Alabama Governor Riley Appoints Mark Gaines Jefferson County Probate Judge

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Governor Riley Appoints Mark Gaines Jefferson County Probate Judge

January 18, 2005 -- MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley today appointed State Representative Mark Gaines of Homewood as the presiding Jefferson County Probate Judge. Gaines fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Mike Bolin who was sworn is as an associate justice of the Alabama Supreme Court on January 14. As presiding probate judge, Gaines will serve as the chief elections officer in Jefferson County in addition to his probate duties.Gaines, who has practiced law since 1985, was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1990 to represent House District 46. He has served as a commissioner of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws since 1994 and served on the executive committee of the Alabama Law Institute from 1996 to 2004.

"Mark Gaines brings a strong background in law and public service to the probate judgeship in Jefferson County," Governor Riley said. "His knowledge of the laws of our state will allow him to quickly transition into this new role. I have full confidence that he will serve the citizens of Jefferson County with honesty and integrity."

Gaines, 49, is a life-long resident of Jefferson County and graduated from Vestavia Hills High School in 1974. He earned a bachelors degree from Auburn University in 1979 and received his Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law in 1985.

Gaines and his wife, Patti, have three children and reside in Homewood. They are members of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Homewood.

Special election dates for House District 46 have not been set at this time.