# Jackson, TN City Council interviews City Court applicants - October 27, 2026

The City of Jackson, Tennessee, held interviews on October 27, 2026, for applicants seeking appointment as City Court Judge. Five candidates—Caroline Valentine, Colin Morris, Mark Petty, Nathan Prime, and Courtney Simmons—answered council questions about their legal experience, readiness to assume the role, impartiality, conflicts of interest, bond-setting practices, case management, and their plans for environmental, drug, and litter-detail court programs. The council also questioned Petty about a judicial-conduct suspension order and the process that might apply if he were appointed. No appointment was made during the interviews; the council said it plans to vote on the appointment the following Tuesday.

Discussion of court finances included concerns about a City Court deficit and whether court fines and costs should be used to increase revenue. Candidates generally emphasized justice rather than revenue generation; Simmons proposed a cost docket and payment plans to address unpaid obligations. No procurement activity, contract award, purchasing decision, or budget allocation was identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Published:** October 27, 2026

### Sources
- [Jackson, TN City Council interviews City Court applicants - October 27, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sWA1VT4AKQ) - City of Jackson, TN