TOPEKA—The 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission is seeking candidates to fill a judge vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Chief Judge Richard B. Walker.
The 9th judicial district is made up of Harvey and McPherson counties.
Justice Carol A. Beier, the Supreme Court departmental justice responsible for the 9th judicial district, said nominees can apply or be recommended, but recommendations must come on a nomination form and include the nominee's signature.
"Selecting judges is an open process to find the most qualified candidates in the district. If a community member knows someone ideally suited for the job, he or she should encourage that person to apply, or volunteer to recommend him or her," Beier said.
Kansas law requires that a judge be a resident of the district, be at least 30 years old, have actively practiced law for at least five years, and be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
Recommendations must be accompanied by a nomination form available from the clerk's office in the district courts in Harvey (Newton) and McPherson (McPherson) counties.
Completed nomination forms and supporting letters must be delivered to Office of the Clerk of Appellate Courts, Attn: Julie Meyer, 301 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66612-1507, by noon Tuesday, July 14.
The nominating commission will convene at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, in the Harvey County Courthouse in Newton to interview nominees. The meeting will be open to the public.
Kansas law requires the commission to submit at least two names, but not more than three, to the governor, who will choose one to appoint.
Notice of this vacancy was sent to every active member of the Kansas bar by the chair of the commission. Nominees who currently reside outside the 9th judicial district should review K.S.A. 20-2909(b).
The 9th Judicial District Nominating Commission consists of Justice Carol A. Beier as the nonvoting chair; William E. Gusenius, Lindsborg; Ronnie L. Krehbiel, Burrton; Thomas A. Adrian, John S. Robb, and George Rogers of Newton; and Michael L. Androes, Harris G. Terry, and Robert W. Wise of McPherson.