I am excited to announce my candidacy for the 37th Judicial Circuit Court Judge,” said Melissa Stewart of West Plains. The 37th Judicial Circuit serves the counties of Carter, Howell, Oregon and Shannon. Current Circuit Judge David Evans announced his retirement earlier this year, effective Jan. 1, 2019. Stewart has been practicing law in West Plains for more than 16 years.
“I believe that justice is doing for others what you would want done for yourself. I will ensure the court dockets run smoothly and efficiently with people in mind. As the Child Support Enforcement prosecutor for the 37th Circuit, I have seen up close the importance of making sure the court system is fair and firm when dealing with families and, especially, children,” Stewart said.
Stewart received a degree in communications from then-Southwest Missouri State University. She went on to pursue her law degree from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Stewart started her practice in West Plains in December 2001. She was appointed in 2017 as an assistant prosecutor for the 37th Judicial Circuit as Child Support Enforcement Prosecutor. “I am honest, hardworking and fair. I believe people should be held accountable for their actions. Most of the time consequences for bad acts are unpleasant but I am firm when disseminating justice and doing what is right,” Stewart said.
“I care about our community here in the Ozarks and am deeply committed to helping people thrive in this place I have called home for more than 25 years,” Stewart said. She and her husband, Cary, have three children, Natalie, 14; Lauren, 11; and Matthew, 6. Stewart has served on the Christos House Board of Directors, West Plains Library Board and West Plains Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors among others. She currently serves on the Ozarks Medical Center Board of Directors and the Missouri State University-West Plains Board of Development.
“I will provide a courtroom experience for our circuit which is free from bias and favoritism. I believe I am the right person at the right time to be the 37th Judicial Circuit Judge,” Stewart said.