ROCK HILL, S.C. — York County's NAACP, along with black leaders, on Tuesday spoke out against the expected appointment of a judge they believe is based on race, not qualifications.
Mandrile Young, who's African-American, has served for a dozen years as a York County magistrate. Now, some believe he's about to be passed up for a higher position by a lesser qualified candidate.
York County Councilman William “Bump” Roddey stood with members of the NAACP at the Moss Justice Center to issue a challenge to state senators who appoint magistrate judges.
"We have very deep concerns and reservations about who should be appointed to uphold the laws in Rock Hill and York County," Roddey said.
They want to see Young chosen to replace retired judge Bob Davenport. Young would be the first African-American in that position, and reporters were handed copies of his resume, showing his experience in law and in business.
Former Rock Hill NAACP President Melvin Poole said something isn't right with the process since he heard that the front-runner for the position was Stephanie Wood, formerly of the Solicitor's Office and a magistrate for less than a year.
Wood is white.
"This should be a slam dunk. It should have already been done," Poole said.
"I think if both candidates were white, then Young's qualifications would be picked," Roddey said. "I feel like what's going on behind the scenes is not panning out to be a fair shake for judge Young."
Outgoing Sen. Wes Hayes will make the appointment along with another outgoing senator, Creighton Coleman.
Hayes told Channel 9 he met with-African-American leaders but denies that there is a front-runner for the post.
"They may have left the meeting with that impression and that may ultimately be what happens. Wood may be appointed, but the decision has not been made," he said.
Hayes was instrumental in the appointments of both Young and Wood to the bench as judges.
He wouldn't address concerns about racism directly but disputed claims that Wood is not as qualified to serve.
"Young certainly has experience as a magistrate, but Wood has a lot of experience as a trial lawyer. She worked for the Solicitor's Office. She worked for the Attorney General's Office trying cases," Hayes said.
Rock Hill NAACP President Jacques Days said racial divisiveness around the nation should make lawmakers carefully consider their decision.
'It behooves us to consider the times there we're in and consider the impact of the choices that we make," he said.
Young did not attend the news conference by his supporters on Tuesday.
Roddey said he and others were raising these issues on their own and without his urging.
Hayes said he and Coleman plan to make the decision this week and have not felt pressure from African-American groups to appoint judge Young.