Black leaders challenge senators over York County magistrate post

Local black leaders are urging two white state senators to appoint York County’s first-ever black township judge.

Supporters of Magistrate Judge Mandrile Young call him capable and competent with a “breadth of perspective.”

Black leaders – including County Councilman William “Bump” Roddey and former Rock Hill NAACP president Melvin Poole – spoke to reporters Tuesday about their “deep concerns and reservations” over conversations they’ve had with two state senators who hold the authority to appoint magistrate judges.

They argue that Young – an associate professor at Clinton College who has been a judge for 12 years and also has worked in banking – has been given less consideration than fellow Magistrate Stephanie Wood, an attorney and former prosecutor.

The Catawba-Ebenezer Township magistrate position opened up when Judge Bob Davenport retired last month. State Sens. Wes Hayes, R-Rock Hill and Creighton Coleman, D-Winnsboro, have the authority to appoint a successor.

There are 11 magistrates in York County, including five who represent each of the county’s townships. Young is the county’s only black magistrate.

Becoming a township magistrate would be considered a promotion for Young or Wood. The magistrate overseeing a township could set the court docket and no longer have to work the rotation for bond court or preside over preliminary hearings. Township magistrates also preside over their own courtroom and have their own staff to handle finances and record-keeping, Roddey said

Roddey said Tuesday that Hayes and Coleman told him that Wood is considered to be the leading candidate at this point.

“He’s in second place, and in this case, you’re not being appointed,” said Roddey, who said he was expecting the appointment to come this week. “Hopefully, it won’t be made until Judge Young is in the No. 1 spot.”

No black judge has ever been appointed to lead a township magistrate office in York County, although several black judges have served as magistrates in the county and the city of Rock Hill.

Once the appointment is made, the state Senate – which historically endorses the choice of the home-county senator or senators – would vote to confirm before the governor makes the appointment final.

Poole believes that Young, who is black, can bring a new perspective to adjudicating cases.

“We’ve been told in the past that they give the job to the best qualified person, who has the best education and experience,” said Poole. “In this case, (Young is) the best qualified person.”

Hayes said he and Coleman have been working together to “make a hard decision” and fill a spot that has been vacant since Davenport stepped down last month after 22 years in the post.

Hayes has told The Herald that the selection was held up as both he and Coleman were involved in what turned out to be unsuccessful primary bids for re-election. Hayes praised the records of both Young and Wood, but said Wood’s experience in the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office was a “plus.”

State law does not require that magistrates hold a law degree, but they are required to be college graduates.

“We’ve got two experienced candidates we’ve got to weigh,” Hayes said.

This story was originally published July 26, 2016 at 11:28 AM with the headline "Black leaders challenge senators over York County magistrate post."