Warren County General Sessions Judge Bill Locke has announced he will seek election to the office to which the Warren County Commission appointed him to upon the retirement of Larry Ross in January.A McMinnville native, Locke has over 30 years experience in the courtroom, serving as the Warren County District Attorney for eight years and working for the Warren and Putnam counties’ district attorneys offices and in private practice.“I’ve spent over 25 years in public service, making tough decisions as a prosecutor with the responsibility to enforce the law and to protect the public, and I will continue to do so as judge,” Locke said in announcing his candidacy.The Warren County General Sessions Court hears an estimate 6,000 criminal, civil, juvenile, workers’’ compensation and domestic relations cases each year, with the majority being criminal and juvenile.“These cases are the most important responsibility the court has,” Locke said. “More than anyone else running, I have extensive training and experience in these areas, which has prepared me for judge.”On his first day as judge, Locke oversaw a full docket and since that time the judge says he has been running a well-organized, respective and efficient court.“I was fortunate to inherit a staff with over 40 years experience in the court system,” Locke said. “I plan on keeping these qualified professionals.