PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners will consider appointing a seven-member screening committee today to review applications for a new West End District Court judge.
Sitting District Court II Judge Erik Rohrer announced in September that he plans to retire Feb. 1 with nearly two years left on his current term.
Commissioners reviewed Monday a proposed resolution that would establish a screening committee to review applications from interested citizens.
Commissioners will consider recommendations from the committee before appointing a judge to serve through the November 2022 general election.
“If there is a strong recommendation amongst the top candidates, I would certainly be interested in knowing that,” said Commissioner Mark Ozias, board chairman, in a Monday work session.
The screening committee as proposed would include Chief Criminal Sheriff’s Deputy Brian King, District Court I Judge Dave Neupert, Human Resources Analyst Tammy Sullenger, Forks Mayor Tim Fletcher, former Court Administrator Glenna Pitt and Quileute Tribe Attorney Chelsea Sayles.
“These folks have all agreed to serve on this screening committee,” County Administrator Rich Sill said.
“Everything is in place to go ahead and launch once the board wants to move forward with this process.”
Commissioner Bill Peach said he received confirmation over the weekend that Makah General Manager Vince Cook had been authorized to serve on the committee.
“I know it’s extremely short notice,” Peach said, “but if it’s at all possible to make the change, I’d sure appreciate it.”
Commissioners Randy Johnson and Ozias said they had no objection to adding Cook to the committee.
“I think the committee is very well-balanced, and I think they’ll do a good job,” Johnson said.
“I have no problems with the Makah tribal representative also being on this group.”
Forks-based District Court II handles misdemeanor criminal cases and small claims civil violations that arise on the West End of the county between Lake Crescent and the Pacific Ocean.
Port Angeles-based District Court I serves the same function for the rest of the county.
“We’re going to go ahead and put (the screening committee) in (today’s) agenda because time is of the essence,” Ozias said in the virtual work session.
Commissioner meetings begin at 10 a.m. Tuesdays. County meetings can be viewed at clallam.net/features/meetings.html.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
