Throughout her life, Sue Carol Browning has been a pacesetting pioneer. She has been the first to accomplish a great many achievements and always was on the front lines of breaking down barriers. She graduated from high school in three years, was a college graduate at age 19 and graduated from law school by the time she was 22. She was the first woman president of the Logan County Chamber of the Commerce and the first female member of Russellville Rotary Club who had not been associated with the club in some other role. Then she became Logan County’s first female judge.
     Since becoming district judge for Logan and Todd counties, Judge Browning has devoted her attention to fulfilling her responsibilities in that position and helping both the accused and the victimized to improve their lives. She believes that she is filling a vital role in society in general and in this district in particular. Her ambition has turned from achieving new roles and honors to becoming the best district judge she can be.
     “As district court judge, I deal with very serious situations which require tough decisions every day, and often in the middle of the night,” she says. ‘I take these responsibilities very seriously, and have only missed one day when I had court scheduled in over fourteen years, to attend my grandmother's funeral.  Law enforcement officers, social workers, domestic violence counselors, mental health professionals, and others with whom I work know they can call me at any hour to do my job, and that I will do my best to handle the problem.”  
     Now she is seeking reelection subject to the Nov. 2 general election.
     Judge Browning is an Auburn native, the daughter of farmer Carroll Browning and Sue Browning, who is retired after teaching 34 years in the Logan County schools. She says they instilled in her a strong work ethic, the importance of community service and involvement, a desire to commit to a profession diligently and passionately, and a love for Logan County.
     Sue Carol graduated from Auburn High School in three years in 1980, from Western Kentucky University in three years in 1983 with a degree in Comprehensive Business, and from the University of Louisville Law School in 1986 as the youngest in her class. She was active and successful at all three levels.
          At U of L she received “Book Awards” for the top grade in her class in Corporate Law, Contracts, and Decedent’s Estates, was on the Dean’s List, and was Managing Editor of the Journal of Family Law while in law school, and worked for Morris, Garlove, Waterman and Johnson of Louisville as a law clerk. Her ultimate goal had always been to return to Logan County to practice law and serve her community. She came home after taking the bar exam in July 1986, settling on the family farm in South Union and opening her practice in October 1986.
After passing the bar exam that same month, she began practicing general civil and criminal law representing companies such as Auburn Banking Company, Lewisburg Banking Company, East Logan Water District, plus several other businesses and individuals. She also served as Public Defender for Logan and Todd counties and as Assistant County Attorney, prosecuting in Logan District Court. 

     Nov. 13, 1995 brought the beginning of her career as District Judge, serving the Seventh Judicial District, consisting of Logan and Todd Counties. She was appointed by Governor Brereton Jones, and won both a non-partisan primary and general election the following year to retain the office she presently holds. In her 14 years on the bench she has presided in approximately 125,000 cases, including Criminal, Juvenile, Dependency, Abuse, Neglect, Probate, Mental Health, Civil, Small Claims, and Domestic Violence.

     “I deal with nice people, often victims of abuse and other crimes, going through terrible ordeals.  I also deal with people who have no respect for the law or the rights of others.  Typically people in court disagree over what is fair, and even experienced attorneys disagree over interpretation of the law,” she says.  “I try my very hardest to consider and balance the need for a safe community with a good quality of life and the rights of our citizens to have such a community with the rights of those charged with crimes.  

     “I believe people, especially children, need to do the right things with their life so that they can enjoy the brightest future possible. Sometimes this requires sentences which make people unhappy or even mad, but I often have people come to me, even years later, and thank me for this ‘tough love.’  I know these are people who have developed maturity and wisdom, and I am so grateful to play a part in that.”   

      Her son Carroll was born on March 27, 1990 and is now a third year student at Western Kentucky University. He already has enough credits for senior status. He seems committed to make his home in Logan County and has a home on a farm purchased with his grandfather in the Insco area, where he likes to work, hunt, and fish. Sue Carol continues to live with her pet dogs and cats in a log home just north of Auburn.
     Sue Carol Browning believes it is important to be active and helpful in the community in which one lives. She served as Co-Chairman of the Logan County Tobacco Festival for two years and was the first female president of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce in 1994, served on the Kentucky Bicentennial Commission from 1988 until 1992, was the second woman ever inducted into the Russellville Rotary Club, and served as President of that club. 

     As District Judge she has remained active in both Logan and Todd counties. She has served as Director of the Logan County Airport Board since 1990, and has recently completed a term as President of the Auburn Rotary Club. She has twice been recognized as Russellville’s "Rotarian of the Year,” once because of her efforts to coordinate the restoration of the Governor Breathitt House. She also led the renovation of the Auburn American Legion Hall. She has been recognized as "Paul Harris Fellow," an award received by Rotarians who have made a significant contribution to international service. 

     She is a member of the Todd County Sunset Homemakers Club and is an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority of Distinguished Female Educators. She has been an active member of New Friendship Baptist Church since 1995 where she currently teaches preschool children. She has previously served as church trustee, Bible school director, SWAT children’s program director, and Sunday school teacher. 

     Judge Browning has served as Junior Achievement Advisor, having been a classroom volunteer teacher at Logan County High School as well as Adairville and Chandlers Elementary schools. She has served as legal counsel for many non-profit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Logan County Airport Board, the Humane Society, the Jesus Community Center and several churches. Other community activities which she has supported include Main Street Russellville, Friends of the Library, the Auburn Historical Society, Shakertown at South Union, the Humane Society (foster parent for animals until adopted), and the Todd County Fish & Game Club and Todd County Coonhunters.
     Sue Carol Browning says, “The knowledge I have gained over a lifetime in our community, 24 years of practicing law here, and 15 years of making judicial decisions have given me valuable experience which is applied every day in the decisions I make.  I have dedicated much of my time off the bench to volunteer efforts throughout Logan and Todd counties because I love my community and believe this is important.  The older I get, the more I realize my imperfections, which is one reason my decisions are prayerfully made.  I sincerely hope the citizens of our community will agree that my proven experience, dedication and service make me the right candidate for this job and will carefully consider the qualifications of both candidates when making this important employment decision with their vote.  

     “I consider it a blessing to serve you and I would sincerely appreciate the vote and support of each reader of The Logan Journal.”