The Coeur d’Alene Press is reporting that there are 17 applicants who want to fill the First District Magistrate Judge position to be vacated by retiring Judge Penny Friedlander. The article identifies the applicants.
The process for filling a magistrate judge vacancy is prescribed in Idaho Code, Title 1, Chapter 22. Because Judge Friedlander is retiring, her replacement will be appointed by the District Magistrates Commission of the First Judicial District pursuant to Idaho Code § 1-2205. A magistrate thus appointed must stand for election in the first election after serving for 18 months in the position. The process for retention or nonretention of a magistrate by election is specified in Idaho Code § 1-2220.
Here are the current members of the District Magistrates Commission of the First Judicial District.
A very interesting list of applicants, some as far away as Florida and California. Many of the applicants are obviously qualified, it will not be an easy choice. It is coincidental, maybe, that Wendy Gabriel, CdA former CdA City Administrator, has also applied after her sudden and unexpected departure. Then of course, her position needs to be filled. I wonder if we will see a list of those perspective city applicants in the paper?
Comment by Stebbijo — May 29, 2014 @ 6:14 pm
While Gabriel has maintained her license to practice law, she has not been practicing law while serving with mediocrity (at best) as Coeur d’Alene’s City Administrator. Equally important, she does not have the judicial temperament necessary to command courtroom respect and maintain courtroom decorum.
Comment by Bill — May 30, 2014 @ 6:49 am
I will never forget that instance at a city hall meeting where one of the citizens was accused of “berating” her in public and she called on the mayor (Bloem at that time) to silence him. My guess,is as a judge she would make ‘contempt of court’ power her best friend. It is so important that this commission do their homework and really take a serious look at these individuals.
Our last appt., we ended up with a Magistrate that filed bankruptsy and plays World of Warcraft.
Once they get in the door, the citizens are pretty much stuck with them. I understand that judicial complaints were filed but I am uncertain (besides we never get to know) what discipline if any was issued. A judge that files bankruptcy and owes thousands in overdue taxes is my kind of role model. If it is good enough for him, it is certainly good enough for me!
It is difficult to respect a judge who needs to practice his “goblin voice” or a perspective candidate who calls the local “skewspaper” before her immediate council members are aware of any decision or news regarding an issue.
Comment by Stebbijo — May 30, 2014 @ 7:19 am
I also might note that from the previous article I posted, that I don’t expect miracles, if this statement is any indication of what we might expect:
“Peterson is a hard-working judge who keeps a sharp focus on the cases before him, said Administrative District Judge Lansing Haynes, who also said he sees no problem with Peterson participating in the role-playing game message boards, even during breaks in the workday.”
We are toast – again.
Comment by Stebbijo — May 30, 2014 @ 7:23 am