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County to nominate representatives for judicial nominating commission as judge’s retirement approaches
Summary
State courts official briefed commissioners on the judicial nominating process for Justice Court Judge Hazleton’s pending retirement and asked the county to name three representatives to the nominating commission; timing depends on whether the county and Monticello combine justice‑court services.
The Administrative Office of the Courts advised San Juan County commissioners on Oct. 21 that the county must name representatives to a judicial nominating commission to help select a successor for Justice Court Judge Hazleton, who is retiring in December.
Jim Peters, Justice Court Administrator for the Administrative Office of the Courts, told commissioners that applications for the vacancy have been collected at the state level and vetted for bar standing and regional eligibility. The nominating commission will interview candidates, conduct a public comment period and forward a slate of three to five nominees for the county commission to consider for final appointment. The commission members will also narrow the candidate pool after review and public comment.
Peters explained the statutory composition and timing considerations: there are typically five members on a nominating commission (some slots run four‑year terms), but for a combined Monticello‑San Juan vacancy the committee can include seven members — two appointees from Monticello, two existing statewide slots (for example, a Utah State Bar representative) and three county appointees. County staff confirmed Monticello already named two participants and the state bar has a slot filled by Craig Halls; San Juan County therefore needs to provide three additional representatives. Peters said one slot cannot be an elected official and that the county’s appointment choices should avoid conflict with any final commission decision.
Commissioners discussed timing and next steps. Peters urged the county to finalize nominees quickly so the nominating commission can interview candidates and complete a 10‑day public comment window ahead of Judge Hazleton’s December retirement. Commissioners indicated they would collect names, and the county administrator said staff would contact nominees and set meeting dates once county names are submitted. Commissioners also discussed whether to appoint a member of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to the nominating body; Peters said that would be a useful perspective.
No final appointments were made at the Oct. 21 meeting. Commissioners agreed to submit proposed names to county staff ahead of a future meeting so the nominating commission can be convened.
