More than meets the eye

James Rosica, a local reporter with the Tallahassee Democrat, wrote an article that appeared in Sunday's paper with the headline, "Some say Governor Playing Favorites." The article wrote about concerns of "cronyism" by the Bush administration, but no one complaining would speak for the record.

The article did little to address the layers of issues within the appointment process, and did not mention that people in Leon County will have their chance to select a judge for the County Court next year. There should have been more coverage, not less, on this process.

http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/news/local/13032989.htm

Think globally, act locally

Or in this case, rule locally, educate internationally. Local Circuit Court Judge Nikki Ann Clark traveled to Liberia recently to talk about elections law to try to encourage post election disputes to be resolved in the courtroom rather than in the streets. As one of the trial judges at the center of the 2000 presidential election litigation, she is particularly qualified to address the strength of the rule of law in this area.
http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/12937500.htm

Second Judicial Circuit Court Appointment

Last week, Angie Dempsey was appointed to the Second Judicial Circuit Court. Tonight is the annual Tallahassee Women Lawyers Judicial Reception. She has been invited, although she won't be sworn in until November. This appointment marks the first female appointment by the governor in this area since he took office.

Civic Clubs

I've been giving talks to various Civic Clubs about consumer law over the past couple of months. I've discovered that I like Civic Clubs. I like the comradarie, I like how they start out with the Pledge of Alegiance and sometimes they sing a song. I like the mix of ages in the groups and how each club has a variety of charitable activities. Most of the clubs ask me to join after the talk, but I always demur, as running for office has swallowed my life right now. But next year, after the race is over, I think I will join a civic club.

County Court Appointment

Deputy Attorney General John Carassas has been appointed a circuit court judge in Hillsborough County. The appointment for the Second Judicial Circuit Court Seat has not yet been announced, but rumors abound. The seat will exist as of November 1, 2005, so an announcement within the next couple of weeks is likely. It has been heartening to see lawyers from the Attorney General's Office do well in the appointment process, the agency has first rate lawyers.