David C. Cates has announced his candidacy for judge of Kosciusko Superior Court 1 as a Republican. Cates said in his announcement that the decision comes following careful consideration, prayer, and with tremendous family support. Cates said he will bring the abilities to perform the duties of the office with the diligence and commitment necessary to preserve the integrity of the court system. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, Cates received his Juris Doctorate cum laude (Honors Graduate) from Indiana University, Indianapolis. Cates has lived, practiced law, and been involved in Kosciusko County for more than 27 years. He is married to a Warsaw High School graduate, and together they have three adult children and a son, a freshman currently attending Wawasee Community Schools. Cates’ legal experience includes the areas needed to bring clear understanding to the bench, he said. Areas include: Family, Domestic Relations, Juvenile, Criminal, Real Estate, and Government Law, along with more than 100 days served as “Pro Tem” (temporary) Judge in the Kosciusko County Courts. While employed at the Indiana State House, Cates served as executive secretary on the Indiana Judicial Study Commission, Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission, and Indiana Judicial Qualifications Commission. He also served on the Republican staff of the Indiana House of Representatives. He said the position of Judge of Superior Court 1 carries with it significant responsibility demanding extensive knowledge of various areas of law with integrity and fairness. Cates said he brings a strong work ethic, experience, and the perseverance to deal with the expanding case load. Other highlights of his qualifications include a partnership in Green, Cates, and Grossnickle LLP; and being a registered mediator. He was admitted to practice: Indiana Supreme Court, U.S. 7th District Court of Appeals, Northern & Southern Federal District Courts (Indiana). Cates serves or has served on multiple boards of directors and service clubs, including K21 Healthcare Foundation Inc., Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, Lakeland Youth Center, Milford Library, Teen Parents Succeeding, Lakeland Community Services Inc. (Daycare/latchkey), Muskies Inc., and as a certified Indiana hunter training instructor. He is a member of: Indiana State /County Bar Association, Ducks Unlimited, ABATE, NRA, John Purdue & Alumni Club, Calvary United Methodist Church and American Legion – North Webster Herbert Kuhn Post 253 His hobbies include family, fishing, boating, travel and basketball. He also coached elementary and middle school basketball for Wawasee Schools for 12 years.
