All rise, new judge coming to Palmer

WASILLA -- An additional district judge will soon preside at the Third Judicial District courthouse in Palmer. The Alaska State Legislature approved funding for the much-needed position during its last session. Larry Cohn, executive director of the Alaska Judicial Council, said the Palmer courthouse is in dire need of an additional district judge.

"Palmer has had the fastest growing case load in the state for a number of years," Cohn said. "They received a new judge, Greg Heath, just this last year."

Stephanie Cole, the court system administrative director, cites the addition of four new Alaska State Troopers, a sergeant and additional law enforcement investigators in the Valley for the increased case loads at the Palmer courthouse.

Applications for the new position close at 3 p.m. on June 25, after which a seven-member Judicial Council will review the applicants and nominate two or more for Gov. Frank Murkowski's consideration. Murkowski will make the final decision based on council recommendations. The council is comprised of three attorneys, appointed by the Alaska Bar Association, three private citizens, appointed by Murkowski and the chief justice of the Supreme Court, who serves as the chair.

The new judge must be both a citizen of the United States and the state of Alaska, at least 21 years old and a resident of the state for at least five years, immediately preceding appointment. The applicant also must have been either engaged in active practice of the law for no less than three years immediately preceding appointment, or must have served at least seven years as a magistrate. Once the recommendations are in, the governor has up to 45 days to make a final decision.

Cole estimated it will be about four months before the new judge comes on board.

The council invites public comment about applicants' abilities, both in writing and at a public hearing to be announced, through the press, in early October. All written comments should be sent to 1020 W. Third Ave., Suite 201, Anchorage, AK 99501 or e-mailed to postmaster@ajc.state.ak.us.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.