No one becomes a state judge in Colorado without being thoroughly screened by a cross-section of people in the community in which the judge will serve. The individuals who do the screening are on the Judicial Nominating Commission. They evaluate the experience, temperament and knowledge of each candidate for the bench, and make recommendations to the governor. The appointment is then made jointly by the Attorney General, Chief Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court and the Governor.

To sit on the Judicial Nominating Commission, the applicant must be an attorney, a resident of Broomfield, and must be either unaffiliated or a member of the Democratic Party. This appointment will be made prior to the Commission’s meeting on September 28 to make recommendations for Broomfield’s judge. The deadline to apply is Friday, Aug. 24. An application form is available from the Governor’s office or the office of the Colorado Supreme Court. More information is available from Susan Festag at (303) 861.1111, extension 278.

The Judicial Performance Commission has an opening for the term beginning Dec, 1, 2001 and ending Nov. 30, 2005. The Judicial Performance Commission in each Judicial District evaluates judges and informs the public of these evaluations. These commissions provide voters with fair, responsible and constructive evaluations of judges seeking retention in the general election. There is one position open for a non-attorney in the 17th Judicial District area, including all of Broomfield.

For more information on the Performance Commission opening, contact Michelle Stermer at (303) 837.3665.

Anyone interested in either of these commissions may contact Laurie Shera, District Administrator, 17th Judicial District at (303) 654.3205