrington sees the results of crime on a daily basis and believes community action is the solution for the city. He sees 100-110 defendants in his courtroom each Tuesday and Thursday. Despite contrary statistics, crime in the city has been increasing over the last four years.

He credits Mayor of New York Rudy Giuliani with the dramatic decrease in crime in that city. “You can walk out on the streets of New York at 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. and feel safe. You can’t walk the streets of Atlanta at 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. without police protection.”

“We need to come together to police from a metropolitan perspective,” says Arrington. He recommends task forces that incorporate police, sheriffs and marshals from the counties and cities to come together to make a plan.

Judge Arrington is not one to sit on the sidelines. He leads by example. His public service is as much a part of his life as his chosen vocation. He distinguishes himself as a member of numerous boards and councils, but also has hands-on experience helping schools with parent involvement and meetings. He thinks education is one of the most important building blocks of a better community.

Judge Arrington challenges us all to work together to better our city.