Palmer installs new judge

PALMER -- The Palmer District Court welcomed a fifth judge, Greg L. Heath, to the bench Friday afternoon, to the accompaniment of praises both from the Alaska Supreme Court and Lt. Gov. Loren Leman.

"I don't want to miss an opportunity to say how proud I am of the men and women who work in our state courts," said Leman, who commented on the value of the state's judicial system, and the necessity of its partnership with legislative and executive powers.

"There's always been rivalry between the branches of our government, but we also work together for the common good," he said.

Leman also praised Heath's involvement with those around him. "We've never seen a candidate [for judgeship] who has received more community support than Judge Heath." Leman presented Heath with an official copy of the Constitution in recognition of his achievement.

Heath was sworn in by Judge Alexander Bryner, chief justice of the Alaska Supreme Court, and received his official judiciary robes from Herbert Charles Heath, his father. A brief ceremony followed in which many of Heath's current and previous co-workers granted him their highest praises.

Judge David Stewart of the Court of Appeals spoke first, saying that Palmer is the busiest multi-judge court in the state in terms of the amount of cases coming before each individual judge, and the fact that these cases are well-handled is a credit to local judiciaries. Stewart said the Palmer court system involved "terrific responsibility and hard work," and that he had confidence that it would only continue to grow in future years.

"You here in the Valley are lucky to have someone of [Heath's] quality and merit on your court," Stewart said.

Each of Heath's new peers stepped forward to speak his praises and welcome him.

Judge Beverly Cutler of the Palmer Superior Court also spoke about Heath's outstanding record and potential for leadership in his new position. Cutler, who was the first judge on the Palmer court in 1982, reinforced Stewart's sentiments about the fast-paced Palmer system.

"The fact that all five judges here are out of court at the same time is a miracle," she joked, glancing at her colleagues on the panel.

"One of the things Greg impresses me with is his level of professionalism," Judge Eric Smith said. "He walks onto every job with a good intuitive sense of what to do."

Judge William Estelle praised the Palmer court's efficiency, calling it "the ounce of prevention court," and said Heath would be a welcome addition to the present cadre of judges.

Magistrate David Zwink spoke to Heath's outstanding social skills, especially in court.

"The humility Greg has, his ability to see people as people rather than as defendants, is the sign of a really fine judge," Zwink said.

Heath himself rose to the occasion with a brief speech in which he thanked his family, his church, and the many local officials who had helped him attain his new position.

"It's a real privilege to step into this position, and I intend to perform it with my whole heart and to the best of my abilities," he said.

Heath and his family were bedecked with small yellow ribbons in recognition of Heath's son-in-law, who is currently in Baghdad.

Contact Daniel Spoth at daniel.spoth@frontiersman.com.