New Magistrate Kevin Mabe (second from left) is sworn in by Judge Richard Doughton (far left) in the company of his parents, Shirley and E.J. Mabe.

Mabe sworn in as county magistrate

At 35, Barry "Kevin" Mabe, a native of Alleghany, admits he never really had any set goals for himself growing up—he certainly never anticipated being named a county magistrate.

Mabe was sworn in as an Alleghany County magistrate on Saturday, Dec. 1 by Clerk of Superior Court Susie Gambill.

Gambill said that the position that Mabe is filling was made available through a state appropriation that ensured that all small counties have all least three magistrates. Prior to Mabe's hiring, Alleghany had only two.

While he described that experience as "an honor," little did Mabe know that Gambill had plans of having Judge Richard Doughton—also an Alleghany native—come to swear him in only a few days later.

Recounting that experience, Mabe said, "Susie tricked me, I didn't know I'd be sworn in again..." Thinking he was merely going to have his picture taken by the press last week, he invited his parents (E.J. and Shirley Mabe) to come.

"Here she has me in the courtroom with Superior Court Judge Doughton. That was intimidating, but still cool. I'm glad my Mom and Dad got to see that. That was the ultimate honor."

Speaking of ambitions during his younger years, Mabe commented with a laugh, "I was hoping to be with the Redskins." Changing his tone, Mabe stated, "It was hard for me to set goals when I was young. I was just wide open."

 

Get the whole story - read this week's edition of The Alleghany News!