Should Councilors Know Who Has Applied for a Nominated Position?

When the Governor’s Council members are informed of a nomination made by the governor, they don’t know who or how many people applied for the position?

Whether this is a good idea or not is often a point of contention.

The governor’s office does not share this information with the Governor’s Council or the general public.

Currently, the Judicial Nominating Commission knows who applies, as do the various bar associations and members of the judiciary themselves. However, the elected body that has the responsibility to review these appointments does not know how many people applied or who the apllicants are.

In a democracy, it’s hard to imagine why the bar associations have knowledge of the nominees while our elected officials do not.

Having met many individuals in District Two who appear to be fully qualified and willing to serve as a judge. I am surprised by the nominations that do make it through, as they are not always the most qualified individuals. 

I advocate for openness and transparency of the process, knowing how many people are applying and who is applying are the openness and transparency I believe will improve the current system. 

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