After serving four terms as Justice Court Judge for Sunflower County, Stafford Shurden has announced he will not seek re-election in 2019.
“With the time of our state and county elective process coming near I feel as though it is time to reveal to you that which I have in good mind and conscience decided long before this day,” Shurden said in a farewell letter that appears on Page 4. “It is right to give my fellow citizens ample time to reflect and nominate someone with good character and trust to the office of Justice Court Judge and to remove my name from that consideration.” A native of Drew, Shurden is one of two Justice Court judges in Sunflower County. His territory includes much of the northern portion of the county, from U.S. 82 on up.
He is also the owner of Stafford’s on Main in Drew.
Over the past couple of years, Shurden has had an increased presence on social media, both with his business and as a motivational speaker.
He says he does not take the decision to step down lightly, and he says he will remain active in Sunflower County beyond 2019.
“I want all of you to know that removing my name from consideration does not mean that I remove my heart from the interest of the county of Sunflower or the State of Mississippi,” Shurden said. “If anything I will be a committed citizen of this county and state and see my plight directly connected to those of my fellow citizens.”
